The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Title: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo 
Author: Stieg Larsson
Series: Millenium # 1
Published: Sept.16, 2008 by Vintage
Format: Mass Market Paperback, Movie Tie-In Edition
Pages: 644
Genre: Adult Mystery/Thriller


My rating: 
   

Summary:
 A spellbinding amalgam of murder mystery, family saga, love story, and financial intrigue. It’s about the disappearance forty years ago of Harriet Vanger, a young scion of one of the wealthiest families in Sweden . . . and about her octogenarian uncle, determined to know the truth about what he believes was her murder. It’s about Mikael Blomkvist, a crusading journalist recently at the wrong end of a libel case, hired to get to the bottom of Harriet’s disappearance . . . and about Lisbeth Salander, a twenty-four-year-old pierced and tattooed genius hacker possessed of the hard-earned wisdom of someone twice her age—and a terrifying capacity for ruthlessness to go with it—who assists Blomkvist with the investigation. This unlikely team discovers a vein of nearly unfathomable iniquity running through the Vanger family, astonishing corruption in the highest echelons of Swedish industrialism—and an unexpected connection between themselves. It’s a contagiously exciting, stunningly intelligent novel about society at its most hidden, and about the intimate lives of a brilliantly realized cast of characters, all of them forced to face the darker aspects of their world and of their own lives.

My Thoughts:

Oh! This is one of the surprising read that I had for this year. I didn’t expect to even like this book because I got so bored in the story at first that I nearly gave up. But good thing I didn’t, I am so glad that I did stick to it until the end because the story is fantastic.


Though it was a slower pace at the beginning, I think it is necessary for the character and plot development. I am intrigued with the world that this story has presented. The corruption, the hatred against women, the power trip, and just simply the cruelty in the story is repulsive but at the same time engaging to the readers. I know I am contradicting myself but that is how I feel about the book.


I love Lisbeth Salander, she is one those unique characters that is so fierce and tough, and I can’t help myself but love and admire her. Her calm and stoic demeanor is I think her best traits. Mikael Blomkvist doesn’t really impress me that much but he is OK.


The story is really good too; the way it was written with a steady kind of flow is one thing that I liked about it. The mystery behind the story is kind of baffling though I find myself not at all surprised on how the things turned out at the end. Nonetheless I still liked this book and will definitely read the next 2 books in the trilogy.







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Pandemonium

Title: Pandemonium 
Author: Lauren Oliver
Series: Delirium # 2
Published: Feb. 28, 2012 by HarperTeen
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 375
Genre: YA Dystopia


My rating: 
    


My Thoughts:

With the recent book sequels that I have read for the past few weeks, I have been disappointed. I feel like that some sequels are just book fillers. And because of that I am not really expecting anything amazing about this book Pandemonium ; I don’t want to be disappointed anymore so I just stop expecting.


But surprisingly, Lauren Oliver did prove me wrong! Pandemonium is truly a splendid read! She never fails to captivate me in her lyrical kind of way of presenting a story, truly marvelous!


I love the improvement in the story plot. Upon reading it, the difference between Delirium and Pandemonium writing strategy is very noticeable. I also love the fact that this book is a bit faster pace than the first one. The “now” and “then” aspect of the story is really good.


Character wise, Lena is definitely way better here than in Delirium. She is a lot stronger and fierce, I simply adore the fact that she is now independent and she can fight for herself now without any further help from others. New set of characters are pretty admirable too.


Pandemonium had a lot of sad moments though it clearly depicted the reality of their world. It just makes the story more real. Obviously I love everything about the book. But I got to admit the cliffhanger ending did leave me breathless! I want more!






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Supernaturally

Title: Supernaturally 

Author: Kiersten White

Series: Paranormalcy # 2

Published: July 26, 2011 by HarperTeen

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 336

Genre: YA Paranormal

My rating:   

Summary:
Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees. 
But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself. 

My Thoughts:

Supernaturally is another sequel that gave us a dull and very predictable plot. Sad to say, I didn’t like it as much as Paranormalcy . Mainly because I got bored in the whole story aside from the last few chapters.


One thing I noticed about this book is that there is no character development and growth. Evie became too annoying and irritating for my taste. Her choices are just ridiculous and she acts too childish in here. I miss the old Evie who is witty, funny and tough.


And why Lend and Reth participation in this story seems a little bit scarce. Are they still part of the story? Because it seems like they are just supporting cast that was tossed aside to give way to a new character that is not really fascinating [yeah I am talking about Jack ]. Sorry but I just don’t like him at all…


I was not impressed with Supernaturally but since this series is pretty ok and so easy to read I will continue on reading. I am hoping that Endlessly is so much better than this one.






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Dreaming Awake

Title: Dreaming Awake 
Author: Gwen Hayes
Series: Falling Under # 2
Published: Jan. 03, 2012 by NAL
Format: Paperback
Pages: 322
Genre: YA Paranormal


My rating:   

Summary:
She fell for him in a nighttime world. But the time for dreaming is past—and the here-and-now can be just as fragile their love… 
When Theia Alderson first encountered a mysterious, handsome boy in her dreams, she never imagined how finding Haden Black—and falling in love—could change her life. To save Haden, Theia sacrificed everything. And the dangerous bargain she made could have lasting repercussions. 
Now Theia has returned to Serendipity Falls, and she finds herself struggling with the same deadly hungers that have tortured Haden. When students at their high school fall prey to a mysterious illness, Theia can’t help but wonder if Haden’s control is slipping—and how much longer she’ll have a grip on her own. 
And still the nightmare realm of Under won’t let them go. Someone from Haden’s past is determined to destroy Theia from the inside out, starting with those closest to her, forcing Theia to choose between family and friends and a love that may have been doomed from the start… 

My Thoughts:


I really loved “Falling Under” so it makes sense that I’ve been eager and anticipating to read “Dreaming Awake” for almost a year. But after reading this book, I am simply disappointed, not much but still…


I won’t really say anything about the story plot to avoid spoilers but this book is less intense compared to the first one. The main reasons why I enjoyed reading Falling Under are because of its dark and edgy appeal to the story. But clearly on this one it is not as intense and fierce as the previous book.


Also the characters are somehow not that interesting anymore. I am beginning to dislike Thea and Haden mysterious aura and appeal seems to fade a little bit.


And the ending is just freaking unbelievable, not in a good way though. The way what happened to Haden’s mom and how Thea’s friends were dragged to the underworld is just not convincing enough. It was not done smoothly and also somehow confusing too.


Yes, I did not like this book that much, but definitely I still wanted to continue on reading Thea and Haden’s future. I am intrigued enough to find out how they will survive the reverse role of their life now. Looking forward to the third book, but not as eager as I am before.




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Hourglass

Title: Hourglass 
Author: Myra McEntire
Series: Hourglass # 1
Published: June 14, 2011 by Egmont USA
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 390
Genre: YA Paranormal/Sci-Fi


My rating:    

Summary:
For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.
So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened? 

My Thoughts:


Hourglass is not one of the best book I have read but definitely one of my favorites. Up to this point, I am not sure why, but the book has a certain charm that is irresistible. Possibly one of the reasons is the book cover.


At first, I was kind of turned off by the way the story is going. Emerson Cole is full of angst. She is emotionally unstable due to bad circumstances in her life. Good thing though, she is not too annoying to read, tolerable at least. Her thoughts are almost vibrant with a little hint of darkness and stubbornness. I learned to like her.


Michael doesn’t really stand out very well; to be honest I really don’t get his character. I know that he is supposed to be a mysterious guy, for all intent and purposes, but I found it rather exasperating especially everytime he kept Emerson in the dark. Doesn’t she at least deserve to know the truth earlier? He is not yet the swoon worthy type of guy but getting there.


Kaleb is a very interesting character; I want to know more about him.


Plot wise, writing style is very decent. There are still some loopholes that needed to be tied up more but I found the story intriguing. Though I am not very well impressed on how the story ended, it felt like a little rushed, the story as a whole is good. I am hoping in the next installment that there will be more explanations in the technicalities of how they got the “powers” and the time travel thing.








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In My Mailbox (30)

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

Gifted:

My mom bought me these books. She is very surprised and horrified to learn that I have not read the Millennium trilogy so she bought me the first two books, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl who Played with Fire [Actually she forgot to grab the 3rd book in the series =)]. And then she picked up the 5th book in A Song of Ice and Fire series, A Dance with Dragons, which she knows that I love so much. I only read the first 2 books in the series though but I can't wait to read the remaining books.

Purchased:

• DARKNESS BECOMES HER by Kelly Keaton [I wanted to read this books since it was released by I opted out to wait for the paperback edition instead. Good thing though because I love the new cover rather than the original one]
• CLOAKED by Alex Flinn [love Alex Flinn books and I need to have this one to complete my collection. Love the new cover too!]
• TORN by Amanda Hocking [2nd book in Trylle Trilogy. Switched is kind of an OK read so I decided to grab this copy. And I am intrigued enough to continue on with the series]
• FEVER by Lauren DeStefano [I am not a big fan of Wither I admit and I am hesitant to pick this one up. But I heard good reviews about this book so I decided to give it a chance, maybe I'll like it better than the 1st one]
• PANDEMONIUM by Lauren Oliver [The only reason why I went to the bookstore, to have a copy of this wonderful book. I am very very stoked to read this book]

These are the books that I've got for this week. Definitely, I am very satisfied with what I have. 

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! 

Beauty Queens

Title: Beauty Queens 
Author: Libba Bray
Published: May 24, 2011 by Scholastic Press
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 390
Genre: YA Chicklit/Contemporary


My rating: 
    

Summary:
The fifty contestants in the Miss Teen Dream pageant thought this was going to be a fun trip to the beach, where they could parade in their state-appropriate costumes and compete in front of the cameras. But sadly, their airplane had another idea, crashing on a desert island and leaving the survivors stranded with little food, little water, and practically no eyeliner. 
What's a beauty queen to do? Continue to practice for the talent portion of the program - or wrestle snakes to the ground? Get a perfect tan - or learn to run wild? And what should happen when the sexy pirates show up? 

My Thoughts:



Reasons why I love Beauty Queens


 The commercial breaks. Oh how I laugh so hard while reading it.


 The little info and trivia, which is another ridiculously fun addition to the story.


 How the story was done in such a funny way and also somehow a sarcastic one [though in a good way] that is based on the reality of our current lifestyle, so engrossed with commercialism and consumerism.


 The pirates! Really, if all the pirates are that gorgeous and fun to be with, I’ll be happy to be stranded in an island with them. But on the second thought, I’m not.


 The girls or the beauty queens. They are just not the typical girls who just love fashion and stuff and too superficial but they are more than just meets the eye. The revelations in the life of those girls are shocking.


 Miss Mississippi and Miss New Hampshire are my favorite out all of them. They are so different but I love their character because they are so fun to read and have more depth than the other girls. Well, I think Adina has more depth but Tiara is just so cute…




So piece of advice, if you have not read this book, what are you waiting for? Do it! Because I can guarantee that you will have fun reading it. [Notice how many times I used “fun” in this review? That’s how I really love this book]







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Clarity

Title: Clarity 
Author: Kim Harrington
Series: Clarity # 1
Published: Feb. 01, 2012 by Scholastic Point [1st published March 01, 2011]
Format: Paperback
Pages: 242
Genre: YA Paranormal/Mystery


My rating:    

Summary:
Don't close your eyes. Except when the truth is too dark to bear.Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.And a curse.When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case -- but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother -- who has supernatural gifts of his own -- becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?

My Thoughts:


Clarity is a surprisingly good read. I love the direct approach in the story, no unnecessary additions just to make the story longer and I like that. I do appreciate the fact that it is a one heck of a fast read and the results is me craving for more.


The strong point of this story is both the characters and the plot. It is well balanced which is a delight for the readers like me. I love Clare because she is a tough cookie. Don’t mess with her and you will definitely regret it. Her character is really good, she is not perfect but for the most part she is just normal who wants normal things without complaining too much.


The plot is really good too; it is not a superb one but definitely worth the time reading. The mystery part with a somehow a paranormal twist is such a good idea. It is almost the same as The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting but the differences are very noticeable. It is a little predictable too but the way it was written is just good. Like I said direct approach to the story.


Is there really a love triangle in here because I don’t feel any. Though I really love both Justin and Gabriel because they are so different and yet the same. For me, they are both mysterious. I love the predictions in the end too.







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In My Mailbox (29)

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

• PARTIALS by Dan Wells [heard good things about the book. I am just confused, is this a 2012 Debut Novel?]
• TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE by Sara Shepard [3rd book in the Lying Game series. I am big fan of Sara Shepard and I love this series more than the Pretty Little Liars]
• LOOKING FOR ALASKA by John Green [This is my FIRST John Green book. Well, I've read Will Grayson, Will Grayson but this is my first on his solo works. I know! I am maybe the last person on earth who has not read his books. But I will start now by reading this one, which my friend told me is his best yet]
• ANGEL FIRE by L.A. Weatherly [2nd book in the Angel series. I enjoyed reading Angel or Angel Burn and I can't wait to devour this one. I prefer the U.S. hardcover edition rather than the U.K. one but unfortunately this is the only one available in our local bookstore]

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!