Living Dead in Dallas

Title: Living Dead in Dallas 
Author: Charlaine Harris
Series: Sookie Stackhouse # 2

Published: May 2010 by Gollancz

Format: Mass Market Paperback, UK Edition

Pages: 279

Genre: Adult Paranormal

My rating: 

Summary:  
Cocktail waitress Sookie Stackhouse is having a streak of bad luck. First her co-worker is killed, and no one seems to care. Then she comes face-to-face with a beastly creature which gives her a painful and poisonous lashing. Enter the vampires, who graciously suck the poison from her veins (like they didn't enjoy it). The point is: they saved her life. So when one of the bloodsuckers asks for a favour, she obliges - and soon Sookie's in Dallas, using her telepathic skills to search for a missing vampire. She's supposed to interview certain humans involved, but she makes one condition: the vampires must promise to behave, and let the humans go unharmed. But that's easier said than done, and all it takes is one delicious blonde and one small mistake for things to turn deadly.. 

My Thoughts: 
Compared to the first one Dead Until Dark, which I am not a big fan of, Living Dead in Dallas, is a huge improvement. Plot and characters are somehow less boring and more interesting. I am really enthralled in Sookie’s little adventure in Dallas. The story pace of this book is faster than the first one.


I am now well versed in the characters of this book. I still like Sookie. I do admire her spirit and her attitude toward things. Sad to say, I still find Bill very boring. I don’t know why. But, I love Eric though. He never fails to put a smile in my face every time he is in the story.


Like I said big improvement, definitely looking forward to the next installment in the series.




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Angel [or Angel Burn]

Title: Angel 
Author: L.A. Weatherly
Series: Angel # 1
Published: Oct. 1, 2010 by  Usborne Publishing Ltd 
Format: Paperback, UK edition
Pages: 512
Genre: YA Paranormal


My rating:    

Summary:Ordinary mortals yearn to catch a glimpse of one of these stunning beings and thousands flock to The Church of Angels to feel their healing touch. But what if their potent magnetism isn't what it seems? Willow knows she's different from other girls. And not just because she loves tinkering around with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into people's futures, know their dreams, their hopes and their regrets, just by touching them. But she has no idea where she gets this power from. Until she meets Alex… Alex is one of the few who know the truth about angels. He knows Willow's secret and is on a mission to stop her. The dark forces within Willow make her dangerous – and irresistible. In spite of himself, Alex finds he is falling in love with his sworn enemy

My Thoughts: 
Angel (or Angel Burn in U.S. Edition) is definitely one of the unique stories that I’ve read about angel. It is dark and edgy, and the Angels here are the “bad” one.


Plot is the strong point in this book. The story was tackled in a different direction than what I’m expecting with an angel book. I love the fact that the angels here are very different. There are some factors that are similar to the other paranormal story that I’ve read but the differences are very noticeable. The world building is also phenomenal. And the tension in the characters situation is very strong and believable that I feel like I am part of their adventure. The romance part on the book is subtle; everything was taken in a slow pace.


Willow, I really admire her. She is a very strong character. She is very simple yet so tough, an exquisite one. Her life is not an easy one but she did very well. I really love that she is not a whiner. Alex is also an awesome one. He is really a swoon worthy guy. Everything about him is commendable. I can’t help but fall in love with him too.


Although I was not blown away by this book it is definitely a great read. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.






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In My Mailbox (25)

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi @ www.thestorysiren.com

• ENTICE by Carrie Jones [3rd book in the series. It is not one of the best series that I've read but I liked it I admit]
• ILLUMINATED by Erica Orloff [All I know about this book is that it is like a Romeo and Juliet story. Not sure if its a retelling though]
• SWITCHED by Amanda Hocking [Heard so many good things about it and saw it in so many IMM and hauls for the past 2 weeks. Got intrigue so I bought it]
• HOURGLASS by Myra McEntire [2011 debut that I've been wanting to read for quite sometime. Time travel concept is very enticing for me]

These are the books that I've got for this week. Not much but still very excited to read all of them. 

What did you get in your mailboxes this week? leave a link in the comments section for your IMM post and I'll be happy to check it out! 

Soul Thief

Title: Soul Thief 
Author: Jana Oliver
Series: The Demon Trappers # 2
Published: August 30, 2011 by St. Martin's Griffin
Format: Paperback, US Edition
Pages: 339
Genre: Ya Urban Fantasy/Paranormal


My rating: 
    

Summary:
Seventeen-year-old Riley has about had it up to here. After the devastating battle at the Tabernacle, trappers are dead and injured, her boyfriend Simon is gravely injured, and now her beloved late father’s been illegally poached from his grave by a very powerful necromancer. As if that’s not enough, there's Ori, one sizzling hot freelance demon hunter who’s made himself Riley’s unofficial body guard, and Beck, a super over-protective “friend” who acts more like a grouchy granddad.  With all the hassles, Riley’s almost ready to leave Atlanta altogether.But as Atlanta’s demon count increases, the Vatican finally sends its own Demon Hunters to take care of the city’s “little” problem, and pandemonium breaks loose. Only Riley knows that she might be the center of Hell’s attention: an extremely powerful Grade 5 demon is stalking her, and her luck can't last forever…

My Thoughts: 
Why?! Why did she need to end this book that way! I think I am going crazy, I need the third book right now!


Soul Thief is an insane but incredible story! I love this book way more than the first book “The Demon Trappers Daughter” (or Forsaken in my UK edition book). Everything in this book is just fantastic. Characters became more mature and the plot is definitely one hell of a read! It literally made my head spin like crazy!


Riley Blackthorne is still the same tough heroine that I love. She maybe a little bit emotional in this book but it was appropriate in her situation. I am now convinced that Simon is one of my not so favorite characters; I really don’t like him at all at the first book and hate him more now. Ori is very intriguing, though he portrays a role I didn’t expect, I think there is more to him than just meets the eye. But Beck, he is still the same dependable and fantastic character that I love from the beginning. He is not perfect but yet he is so fascinating.


Everything about the story is surprising. The revelations and the twist in Riley’s life are beyond belief. Everything happens so fast I barely had time to breathe. Definitely an action packed read that captured my attention entirely. I savored every page because it is really that good. And the ending, it literally made me scream! But everything about this book is marvelous so I’ll just let it pass. Can’t wait to devour the next book in the series.








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Jealousy

Title: Jealousy 
Author: Lili St. Crow
Series: Strange Angels # 3
Published: July 29, 2010 by Razorbill
Format: Paperback
Pages: 316
Genre: YA Paranormal


My rating:  

Summary: 
It’s a good thing Dru Anderson is fast. Because the sucker chasing her isn’t slowing down—and he won’t rest until he has tasted her blood and silenced her heart . . . Dru’s best friend, Graves, and her strange and handsome savior, Christophe, are ready to help her take on the ultimate evil. But will their battle for Dru’s heart get in the way of her survival?

My Thoughts:


I am done with this series. I tried so hard to like it but I just can’t take it anymore. Strange Angels and Betrayals is an ok book actually but the main thing that I don’t like about it is Dru’s attitude. She is so freaking annoying! Well I can’t deny the fact that she is indeed a strong heroine. But on this book her being strong were overshadowed by her weepiness. She just cried to many times in this book that it irritated me to the max.


Like I said I really wanted to like this series, it even get me this far, but there is no improvement in the plot. I am just reading the same thing, Betrayals and Jealousy’s plot is just very similar. So in the end, I just decided to drop the series and call it quits.








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In My Mailbox (24)

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi @ www.thestorysiren.com

• ANGEL by L.A. Weatherly [It is recommended to my by a friend who swore that this book is deliciously good, so I decided to give it a try]
• 13 LITTLE BLUE ENVELOPES by Maureen Johnson [I just can't believe it that I haven't read any Maureen Johnson's books. So I'll start on this one]
• BLOODLINES by Richelle Mead [Vampire Academy is one of my favorite series, and as a fan of it Bloodlines is a must read]
• THE SON OF NEPTUNE by Rick Riordan [I really love Rick Riordan's books. I truly enjoyed reading the 1st book in the series, The Lost Hero, so excited to go back and immersed myself in the Olympian world again]

These are the books that I got as a present (again) from my wonderful hubby. He always spoiled me with books, so I am always a happy girl. Hopefully next week he will pay for the books again lol =)

What did you get in your mailboxes this week? leave a link in the comments section for your IMM post and I'll be happy to check it out! 

Enjoy reading!

Jekel Loves Hyde

Title: Jekel Loves Hyde 
Author: Beth Fantaskey
Published: May 2, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (1st      published 05/03/10)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
Genre: YA Paranormal

My rating:    

Summary: Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents’ rules – especially the one about never opening the mysterious, old box in her father’s office. But when her dad is murdered, and her college savings disappear, she's tempted to peek inside, as the contents might be key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship. To better her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize, but to save Tristen’s sanity. Maybe his life. But Jill’s accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and compels her to risk everything – even Tristen’s love – just for the thrill of being… bad.

My Thoughts:


Another brilliant novel written by Beth Fantaskey, Jekel Loves Hyde is a dark, edgy and dangerous tale that captured my attention entirely. Though it is not as fantastic as her first novel “Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side” but still this is one heck of a read.


The essence of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is not lost in the story. I love the idea that the characters have the connection with it and that the concept were incorporated very well in the present time.


Jill Jekel and Tristen Hyde is definitely an excellent character. They are very different but yet they complemented each other perfectly. They indeed have an instant connection but somehow the author did a good job playing and toying with their feelings first before they recognized and admitted that they love each other.


Though the ending is a little bit predictable, I still find myself surprised on the revelations at the end. But at the same time I am kind of baffled in their situation or life after. Well, nonetheless I definitely enjoyed reading this one. And I am looking forward more on Beth Fantaskey’s works.










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Carrier of the Mark

Title: Carrier of the Mark 
Author: Leigh Fallon
Series: Carrier Trilogy 1
Published: October 4, 2011 by HarperTeen
Format: Paperback 
Pages: 342
Genre: YA Paranormal


My rating:   

Summary:From the moment she sets foot at her new school in Ireland, Megan is inexplicably drawn to the darkly handsome Adam DeRis. But Megan soon discovers that her feelings for Adam are tied to a supernatural fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that unites them could be their ultimate destruction. 

My Thoughts: 
Aarrgg… That is my initial reaction at the first 50 or so pages of the book. I wanted to drop it, walk away from it and just forget about it. But I didn’t, though I am frustrated about the story it somehow captured my attention and curiosity. And amazingly I was able to finish the book without even realizing it.


So now why am I disappointed at it in the beginning? Well mainly because this book is undeniably very much alike to “Twilight” . I can’t help myself but compare it. Everything is similar, from the characters, to the plot, the accident even the “guardian”. Everything is freaking the same! It’s like I am reading twilight all over again with just a different name of character and place. But even though I am somewhat annoyed, I still had fun reading it. I can’t even explained why but admit it is an enjoyable read. There’s magic in this book that I can’t even comprehend.


There are some facts that I did like about this book. First Megan is a likable character. Yes she is indeed not a perfect one but I like the fact that she is not an outcast here. Even though she is a newbie, she is able to make friends. She is more confident and independent that I expected her to be. And she is not super clingy to Adam, I like that about her.


Adam’s character is pretty ok too. I love his mysteriousness a little bit. The main thing that I like about him is that he is not indestructible!


The supporting characters are given enough emphasis in the story. Aine, Rian, Fionn and Caitlin had enough exposure, not too overwhelming.


Carrier of the Mark , I admit, is a good and delightful read but not in an original way. Some may love it and some may hate it. It is a typical ya paranormal story that everybody seems to love nowadays. I may not like it to the max but I did enjoyed reading it.








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In My Mailbox (23)

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by Kristi @ www.thestorysiren.com

• TICK TOCK by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge [I am a big fan of James Patterson Adult Fiction novels, so definitely I will purchased his books with no questions. Though I am not sure when I can read this one, hopefully soon]
• LOVER AWAKENED by J.R. Ward [I did enjoy the 1st book in the series Dark Lover, so I am collecting the other books in the series.]
• BAD GIRLS DON'T DIE by Katie Alender [Heard good things about the book, and I am craving for a creepy kind of a read, so this is my first choice]
• DARKER STILL by Leanna Renee Hieber [another 2011 debut novel that I am anticipating for a while. The story about the girl obsession with portraits is very intriguing]
• LOLA AND THE BOY NEXT DOOR by Stephanie Perkins [I love love love Anna and the French Kiss, so definitely I am excited to read Lola. However I had a hard time finding a copy of it in our local bookstore. And when I finally found the book I immediately grab it. I want to read it now! =)]

These are the books that I've got for Christmas. Not much but still I am happy and excited to read them, of course! 

What did you get in your mailboxes this week? leave a link in the comments section for your IMM post and I'll be happy to check it out! 

Enjoy reading!

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Title: Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone # 1
Published: Sept. 27, 2011 by Little, Brown & Company
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 418
Genre: YA Paranormal/Urban Fantasy


My rating: 
    

Summary: Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky. In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low. And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war. Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages—not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out. When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

My Thoughts:


What a phenomenal way to start the year 2012!


Daughter of Smoke and Bone is an astounding read that I am so glad I have read this book at the beginning of the year. Everything about the book is marvelous, I just can’t believe that I am little hesitant to read it first. But now there is no more uncertainty, I am definitely in love with this book.


Plot is really good, word building is fantastic. I can definitely picture out Prague completely because of the vivid descriptions. The way Laini Taylor describes it makes me feel that I’ve also been there.


Karou is a very strong, interesting and intriguing character. I love her weirdness and she is very unique and I would say adorable. With Akiva, somehow I do like how he perfectly complements Karou. I admire his imperfections. It doesn’t hurt his personality; in fact it makes him more real.


I need to say that Brimstone touched my heart in a very surprising way. He became the father that Karou needed without the need of telling her so.


The story about angels and demons (or should I say Seraph and Chimaera) is told in a bizarre and strange way. Everything about is very outlandish. And this makes the book more extraordinary. Now I am in a serious need for the next book.








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Cover Reveal [City of Lost Souls]

Finally a cover featuring Jace and Clary! I love this cover. My favorite so far...

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares

Title: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares 
Author: Rachel Cohn
Published: Oct. 11, 2011 by Ember (1st published 10/26/10)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 260
Genre: YA Contemporary


My rating:  

Summary: “I’ve left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.” So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Timesbestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions? 

My Thoughts:


Why, why, why???


Why am I the only one who is not fond of this book?


Why I had hard time reading it, it is only 260 pages!


Why do I need to read this book at the most festive time of my year?


Clearly I am so disappointed in this book. It is my last read for 2011 and I am, hoping that I will end it up with a bang! But sadly, it didn’t happen. I am so frustrated!!!
I am not impressed with the characters. Lily is not remarkable one, too whiny, too immature. Dash is well, snarly, and too rude to like him. I am just not fascinated with them.


Plot is very intriguing. That is the main reason why I bought the book and read it in time for holiday season. The way it was executed is pretty ok. But the characters ruined the experience for me. To be honest, the story did not registered to me much for sure that after a week or so I will forget the story entirely. What a waste of my precious time!








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