A Storm of Swords

Title: A Storm of Swords 
Author: George R. R. Martin
Series: A Song of Ice and Fire # 3
Publisher: Bantam
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pages: 1177
Genre: Adult High Fantasy


My rating: 
    

Summary:
Of the five contenders for power, one is dead, another in disfavor, and still the wars rage as violently as ever, as alliances are made and broken. Joffrey, of House Lannister, sits on the Iron Throne, the uneasy ruler of the land of the Seven Kingdoms. His most bitter rival, Lord Stannis, stands defeated and disgraced, the victim of the jealous sorceress who holds him in her evil thrall. But young Robb, of House Stark, still rules the North from the fortress of Riverrun. Robb plots against his despised Lannister enemies, even as they hold his sister hostage at King’s Landing, the seat of the Iron Throne. Meanwhile, making her way across a blood-drenched continent is the exiled queen, Daenerys, mistress of the only three dragons still left in the world....
But as opposing forces maneuver for the final titanic showdown, an army of barbaric wildlings arrives from the outermost line of civilization. In their vanguard is a horde of mythical Others--a supernatural army of the living dead whose animated corpses are unstoppable. As the future of the land hangs in the balance, no one will rest until the Seven Kingdoms have exploded in a veritable storm of swords. .

My Thoughts:

After reading the first two books in the series, I thought I am already used to the writing style of George R.R. Martin. That I will not be surprised anymore in the story, but I AM WRONG! Every twist and turn of the events I am in a complete shock. His writing and story plots are very unpredictable and overwhelming but definitely in a good way. Since the first book, he never fails to blow my mind away.

Yes, it took me 2 weeks to finish this book. One reason is the length of it and another one is because there are times that I have to put the book down mainly because the events in the book is just too much that I need to breathe and calm myself. So many freaking deaths that made my jaw drop, and until now I still can’t believe that those things did happen to the characters. So many unbelievable decisions made by the characters that are so totally unexpected. Another reason is that I wanted to savor every moment, every pages and every chapter of it because it is just fantastic.

This series is truly epic, now words can ever describe how awesome, breathe taking and impressive it is. I am gearing up myself for the 4^th book but I need a few more weeks to prepare for it because for sure I will be in a complete wild ride again. 

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Book Haul (32)

BOOK HAUL

Last week, my family had a vacation at Singapore, one of the best country that I ever been to. We had a blast, my son especially. Of course, my trip wouldn’t be complete without buying books. So here are the books that I’ve got…

• Cinder by Marissa Meyer (do I need to say more? I have been pining for this book ever since I heard about it. Finally! I have my own copy)
• Forgiven by Jana Oliver (this is the U.K. edition, the 3^rd book in the Demon Trapper series which I seriously love)
• Outside In by Maria V. Snyder (love the 1^st book, Inside Out, but I just can’t find a copy of this book in my country so when I saw this in Kinokuniya Books in Singapore I immediately grab it)
• The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson (Jack the Ripper based story and I wanted to read it. This is another U.K. edition book but I love this cover better than the U.S. one)
• Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally (one of those contemporary read that really had an intriguing plot and I have been reading great reviews about this one too)
• Eona by Alison Goodman (EON is really really good! So definitely I am excited to read this one. I just waited for the paperback of it to match my copy of Eon)

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

Incarnate

Title: Incarnate 
Author: Jodi Meadows
Series: Newsoul # 1
Published: January 31, 2012 by Katherine Tegen Books
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 374
Genre: YA Fantasy/Sci-Fi


My rating:  

Summary:

 New soul

Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.
No soul
Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?
Heart
Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

My Thoughts:


Lately, the books that I’ve read offered a good story plot but the characters ruined all the fun in the book. And Incarnate is one of them. I am quite surprised to find myself one of the minorities who does not like this book because everybody seems to love it. I am actually expecting to really love this book but I just can’t do it. I am disappointed.


I had a hard time liking Ana. I thought I am going to like her as the story progresses but I did not. Her inconsistencies are just plainly irritating. I know and do understand why she is having a hard time trusting somebody because of the way she was raised but the way she acted is just too much. There are times that she acted like an ungrateful bitch after all the kindness Sam showed her.


Now Sam is pretty darn good. I love his weirdness and mysteriousness that makes his character more interesting. But there are times that he is just too kind and Ana doesn’t deserve him. Ana’s obsession with Sam is just absurd considering the fact that she cannot trust Sam completely.


There is no plot direction; a lot of time was wasted on nonsense things like dancing. No improvement in the story whatsoever. No explanations in the society that much and why there is a reincarnation. Ana left her home to do a research why she is a NO SOUL but the only thing she does is spend most of her time dealing with Sam’s music. Did she try to do some research? Yes a little bit not sufficient enough for the story. Any major discoveries? NONE at all. This is just pure romance, nothing else.


And what’s with the Temple thingy? There is no explanations why that is such an important part of their society.


So in the end instead of liking the book I almost throw it off but good thing I didn’t because I know for sure that I am going to regret it because I love the cover and I pretty much do not want to ruin it. Not sure if I am going to read the 2nd book in the series though.


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Legend

Title: Legend 
Author: Marie Lu
Series: Legend # 1
Published: October 29, 2011 by Putnam
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 305
Genre: YA Dystopia


My rating:    

Summary:

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets. 

My Thoughts:

The story plot, concept and idea of Legend are not very original but I can’t ignore the fact that I love how it was created. Though June and Day are so similar with each other, their voices are very distinct.


The writing style is very direct to the point, no unnecessary details. It was an easy read and the way the story was written, the characters really did shine and not just because of the love aspect in the story but because in the world they live in.


One thing that really bugs me off in the story is that I felt that the characters are way too young. Maybe it is just me but it is somehow not the right age though. I know 15 years old is acceptable for that kind of story but a couple more years will make a big difference in terms of characters maturity and in how they think and act toward things.


Legend is definitely an enjoyable read and I will be counting the days off until I read the next book in the series.


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In My Mailbox (31)

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

This edition of IMM is actually a collective book haul. I purchased them one book at a time for the past 3 weeks and I am just too busy and lazy to actually post it in my blog.

I got Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan and Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins which released last year but I decided to just wait for the paperback edition instead.

I already owned and read Die For Me by Amy Plum but I lost my copy so I decided to buy a new one.

I am actually completing the books in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward, and I purchased book 5, 6, and 7 which is Lover Unbound, Lover Enshrined and Lover Avenged.

Also I got Toys and 10^th Anniversary both by James Patterson which is one of my favorite adult fiction authors.

Goddess of Vengeance by Jackie Collins is another Lucky Santangelo story which is one of my guilty pleasure reads.

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! 

Bloodlines

Title: Bloodlines 
Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Bloodlines # 1
Published: August 23, 2011 by Razorbill
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 421
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy/Paranormal


My rating: 
   

Summary:
When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning. 
Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood. 

My Thoughts:

You have no idea how excited I am to read this book. I love, love Vampire Academy series and since Bloodlines is a spin-off, I must admit that I am expecting a lot. But sadly I was a little bit disappointed.


I found myself not liking Sydney at all. Her point of view is just plainly irritating at times. The way she over analyzes things is ridiculous. Sydney is not boring; it’s just that her story paled in comparison to Rose. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not comparing her to Rose at all, but Sydney does not have the charisma that Rose had.


I think Adrian did save the book for me. I love Adrian since VA and up to now I still adore him. His easy going, laid back attitude is still there. His charm is just heart melting. Though I think his exposure in this book is pretty limited and that is just sad.


Story plot is good but not that excellent. It is a little predictable too. There is just too much hint in it that somehow it spoiled the mystery aspect of the story.


Richelle Mead magic in writing is very present in this book. And yes it is a little disappointing but I am still looking forward on reading the next book in the series.



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Angelfire

Title: Angelfire 
Author: Courtney Allison Moulton
Series: Angelfire # 1
Published: Jan. 17, 2012 by Katherine Tegen (1st published 02/15/11)
Format: Paperback
Pages: 453
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance


My rating: 
   

Summary:
First there are nightmares. Then come the memories. Now she must hunt. 
Ellie can’t shake the terrifying dreams about monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her. Then she meets Will and feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. When they meet on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie’s power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Will holds the key to Ellie’s memories, whole lifetimes of them, and she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream. 
Her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. In order to survive, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives, the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, and truths that may be too frightening to remember.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed reading Angelfire but I really don’t love it that much, hence the 4 stars rating. But I liked it and it is really good, I admit. There are few things in the story that bothers me hindering myself for loving this book completely.


One of the reasons that I can think is the characters and their situation. Ellie is pretty much annoying at first. But I come to like her at the end though she still not one of my favorite character. Is it just me? Because sometimes I found her choices and decisions too confusing. Oh well, maybe because she is confused on what she really is, but it does bother me. Although I got to admit that I love Ellie’s kick ass attitude.


Will is pretty ok, I love his dedication in guiding Ellie thru her destiny and I love how passionate he is when it comes to her. His being mysterious and dark is just an extra factor.


Story plot is pretty cool too. I really love the concept of the story. The twist and turn in Ellie’s life is surprising. And the revelation is almost shocking as well.


All in all, Angelfire is definitely an enjoyable read. Not one of my favorite of the bunch but still worth reading.







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