Review: WANDERLOVE by Kirsten Hubbard

Bria tries to escape her present when she signed up for a tour group by herself. She was in the Guatemelian (is that right?) airport when she meet Rowan and Starling, to backpackers who thought she was one too. But when they meet again in a wet market, the truth was out. Rowan then invited Bria to his hotel for the night, not thinking Bria would go. His expectations proves wrong when Bria shows up, abandoning her tour group. She soon finds out that Rowan was just pulling her lake, only that she couldn’t go back to the hotel because the last boat is gone. Bria was compelled to stay, but swears that she’s outta there first thing in the morning. Starling, the wild backpacker who’s the sister of Rowan, asks Bria to stay and keep an eye on her brother. Eager to really experience backpacking, Bria agrees, only to find herself on an unexpectedly fruitful journey, making her understand the core destination: Wanderlove.

Wanderlove is a beautifully crafted novel of travelling, falling in love and essentially finding your own self.

I love the characters! Bria is sensitive and thoughtful, and the fact that she draws made her even more endearing to me. I understand her hunger to draw, and how the longer you dropped your pencil, the longer it takes you to pick up the pencil again. I connected with her and pitied her past, while yelling at her and Rowan to just kiss already. It was amazing to watch her grow from one who travels just to escape the past into a young woman who’s brave to live her life. Rowan, on the other hand, is an experienced backpacker with a sketchy past. I like his fun and semi-reckless personality, and the good guy hiding beneath that uncaring exterior. He, might have top my list of favorite guys. Starling is a charitable backpacker, in a doing charity work kind of way (she teaches in Guatemala). She is truly memorable, a caring elder sister to Rowan, a strong and slightly comedic presence in the novel. The other characters, such as the bead maker and Jack, are also enjoyable, but a little less crafted as their screen time is less. Hubbard did an excellent job of crafting the characters, especially the leads, her extreme details making the characters even more alive.

The author also made the relationship between Bria and Rowan realistically. There are awkward moments, insecure, feelings, wonderings, intimate moments and the romance scenes. Their relationship was a good one, slowly blossoming and growing. It was fun to see them engage each other, and to plain yell at them sometimes for being so, secretive. The dance around the truth for both of them is frustrating at times.

Another thing I love for in the novel is the scenes: carefree backpackers tracking the roads, beautiful lakes, children running along the streets. These are the vivid pictures Hubbard painted in my mind. Bria’s insight is in tuned with the scenery, complementing the pictures perfectly. There are drawings between the pages, showing how well Hubbard could draw. This is another favorite point of mine in Wanderlove. The drawings are able to portray Bria’s mood at that exact moment.

The prose, oh the prose! It was beautiful and mesmerizing. Hubbard is a really talented writer. She made my eyes water and laugh at the laptop screen like a mad woman. I felt the hollow of Bria, the ecstasy of travelling, the urge to flee, both literally and metaphorically. I felt Bria’s hesitation, Rowan’s elusiveness, Starling’s concern. I felt everything. I was so sad when the characters are hurting, and my heart ached when they ached, and when the story ended.

The only thing I didn’t like is the way clues were dropped but addressed way too late in the novel. Since it’s narrated completely by Bria, we don’t know anything else that she doesn’t know, but the clues were clear, yet somehow Bria couldn’t figure out the truth. In other words, the writer wishes to create suspense, but it wasn’t as successful as intended. Perhaps the clues should be a few lesser or more subtle.

Wanderlove is less a YA romance, but more about the concept itself: the love of endless travel to experience life, to understand yourself. In the end, I end up more than I bargained for. There are no exact words to describe this novel, you’ll have to read it to really get it.

The cover is beautiful, simple and warm, though I would prefer a hand drawn picture as a cover over this.

Ratings: 4.5 stars (I’ll be the first one in the bookstore to buy it!)

For more info about the book or author, please click here (it's a neat website, I assure you)

Review: VIRTUOSITY by Jessica Martinez

 Courtesy of Simon and Schuster Pulse It!

Carmen is a violinist in competing for first place in the prestigious Guarneri competition, for a one year contract, a tour around the world as the soloist and for the ownership of the most expensive and beautiful sounding violin in the world for a year. She has no competition, for she is the best among the best. That was before Jeremy King. Infuriating, arrogant, and the only one who could beat Carmen, he is the threat, as well as the love interest. Soon, Carmen begins to defy her mother/manager, go for late-night-outs, kisses Jeremy and surprisingly, she finds the passion for music that was long since lost. But she still can't tell Jeremy about her secret-her addiction with anxiety pills, no matter how charming he is, and there is absolutely no way she can let him win the competition too. Sick with her addiction, sick with people always telling her what to do, and sick of doing what's expected, she's heading for a crash, and being on the top means that you have an extra length to fall.

     Beautiful and inspiring, Virtuosity is a novel that strikes straight to the heart of readers, music lovers especially. Lyrical and brilliant, Martinez keeps you eager for the next line. There was never a dull moment, for it is full of tension, emotions and romance. 

     The characters are extremely relatable, especially Carmen. She is strong yet vulnerable, and able to confront her own fears and problems. Extremely talented, she leads an unusual life, yet still strives to live a normal teen life. It's hilarious yet sweet as hell.

     Jeremy King is an awkward, humorous yet awesome and talented British lad(why am I reading so many novels with British guys lately?). Completely believable, as Carmen is. Jeremy will be one of your favorite guys. The other characters are very human too, their actions and emotions make sense and will also catch your heart. Everyone has their stories, and their past make them who they are in the novel.

The relationships between the characters are expertly constructed too. I loved watching Carmen grow into the talented woman she is, Carmen's bombastic and sad relationship with her mother and Carmen's relationship with Jeremy.

     The world crafting is immensely successful. You sense the city Carmen is in, and you'll get the tension in between the lines. You'll understand more about the classical music world than you'll ever know. This is another reason why I love the novel. 

     Despite the novel is mainly about classical music, non-musical readers will find themselves sucked in by 

Carmen, Jeremy and the Guarneri, and understand everything they're going through. Every scene is well crafted, oozing with emotions and atmosphere when it's supposed to be. 

     The main reason I love this book is because of the music and drive. For me, Carmen's need to strive is that much more endearing and heart wrenching. Being a pianist myself, I understand Carmen's need to excel, to win, to be the best of the best, her passion. Even if you do not play an instrument or love music, you'll know and understand the feelings and actions Carmen have. Some parts-some despairing parts-I find my nose sore and eyes wet. This shows how good of a writer Martinez is. 

     Virtuosity is a wonderful debut novel from Jessica Martinez, fully capturing the voice and life of a child prodigy, turning in to a talented young woman, while she finds love in the brutal world of classical music. A definite job well done, clean and expertly executed.

     The cover is gorgeous! The exact profile of Carmen in my eyes. I can feel the passion and desperation, all at once.

Ratings: 4.5 stars

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

Review: TITHE: A MODERN FAERY TALE by Holly Black

Kaye Fierch, a sixteen-year-old girl who believed in faeries returns to her mother’s old home after an accident. She still believes in faeries, though her family and friends thought that it was her own imaginary. One night, after a friend tries to grope her, she runs and heads to the forest. There in the rain she meets Roiben, injured and bleeding to death. She saves him, and he leaves, leaving Kaye three ungranted wishes. Shortly after, Kaye receives a warning from her old faery friends, Lutie-loo and Spike to stay away from the “Dark One”, Roiben.  Kaye thought she wouldn’t see Roiben again, but one afternoon while dining in a restaurant with her friends, there Roiben was, rude and cruel, and he pisses Kaye off, but she learns his real name. One fateful night, Kaye’s faery friends tell her that she is a changeling, a pixie child left in the place of a human child since young. She is to become the sacrifice of “Tithe”, a ritual every seven years to bind solitary faeries to the Unseelie Court, only that it will not work, because Kaye is not a mortal.  She will do it, but will the faeries save her in time? Thus begins an adventure full of dangerous magick, deceiving fay and deadly romance.

     Author Holly Black brings you an enchanting tale of faery and magick, and Tithe may be one of my favorite novel. Dark and moody, this is a heavier and deadlier story than the other books I’d read. Fast moving and beautifully woven, unflinching and unforgiving, huge mistakes and deadly consequences, you would love this new age fairytale with some twists.

     The main character, Kaye is a fleshed out character, full of emotions and teen actions. However young she may be, Black’s character is very mature, and you’ll love her for her brains and bravery. Roiben is cold and distant, though there is a reason for that. He is handsome and able, a gentleman in a sea of rogues. Readers will love him for his past and his ethics, as well as his love for Kaye (ohh, big spoiler!!) and his naturally sad personality. The other characters are well constructed too, the Unseelie Queen, Seelie Queen, Kayes mother and many others. They are also highly believable and I could believe that they exist. A fine example of a great writing.

     The actions and mystery and gore and romance and suspense are fulfilling too. At least to my stomach. The building up was tense and just enough and the climax well constructed. And oh, what a cliff hanger! It just made me yearning for more.

  

     A work of art, Tithe is a dark faery tale with darker consequences, one readers with more mature taste will definitely love.

     The cover is simple, unusually how the red still conveys a dark, moody feeling. Though I still like the cover below better(well, it’s shinier and prettier).

Ratings: 4.5 stars(heehee, the writing definitely deserved 5 stars, but I seriously don’t like the cover)

 

* For mature readers(contains profanities and near disturbing images)

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

Review: THE MERCHANT'S DAUGHTER by Melanie Dickerson(released on 29 Nov)

Courtesy of NetGalley(Zondervan)

Annabel Chapman is a young girl in medieval England. She is forced to serve her landlord, Lord Ranulf le Wyse to pay her family’s debt. She fears her new boss as rumors described him as a tough, unsmiling man with a disfigured face and an injured hand. Yet, when she goes to Lord le Wyse’s manor, she finds herself in the good care of the head servant, Miss Eustacia. Bailiff Tom, an old wicked man has his eyes on her, and tries to force himself on her, but when Annabel is under her lord’s care, Bailiff Tom leaves her alone, or so she thought. When Annabel finds herself having inappropriate feelings for her lord, she hides her feelings and acts indifferently. Little does she knows that her lord has the same feeling for her too, only that he is too aware of his bitter past with beautiful woman. Will the two be together in the end, or will they be separated by fate?

     Dickerson crafted a beautiful tale of love and bravery in medieval England, falling into the history-fiction genre. Moving in a decent pace, The Merchant’s Daughter is full of noble values and forbidden emotions, though lacking of adventure and action.

     The characters of the novel are genuine and highly believable. You get to feel their emotions, thoughts and feelings strongly. Annabel Chapman, the heroine, is very lovable, and almost perfect; a stark contrast to Lord le Wyse, distant and cold, marred and disfigured. Bailiff Tom and the other characters are, as well, very expressive and three-dimensional. You could almost grab them out from the words.

     The relationship between Annabel and the Lord is the complete kind. You could see their relationship develop and bloom, while you hang on every page hoping that they’ll get they deserved. The relationship between the other characters are dynamic too, absolutely reasonable and realistic.

     

     Another thing I like about The Merchant’s Daughter is the way no action, no word is waste. Every word, every gesture made sense and is crucial to the plot development. In simple words, every thing leads to the next.

     In the plot sense, there is no real climax in this novel. There is a lot of building up, leading to the not-so-epic climax. Climaxs, actually. This novel is more focused on the development of a relationship rather than the guts and gore. So those who favor action steer clear of this novel.

     In a nutshell, The Merchant’s Daughter is a heart-grabbing, slow brewing pot of a love tale, set in a beautiful medieval England.

     The cover is pretty, but not so much of my taste, though romantic and very artistic.

Ratings : 4.5 stars

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

Review: A BLUE SO DARK by Holly Schindler

Fifteen-year-old Aura Ambrose has been taking care of her mother since her father left them years ago. Life has been barely manageable then but it's even worse now, since her mother's schizophrenia has been so bad that she couldn't work anymore. Watching her own mother falling because of the disease, Aura shuns her own artistic and linguistic talents as she believes that art=crazy. It doesn't help that her best friend is doing nothing, cause she's too wrapped up in her own issues(pregnancy, boyfriend, whatnot). Watch Aura come into terms with her own artistic abilities and her mother's illness.

     Deeply moving and surprisingly relatable, Schindler spins a new tale of love. What I love most about the novel, though short(200+ pages) is the writing. Beautiful and highly lyrical, it felt like song to my ears, or extremely magickal writing to my inner poet(ress). I especially love the poems in the books, but now I can't give you an example cause the book's with my friend, and my memory ain't that good.

     The plot is well crafted, with some unexpected twists and expected turns. One thing though, I don't get why there's a male interest in the novel, as it doesn't help the plot a bit. That can be omitted, even if the novel's short enough.

     The main character, Aura is likable, though not lovable. Not because she is not a good protagonist, but because she throws and burns her art. Yes this is a small matter but it annoys me. A lot. Still, put that aside and you'll have a good story as you watch Aura grow from a broken girl to a sure and confident young lady proud of her art.

  
      I also love the development of the relationship between Aura and her mother. Authentic and believable, you sense the love of Aura towards her mother and her fear of losing her mother and herself. This is how good a writer Schindler is.

     The theme of A Blue So Dark is about healing. The relationship between Aura and her mother, Aura and her BFF, Aura's mother and Aura's grandmother and Aura's fear of becoming schizophrenic mends and heals as the dynamic propels the plot forward. Beautiful stuff, as I'd said.

     A little wacky, a little moody and a lot of love, A Blue So Dark is a beautifully crafted literary novel that'll make any literary lover's heart go "zing". Romance fans steer clear, though it doesn't hurt to be moved now and then.

     The cover : Beautiful! And it corresponds in a scene from the novel. You'll find out if you read 'til the end.

Rating: 4.5 stars ( half a star reduced for the unnecessary romance and half a star added for the lyrical writing)

* mild swearing included

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

Review: THE UNBECOMING OF MARA DYER by Michelle Hodkin

Courtesy of Simon and Schuster Pulse It!

Mara Dyer is in Miami, miles away from her home town and miles away from her best friend. Dead best friend, that is. And Mara was just waking up from a coma when she got the news, with no recollection of what had happened, even though they were together when the building collapsed on Mara, her BFF, her BFF's friend and Mara's boyfriend, Jude. So, now she's in Miami with no friends in a new private school. To make matters worse, she has hallucinations on the first day of school and land herself on the radar of the most popular girl on school, just because of one single guy, as most novels begin. Noah Shaw, the most unattainable and most beautiful British guy -yup, a Brit with a sexy accent- takes an interest in Mara. To top it off, she has to deal with sudden, violent recollection of the night that changed her life.

I have nothing to say. Except that it's awesome! Decently plotted and strategically planned, Hodkin wrote with a precision that moves you along the page. She caught the voice of a traumatized, angsty teen perfectly. Evenly paced, laced with suspense, thrill, mystery and -whatnot- romance, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is a novel you can't miss.

The protagonist, Mara Dyer is someone you'll remember and sympathize with. A beautiful, strong girl's life is turned upside down by the death of close friends, and she has to move to a new place, and she meets a totally hot guy, and she gets picked by a popular girl. Now, doesn't that sound familiar? Yet, Hodkin mixed this combo with paranormal and deep, moving relationship with family. You'll love her, as she's vulnerable and unbreakable at the same time.

Noah Shaw, the male interest, is as perfect as a guy you can get. Well, he's a playboy, but you see that change when he meets Mara. Attentive, sensitive and loaded, he is the perfect boyfriend. His relationship with Mara is real enough for me, but sometimes he's a little too perfect. 

Heartwarming moments of Mara with her brothers, Daniel and Joseph are genuine, and Hodkin created a couple of authentic siblings. The bickering and care of those three will sometimes make you go "aww...". And damn I wish I have a brother like Daniel. The dynamic of the family is genuine too, and when a string is pulled, a doll follow(sorry, crappy analogy, but you get what I mean). There's no wasted scene as every happening is crucial to add tension or to build the plot.

A little ramble on the paranormal front. Though there's a lot of romance and suspense, there's not a lot of visible paranormal. Well, it's there right from the beginning, but it become more pronounced as the plot grew. I have to say the paranormal is a little unexpected.

Tense, compact and vivid, with a heavy atmosphere and twisted romance, The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is one novel you should read.

The cover is plain uh-mei-zing! Dark and moody, one of my faves!

Ratings: 4.5 stars

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

Review: EVERY OTHER DAY by Jennifer Lynn Barnes(to be released on 27th Dec, 2011)

Courtesy of NetGalley(Egmont USA) program

Seventeen-year-old Kali D’Angelo is not quite human, yet not quite monster, as she couldn’t sense pain, fear or adrenaline. Every 24 hours that is. Since she was 12, for 24 hours she is a dauntless warrior, hunting and killing hellhounds; and for the next 24 hours she is a vulnerable teenage girl, and she spends every minute of her human girl life anticipating for the arrival of the next cycle. Three weeks in her new school, Kali meets self proclaimed school slut and ultra perky blonde, Skylar Hayden. On the same day, Kali spots an ouroboros on Bethany  Davis, her father’s boss’ daughter -a sure sign of an infection of chupacabra, a life draining and memory sucking monster- she lures the creature into her fragile human body, expecting the creature to last long enough to be killed off when her body switches to hunter mode at dawn. However, her expectation fails, as the chupacabra seems to suck her life out at a faster rate than normal, so she fainted. When she wakes up, Skylar urges her and Bethany to flee from school, as her instincts tells her that something bad is happening. And it is. A woman and man knows about the chupacabra that was in Bethany’s body, and it sounds like it’s an intentional injection, and they’ll stop at nothing to retrieve the creature, even murder. Now, Kali has to flee for her life, and protect her two new found friends, all the while keeping the chupacabra at bay. Can she do it, or will she die at the attempt?

     Near perfect, Every Other Day is a breath of fresh air in my long line of YA reads. Fast paced, action-packed and supernatural-packed, this tale hooked me from the start, though lacking on the romance front. More centered on the friendship part and trust, you’ll find yourself a little surprised by the twists of events. The language is realistic and flowing, narrated by Kali and will sometimes making you laugh and shake your head at her.

     Kali, the main character is a witty, smart, loyal person, not so different from Rosemary Hathway in Vampire Academy(my review here). Barnes made her strong, and also vulnerable. Breakable. The loss of motherly -and fatherly- love at a tender age left Kali afraid of intimate relationships. It also made Kali who she is today. Family and trust issues are the factors leading to the ending of the story, and what makes Every Other Day relatable to most people. It doesn’t hurt that Kali is pretty good in kicking hellhound’s asses. Pardon my French.

     Skylar, the supporting character is a sunny fluffy blonde, sweet and endearing, kinda like your best friend. Her psychic power rocks too, even when she has a not so favorable end. Bethany though, is a complete opposite off Kali and skylark. She is what you called a pampered bitch, though there is more to her than what meets the eye.

     The love interest –I’m giving you a treat here- Zev is one of the paranormal –another treat- is the centre of event (kind of). Though he appears for quite a while in the novel,  his presence is not strong, merely enough to get the plot going. Sorry romance fans, no hot steamy scenes in this novel.

     Now that I’m writing this review, I realize that I don’t like the way the relationship between Kali and Zev develop. There’s not much interaction between the two and somehow they fall in love. That’s my only grudge.

     In Every Other day, you’ll find yourself reading about the strong bond between friends, the tug-of-war between family members and the cruelty of humans and paranormal creatures alike. Perhaps YA fans will find Barnes as a new favourite.

     The book cover was decent, although not my fave. Maybe that's just my obsession with dark, moody covers. 

Ratings: 4.5 stars

To be released on 27th December, 2011


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

* check back on 5 Nov for a review of Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves

Review : ARTEMIS FOWL- THE ARCTIC INCIDENT by Eoin Colfer

                                                                              

       Artemis Fowl receives a clue about his father's wherabouts from Russia. When he is about to leave for the rescue, LEP officer Holly Short "kidnapped" him to the Lower Element to investigate about the recent illegal smuggling of human alkaline batteries. But Artemis and Butler were proved innocent. Eager to catch the mastermind of this business, Commander Julius Root made a deal with Artemis : the LEPs help him find his father in return for Artemis' help to find out the smuggler. When Artemis, Commander Root, Holly and Butler arrived at the Arctic circle, they were ambushed by goblins. The four escaped just by scratch. Meanwhile, down at the Lower Elements, the B'wa Kells opened fire on the faeries. With Foaly, the smartest one in the Lower Elements, it's up to the four at the Arctic Circle to save the day.

          The Arctic Incident hooks you up from the very beginning. Full of action and wit (though not much suspense), it sure will make you wanna have some more. The plot was mere brilliance - it sparks your imagination. You will focus on not only the main character, but also the minor characters. The chemistry between the bunch are strong, and one couldn't survive without the other. Relationships in the novel ends up in a lot of ways, as original hatred changes to respect. The lively description let me be with the characters all the time. Dialogues written at the right amount and some parts will make you chuckle a little. Best part is The Arctic Incident can be read alone or read as a series.

Cover : it looks flashier in my hands.

Rating : 4.5 stars

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

Review : FORSAKEN by Jana Oliver

Riley Blackthorne is an Apprentice Demon Trapper. She's following her father's footsteps, aspiring to be the best. However tough it might be in an Atlanta full of demons, she coped with life with her father by her side. But when her father dies, Riley must face life on her own -  and life has thrown a Grade 5 demon and 3 hot guys at her face.

The novel is written in a fast and precise pace, there always seems to have drama enfolding at every page. Just when I thought I have the next conflict correctly predicted, Oliver proves me wrong(not every time though). The author had my heart wrenching and collapsing in every sad scene(warning : a lot of sad scenes!), felling every thing the character feels and keeping me on edge. The main character, Riley, like most female protagonists in YA lit, is strong and witty. But I would like it better of she doesn't  yell in fear everytime she sees a bigger sized Hellspawn. I see 3 potential love interest in the beginning but it turns out one of them is not boyfriend material. One space left but it is not filled out until more than halfway through the book. That annoys  me. Overall, an original and heartbreaking story.

For the cover, one word : Devilish!

Ratings : 4.5 stars

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

Review : THE DARK by Marianne Curley

Etha killed Marduke a year ago, and Lathenia, Marduke's lover and the Goddess of Chaos is hell bent on making the Guardian of Time suffer, especially Ethan. Due to the Order' s intervention,one of the future king of Rome is dead, and history's gonna change as we know it. So Isabel, Arkarian and Rochelle are kinda depressed, but Isabel takes it all on herself. On a mission, Arkarian and Isabel were returning to their mortal bodies when the Order kidnaps Arkarian and sends people to kill Arkarian when he was born six hundred years ago. Isabel and Ethan failed the Order's mission, to everyone's relief. Defying direct order of Lorian, head of the Guardians, Isabel, Ethan and Matt(had I mentioned that Matt is one of the Guards? Maybe not) embarks on a journey to the world between to rescue Arkarian.

This novel is awesome! The action heats up and steamy romances pours in. The suspense is compelling and the plot is simply genius(even though I'd already seen some parts of the story before I'd reached the part). Same as the novel before in the trilogy, Curley tells the story from the point of view of Isabel, Arkarian and Ethan. Isabel finally realizes that Arkarian is her soulmate, even when Ethan refuse to accept that Rochelle might be his partner. The part I love most about the story is when the trio is in the world between and were forced to face their innermost secrets. Nice job indeed, Curley.

I love the cover as well as the first book. The cage means trapped, either Sera's ghost or Arkarian or the secrets in everyone's heart I have no idea.

Ratings : 4.5 stars

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

Review : LEGACY by Kate Brian

Billings girl, Cheyenne Martin is dead, everyone, especially the Billings girls are struggling to recover. With Cheyenne dead, Noelle expelled and Ariana institutionalized, Reed Brennan is selected as the new Billings president, and she's delighted with the newfound power. Cheyenne's father is the one who's paying the bills for the biggest party in the coast - the Legacy. But devastated by the death of his precious daughter, he cancels the party. When news of students and ex-students of other exclusive boarding schools getting invites to the Legacy, Reed  finds a way to get the Easton students invites, but not before the academy is shocked by the return of Noelle. Will Reed find a way to get the guys into the Legacy, or will she be remembered as the worst president of Billings Hall?

As usual, Brian did a great work with Legacy. Fast and witty, Legacy keeps you on edge. It is filled with suspense, and -why not?- drama. One highlight of the novel is Reed's struggle with the power she'd found, when it causes stress with her best friend, Sabina and her boyfriend Josh Hollis, who loathes the Billings girls. You might also wanna see some scenes between Reed and Noelle's ex, Dash, who's totally hot and gorgeous. a cliff hanger at the end, Legacy is a wonderful masterpiece.

I have to say that I don't love the covers of this series, but I like this more than Confessions. Besides, I have no idea who the cover model's supposed to be. I don't know, maybe it was just me.

Ratings : 4.5 stars

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

Rview : LAST SACRIFICE by Richelle Mead

Rosemary Hathaway is accused of murdering Moroi queen, Tatiana and is locked up. With her execution scheduled after elections for the new Queen or King, Rose lives in despair. That is until her friends bust her out of jail. So begins Rose's run as a fugitive, with some unexpected partner, Dimitri and Alchemist, Sydney. As Rose stays in a small town hiding, Lissa and the others are at the Court, trying to clear Rose's name. Yet how could a small town keep Rose down? After a few fights and punches, Rose manages to persuade Dimitri and Sydney to embark on a journey to find another Dragomir child.

Last Sacrifice is the last book in Rose's narrative. The series end beautifully with a engaging novel. The plot is always in a crescendo, completely entrancing. The story is well layered, giving readers a good dose of romance and adrenaline. Another highlight of the novel is Rose's and Dimitri's relationship, as they fought their way to justice. It will leave you crying and laughing at the same time. The best in the series so far. Bravo, Mead!

The cover of the series is good in general, but the blank expression of the model annoys me a little.

Ratings : 4.5 stars

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

Review : BEAUTIFUL CREATURES by Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl

All Ethan Carter Wate can think of is how to get out of small Gatlin. Even stranger, Ethan has been having realistic dreams about the girl he doesn't know. But when mysterious Lena Duchanne came to town, Ethan is drawn to the girl of him dreams, literally. However, Lena doesn't seem to have any intention of talking to him, and things have been going a little bizarre since Lena's arrival. Will Ethan get the girl, or get harmed himself along the way instead?

It is a beautiful crafted Southern gothic tale, determined to leave you yearning for more. The book starts in Ethan's perspective, giving a clear image of things going around him. The storyline was even more interesting with the supporting roles of Mcon, Ridley, Link, Emma and Ethan's father.  A fantasy combined with lot of magic, romance and love, it's a must have on your reading list.

The cover is in black and purple, two of my favourite colors! Yeah!

Rating : 4.5 stars

For more info on 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

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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

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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

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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

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