Showing posts with label Penguin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Penguin. Show all posts
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
The Fault in Our Stars may have officially been released two years ago but it is still talked about due to the recent massive movie release.! Whats better than starting off the TFIOS week than a review of the book itself right?
The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green
Pages: 316
Release Date: January 3rd 2013
Publisher: Penguin
Add it: GoodreadsPublisher: Penguin
Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.
Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green's most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.
My Thoughts
The Fault in Our Stars is in no ordinary novel. I say this particularly because of the elegance of the writing. John Green's novel is so beautifully written; I adore it. An adoration which left me dazzled and made me want to write just like him.
In TFIOS we enter the lives of two teenagers Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters both battling a fight against cancer. Just as it is no ordinary novel, it no ordinary cancer novel either. It is about living life to the utmost fullest by accomplishing your dreams, taking chances with no regrets. There are obviously hardships but the novel offers love in the most simplest and wonderful of places. And it is so unbelievably cute. No denying. The 'I love you' speech? Epic.
What I love also is how Hazel and Augustus are such likable characters. Hazel is so strong like unbelievably strong - she truly is admirable. Augustus is cool you know as soon as he dropped the metaphor line, you know the guy's a keeper. Although very weird, he is insightful and memorable and omg very very cute. Seriously, emphasis on the cute.
My favourite character however is Isaac. Isaac is both a friend of Hazel and Gus, where they all meet at a cancer support group, but I don't know there's something about him which instantly attracted me to him. Anyhow, their moments were very realistic and funny too. Another thing I love, there are many humorous moments to the novel, no kidding, you would not expect it.
Speaking of the unexpected, there is actually a twist to the novel. Usually within the first few pages of a novel, I would have a clear idea of where the novel may be heading but in this case ah, I was surprised. So surprised that at first I hated how it ended and the way it ended but what can I say it was not how I wanted it end but then I could not see it end in any other way.
So
Make sure to check out for more TFIOS related posts during this week!
I may also have a giveway ;D
The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead
In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.
My Thoughts
Sydney, what a development! And yes, I am predominately talking about the ending few pages which lead me to reach this conclusion. Her beliefs of as an Alchemist which she had always stayed strong to, always believed they were right, has now made her question her upbringing due to seriously unforeseen events. Yes, our Sydney Sage has become more independent than ever, making her take choices she never would have thought she’ll think twice about.
Bringing in, the perfect time for me to mention Adrian. Oh Adrian. What is there left to say that I haven’t said already in my reviews of the last two books. Other than emphasising on his hotness, his hotness and his HOTNESS, there are so so many amazing things. Like, how am glad he is still pining wait chasing Sydney bearing in mind her after-reaction of their kiss in The Golden Lily. Thankfully, Adrian is only keeping in mind her immediate-reaction to that kiss. He knows how she really feels and he would do anything for her to know that he felt it too, damn it! At least we are however bestowed with flirty and i-need-more moments ;)
Now, the main plots and events? Hey ho, we meet Marcus Finch. There was so much hype about this guy, he's not all I thought he would have been to be honest with you. Then there's wiiitttchhhheeess, yes - something new for Richelle. Together, we have some action and magic there. It was good just like all the other plots in the bloodlines novels but I have to admit, I wasn't as captured as I was in comparison to the VA series.
Richelle is definitely playing this series out just niceeee-ly. I am so giddy, I want to read the next oneeeee, The Fiery Heart. Especially cause' I WANT MORE ADRIAN.
Other books in series:
#PenguinChats: Calling all Beautiful Creatures Fans!
Introducing #PenguinChats, an exciting new project from the publishers of Penguin! YA bloggers and readers like ourselves have a chance to connect with a Penguin author on Twitter at a 30 minute Q&A using the hashtag #PenguinChats hosted by @PenguinUKBooks
How amazing is that?
What's more, Gripped into Books has become one of the official blog partners! So, today am here to give you some really cool info on the bestselling novels by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl - Beautiful Creatures
On Sunday 27th January at 8pm, Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl will kick off the first #PenguinChats during which they will be able to answer all our questions on the series and OMG the upcoming movie too! You can find more details about #PenguinChats on the Penguin Blog.
And now for me to share some exciting content! First of all, If you by some bizzare reason have not picked up the Beautfiul Creatures books, I'm certain after reading this prologue, it will leave you intruiged and running for more ;D
The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead
The Golden Lily
Richelle Mead
Pages: 418
Release Date: June 12th 2012
Publisher: Razorbill
Series: Boodlines #2
Source: For Review from Publishers
Add it: Goodreads
The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy spinoff seriesTough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students--children of the wealthy and powerful--carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought.Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead's breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.
My Thoughts
Honestly, all I can think about when it comes to The Golden Lily, is the ending. OH DEAR LORD, was it something. Because of that, I believe this review will not be as well structured. Cuz, guys, that is all I can frickin think about. Nothing else really comes to my mind. But I will try to be as coherent as possible. Oh and and if you haven't figured it out already, I really enjoyed reading The Golden Lily.
In the beginning, things were a tinchy winchy bit slow for me. I was expecting it to start up with the ending of Bloodlines as that was another OMG moment. But they didn't, oh well. It was quite slow paced yet the events were still riveting as a whole. Though, when things picked up, they really picked up. Dude, I'm all for the action and the roller coaster moments. And we did get them, and they were good. Gotta hand it to Sydney she nearly always knows exactly what to do.
Talking about Sydney, she's... well, Sydney. The same ol' alchemist that has her mission of do-gooding. I love this girl. Even now, she doesn't fail to upset me. I love how she loves to help everyone but yet she knows her limits and definitely doesn't let anyone walk all over her. You go girl!
Oh and you guys know Adrian right? He doesn't let anyone come in the way, especially when it comes to Sydney. Like, a knight in shinning armour. So yeah, imagine that! He's so hot and I looooooooove him. This guy just makes me LOL. You'll think that everyone will realise his ulterior motives you know. For us readers, it is an obvious hit right. And don't you think it's just so so cute! I have so much love for my Adrian!
And then I have so much love for Richelle! For giving us with exactly with what we've been eagerly waiting for. Though, now I'm really skeptical with how the storyline will follow. Why did I read this book so soon! Arghhh. Having to wait a whole year for the next book, will I be able to do that? I don't think so.
Other books in series: Bloodlines
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
The Summer I Turned Pretty
by Jenny Han
Pages: 276
Release Date: June 3rd 2010
Publisher: Puffin
Series: Summer #1
Other books in Series: It's Not Summer Without You, We'll always have Summer
Source: For Review from Publishers
Buy it: Amazon
| The Book Depository | B&NAdd it: Goodreads
Some summers are just destined to be pretty.
Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer -- they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one wonderful and terrible summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.
My Thoughts
Okay, so let's get a few things cleared and out of the way first of all. If you're a sucker for summer lovin' romance, beach and hot boys this book is right up your street. It's just totally for you. Those elements are what makes this the perfect summer read. Although The Summer I Turned Pretty wasn't as good as I thought it will be, I still enjoyed it and I liked reading it a lot.
Enter Belly. She's this girl who's cute and really kiddy I guess. She turns pretty and everything changes. People look at her differently and by people I say in specifics- Conrad and Jeremiah. Jeremiah is like the guy who's just your really bestest friend or brother even. He's so much fun and such great company. Then there's Conrad. And what can I say... Dude, he iss hot. (Not that Jer isn't) But then there's all the other little qualities that Conrad has. The annoying kind.
And another guy comes into the picture too. Cam. Bleugh. I rather no talk about him. Why did he need to come into the book at all!? You guys will definitely understand my dislike for this guy, when you read this. He takes up majority of the word count but I gotta admit he is a decent guy. But my heart is only for Con and Jer :D
Another thing, there's quite a few flash backs back from Belly's childhood and all those memories that she had at The Cousins. My all time favourite place! It really helps to understand Belly, Conrad and Jeremiah and how things were like. There's not much of a plot in The Summer I Turned Pretty. Though Han doesn't let us down by giving us scenes and moments that take our breath away. Especially near the end. And it's that ending that makes me crave for the next book, It's Not Summer Without You :)
Crossed by Ally Condie
Crossed Pages: 367
Release Date: November 24th 2011
Publisher: Razor Bill
Series: Matched #2
Other books in series: Mached, Reached
Source: For Review from Publishers
Buy it: Amazon | The Book Depository | B&N
Add it: Goodreads
THE SOCIETY CHOOSES EVERYTHING.
THE BOOKS YOU READ
THE MUSIC YOU LISTEN TO.
THE PERSON YOU LOVE.
Yet for Cassia the rules have changed. Ky has been taken and she will sacrifice everything to find him.
And when Cassia discovers Ky has escaped to the wild frontiers beyond the Society there is hope.
But on the edge of society nothing is as it seems . . .
A REBELLION IS RISING.
And a tangled web of lies and double-crosses could destroy everything.
My Thoughts
Crossed was much better than I expected. I wasn't planning on reading it at first as I enjoyed reading Matched but not as much. With Crossed, it's a whole new story. I really enjoyed reading it. Condie really uped her game, giving us with something fresh, interesting and engaging.
We're at where Macthed left off. With Cassia journeying to the outer provinces whilst Ky is taken by the society. As you can expect, the chapters are alternated between Cassia and Ky. With them both craving for each others presence alongside them and going through adventures of their own. Oh, I just really really liked it.
We get to see a lot more from Ky. When reading Matched I never really connected much with Ky and as a character, I never did like him much. I don't know. He came off quite weird? Well, to me anyways. Though, in Crossed my views changed as we get to see more of him and his feelings as well.
I didn't think Ky was right for Cassia. I was always with Xander through Matched anyways. But, here's the thing. In Crossed, we get to see more of Xander. Which leads to my other point in which, can Xander be trusted? He's quite different now and I don't know what to make of his actions.
Now, I'm torn between the two. Pretty much how Cassia is at the moment. In one prospect, I do blame her, she chooses Ky but then she's confused with everything that's happened with Xander. Good luck on that one!
In the bigger picture, a lot does happens in Crossed. New characters are introduced as to be expected and the events are really developing. What I like best. Ohh now I can't wait to read Reached!
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
by Stephanie Perkins
Pages: 338
Release Date: September 29th 2011
Publisher: Dutton
Other Books: Anna and the French Kiss & Isla and the Happily Ever After
Source: Won in a Giveaway
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.
When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.
My Thoughts
Ohhhh LOLA! Where can I begin with this ah-mazing book. Because it was, you know, amazing. I really much enjoyed reading it. After reading Anna and the French Kiss and just being completely 'WOWed' by it, I was so so eager to read the companion novel. And am I so glad I did.
Lola is not your average teenage girl. Her way of life is completely different especially when you count in her dress sense. Lola adores dressing up like any other girl out there but she takes it to great heights dressing up in different costumes every day. For Lola, her life couldn't get any better. She has a great life and her 'amazing' boyfriend Max. But it was until Cricket and Calliope showed up.
Perkins totally rocks my world. I lurrrrveeee her writing. At first I loved Lola and Max as a couple, they seemed pretty cute and I gotta say I did kinda like Max then. I say then as I don't like him now. One word. JERK. But then it all makes up whenever Cricket is in the picture. He just so sweet!! Seriously, how sweet and cute and adorable and amazing can he get! I was a bit peckish at first as he seemed just too nice and so it was just that tad weird. But no no that's just nothing to worry about!
As much as I enjoyed Lola, I have got to say that it wasn't as good as Anna. I loved Lola though, I loved it so much that I'm sure I'll read it over and over and over again just as I did with Anna. Oh and boy did I love it when St Clair and Anna came in. Cute moments!
If only we could pester Perkins and get Isla and the Happily Ever After released quicker. I'll probably die waiting!
Naked by Kevin Brooks
Pages: 320
Release Date: July 7th 2011
Publisher: Puffin
Source: ARC from Publishers
Buy the Book: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
London, 1976: a summer of chaos, punk, love ...and the boy they called Billy the Kid. It was the summer of so many things. Heat and violence, love and hate, heaven and hell. It was the time I met William Bonney - the boy from Belfast known as Billy the Kid. I've kept William's secrets for a long time, but now things have changed and I have to tell the truth. But I can't begin until I've told you about Curtis Ray. Hip, cool, rebellious Curtis Ray. Without Curtis, there wouldn't be a story to tell. It's the story of our band, of life and death ...and everything in between. This characteristically gripping novel from award-winning author Kevin Brooks will rock you to the core!
My Thoughts
Oh.My.God. I can't even begin to express how much I loved Naked. For me, it has to be one of the best books I've ever read. It was just THAT good. It had everything a perfect book needs. The first thing in Naked which got me hooked was the catch line. 'Live Fast, Play Dirty, Get NAKED'. Totally catchy right? And it totally sums up the story. Naked has romance, hardship, despair and a great bonus, music that reaches you to the very core!
Naked starts off with a woman, Lili, reminiscing in the year of 1967. This is the time where she met two people that changed her life. Will and Curtis. Curtis was always known to be the rebellious bad boy at school. Everyone loved him and want to be like him or be with him. And so, it came a great surprise to Lili when she got asked to audition for his band 'NAKED'. Thereon, the real story unfolds as we get lured through Lili's life through her eyes.
Lili is a realistic character. I really like her. Yes, she has flaws and so do the other characters but, that's what really defines them and makes them who they are. When Lili first saw Curtis, he seemed like a pretty decent guy and all. Little did I know. I don't like him at all! Though, I have to say I love his band and music. It so rocks. The lyrics are oookay. But, sometimes they do get pretty weird. I really don't care (much) especially when Will came into the picture. I LOVE HIM. Yeah, I think that pretty much sums it up. He's plain awesome!
What I really really loved about Naked was how something interesting was always going on making it entirely engrossing. It's like one thing after another. You're tossed and turned into this fabulous world. Ideally, Naked is not your average read. It's tough, gritty and very edgy. Like, the ending! What can I possibly say? I knew it was coming, you could just tell but I didn't want to accept it. At all. Oh how I love Kevin Brooks books. Buy this. Now!
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
by Richelle Mead
Pages: 432
Release Date: August 25th 2011
Publisher: Penguin
Source: For Review from Publishers
Buy the Book: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
Sydney belongs to a secret group who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the world of humans and vampires. She protects vampire secrets - and human lives.My Thoughts
But when Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, she fears she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. What unfolds is far worse. The sister of Moroi queen Lissa Dragomir is in mortal danger, and goes into hiding. Now Sydney must act as her protector.
The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one . . .
I gotta admit, I wasn't going to read the spin off series. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVED Vampire Academy. It's one my favourite series, ever. Though, I was really attached to Rose and her perspective of everything and obviously her moments with Dimirtri too. But then when I found out there's going to be a lot of Sydney and Adrian I though I'll just have to give it a shot.
Bloodlines is in Sydney's point of view. Sydney is a alchemist where she has a duty to help protect the existence of vampires by the use of magic and potions. She is nothing like Rose but her loving and stubborn character is what makes Bloodlines Shine. The way she handles every situation is completely praiseworthy and I love how when she needs someone she turns to Adrian.
In Vampire Academy, I never gave much thought to Adrian. Well, apart from the weird guy that smokes. But now, he's the hot bad ass that smokes. I LOVE him. Maybe even more than Dimitri. I know right?!Especially, since everything that he's going through seeing as how things ended off in Last Sacrifice. I am so not going to forgive Mead for that!
The plot is fast paced and gripping. Mead doesn't let us down. I was surprised how things turned out and I definitely more surprised with how things ended off. With the ending, I was frustrated yet excited. It was like a darkness consumed Adrian and in that bizarre moment I actually hated what emerged. My poor Adrian! I can't begin to understand what he might have been feeling!
There is absolutely no doubt that I'm glad to have picked up Bloodlines. It totally lives up to Vampire Academy. These are the sort of books that you don't just read or borrow but you buy because they're just THAT good. The Golden Lily to be released Summer 2012. Like OMG. Are you seriously kidding me?
Vampire Academy: A Graphic Novel by Richelle Mead + Giveaway
by Richelle Mead
Adapted by Leigh Dragoon, Illustrated by Emma Vieceli
Format: Paperback
Pages: 144 pages
Release Date: August 23rd 2011
Publisher: Puffin
Source: For Review from Publishers
Buy the Book: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
After two years on the run, best friends Rose and Lissa are caught and returned to St. Vladimir's Academy, a private high school for vampires and half-bloods. It's filled with intrigue, danger - and even romance. Enter their dark, fascinating world through a new series of 144-page full-color graphic novels. The entire first Vampire Academy novel has been adapted for book one by Leigh Dragoon and overseen by Richelle Mead, while the beautiful art of acclaimed British illustrator Emma Vieceli brings the story to life.
My Thoughts
When I discovered that Vampire Academy was going to be made into a graphic novel, I was more than happy. I LOVED Vampire Academy. And the entire series is awesome too. I never read any graphic novels before so I really was excited to see how this particular one would be.
All in all, the graphic novel is pretty great. All the major scenes are there including exact quotes and everything from the original book. There's even quite a share of Dimitri and Rose which I wasn't expecting. And, It didn't even take me a long time to read which is another bonus.
The graphics were great. I wasn't a big fan of the whole mango style though only because... Dimitri didn't look that hot! Yeah, I didn't like his graphics. Though, all the other characters looked simply fab. Especially Rose oh and definitely Natalie you can just totally get that bitch vibe off her.
Seeing as this is a graphical book, all illustrated and all there were some scenes that I wondered about. When I did come to that particular scene, it wasn't overdone yet I was taken aback a bit seeing as I really didn't think it'll be included. However, it is a crucial part to the story. And it was good.
For me, the graphic novel was a big hit. I would have definitely picked it up. It sounds great, looks great and doesn't take a long time to read!
Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
by Richelle Mead
Pages: 493
Release Date: February 4th 2010
Publisher: Puffin
Series: Vampire Academy
Other Books in series: Vampire Academy, Frostbite, Shadowkiss, Spirit Bound & Last Sacrifice
Buy the Book: Amazon UK | Amazon US
How far will Rose go to keep her promise?
The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir’s Academy was the deadliest ever in the school’s history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them. . . including Dimitri.
He’d rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa—the one she has sworn to protect no matter what—and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?
*SPOILERS!*
My Thoughts
Blood Promise is different from the other books in the Vampire Academy series but just as GOOD. No, actually awesome. I couldn't put it down! I loved it. I love each book in the Vampire Academy series so far and I can gladly say I wasn't disappointed. At all!
Rose Hathaway leaves the academy to Siberia on a mission to kill the guy she loves. Literally. Dimitri Belikov. The guy that turned into Strigoi, in other words a bad-ass-people-killing vampire. She only does this to end his suffering after being turned.
In this installment, we get to see a whole lot more of Rose and Dimitri which I think is great. And Dimitri's family. His world and more about his life. It was amazing getting to know more about him and I loved reading about them. There's no doubt that I loved each and every new character that was introduced especially Dimitri's grandma.
Yet, I was eagerly waiting til the time when Dimitri and Rose will finally meet. It was unnerving reading page after page not knowing what will happen and when it will occur. Though, when it did, I was relived yet aghast at the sudden changes especially in our new Dimitri.
Mead has not let us down especially with that killer cliffhanger. Heck, I can't wait to read the next book. A truly amazing read. Can things get any better?
Brother/Sister by Sean Olin
by Sean Olin
Pages: 272
Release Date: August 4th 2011
Publisher: Puffin
Buy the Book: Amazon UK | Amazon US
Will and Asheley have a troubled past. Their father left them when they were little, and their mother has just been carted off to an alcohol treatment center. Now, they have the house to themselves, and an endless California summer stretching out before them. Through alternating perspectives, they tell the story of how and why their lives spun violently out of control—right up to the impossibly shocking conclusion you'll have to read for yourself to believe.
My Thoughts
Brother/Sister is a different sort of book. As dark as the cover is the story with a unsettling plot and a killer twist. Though, this book had an ending that will make you re-think and question about everything you've just read.
In California, we meet Will and Asheley two teenagers that have already had their share of action in the summer. Brother/Sister is alternated between Will and Asheley's perspectives with deep confessions. Will and Asheley didn't have the best upbringing. Their alcoholic mother and absentee Father haven't always been there for them. This left Will to run the house leaving him breaking himself as time went by. Will and Ashley are two different people. As Will is presented as the more of a loner, Asheley is the opposite being more sociable and active.
I was a bit hesitant at first in reading Brother/Sister at first as I heard that there was a lot of incest. However, that was not the case at all. Will is very overprotective of Asheley and so he loves her dearly but maybe too much? Their relationship does tilt a couple of times but this does not spell incest.
Brother/Sister is definitely a fast-paced page turner. I particular love Olin's writing style, it completely lures you in. Something is always happening proving it to be action packed and very thrilling. It's a dark, unsettling read that will give you the creeps.
Eight Keys by Suzanne LaFleur
by Suzanne LaFleur
Pages: 272
Release Date: August 11th 2011
Publisher: Puffin
Buy the Book: Amazon UK | Amazon US
Elise and Franklin have always been best friends. Elise has always lived in the big house with her loving Uncle and Aunt, because Elise's parents died when she was too young to remember them. There's always been a barn behind the house with eight locked doors on the second floor.
When Elise and Franklin start middle school, things feel all wrong. Bullying. Not fitting in. Franklin suddenly seems babyish. Then, soon after her 12th birthday, Elise receives a mysterious key left for her by her father. A key that unlocks one of the eight doors upstairs in the barn...
My Thoughts
As soon as I started reading Eight Keys, I was very intrigued to find out what secrets these keys will unlock. The synopsis had me hooked and it was only after a matter of pages into Eight Keys that I knew this book was something special.
Elise, the main character, is a 11 year old girl whose parents have both died leaving her in the care of her uncle and aunt. It's only until her 12th birthday that she notices a key addressed to her. And from that moment, many doors opened, many challenges are met and many lessons are learnt.
Elise is a great girl with an amazing friend, Franklin. Franklin is the type of friend that anyone would love to have. You could say he's very near to perfect. Nothing seems to set him and he is always there for Elise through think and thin. That's what I love about him. He's cute, caring and very childish. However, Elise believes his 'childlike' attitude isn't very grown up.
This is where Elise's locker buddy, Amanda comes in. I utterly despise her. Mainly because of what she does to Elise. It's quite funny how one small mean repetitive action like squashing your lunch every single day can make you really really not like someone. At least, shje got what she deserve at the end. Though not as quite I was expecting.
I really enjoyed Eight Keys. It's a book for all ages I believe. It had me wanting to read more. I look forward to reading more books by Suzanne LaFleur! An uplifting and insightful read.
Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead
by Richelle Mead
Pages: 443
Release Date: February 4th 2010
Publisher: Puffin
Series: Vampire Acadmey
Other books in series: Vampire Academy, Frostbite, Blood Promise, Spirit Bound & Last Sacrifice
Buy the Book: Amazon UK | Amazon US
Rose Hathaway knows it is forbidden to love another guardian. Her best friend, Lissa-the last Dragomir princess-must always come first. Unfortunately, when it comes to gorgeous Dimitri Belikov, some rules are meant to be broken... But since making her first Strigoi kills, Rose hasn't been feeling right. Something dark has begun to grow in her mind, and ghostly shadows warn of a terrible evil drawing nearer to the Academy's iron gates. And now that Lissa and Rose's sworn enemy, Victor Dashkov, is on trial for his freedom, tensions in the Moroi world are higher than ever. Lying to Lissa about Dimitri is one thing but suddenly there's way more than friendship at stake. The immortal undead are on the prowl, and they want vengeance for the lives that Rose has stolen. In a heart-stopping battle to rival her worst nightmare, Rose will have to choose between life, love, and the two people who matter most..but will her choice mean that only one can survive?My Thoughts
Shadow Kiss, the third addition to the Vampire Academy series, is as fiery and better as the last book. Full of light and brimming with power, this book will leave you breathless. And, as you can see I loved this book! Really epic stuff!
I love Rose and her kick ass character. I'll say she's one of the reasons why I love this series so much! Like always, she encounters many more challenges. With not being able to be the guardian she wants to be, a ruthless court trial, seeing things that no one would believe and facing the Strigoi once again... Shadow Kiss cannot possibly get more exhilarating.
Well, it can if we consider Dimitri. Can things get more hotter? I really love all the Rose and Dimitri scenes. They're perfect for one and other but as always something has to come in its way.
The ending is simply breathtaking and very much astonishing. Mead leaves us with an enormous cliffhanger making it even more anticipating yet pretty much fascinating. I can't begin to explain how awesome this series is. I am loving it even more as I read on the books. Get this series and expect to be blown away.
Frostbite by Richelle Mead
Frostbite
by Richelle Mead
Pages: 327
Release Date: October 1st 2009
Publisher: Puffin
Series: Vampire Academy
Other books in series: Vampire Academy, Shadow Kiss, Blood Promise, Spirit Bound & Last Sacrifice
Buy the Book: Amazon UK | Amazon US
Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose…
It's winter break at St. Vladimir's, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy's crawling with Guardians—including Rose's hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if hand-to-hand combat with her mom wasn't bad enough, Rose's tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason's got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks… This year, St. Vlad's annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.
But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When threefriends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price…
My Thoughts
In this second addition to the Vampire Academy series, everything just got even hotter. I was not disappointed at all. Mead took everything to a whole new level. I loved every minute of it. It was just that awesome.
Rose is a true heroine. At first her attitude was very snarky but as the book went on Rose’s character developed making her a completely different girl. She turned out to be more serious and real bad ass. With her training, it finally paid off as she faced off some of her own troubles, battling evil whilst bravely protecting her friends.
More action and suspense was enclosed in the plot. It was much more fast paced and downright enthralling. Probably because of all the Strigoi. They played a big part in destruction and anticipation. It was frustrating yet great reading more about them.
Though, nothing is better than reading about Dimitri. So down to earth, caring and hot I simply LOVE him! Obviously, Rose does too but they have their share of problems. Like, come on already! Oh and that’s where Adrian comes in. Yeah. I don’t really like him.
This was one heck of a rollercoaster. Seriously, I just really loved it. Oh and I really love Mason. He is so not going forgotten. OK! Cannot wait to read Shadow Kiss :D
Across the Universe by Beth Revis
by Beth Revis
Pages: 398
Release Date: March 3rd 2011
Publisher: Puffin
Buy the Book: Amazon UK | Amazon US
Amy has left the life she loves for a world 300 years away.
Trapped in space and frozen in time, Amy is bound for a new planet. But fifty years before she's due to arrive, she is violently woken, the victim of an attempted murder. Now Amy's lost on board and nothing makes sense - she's never felt so alone.
Yet someone is waiting for her. He wants to protect her - and more if she'll let him.
But who can she trust amidst the secrets and lies? A killer is out there - and Amy has nowhere to hide...
My Thoughts
As soon as I read the blurb of this book I just knew it was something special. Even the cover looks alluring. I've really started to love dystopian book and as soon as I heard of Across the Universe, I knew it would be a book I would enjoy.
I loved Elder instantly and just as much disliked Eldest. They were two completely different people. Elder was great. Caring, kind and lovable he can as just be a great hero. And, It was really nice to see everything through his eyes giving us a glimpse in how he saw everything.
Especially when it came to Amy. Revis most certainly portrayed her image beautifully with such simplicity. Amy was a unique character to the book and when her perspective of things came through it made everything even more thriller.
I extremely loved the whole murder mystery thing going on and the question of who it could be with many people of possibilities. I had my suspicions and I was relieved when I found who it was.
No event was more shocking than the end. That was the point where everything came through and made the book even more awesome. I loved reading this and cannot wait to read more books by Revis!
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
by Richelle Mead
Pages: 332
Release Date: May 26th 2009
Publisher: Puffin
Series: Vampire Academy
Other books in series: Frostbite, Shadow kiss, Spirit Bound, Blood Promise, Last Sacrifice
Buy it: Amazon
St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . .
Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever
My Thoughts
The main reason I picked up this book was because about vampires. At that time, vampires were the 'hot topic'. I am so glad I did as the book was so so good well not good but extremely amazing! I just loved it!
Rose a total action type of girl. She's ready for almost anything. I love how she loves her best friend Lissa and they share a strong bond. Lissa is a princess and Rose is acting as her guardian. Because they both ran away from school, they were on the run and well you can guess they got caught and they were forced to head back.
Come on, they had to right and it's good they did anyways or Rose and Dimitri would not have met. Dimitri is Rose's mentor. Because she missed two years of training she had to fill them in... with ONE ON ONE lessons with Dimitri. Those lessons were like the best! The chemistry between them was way overboard. Dimitri didn't want to do anything as he's seven years older than her and her mentor. But no need to fret! They do kiss! LOL. Rose and Dimitri are the perfect couple. I LOVE them!
What I hate: Dimitri! Noooo not Dimitri! No waaaaaay! I just hate how he denies his love for Rose when it so totally obvious. :(
My most favourite quote of this book is when Dimitri says something to Rose and yeah, you got it! It's a heart to heart thing! Dimitri Says: "No. If I let myself love you, I won't throw myself in front of her. I'll throw myself in front of you." How fricken sweet? :D
As a whole, the book is incredibly gripping and this series is without doubt one of my favourites. Richelle Mead writes like a dream so this book is a definete MUST READ!
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
by Stephanie Perkins
Pages: 372
Release Date: December 2nd 2010
Publisher: Dutton
Source: Gifted by Vickie
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.
As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?
My Thoughts
This is now one of my FAVOURITE books! I COMPLETELY LOVED IT!
From the very first page, Stephenie kept me completely engaged in a world revolving around romance, humour and suspense.
St.Claire or more preferable Etienne is so very down-to-earth! The way he is described simply shows complete hotness. I really love the relationship he and Anna have, especially with all the teasing. It is soooo obvious that they LOVE each other and Etienne is too blind to see through it.
The one thing I really loved was how their love grew by time. It was not the usual love at first sight idea, though Anna couldn't take her eyes off him when she first met him. They had their share of moments and each and every one is something to saviour.
This love story is definitely one of a kind. It's not overdone and it so does not drag on. It's very realistic and all the characters have something special about them. Their personalities come through perfectly and that gives the story more of a spark.
I absolutely loved reading Anna and the French Kiss. It just so frickin awesome! I am really really looking forward to reading more books by Stephenie Perkins! And yes, I CAN'T WAIT to read Lola and the boy next door! :D
Reviewed by Iram: Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Beautiful Darknessby Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Pages: 503
Release date: October 28th 2010
Publisher: Puffin
Series: The Caster Chronicles
Other books in series: Beautiful Creatures, Beautiful Chaos
Buy it: Amazon
Ethan Wate used to think of Gatlin, the small Southern town he had always called home, as a place where nothing ever changed. Then he met mysterious newcomer Lena Duchannes, who revealed a secret world that had been hidden in plain sight all along. A Gatlin that harbored ancient secrets beneath its moss-covered oaks and cracked sidewalks. A Gatlin where a curse has marked Lena's family of powerful supernaturals for generations. A Gatlin where impossible, magical, life-altering events happen.
Sometimes life-ending.
Together they can face anything Gatlin throws at them, but after suffering a tragic loss, Lena starts to pull away, keeping secrets that test their relationship. And now that Ethan's eyes have been opened to the darker side of Gatlin, there's no going back. Haunted by strange visions only he can see, Ethan is pulled deeper into his town's tangled history and finds himself caught up in the dangerous network of underground passageways endlessly crisscrossing the South, where nothing is as it seems
My Thoughts:
As always, whenever I read books I read the blurb first. So I'm reading it and then I find out it's the exact same plot as the previous book, Beautiful Creatures, but this time it's her 17th birthday like come on!
BUT, as I started reading the book and getting more involved in Lena's and Ethan's world I really enjoyed reading about thier lives. Garcia and Stohl created a unique splendour to the book that brought out all the magic in the book.
Although at times the events did move quite slow, it did at the end create the atmosphere more giving it more suspence. I knew there was going to be something big happening soon I just wanted to hurry up and get to that part!
More scenes with Lena and Ethan also enfolded. Some were good and some were bad. There was even a time where jealousy was involved. Something very different but amusing at the same time. I love Ethan and how he handles everything as a charactar. He has to be my favourite!
Garcia and Stohl wrote this book beautifully. It's no doubt that they do have a great talent. I am really looking forward to book three.
Reveiwed by Iram: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Beautiful Creaturesby Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Pages: 564
Release Date: February 4th 2010
Publisher: Puffin
Buy the Book: Amazon
Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever.
Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.
In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything.
My Thoughts
Beautiful creatures is a great book to indulge in. It has the most sweetest romance between Ethan and Lena. A perfect love which unfortunatley seems doomed due to the fact Lana is a Caster and has to make the biggest choice of her life on her 16th birthday.
It may seem slow moving but don't let that put you off becuase the events leading up to the end are fomidable. So much drama. Even the end itself has a shocking twist.
The small town of Gaitlin is described really well and all the characters are extremely intereating in their own ways. My favourite character would be Ethan as he is the one who makes the story seem so real and Lena too because of all her magical powers.
It's pretty impressive how two authors have combined together to create a wonderful book. Totally genius.
The part of the story which I love so much are Ethan's dreams as well as the locket which takes them both back in time revealing many secrets.
I can't wait to get my hands on the second book, Beautiful Darkness!
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