Review: ANOTHER JEKYLL, ANOTHER HYDE by Dina and Daniel Nayeri(to be released on March 27, 2011)

Courtesy of Net Galley(Candlewick Press)

Thomas Goodman-Brown is having a new mother, and she is Governess Nicola Vileroy, the care-taker of his ex-girlfriend. Well, not that he care much, since he’s wrecked after his ex, Bella Faust and her four siblings went to Geneva. The night of his father’s wedding with Vileroy, he got busted for possession of drugs that wasn’t his, and got bailed by his friend, Connor. After he was bailed, Conner and he go to Club Elixir, where he receives a bottle of W. Thomas takes W and finds himself very high and even black out later. He then wakes up few days later, with only  vague recollection of what has happened. Soon, he finds himself having untimely blackouts with absolutely no idea what he was doing when Vileroy says he does.

Dina and Daniel Nayeri bring us a reimagined tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with demons and Upper East Side family troubles.

In short, the characters are enjoyable, the ones to love are lovable and the baddies just make you hate them enough. Thomas is so sweet, trying to cheer his sort-of girlfriend and just attempting to make up for lost time. He is also smart, being able to piece everything together, and hey, you don’t always get to read about a guy who wants to become a lawyer. Nicola Vileroy is just mean, you’ll clench your teeth as much as I do if you read the story-I don’t want to give anything out. Even when Hyde appears only after half of the novel, his presence and effects are clear and strong enough to make you pity the victim and hate Hyde.

The story itself is entertaining. You get to watch Thomas investigate and slowly learn the truth. Everything is reasonable and well paced. It reminds me a little of Sherlock Holmes.

Another thing worthy of mention is the relationship between Thomas and his father. They were sometimes like friend, and I appreciate a father who actually listens to his child and is not swept by his new wife.

The writing is neat and compact, successfully arousing tension and create atmosphere. The only thing though, is that I don’t like the abundance of references to social websites. Five years later and people may forget what Facebook looks like.

Another Jekyll, Another Hyde is a fun and extremely entertaining adventure novel with little paranormal thrown in, a shorter read compared to the usual 400 pages.  However, I do not recommend it to those who like their novel with a lot of paranormal and romance. And of course, it's a series, but if you don't mind having to piece some stuff together and wanting to know what has happened in the previous novels, enjoy.

The guy on the cover is cute and innocent,but I don;t remember seeing him in the novel. Mmm, may be my bad. It's a nice change to see a guy on a cover though the cover is still not interesting enough for me. It also reminds me of Fractured Light's cover(my review here).

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

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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: 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

Review: BEAUTIFUL CHAOS by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

 I just spent two hour writing the review of Virtuosity, and now I'm extremely lazy, so I'll make this extremely short.

     Ethan Wate and Lena Duchannes are facing higher stakes in this novel. Having the Order of the world broken, the strongest casters of the Duchanne family is finding a way to rebind the Order. But Sarafine is in their way, and John Breed is still missing. What will the star-crossed couple face this time? This is an exciting novel of paranormal suspense and forbidden romance.

     Beautiful Chaos is the next installment in the Southern Gothic Series. Almost without flaw, Garcia and Margaret bring us the fast moving world of Casters and mortal love.

     Ethan's voice is stronger than ever. He is always a solid character, having us readers wooing and ahhing for him. As is Lena. In this novel, she is more melancholy and depressed, and it's annoying that she's so gloomy this time. Well, we have emo chick, so we have a sunny girl, Liv. she is the perfect contrast to Lena, as pointed out in the novel. Malcon and Emma is as lovely as the past books, only Emma is darker than usual, in Ethan's words.

     The Caster world and mortal world is even more complete in this installment. The plot is full of stakes, but the authors throw in clues and reveal the result as if Ethan is dumb. He is not! And I can see the ending just right after the clue is dropped. 

     In Beautiful Chaos, every aspect of the novel is notched up a lot: pace, plot, stakes, characters, world building. Intriguing, dark and compelling, brace yourself for the mesmerizing world of Caster magic.

     The cover: simple, nice, dark, gorgeous.

Ratings: 4 stars

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

Review: IRONSIDE: A MODERN FAERY TALE by Holly Black

In the realm of the Faery, it’s time for Roiben’s coronation. On the night of the coronation, Kaye, drunk from faery wine, declares her love for Roiben and asks for a quest. Roiben sends her on an impossible one: to find a faery that can tell an untruth, and everybody knows no faery can tell a lie, even the tiniest one. See how impossible the quest is? Miserable and convinced that she doesn’t belong anywhere, Kaye tells her mother the truth - that she is a changeling in the place of her daughter. So Kaye ventures to the Seelie Court to see Queen Silarial. In exchange for the human Kaye, she has to give out Roiben’s real name. She uses a fake one, and escapes with Ethine, Roiben’s sister. The two, along with Corny, Kaye’s gay friend, went into hiding. Later, Kaye finds out about the Seelie Queen’s plan, to let Roiben battle his sister to death for the Seelie throne. Will Kaye make it in time to warn Roiben? Or will she fail to save her love because of the quest?

     Author Holly Black brings us another tale of dark faery politics and dangerous love. Darker and deadlier than the previous novel, Tithe( I haven’t read Valiant, and judging by the summary, Valiant took place way before Tithe), Ironside is sexy and completely different from the norm. Language lively and expressively vivid, the plot is complete and not without a lot of twists and turns.

     Kaye, as always, is brave and very likeable. Roiben is his usual stay-away-from-me-as-you-will-hurt-yourself self. All of the characters are fully fleshed out and lively.

     Also, the relationship between Kaye and Roiben is as heartbreaking as ever. You’ll cry and laugh as Kaye dances a figurative dance of love with Roiben. I love how Kaye’s relationship with her mother shift and change into a deeper, truer relationship. The misunderstandings are cleared and lies busted, as Kaye learns that her mother’s love will never diminish, even if she’s a pixie.

    Intriguing and magickal, Ironside is a dark modern faery tale with a fresh angle. A job well done by Holly Black, though I wish there were more stories of Kaye and Roiben. Perhaps there are necessary full-stops for wonderful stories.

     Cover: This is a cover I Love! See how the well the black contrasts with the  shine?

Ratings: 5 stars

* For mature readers

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 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 : DIVERGENT by Veronica Roth

Beatrice Prior is one of the Abnegation faction, one of the five factions in dystopian Chicago. Every 16 year-olds are given a choice to choose their faction, and family for ever : Dauntless(the brave), Amity(the peaceful), Candor(the honest), Erudite(the intelligent) and Abnegation(the selfless). Before they choose, the teenagers are given a test to help them decide which faction they're supposed to be in. Beatrice's results shows that she's a Divergent, something rare and dangerous. She is warned to keep the secret to herself, just to keep herself safe. In the end, Beatrice chooses Dauntless and leave her family behind. At Dauntless compounds, Beatrice is known as  "Tris" and makes new friends and try to survive brutal tests during Initiation, all the while feeling drawn to a quiet Four who seems to have a past. Can Tris survive Initiation? Who is Four? And most important, why must Tris keep her test results a secret?

     Again, another dystopian which gripped my heart. Divergent is moderately paced, speeding up in the last 100 pages or so. Slightly predictable, but with a few interesting twists I didn't foresee. Good, vivid language that made me fell in love with the Dauntless community (the better part of it, at least). The world Roth painted is so clear, I yearned to be a part of it and yet fear that those described in Divergent will become our future. Let's hope I'll be long gone when that happens.

     The main character, Tris, and also the narrator, is strong, brave, intelligent, loyal and self sacrificing, even if she doesn't know it. She is not blinded by new found love with you-know-who, a quality which made her practical and mature and is willing to look only for the good side of people, something people in real life needed badly. Tris is with potential and flaws, which made her a very three dimensional and lively character. She resembles Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games (my review here), only a little more braver, less calculating and minus the love triangle. She is the kind of friend I would love to have, though sometimes I want to knock her head for not seeing the events that are coming her way.

     Four is another favorite. I love him far better than Peeta or Gale(The Hunger Games), and even Stefan from The Vampire Diaries (my review here). I love his no nonsense tone, his figure, his sense of justice and everything that comes along with the package. He felt real and compassionate. Again, his flaws accentuates his admirable qualities, not that he has many flaws. And his phobia of heights is a little funny. Sign me up for a date with the man! ( I sound like a boy-crazed girl, right? Ah, very well.) The other characters are very lively as well, especially good ol' Christina.

     The romance between Tris and Four is full of chemistry and quite convincing. Both of them are attracted to each other by their strength and bravery. The way Tris got hurt and jealous is cute, and is essential to add realism to the relationship.Four is just as quick to protect Tris, even when he's risking his own life. Oww, how sweet. Can you find a couple as on par with each other as Tris and Four are?

     I would like to read more about the locked fence, Four' relationship with his father and the Prior family, but I don't think that's quite possible with some major events happening to the 'rentals. Beautifully crafted, and humorous and times, Divergent is one dystopian you do not want to miss.

     The cover is simple and elegant, though I like the UK cover more, especially the tease line in beside the ravens.

Divergent book jacket UK edition

Ratings : 4 stars (I would love to give a 4.5 if the novel isn't so predictable in parts)

For more info about the author or book, click here

Review : PASSION by Lauren Kate

Passion is another volume in the Fallen series, picking off where Torment(my review here) ended. Luce just witnessed a battle against the fallen angels, now shed stepped into the past through an Announcer, determined to find out a way to break the curse that condemns their love, and witness her own death and Daniel's heartbreak repeatedly. While hopping from one past to another, Luce gets the accompaniment of Bill. Bill shows Luce the way to cleave- emerging into the body of your past self. Meanwhile, Daniel hops chases Luce into the past, but every time he arrives, Luce left a minute ago. Who is the stranger Bill? Why is he helping Luce? Can Daniel catch Luce before she alters the future into one which doesn't hold neither Luce or Daniel?

     Passion continues the story of Luce and Daniel, working the story into the messy past. The plot is somewhat quite expected, only I didn't foresee the role of a demon in it. Luce went away, find out the secret of their curse, Daniel finds her, end of story. Yet it is not how it turned up. The ending anyway. Good pace, smooth language, enough steam where Daniel is concerned.

     Luce, the main character, is - I'm gonna say it! - annoying. Sometimes she acts like a mindless schoolgirl who is blinded by love. She tries to alter the past so the curse will break, and gets into a hell lot of trouble. Why can't she stay content with Daniel? Anyway, she redeems herself when she finally save Danial a heartbreak and not kill herself in attempt to break the curse. Yes, she's going to kill herself, and I'm not telling ya why.

     Fallen angel Daniel is his usual sweet, endearing self. Trying to save Luce, he witnesses his own heartbreaks after Luce's deaths. He is just so full of love for Luce. Daniel, get over her and come to me, please! I won't treat you the way Luce did! It just kills me that Daniel gets hurt time over time because of Luce's decisions and now he has to save her from herself. 

    Another tiny flaw of Passion is the very hot and steamy romance scenes. Too much, Kate! Some of the scenes were so intimate that I feel embarrassed watching them. Please, spare me. Yet the love between Luce and Daniel was so pure and realistic.

     Cut down the steam and Luce's slightly annoying acts and you'll have a good novel. I just hope the sequel, Rapture, wouldn't be a mess of repeating past and kiss like Passion. I'll be rooting for Daniel even more right now. Eagerly waiting to know how the tragic story of the star-crossed lovers will end.

     The cover is simply amazing, the Luce isn't the Luce I imagined. Er Kate, shouldn't the rose in Luce's hand be a peony?

Ratings : 4 stars ( I gave half a star more because of Daniel)

For more info about the book or author, click here

Review : THE PLEDGE by Kimberly Derting

* courtesy of  Simon and Schuster Galley Grab program

Charlaina "Charlie" Hart tries to keep her daily routine while rebels are trying to overthrow the ruler, Queen Sabara in violent Ludania. She seems to be a normal girl in the Vendor class, but she is not what she seems to be, and neither is her little sister, Angelina. Charlie can understand Englaise, Pashon and other languages she shouldn't be able to understand, and if anyone finds out about her secret ability, it could mean not only her death, but also her family's. When she is unreasonably drawn to a handsome guy who seems to know her secret, the very fabric that builds her life starts to dissolve, while her parents wants to keep she and her sister hidden from the truth that will shatter life as they know it.

     I love The Pledge. Love. It. A little dystopian and a little fantasy. The idea that languages can separate you into classes, and you can't change which class you're born into is quite interesting. Harsh, I know. Too bad Derting didn't create new languages like what Christopher Paolini did in Eragon.

     The novel is well paced, there wasn't a page lacking of suspense and thrill. Language flowing and descriptive. It's told in Charlie's voice and the all-knowing narrator, since some of the moments crucial for understanding the plot doesn't happen to Charlie. I couldn't flip through (or rather, click through) the pages fast enough.

     Charlie strikes me as a very protective sister, and she has a very strong and clear voice. She's brave with very few flaws. She's in love with the prince, but I don't find the immediate irresistible draw to a stranger convincing. And I don't get why the prince likes her so much, even when he barely knows her. Perhaps a few more scenes from Derting could explain the romance. Charlie just wasn't as lively as Katniss Everdeen in the The Hunger Games (my review here). Angelina is just lovable, and honestly, I like her a little(just a little) more than the older sister. I would like to see Charlie's magical power develop in the sequel, since her power is so limited in The Pledge.

     The ending is sort of a closure for The Pledge, but written in a way that you're sure that there will be a sequel. Precise and gripping, I just can't wait for the next novel in the trilogy(yes, you heard me right : it's a trilogy!). 

     Overall, The Pledge is a decent novel. However, I read the novel because of it's plot instead of the characters.

     The cover is so dang gorgeous! Black, my sort of cover! Just the image of Charlie wasn't the one I imagined and there's no mention of a dress with hood made out of black silk.

Ratings : 4 stars

For more info about the book or author, click here

** Check back on 14 October for an interview with Rhiannon Paille!

** Upcoming reviews of Passion and Divergent!

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

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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

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