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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Shatter Me

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi


My rating: 2 of 5 stars


ratings: 2.5 stars


I have been anticipating Shatter Me since I heard about it. I got more excited when the cover was revealed. Who wouldn’t? Hunger Games and X-men concept in one? It makes a very intriguing story.


Now does it live up to my expectations? No. Am I disappointed? Yes, I won’t deny it. Do I hate it? Not totally because there are still some factors that I like in this book.


I don’t have any problems with the story plot. I actually found it rather interesting. The mutant/super power concept is pretty cool. The moral of the story is really good and very realistic, that it could possibly happen to us. I don’t know maybe it is just me who isn’t blown away by this book. I can’t find the reasons why so many were captivated in this book. Is it the writing style, the plot, the characters? I already explained that the plot is pretty ok for me. As with the characters, I realized that Adam is the only one that I found interesting enough for me to like. I love his determination and will power. Unfortunately I had a hard time liking Juliette. I think she is ok but I just can’t connect with her. She is so freaking weird that I struggled a lot reading her thoughts. I tried so hard to like her but I simply can’t.


I found the writing style repulsive, I can tell you some reasons why. Well, the crossed out words doesn’t bother me that much. But the repetition of words DOES! Those repeating words drove me crazy! I just can’t tolerate it, it is so annoying! Some may like the way it was written but for me it was a total failure. There are some lines that make me laugh so hard that I nearly fell off the bed.


- “His lips are at my ear and he says nothing at all, but I melt until I’m a handful of hot butter dripping down his body. I want to eat every minute of this moment” 

- “I’m wearing dead cotton on my limbs and a blush of roses on my face”


Some may say it is lyrical or beautifully written, but for me not even close. Lauren Oliver and Maggie Stiefvater is the two authors that I admire because of how lyrical their words or story are, their writing style is phenomenal and Tahereh Mafi is not even close. I know I should not make comparisons but I can’t help it.


All in all, regardless of my difficulty in the writing style, reading this actually kept me entertained. I obviously don’t like it but I totally don’t hate it either. Adam, Kenji and the new revelations at the end actually saved the story for me. But I am still disappointed. Will I read the next book in the series? I’m not sure as of this moment. But I’m still open on giving it another chance, maybe…










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Unearthly

Title: Unearthly 
Author: Cynthia Hand
Series: Unearthly # 1
Published: January 04, 2011 by HarperTeen
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 435
Genre: YA Paranormal/Fantasy, Angels


My rating: 
    

Summary:
In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

My Thoughts:
Unearthly is definitely one of my favorite angel books. It is really refreshing that the main character, Clara , knows she is part angel. At least it is a little bit different from what I’m used to reading.


The characters are really good. I love Clara’s relationship with her mom and brother and how open they are to their nature. However there is still some mysteriousness left in Clara’s life that needs to be discovered. I really like Christian but unfortunately his character was not explored really well. His façade is well to perfect. But Tucker, oh boy, he is amazing! I love everything about him, his sarcasm and wits. He is annoying but sweet at the same time. I love Tucker and Clara’s chemistry together.


Plot is really fantastic too. Clara has a mission to save someone else’s life that‘s why they move. And then there she discovered a lot about herself and the boy she needs to save, which is Christian of course. The twist and turn of the story is superb. I was surprised of the revelations at the end. I found myself craving for more. And yeah, I am team Tucker for now but we will see if Christian can change my mind. I’m expecting that there will be more about him on the next book so there is a possibility that I will like Christian too.










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Blood Red Road

Title: Blood Red Road 
Author: Moira Young
Series: Dust Lands # 1
Published: June 07, 2011 by  Margaret K. McElderry
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 459
Genre: YA Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic


My rating:    

Summary:Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.

My Thoughts:


At first I had a hard time adjusting with the writing style. Their grammar, word spelling and language are imperfect but I love how perfect it is for their lifestyle. Obviously they are uneducated, so it fits. And once you got used to it everything turns out ok.


Now with the characters, Saba is just an ok character. Found her somewhat annoying and too proud. I know that she needs to be tough and strong because of the situation she is in but it didn’t really work out for me. I hate how she treated Emmi, her little sister, and she is too focused on saving Lugh. As if Lugh is the only reason for her to continue on living, for me it falls out to obsession. I really like Emmi, for a 9 year old kid, she is a fierce one. And I love the mysteriousness of Jack. Lugh, I am not sure about him, his character was not really emphasized well in the story.


For the plot, found the part 1 is actually stronger and better than part 2. However, I have been anticipating more action but sadly it was not delivered that much. I mean Saba is a cage fighter, she is even the Angel of Death, but the actions seem scarce, insufficient. I think the story focused more on her dreams, fear, her situation in the jail room and again getting Lugh back. And then when I think that the adventure will finally begin when they started to travel to save Lugh, again it disappointed me. Oh well…


I can’t find the reasons why but for some reasons I like this book. I am just hoping that book 2 will be better.










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The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Title: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer 
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Series: Mara Dyer # 1
Published: Sept. 27, 2011 by Simon & Schuster
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 452
Genre: YA Paranormal/Romance/Mystery


My rating: 
    

Summary:  

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

          It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.There is.She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.She's wrong.

My Thoughts:


I started reading this book with the knowledge that it is good but I’m not expecting it to be a freaking mind tripping kind of a read. I admit it is confusing at first, or maybe the entire read, but in a good way. Maybe because Mara is as confused as I am. Mara suffered a PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) after an accident involving her and her friends. She can’t remember what happened and as a reader I am really feeling what she is going through.


To be honest, I still can’t figure out how to explain and express my feelings about this book without giving out spoilers. All I know is that I really enjoyed and had fun reading this. And I really love the characters, Mara, her brothers Daniel and Joseph, Jamie and of course Noah Shaw. He is alluring and captivating, oh my heart is melting… I love the chemistry between Noah and Mara. I like the story plot though there are still some unanswered questions and not much was resolved in the story. The book is not perfect, it has its own flaws but it won’t make you stop on turning the pages until you reach the last one. And I am now in desperate need for the sequel…


Michelle Hodkin cleverly weaves together a story full of tension, romance and mystery. A job well done. Now if you still don’t have a copy of this book, don’t hesitate and pick it up.








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Born at Midnight

Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter


My rating: 3 of 5 stars




Born at Midnight is one of those books that has a beautiful cover but the story didn’t deliver very well. It is an easy read but somehow boring. Kylie , our main protagonist, is not a likable one. Found her too immature, but given the situation she’s in, it is sort of understandable.


About the story plot, there is nothing special on it. Too bland for my taste I think. And it is just so ordinary. And is there really a love triangle going on here??? I’m not really convinced that there is one. The supposed to be tension between Lucas and Derek is simply not there. Or the intensity of attraction that Kylie should feel between Lucas and Derek really fell flat. Totally not convincing… and honestly, I’m not even surprised about the very little revelation in Kylie’s life. It is somehow predictable.


I’m not really a big fan of the book but I’m curious enough to read “Awake at Dawn” because I wanted to know what kind of paranormal Kylie is. I’m going to give the series another shot but if there is no improvement, I’m done with it.










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Forsaken

Forsaken by Jana Oliver


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Wow! Definitely this is one of my favorite 2011 debut novel. Forsaken ( aka The Demon Trapper’s Daughter ) surprises me a lot, in a good way. I never thought that I am going to love another YA urban fantasy novel as much as I love Cassandra Clare’s “The Mortal Instruments series”. But boy! I was so wrong. They may be some similarities in the story, fighting demons and stuff, but they are very different, Big Time!


Riley is a demon trapper, same as her father. And in the trapper’s guild she is the first and only female apprentice. I love her character, kick-ass lass. She is weak and she doesn’t know a lot of stuff but she acknowledges it. She has a very strong will power to stand-up and fight. And she is very relatable, though she is different from the rest; she is just a normal girl. Now let’s talk about the boys. There is Simon, Beck and Ori. Simon, I really don’t like him at all, found him too good to be true. Beck is the one that I really adore. Love his sarcasm and the way he treated and took care of Riley. And then there’s Ori, which I’ve been waiting for so long to show up in the story. And when he was finally introduced (after reading 300+ pages), I don’t think he made an impression. Yes, he is definitely a mysterious one but I really don’t get his role in the story. Is he really a big part of it???


Anyway, if you are looking for a good love interest in the story you might be disappointed. Yes there is definitely a love part in it but it wasn’t explored and emphasized well. I think that the love aspect of the story was a little bit rushed and awkward. But it doesn’t hurt the story plot at all because it is so amazing enough without Riley getting into a relationship. Like I said the plot is great, I love the demon trapper thing and their world that Jana Oliver created. I wanted to learn more about it.


All in all, Forsaken is an action-packed, breathtaking ride that you want to immerse yourself with. You will not be disappointed.






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The Iron Thorn

The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


ratings: 3.5 stars



I am really having a hard time rating this book. Not sure if I should rate it 3 or 4 stars. So in the end, I settled for 3.5 stars.


Now, what can I say about The Iron Thorn? My reaction is that I love the first 100+ pages or so, got bored in the middle of the story. Then it became weird, lost interest on reading it. Then amazingly, it bounces back, found myself liking the remaining 100 pages of the book. The reason why? Too many freaking details! Which of course I know needed for the story. But some are just unnecessary that it overwhelmed me. Also I found it weird that folk/fairy stuff was mixed in with steampunk. Some readers may love the idea but for me it is just too much.


The writing style I admit is really good. Though it is not an easy read, the way the story was told is just fantastic. I love she how describes Lovecraft and the Graystone manor. The characters are quite good too. I definitely love Aoife though I hate her name. I had a hard time pronouncing it and until now I’m not sure how to pronounce it. Anyway, Aoife is really a strong girl, courageous and determined. Somehow her mistakes and stubbornness irritated me but I like it because it makes her more real. Dean is really an amazing character, though I know that he is young, he sound and act like an old guy. Now Cal, I’m not sure how I feel about him because I really don’t like him at the beginning of the story. Well, I think I never really like him at all despite the reasons why he acted like that.


The Iron Thorn is my 2nd steampunk novel and now I can finally say that it is not my favored genre. Or maybe I just haven’t found the steampunk novel that will blow my mind.





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Wake Unto Me

Wake Unto Me by Lisa Cach


My rating: 3 of 5 stars




Wake Unto Me is a story of an ordinary girl (Caitlyn) who is having a freakish nightmare. She wanted something different in her life so when she received an invitation/scholarship to study in a French boarding school, she immediately jump in to the idea. There she discovered a lot about herself and the mysteries surrounding her dreams. She met a very gorgeous guy Raphael, who haunts her in her dreams. And of course, they fell in love. Instalove should I say. And also somehow she discovered that she is a lot special than what she thought she is. Sounds familiar right?


Well although the plot of this story is too similar with the other paranormal/fantasy genre books that I’ve read, I still kind of like reading it, but just a little bit. Be warned that this is definitely a slow paced book. I think that the story only got interesting when I reached the final 100 pages. I nearly gave up on this, but in the end I decided to just finish reading it and be done with it.

Now the writing style is pretty ok, I like the historical aspects of the story. She did in fact incorporate the info about The Knights Templar and the missing treasure in the story but I don’t think it was explored well. I need more details, but sadly it was not delivered. It is a pretty well wrapped-up but found the ending a little bit rushed and too conventional. It was like she did that just to have a happy ending but I found it awkward and unrealistic. Though I must admit that I am pretty much surprised about the mysteries of Caitlyn’s life when it was finally revealed, I sure didn’t expect that.


If you want a paranormal, ghost story with a touch of history, go ahead and give it a try.







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Forgotten

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


ratings: 4.5 stars





Forgotten is the most memorable and intriguing book that I’ve read so far. Who wouldn’t be intrigue? London Lane can see her future in flashes but she can’t remember her past. That alone arouses my curiosity. And Cat Patrick didn’t disappoint. London’s life captivated me so much, the story is so realistic. It is kind of similar to the movie “50 first dates” wherein Drew Barrymore loses her memory. Yes it is similar but the uniqueness of this story is how London can see her future. And who would ever forget Luke, who endured everything for London. Every day he surprises London with his simple acts, like bringing coffee and stuffs every morning. You will be surprised how sweet and wonderful Luke is at the middle of the story. Oh! I want my own Luke too!



I am engaged and enthralled in the story that it actually left me breathless for quite awhile. Words are not enough to explain how awesome this book was. I so love it. It is definitely an engaging read that I will revisit sometime soon.





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Across the Universe

Title:Across the Universe 
Author: Beth Revis
Series: Across the Universe # 1
Published: Jan. 11, 2011 by Razorbill
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 398
Genre: YA Sci-Fi


My rating:   

Summary:
Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.
Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone - one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship - tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.
Now, Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Entwined

Entwined by Heather Dixon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Entwined is a dashingly beautiful story. A fairy tale that I enjoyed reading. I felt like I was a kid again. I never expected that I am going to love it but I did, and I am so glad that I read it despite my hesitations.

Entwined is a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses (I think) which I have not read… since I haven’t read that story I cannot make any comparison between the two books. I do like the story plot of this one, the princesses, the dancing, the magic, the evil one. There is a little bit romance involved with the older ones, Azalea, Bramble and Clover, that is just sweet and nicely done. Though I do like the book I have a few minor issues with the characters, particularly the 11 princesses, the youngest Lily is way too young to make an impression. I think the sisters are kind of immature and selfish, their mother just died and they are still in mourning but they can’t give up dancing. They will do anything just to dance. I can’t understand the point of that one, they are so obsessed with dancing that they didn’t care that their mother just died and their father, the King, is at war. It’s freaking unbelievable… I sometimes found Azalea annoying, and she is so stubborn that there are times that I hated her. She actually redeemed herself at the end though. I think the only character that I truly love here is the King. I don’t really know why but I do admire him.

Even though I do have some issues with some of the characters I still love this story. If you are craving for fantasy and magic kind of story, check this one out.




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Entangled

Entangled by Cat Clarke

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Oh poor poor Grace… That’s all I can think after reading this book. I still can’t believe it ended that way. Am I disappointed? Well yes, a little bit but I still think that it is the right way to end it.

Entangled is a hardcore read, it evokes so many emotions. At the beginning I am so confused at the story, somehow getting frustrated. I can’t get the idea how Grace ended up in a white room. She tried to rethink her past through writing, her friendship with Sal, her growing relationship with Nat and her estranged relationship with her mum. Grace is not really an admirable character but still I adore her. She is stubborn and bitch, selfish and stupid. She is definitely not perfect, but her imperfections make me love her more. I am so mad and frustrated at her most at the time. But in the end I just wanted to hug her, real tight. After all, all she ever wanted was to be loved.

The plot of the story (Grace Life) is kind of common. I’ve read quite a few books that have the same story. What makes “Entangled” a unique one is how it was executed. It is different, and the writing is beautiful and easy to read. Although I kind of predicted what will happen to Grace but the ending really blew my mind off. I never expected it. I cried at the end, the scenes are so simple but yet it broke my heart. I really love the book but I can’t really say that I enjoyed reading it. Don’t get me wrong, the book is really really good but because Grace life is so sad and devastating, it affected me in a way I can’t imagine. Reading Entangled is highly recommended but be ready to be confused at first then get real emotional towards the end…




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Wither

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Wither is an easy read book. I devoured it for only a day, with the interruption of my son. Although I read it pretty much faster than I usually do, I really can’t say that I liked the book so much. It is somehow okay, neither great nor terrible. The writing is really good, excellent even. The plot has a great potential but it lacks of action, an adventure which every dystopian story has. Some parts are really just boring…



What’s really bugging me off are the characters. Rhine is ok but she has no great impact on me. Linden is just too weak for my standards. And Gabriel doesn’t really shine; he just somehow fades in the background. The only character that I liked is Cecily, although she is whiner and a brat at least she has the guts to stand out. I don’t know but the characters kind of ruined the book to me.



I admit I was pretty disappointed in this book. I expected a lot from it. The romance is barely there, it was not explored really well. Like I said there is no real adventure on this one, even when Rhine tries to escape. Rhine mostly talks about the bath, the dresses, how she was primped up. I think it was needed to established the story, but not necessary to be included in most chapters. There are so many unanswered questions. Oh well, maybe book two will be better than this one.





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Dark Mirror

Dark Mirror by M.J. Putney

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Dark Mirror offers us a magical, fantasy world with a touch of history. And I would say that I truly enjoy reading this book.

Lady Victoria Mansfield, or Tory, discovers that she has a magic when she woke up floating in the air. In their time, aristocrat families despise magic. But the commons embrace it. Tory tried to hide her magic but when an accident involving her nephew occurred she has no choice left but to save him using her magic. And the consequences are brutal. She was sent to Lackland Abbey, a school who cured aristocrats tainted with magic. Tory intended to be a good student and go back to her old life. But she soon found out that the lure of magic is so strong. Her curiosities lead her to a tunnel where the rebels or “irregular” secretly trained. And she eventually joined them.

M.J. Putney fused together two historical events. And it was done fantastically. I was captivated by the magical ability of the characters and the way they are weaved to two different worlds. Though at some parts I found the story and the situation too simple I still had so much fun reading it. And a little touch of romance sealed it perfectly.




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Starcrossed

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The only thing I know about “Starcrossed” before I started reading it is that Greek mythology will play a big role in the story. So basically I am clueless on what or how the story will goes. And I found myself amazed on how the story was presented.



Helen was living her simple life in an island of Nantucket. Her mother abandoned them and she is living with her father. She knows that she is different and she is trying her best to hide it. When the Delos family transferred to Nantucket from Spain, everything in her life becomes complicated. And soon Helen will discover an unbelievable truth about herself.



Helen and Lucas attraction is not a typical love at first sight type. In fact the first time they saw each other, hate and fury overwhelms them. I am so fascinated by the deadly tension between the two of them. So enticing, sexy and delicious…



The characters are so remarkable. They played a big role in the story. I personally liked Claire (Helen’s best friend), she is stubborn and spunky and she loves Helen so much. I love how she tested Helen’s abnormality when they are young, so hilarious. Her bickering with Jase is so funny. I don’t know why but aside from Lucas, I also liked Hector. He is a bully one but yet there is an unexplainable compassion within him.



I simply loved the plot of the story. The prophecy that somehow involves the forbidden romance between Helen and Lucas and their destiny. The conflict and ancient blood feud between the Four Houses. The demigods or the Scions, and the betrayals. The spin on Greek mythology is so enchanting. The only complained that I have for this story is the ending, oh what a sad, sad ending… I truly love this book and I can’t wait to devour the second book in this series…





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Divergent

Divergent by Veronica Roth

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Surprisingly good! No, it’s awesome! Now I can see why there is a big hype on this book. Yes, this is one book that you can’t afford to miss and you’ll know why after you read it.



I’ve read a pretty good amount of dystopian kind of story and I thought that “Divergent” would just be the same with those. But boy! I am so wrong… Divergent offers us a different kind that will surely leave a mark. I love the society in here, how the people were divided into different groups (or in their case Faction).



The characters are just amazing! I totally admire Tris determination; she is such a courageous girl. I love how her weaknesses become her strength. Four portrays a character that is so fierce but yet someone you can surely depend on. Christina, Will and Al are some characters are that you will not forget. I totally despised Peter and Eric, hate them so much! I think the characters are the important factor in the story. And I am really surprised to know that there is a love story in this but I would say that it was done nicely. It is just sweet and will not overwhelm the readers.



I love the writing. It is simple yet fantastic (if you know what I mean). There are no dull moments in this book. I am simply entertained chapter every chapter. I admit that there are parts or scenes that are too violent for my taste but I think that it is realistic in terms of their society. Nonetheless “Divergent” is a phenomenal debut novel that I enjoy and love.





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Die For Me

Title: Die for Me 
Author: Amy Plum
Series: Revenants # 1
Published: May 10, 2011 by HarperTeen
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 341
Genre: YA Paranormal/Romance


My rating:
    

Summary:

My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything.

Suddenly, my sister, Georgia, and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent.

Mysterious, sexy, and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen.

Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies . . . immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.

While I'm fighting to piece together the remnants of my life, can I risk putting my heart--as well as my life and my family's--in jeopardy for a chance at love?

My Thoughts:

I am absolutely, completely in love with this book. From the characters, to the plot, to the uniqueness of it. Amazing! I’ve read too many paranormal genre books lately that I expected “Die for me” won’t have that big explosion on me. But boy! I was wrong. It kind of refreshes me and this book made me fall in love again with the character, which I rarely did recently. This is the kind of story that I am craving so badly!

I will talk about the characters, why I love them so much! Kate (our main protagonist) and Georgia are sisters who lost their parents in a car accident. They moved from Brooklyn to Paris to live with Mamie and Papy (their grandparents). They cope differently. Georgia became a party animal, going our every night to block her agony while Kate preferred to be alone. Kate first met or rather saw Vincent in a café the day she decided to go out and slowly rebuild her life. Now Vincent of course is gorgeous and mysterious, a deadly combination. Have an air of arrogance and confidence. And Kate was immediately drawn to him. Vincent is the one who could give “Edward Cullen” a run for his money in my opinion.


Kate and Vincent love story are quite realistic. I love how Kate hesitated at first. And then she even tried to stay away from him because being with Vincent evokes so many painful feelings that she is trying to forget and no intentions to endure again. But eventually she gave it a try. Their relationship flourishes as it progresses. I really love how Kate had a crush on him at first, like him and then fell in love with him in a nice pace, not too slow or too fast.


Some characters that I truly adore are Charlotte, Ambrose and Jules. Charlotte because she is like the best friend that Kate badly needed. I love how she is so perfect outside yet has so many flaws and insecurities inside. That is so real! Ambrose reminded me of a cuddly big brother but is ready to defend you anytime. And Jules of course! He is talented, handsome, funny and charming. If not because of Vincent, I will choose him over for Kate. I think Jules has a little bit crush for Kate based on how he reacted towards her.


I won’t have a detailed summary about the plot because I might give out some spoilers if I do. But I truly, truly love the idea of the immortality aspects and how well it was executed. The idea of “revenants” is fairly new to me and I don’t mind mingling in their world over and over again. Plus it was set in Paris that makes it more mysterious and romantic. “Die for me” is definitely a stunningly beautiful story. A compelling tale of destiny and romance, absolutely irresistible!




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Hereafter

Hereafter by Tara Hudson

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


It took me a while to finish this book. Not because it is a bad book, but because I am not really into a ghost story. I thought it is going to be a creepy kind one but I am wrong. It focuses more on the romance/love aspect of the book that I tend to forgot that the lead character is a ghost.

Amelia, our main protagonist, is like I said is a ghost. She can remember her first name, how she died (through drowning) and her age when she died. But she can’t remember anything from her past. Not even her last name and her date of birth. And then she somehow saved Joshua from a drowning accident. And now their lives are now intertwined. And amazingly he can see her. Of course how can they have a love story if he can’t see her? Right! Stupid me…

And then there’s Ruth, Joshua’s grandmother, who is a Seer and she has this mission to banish or exorcised the ghost in the High Bridge wherein Amelia died, Josh had an accident and Eli haunted. Now Eli of course is the guy who haunts the bridge and he wants Amelia as his partner in crime.

Amelia and Joshua’s relationship is a product of an instant connection and attraction. Another rushed kind of affair. I am getting tired on this kind of love story and I honestly don’t feel any connection at all between Amelia and Joshua. Don’t get me wrong, Amelia is a good character but I found her too naive for my taste. And Joshua is too good to be true. I found myself liking and rooting more for Eli, who is supposed to be the bad guy. I don’t know but I found him so cool with his marvelous ability and position in the hereafter.

I think the plot has a lot of potential. I really loved the idea of Amelia and Joshua slowly uncovering the mysteries of Amelia’s past. How Eli and Amelia are connected to each other and the life in hereafter. But there are some unanswered questions that are not really explained in the story. And what’s with Amelia’s “light” effect??? I really don’t get it. And how can she touch, kiss and hug Joshua but she can’t even open the door. How weird is that? Like I said there are too many unanswered questions and I am hoping I will get some answers in the second book. Hereafter would be better if it was focused more on the “hereafter world” the mystery and history of it rather than the love part of the book. But why am I complaining??? The tag line clearly stated “A stranded spirit, a sudden love”. So it is supposed to a sweet and instantaneous romance right?!

For me Hereafter is one those books that falls into the category of not that good but not that bad either. I kind of liked it, mostly because the writing is fascinating and somehow refreshing. I am hoping (really bad) that the next installment would be better. I need more information on Amelia’s past life and her supposedly role in “hereafter”




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Falling Under

Title: Falling Under 
Author: Gwen Hayes
Series: Falling Under # 1
Published: March 01, 2011 by NAL
Format: Paperback
Pages: 324
Genre: YA Paranormal


My rating:    

Summary:
Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she's seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.
As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear.
And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia's not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.

My Thoughts:

This is one of the books that the story plot is too common and similar to other books that I've already read but I still enjoyed reading it a lot... Like I said the plot is not so original, a kinda outcast girl without realizing that she is way more beautiful than the popular one. Then a new mysterious boy transferred to their school. Yeah, stuff like that... Their relationship is also a fast one too. And there are some scenes that is too similar to Twilight...


Theia and Haden is one the most lonely characters I've ever encountered. And maybe that is the reasons why it made me love them more. And what I love the most about the book is the minor characters, Donny, Amelia, "Madame Varnie" and even Gabe. Without them the book will not be as interesting as it is... I love the twist and turns in the story, and most of all the sacrifices that both Theia and Haden can endure just too save each other...


It is pretty well wrapped up but I don't mind reading the sequel of it...



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