Review : BROKEN SOUP by Jenny Valentine

      Jack Clark died when he was sixteen. Since then, her mother has been shocked into a shell, unable to work or even take care of her other two children. Mr. Clarke filed a divorce and left Rowan and her little sis, Stroma in the custody of their mother. Little did he know that now his ex-wife could only lay in bed all day sleeping, leaving her two children to fend for themselves. So, Rowan has to take care of her sister and mother, and preventing her father to sense out the truth, in fear of sending her mother to the hospital. When a stranger picks up her photo negative which doesn't really belongs to her, it changes her life. She made a new friend, Bee who was in the store that day and developed the photo negative. The photo was developed! It was Jack, more alive than ever! It sent Rowan into a confusion : who was the stranger and why did he gave her the photo negative?

      Broken Soup is a story that will make your heart wrench, nose run and tears spill. The plot was beautiful. It's unimaginable how a normal family broke down after the death of one member., and the endless grieving.The main character was strong, though a little lost, but she eventually found hope and love.  The starting was a little cliched though, with a withdrawn mother and children to defend themselves after a death of their dearest. Rowan, as the main character, has a clear and lively voice, eventhough I'd found some details unnecessary. Yet you'll find yourself empathizing with Rowan after the first few pages.The supporting characters are well written too : young and chatty Stroma, quiet Bee who has a younger brother to tend to, Carl, Bee's teenaged dad, and Harper Greene, the second most important character in Broken Soup. Valentine skillfully portrayed the mind of a sixteen year old, drawing us in to the world of loss and heartbreak. Life after death is never easy, but it helps when you don't have to go through it alone.

      The cover : simple and sweet. And very pinkish.

Rating : 4 stars

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

Review : THE VAMPIRE DIARIES : THE RETURN : NIGHTFALL by L.J Smith

     

Elena Gilbert was dead, turned into a vampire, and dead again. Now she's back, as a real, solid human being, but her state of mind seems to be of a child. Then Bonnie got a premonition - be at the side of Elena when she's Awakened, or else(sorta). On one visit, Stefan, Bonnie, Meredith and Matt see Caroline Forbes chant Black Magic, and see Elena work the White Magic she possesses. Damon sense a new Power in Church's Fall, but didn't know what or who it was. But the strange Power gave life to the forest to crush the car Bonnie, Meredith and Matt are in, and they escaped just by luck and by help from the vampire brothers. A few days after the Awakening of Elena, Stefan mysteriously disappears, and girls around the town start acting weird. With Stefan gone and Damon being extra cruel, it's up to Elena, Bonnie, Meredith and Matt to save the town before the new Power overtakes it.

     

Nightfall is the fifth book in the series and sad to say, it didn't live up to my expectations. The language was clearly Ms Smith but the first half, - yes, half - was boring. Sure, there was some actions but some (almost every) of the scenes are a few pages too long. Too many kissing scenes and Elena-asking-for-a-kiss-and-drink scenes. Bo-ring! Luckily the later half gets interesting. Actions, suspense and mystery starts to pump up. People start getting crushed by trees and girls dressing in almost nothing. I like that Mrs Flower finally get to move around in this book(although not much). Two new characters are introduced, and I'm not saying who they are and what are their roles. You'll have to read yourself. And Damon keeps annoying the hell out of me. He likes Elena, and is willing to make a deal with the devil to get her, even if it means hurting his brother. But I see him liking Bonnie too, and keeps turning up to save her. Confusing lad. Sometimes I wanna strangle him myself, even if deep down he has a conscience. Overall, a good reading experience(if you can make it through the half). 

Cover : This Elena is more gorgeous than the first one but I don't see her being mean or icy.

Ratings : 4 stars

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

Review : INCARCERON by Catherine Fisher

 

Finn the Starseer is a Prisoner of Incarceron, a vast cell which hold thousands of criminals. He has strange dreams of the Outside, where stars shine and birds sing. Instead, he is in the wing of Comitatus, and he is forced to use his skills to hold a cart long enough for an ambush. Finn gets the empathy of  a Maestra, and holds her captive by the order of Jeromic, the leader. He gets what he wants-a crystal key he sees in his dreams, but not before he watches the Maestra and her companions fall to death. Together with Keiro, Gildas and Attia, Finn finds a way to the Outside.

       Claudia Arlexi is also a prisoner of some sort in the Realm. Although she is in the Outside, the daughter of the Warden of Incarceron is trapped in an Era, unable to advance and unable to evolve. As the date of her arranged marriage with the Earl of Casper draws near, Clausia tries to find the key to Incarceron. with the help of her tutor, Jared. When she finds it, a switch in the Key enables the Finn and Claudia to communicate with each other. Claudia is very sure that Finn is the lost Prince of Havaarna, Giles, the boy she was engaged to before he died. At what lengths will the two Prisoners do to Escape?

An entrancing tale of bravery and cruelty of man. Claudia, a haughty, false royalty in a frozen time; Finn, a kind, believing Prisoner. Both are hell bent on escaping, both are alone. Fisher's melodious language transported me to the time when Claudia and Finn live, feeling what they feel and doing what they did. It has its fair share of moving moments, when the Warden of Incarceron confessed his love to his daughter, and the love between student and teacher. The story is original, the suspense thrilling. There are also a few unexpected twists in the storyline. In the end, it is a tale about commitment, love and belief in what you do.

The cover is spectacular, even though the Key is not quite what I'd pictured.

Ratings : 5 stars (PERFECT!)

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

Review : BOUNCE by Natasha Friend

 

Evyn Linney loves her dad, Birdie, brother, Mackey and dog, Clam. But when Birdie drops the bommb that he's getting married, Evyn is devastated. She has to leave Maine, Jules, her best friend to Boston and a house of seven. In Boston, Evyn meets her new extended family - Eleni Gartos(the mother), Linnus(the cute one in college that Evyn has a crush on), Thalia(the eighteen year-old), Ajax(a.k.a. Cleanser Boy), Clio and Cassi(the always fighting sweater twins-don't ask) and the youngest, Phoebe. As if sharing a room with the sweater twins is not enough, Mackey-who's nerdy and only knows how to slave dragons-lands a major role in a school play, Jules ditching her, and on top of that, Eleni is pregnant. Watch Evyn as she matures and evolves.

Bounce is a heartwarming tale of a young girl dealing with udden changes-and I mean multiple- in her life. Evyn tries to cope by talking to her mother, nicknamed Stella.Friend did a good job of bringing Evyn in to life. It felt like I was with her, all the time, going through the ups and downs with her.  The supporting characters are good too, adding just enough humor and drama to the story. Through Evyn, the story sends out the message to be optimistic and cheerful. Although short(it's only 200 plus pages), it is a moving story that will leave you smiling in the end. And add the bounce to your feet when your walking next time.

The cover is simple and clean. Who do you think the cover girl is?

Ratings : 4 stars

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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: THE NAMED by Marianne Curley

Ethan Roberts is a high school student in a broken family. His mother, Laura and father, Shaun were traumatized after his sister, Sera's tragic death years ago. Ethan has a double life as a Guardian of Time, one of the many who would travel through time to keep history right. To keep history away from the evil hands of the Order of Chaos. When Ethan's Trainer, violet-eyed Arkarian tells him that he is going to have a Apprentice, Ethan would not in a million years think that his Apprentice would be the sister of his best-friend-turned-arch-enemy, Matt's little sister, Isabel. Well, she's not little, but she's extremely good in self-defense and sports, plus she's one of the Guardian's few Healers. When Marduke, the one that killed young Sera returns to threaten the life of Isabel, Ethan must take action, but not before learning the truth about his father, and his own role in stopping the end of the peace on the world.

In general, The Named is a decent novel, alternating between the point of view of Ethan and Isabel. It is a genuine story, set on world history. This is also the first novel I'd read (or is it the second?) that the female and male leads are not a couple. The characters are endearing, witty and fun. The supporting crew has great potential too, especially the wise Arkarian with blue hair. However, I couldn't get into the story quick enough. It feels like I'm not there, in the scene. I only start liking the story halfway through the book and the changing perspectives can be a little confusing. Minus that and you'll get a good read.

I adore the cover, silver and dark. It relates to the prologue and the whole backdrop of the novel.

Ratings : 4 stars

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

Review : I DON'T WANT TO BE CRAZY by Samantha Schutz

Samanta Schutz tells her story of getting anxiety disorder. Before she's unwell, she's a teen in highschool, yearning to be free from her parent's control, and away from her on-and-off boyfriend, Jason. But when Samantha went to college, high-pressured life caused her to panic each time she went into a crowded or dark room. Get through daily life with Samantha as she endures panic attacks, pressure and boyfriend trouble.

I Don't Want To Be Crazy is a fresh reading material as it is in poetry form. Schutz's words are genuine and true to her heart, and although she's writing about her panic disorder, you can relate to her dark moods, difficulties in pulling herself out of the room and boyfriend stuff. The little fault in this book is that at places it's a little bit of a drag, but otherwise, it's a good read.

I like the simple, easy cover, suiting the title of the book perfectly.

Ratings : 4 stars


For more info about the book or author, 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 : BETRAYED by P.C and Kristin Cast

It's only been a month since Zoey Redbird was Marked. Since it's Parent's Day Zoey's Grandma Sylvia was here in the House of Night, along with Zoey's mother and step-loser. Zoey's stepfather caused a scene in the House of Night, leaving Zoey ashamed. To make matters worse, Zoey Imprinted with her human ex-boyfriend, Heayh, and dating Erik Night while having something going on with the new poet laureate Loren Blake.When high school jocks disappeared and were found dead days later, Zoey must try her best to stop the war between human and vampires.

Same as Marked, Betrayed is a delicious vampire novel staged in Tulsa. A new kind of fledgling is introduced and the story is as fast-paced as the previous book. Zoey Redbird is as funny and beautiful as ever with her new tattoos. The suspense and strong plot make this a good read.

How can you not like the cover of The House of Night Series?

Ratings : 4 stars

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

 

Reading Bucket List Challenge 2011

Rules:
1.)  Pick a item off the List.
2.)  Read a book that fits the item.
3.)  Write a Review with the Challenge Button in it somewhere.
4.)  Add your Review to Mr. Linky.
5.)  Visit other Reading Bucket List Challenge Reviews added to the List.
6.)  Watch to see if you win the any of the giveaways.
7.)  For the Suggestion Box click this portal.

                                      

                                           Bucket List

**All of the books can be read as Young Adult, Adult, or Mixed**

Read a Book in the Following Genres:
1.       Art
2.       Biography
3.       Chick-Lit
4.       Children’s
5.       Classics
6.       Comics/Graphic Novels/Manga
7.       Coming of Age
8.       Contemporary
9.       Cookbook
10.   Crime
11.   Erotica
              a.       M/F
              b.      M/M
              c.       F/F
             d.      F/M/M
             e.      M/F/F
             f.        F/F/F
             g.       M/M/M
12.   Ethnic
13.   Fantasy
14.   Historical Fiction
15.   Historic
16.   Memoir
17.   Military
18.   Music
19.   Mystery
20.   Non-Fiction
21.   Philosophy
22.   Poetry   I Don't Want To Be Crazy
23.   Religion/Spiritual
24.   Romance
             a.       Young Adult  Marked, Betrayed
             b.      Contemporary
             c.       Historical
             d.      Short Story
25.   Science Fiction
26.   Steampunk/Cyberpunk/Alternate
27.   Suspense/Thriller
28.   Travel
             a.       North America
             b.      South America
             c.       Europe
            d.      Asia
            e.      Australia
            f.        Africa
29.   Utopia, Dystopia


Read Books with the setting or half the setting in the following areas:
1.       Beach/Island
2.       Abroad (any country but US or where you live)
3.       Outer space
4.       Fictional World
5.       Book Store
6.       Clothing store
7.       Forest
8.       Inner City
9.       Country
10.   Carolinas (North or South)
11.   Desert
12.   England
13.   Restaurant
14.   High School/College

Seasons:
1.       Winter
2.       Summer
3.       Fall
4.       Spring

Time:
1.       Various Times (ie Time Travel, Youth to Old)
2.       Past/Historical
3.       Present/Contemporary/Modern
4.       Future
Read Books with the Colors dominating the Book Cover:
1.       Green
2.       Blue
3.       Teal
4.       Red   Incarceron
5.       Black
6.       White
7.       Purple   Bounce
8.       Pink
9.       Brown
10.   Grey/Silver
11.   Yellow
12.   Orange

Read Books with Designs/Themes dominating the Book Cover:
1.       Stripes
2.       Polka Dots
3.       Animals
4.       Fruit/Vegetables
5.       Clouds
6.       People Kissing
7.       Sunset/Sunrise
8.       Flowers
9.       Rain/Lighting
10.   Children’s
11.   Trees
12.   Only the Title of Book & Author
13.   Sexy Male
14.   Sexy Female
15.   Triangle Relationship (Clean Romance, Romance, or Erotica)
           a.       M/M/F
           b.      F/F/F
           c.       F/F/M
           d.      M/M/M
16.   House/Building
17.   Assassins
18.   Surfing
19.   Mountain Climbing
20.   Crafting (scrapbooking, knitting)
21.   Movie (book turned movie)
22.   Family
23.   Cheating (getting caught)

Read Books with the Paranormal Themes:
1.       Angels
2.       Demons
3.       Ghosts
4.       Zombies
5.       Vampires
6.       Werewolves
7.       Witches
8.   Mermaids - Selkies

Series:
1.       Finish a Series you stared   Last Sacrifice
2.       Start and Finish a series you start in 2011   The Dark
3.       Start a Series  The Named
4.       Read a popular Series

Re Read:
1.       Re Read a Favorite
2.       Re Read a Book you read in High School/College
3.       Re Read a Book you read in your youth
4.       Re Read a Book that you didn’t enjoy the first time
5.       Re Read a Book you forgot what it was about
6.       Re Read a Classic
7.       Re Read a Series

Reading Short Stories:
1.       A single Short Story
2.       Anthology of Short Stories by the same author
3.       Anthology of Short Stories by different authors

Other ways:
1.        Read a e-book
2.       Listen to a Audiobook
3.       Read a book on the computer/phone
4.       Read to someone else

List of Books

1. Marked, P.C & Kristin Cast
2. Betrayed, P.C & Kristin Cast 
3. Last Sacrifice, Richelle Mead 
4. Incarceron, Catherine Fisher 
5. Bounce, Natasha Friend
6. The Named, Marianne Curley
7. The Dark, Marianne Curley
8. I Don't Want To Be Crazy, Samantha Schutz

Review: MARKED by P.C and Kristin Cast

16 year-old Zoey Redbird was a teen in a crappy family. Once she was Marked, she joins the House of Night in Tulsa, where fledgling vampires train to become adult vamp. Zoey made fast friend with fledgling Stevie-Rae and become instant enemy with a powerful fledgling in school, Aphrodite. To start a new life is hard, but on top of that, Zoey has to cope with her affinities - yes, affinities - and ex human boyfriend Heath. Oh, and the hottest male fledgling, Erik Night has his eyes on her.

I still remember the first time I'd read this book - I was completely entranced! Introducing a new kind of vampires, the Casts created a world of magick built on old Cherokee legends. The character is lovable and funny and her monologues will make you laugh. The story is not only on teen vampire drama, it also focuses on outcasts who wants to be accepted.

I totally heart the dark, mysterious cover. Don't you?

Ratings : 4 stars

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