Review: EMERALD CITY by Alicia K. Leppert

Emerald City is a tale about a young girl going through tough times, but was saved by a stranger.

Olivia Tate is haunted by a past she couldn’t escape. Sad and despaired, she takes one pill too many and is saved by her neighbor, Jude. When she comes home, she decides to pick up her life, with some help from Jude, of course. Jude seems elusive at first but as time grows, they both find themselves opening to each other. Soon, the two falls deeply for each other and Olivia seems be healthier. However, Jude’s sudden disappearance and appearance leaves Oliver wondering about their relationship and who Jude really is.

Leppert’s new fantasy tale takes a spin on mythology and the romance between young people.

I absolutely love the characters! Oliver is so sad and bleak at the beginning of the novel, having dealt with (I suspect) depression. That is a feeling most of us can relate to, one way or another. She grows and matures more than the other female and male lead characters I’d came across. It’s amazing to watch her blossom and come out of her cocoon. In the end, she is the youngster she’s supposed to be, vibrating with life and hopeful, and most important, she’s finally able to take a chance on love. Jude on the other hand, is an enigmatic person, though he is secretive about his past and not very open about his true feelings. He too blossomed into a very fine young man. He is also fiercely protective of Olivia, and I was constantly surprised by the sensitive side of Jude. There wasn’t much extra character except for Hal, a beggar and a provider for Jude. Confusing, I know, but you’ll understand if you read the story. The other characters are relatively minor.

Emerald City is told in Olivia’s view but sometimes in an omnipresent view when Jude is doing stuff not known by Olivia. This is not something new as I read this before in The Pledge(my review here) but not as often in my reading range. Olivia’s voice leapt out of the page and Jude’s view really provides some (minimal) insight.

What’s interesting about Emerald City is its take on the usual mythology. I can’t say much without revealing the surprise, all I can say is you wouldn’t expect it at all. Leppert keep you guessing until the very end. Really! Just when I thought I know what was happening, she threw in another element to throw me off the scent. So it was an intriguing read right from the start.

However, there were some minor complaints. I think Jude is a little preachy sometimes, a few of his explanation too long at times. I would like to see the romance part tone down a little and the actual actions vamped up.

 If you want something fresh, don’t miss Emerald City. I have a feeling that this is going to be the first of a successful series.

Absolutely loved the cover! So simple and dark and atmospheric. Not many cover can rock the green!

Ratings: 4 stars

Here are the links for the author interview and the giveaway.

Alicia's website
Alicia's Facebook
Alicia on Goodreads

Pre-order Emerald City on Amazon

Cedar Fort Blog
Cedar Fort Facebook
Cedar Fort Twitter
Cedar Fort on Goodreads

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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: NEW GIRL by Paige Harbison(to be published January 31, 2012)

Courtesy of NetGalley(Harlequin Teen)

Rebecca "Becca" Normandy has been missing since last year, and left her spot at the prestigious private school, Manderly empty. So, New Girl(NG for short), unnamed, got Becca's spot, only to find that the real Manderly is far different from the one in her imagination. Becca, being the golden girl-popular, beautiful and whom everyone loves, seems to dominate Manderly still even when she's disappeard. NG is accused of trying to steal Becca's place by her roomie, Dana, and is warned not to go for Becca's ex-boyfriend and ex-fling. Everyone seems to despise her, except for Max and Johnny. The only problem is, the two guys who are not repulsed by NG are Becca's ex. Ah well, NG might just have to suck it up and stick to her senior year, no matter how hard it is, because, she is not a coward, and she will never live in Becca's shadow.

Beautiful and haunting, Harbison brings us a retelling of the well-known gothic novel, Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, set in the technology-filled 21st century.

I like strong, independent leads, and the NG is one of them. Even when she's come to Manderly with hopes, only to be crushed by the people there, she stays strong despite the constant emotional abuse from her peers. It's beautiful that she doesn't realize how exceptional and capable she is. Becca, the new girl before NG, albeit pretty, is mean, selfish, and manipulative. She loses her virginity to a guy and threatens him to be with her, even when he doesn't love her, all the while lusting for the guy's best friend, and throwing herself all around. She's just that popular girl you love to hate, and in this case, compelled to hate. And the two guys, Max and Johnny, are just redundant and conflicting, though they tend to fall flat. Some of their actions-and fights- made no sense, though their loyalty towards each other as best friends is kinda sweet. And crazy roomie Dana is just too crazy for me to start with.

The voice of the narrator, a.k.a. NG, is clear and relatable, while Becca's chapters are demanding equal attention as well. The story is another like of mine. I like the how NG is dumped into a new school, with shoes too big for her to fill. I like the twisted way Becca manipulates people into doing what she wants. I like the mystery in between the romance.  Plus the fact that we didn't know what's the NG's name until the last page. Really, it's on the the last page.

However, there are still some flaws in this novel. Harbison's attempt to explain Becca's irrational actions are well thought but not thorough enough. Romance: not convincing enough. And Max and Johnny are annoying, even if they're hot. The ghost scenes(yes, ghost scenes) are a little out of place, and unnecessary.

The other thing that's not contributing is the sex and party the kids indulge in. I just don't think dorm kids could, or would party that hard. There's one scene near the ending, where Becca's talking to NG about the truth, is preachy, and again, unnecessary, as it's just a retelling of the events earlier. Maybe the author didn't think us readers could figure out the truth.

Flaws aside, New Girl actually made me think about bullying, partying and sexual harassment. New Girl deals with those, and a few more. It explores how peer pressure and the need for attention could affect someone's life. In this novel, you see how one tiny action changes a person's life into a road down hill. Harbison is sending heavy messages to readers by her novel.

New Girl is a special kind of story, though not without flaws, it will grab you with it's intense atmosphere, startling romance and nutsy teen hormones.

The cover is at the same time suiting and unsuiting. I get the water idea, but the girl is not the NG, or Becca, so...

Ratings: 4 stars

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

Review: FRACTURED LIGHT by Rachel McClellan(to be released on 7 Feb, 2012)

 Courtesy of NetGalley( Cedar Fort)

Llona Reese is a loner in Highland High, but in truth, as an Aura, she harnesses the secret powers of Light. She has been laying low for years, not making any close friends. She is the only Aura who's living in human society, powers not honed and orphaned, since her parents had been killed years ago. When a new boy arrives in school, he seems to take an interest in Llona, and sparks seems to fly between them. What Llona doesn't know is, the same person who murdered her parents is set on killing her too.

A new idea in the YA scene, Rachel McClellan brings us a tale of magic, murder and forbidden love.

Okay, first up, the characters. The characters are likable and believable in general, but there are a few characteristics or actions I didn't like on them, especially Llona. She is weak at first and unable to embrace her identity, but she starts to fight halfway through the novel, plus she's not as naive and sheltered as the other Auras. Lovable, right? Wrong. She is rude to her uncle and aunt, and is anti-social to extreme at the beginning. Still, she is likable even though I find her actions a little predictable and anti-social sometimes. And the lover, Christian, is also predictable until the end, even the name is the usual angel/protector kind of name. May, Llona's sort of best friend, is my favorite character, first time ever. Mary is sweet, strong and dependable, and not to mention she can manipulate fire. Gosh, this novel might be the record breaking one of all those I'd read. 

The plot itself is just like the characters, predictable. You think you get a decent novel with fresh plot and voice. Wrong again. It's the usual parents die-I'm so alone-I avoid people-fall for new guy-villain appears-start to fight-happy ending novel. And there are just a lot of cliches in this, not to mention a lot of illogical moments, such as leaving the school in the middle of class without informing anyone, and the angel and demon on your shoulder thingy.

And the writing. It's not bad, but not good either. McClellan's writing keep turning from bad to good to bad over and over again. When you think it couldn't get worse, with a lot of typos and grammar mistakes(of course it's just an ARC), it become flawless engaging writing in the next second.

In short, Fractured Light is a promising idea with failed execution. I enjoy most of the writing and story, but I expect the sequel to be more fluid with the language. If you like paranormal, suspense and romance, and fresh ideas, be sure to read this novel.

The cover is what made me request it on NetGalley. Too bad the content is inconsistent with the cover.

Ratings: 3.5 stars

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

Don't forget to enter my giveaway of Dragon's Oath Audiobook!
The original post is here


a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Review: ROSEBUSH by Michele Jaffe

Jane is found, near death in a rose bush, a victim of hit-and-run. She couldn’t move at all, and the memory of the night of the accident was lost to her. But when a threat was written in the bathroom mirror, she finds her voice and scream. She believes that someone was trying to kill her on that night, but failed to do so. And the killer is still trying to murder her. But who would want to kill her? After all, she’s  one of the popular girls in school, has a sweet boyfriend, and two awesome BFFs. Sometimes the truth is a very thorny thing.

Michele Jaffe brings us a powerful psychological and sexy thriller. Fast paced and in a smooth flow, Rosebush will have you hooked right from the beginning.

     Jane is a beautiful and popular girl in her school. At first she seems shallow, but as the story unfolds, she seems to gain more dept. Except for Jane, the other characters are pretty two dimensional and boring. Jaffe didn’t write her side characters well enough, though the boys are hawt.

     The novel is full of suspense, and Jaffe write the psychological part very well. The writing keeps you on edge, and there’s none awkward scenes in the novel. Still, some minimal parts of the novel appears shallower than it seems.

     Although the synopsis just look like another novel about a popular girl caught up in mystery, Rosebush is none of the ordinary. Jaffe puts a lot of new twists in the novel and keeps you guessing on every page, no matter the murderer or love interests. Yes, there are love interests, but the thriller is even better, although I find the reason of murder a little forced. Also, I love how the way Jane's relationship with her mother and step-father mend and build throughout the novel.

     A twisted psychological killer written by a new voice, Rosebush is one novel you ought not to miss. Jaffe show readers that she has the potential to be Stephen King in the YA world.

     Cover: A little boring for me. Maybe less rose. Or maybe a huge rose dripping with blood would be nice.

Ratings: 4 stars

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

Review: DRAGON'S OATH by P.C & Kristin Cast

The novella follows Dragon Lankford as he ventures to the days when he first met Anastasia, at the funeral of his mate. Read the beautiful story of the couple when they’re young and Dragon’s  fight against Darkness.

     When the House of Night novels are withering and dying, the novella is a refreshing short read. It’s better than the full novels, probably because it doesn’t involve Neferet and Zoey. Written in the same way, a little more mature than the novels(it doesn’t involve teen perspective), Dragon’s Oath describes the heartbreaking love story of Dragon and Anastasia. The illustrations between the chapters are beautiful too, as the artist is a very talented individual. I just could droll over her lively drawings.

     When you feel tired of reading the novels, you’ll love the novella for the newness of it.

     I like this cover, but the US cover is better.

Ratings: 4 stars

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

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: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO SURVIVE THE APOCALYPSE by Lucas Klauss

 Apocalypse fanatic Phillip Flowers is a fifteen year old on the track team. No matter how impossible practices might seem with the (devil) Mr. Farragut on his back , he always has his two friends, Asher and Mark to support him. One sunny afternoon(isn’t that how most stories start?), Phillip sprains his ankle and a girl, Rebekah comes to his aid. And of course, it was love at first sight for Phillip. Then Farragut, or Ferret, as Phillip prefer, sees them and questions the authenticity of Phillip’s sprain. Rebekah defends him and in a heated discussion(okay, so maybe I’m exaggerating),  Phillip promises to join in on Wednesday. But what is Wednesday? Youth Church! Eventually, with the help of Rebekah, atheist Phillip starts to believe in Jesus, and love. However, even Jesus couldn’t see the rotten disaster that’s heading their way.

Funny and witty, Klaus brings us a tale of faith, friendship and love. One of the few novels narrated by male protagonists, the pace is decent with hilarious moments in between. Klaus successfully constructed the voice of a fifteen year old boy, in doubt, in search, in love.

Phillip is a fleshed out character. Funny, awkward and smart, he couldn’t be a more perfect lead. His fascination with apocalypse is highly entertaining, and his honesty and awkwardness often getting him into 

trouble with Rebekah and his friends.

The other characters are well constructed too. Faithful Rebekah, single parent Mr. Flowers, Asher, a** hole Mark. Their causes and actions are well thought and have  a certain impact on how the plot unfolds. In short, they are life. You could find traits of friends and family not unlike the characters in the novel.  

The plot though, is a little lacking in action. Not that it’s a bad thing, since this isn’t dystopian or adventure. Everything keeps building up to the not-so-dramatic climax, then falls slowly to the end.

The love between Rebekah and Phillip is sweet and innocent, and it might bring our readers back to their first love. Also, the fights between Phillip and his friends are pretty realistic, such that it make me think about my own friends. There are also a few scenes that explore the aspect of motherly love, or rather the lack of it, and the cause. Klauss wrote the scenes well, as they captured emotions and guilt completely. The scenes fully demonstrate the effect of a broken family.

Klauss’ novel will make you think about your own faith. Why believe, how to believe, who to believe, as Phillip himself asks. There are some issues presented that I agree with, but I don’t necessarily agree with the interpretations of the Bible of one of the characters. Rebekah’s refusal to date a non Christian also annoys me, though it is more of a family cause.

Klauss’ debut, Everything You Need to Survive the Apocalypse is humorous and entertaining, showing what bring us together and what pull us apart. A truly deep and thought-provoking read. 

Cover: plain. Not the worst, but not the best either. Which means, I wouldn't be picking it up in the stores.

Ratings: 4 stars

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

Review: TEMPTED, BURNED, AWAKENED, DESTINED by P.C & Kristin Cast

Tempted

After banishing Kalona, the group starts reorganizing and spends the night at Benedictine Alley. Zoey dump Erick after quarrelling with him for his jealousy. The kids went back to the Tulsa House of Night, and find Dragon’s mate, Anastasia Lankford dead, the doing of Rephaim, Kalona’s favorite Raven Mocker son. Aphrodite’s vision and Zoey’s dreams bring them to Venice, St. Clementine Isle, where the Vampire High Council is, and where Neferet and Kalona is. Meanwhile, Stevie Rae stays behind as Vampire High Priestess and tending an injured Raven Mocker-you guessed it – Rephaim. What danger will Zoey and her friends face now? Will anyone die, again?  

Burned

 Zoey’s soul is shattered as of witnessing someone’s –I’m not gonna tell you who- death. Stark, Darius and Aphrodite follow Kramisha’s prophetic poems to the Isle of Sgiach in Ireland, the island of an old warrior queen. Goddess Nyx seems to bless Aphrodite a lot, but she put more favor on the human prophetess as she decides to start speaking through Aphrodite. Back in Tulsa Stevie Rae continues to care for Rephaim until he recovers, while dealing with rogue red fledglings. If the three fail to watch out, they will get burned.

  

Awakened

Zoey has returned from the Otherworld and is spending time on Sgiach, learning how to use her powers and the old magick, still heartbroken and unwilling to face the real world. Back at the House of Night, Stevie Rae fights back to counteract the influence of Neferet and sort out her link to Rephaim. Both of them will learns that only by facing their secrets that they could survive.

Destined

Zoey Redbird has started a new House of Night in the tunnels with her friends, but is devastated when she finds out of her mother's death. Rephaim, gifted with human form at night by the Goddess, struggles to resist the pull of his father’s call and to retain his humanity. Aurox, Neferet’s vessel given by Darkness, does Neferet’s bidding but reminds Zoey of Heath.

    

     The House of Night series started out great, but sad to say, I have to agree with most of the reviewers. Starting from book 4 or 5, the scenes and plotlines has become redundant and repeating. Sure, the threats are different but are almost the same, by the villains and well, feel. A new threat is introduced, there are prophetic poems and visions, the group figure things out, they save the world at the nick of time. And the threat is always Neferet. I’m sick of her already! Please, the Casts should kill her off at least three books ago.

     Plot aside, the writing was realistic, though the swearing is getting out of hand. The Casts has a way of making you feel excited and eager for what’s happening next. The characters well developed but Aphrodite’s a lil’ annoying, Erick’s a lil’ clingy, Stark’s dumb sometimes and Zoey, please, you have responsibility, so stop slacking off. And I don't like the pop references(iPhones, iPads...). Too much and too way too much. If I re-read the novels years later I just might find myself wondering what those things were.

     Way to kill a series, I have to say. The series started with promising prospect but now, it’s getting bad. Real bad. Still, I love the House of Night series despite the repeative plot.

For the covers: Love ‘em all except for the Destined cover. Still, US covers are my favorite.

Ratings: 4 stars (half a star for the effort, even though the novels doesn’t deserve the rating)

* For mature readers

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