Showing posts with label literature. Show all posts
Showing posts with label literature. Show all posts

Friday, August 24, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #2




Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine. It features each blogger’s most anticipated books.


I haven't posted anything for days! I had a retreat (a Catholic school thing) where my classmates and I were banned from using the internet and gadgets. Just imagine how heartbroken I was when I couldn't read a single book from my kindle.  But that didn't stop me from thinking of books. For this week my picks are:



The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater



Goodreads summary: “There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.

From Maggie Stiefvater, the bestselling and acclaimed author of the Shiver trilogy and The Scorpio Races, comes a spellbinding new series where the inevitability of death and the nature of love lead us to a place we’ve never been before.


Expected publication: September 18, 2012



The Archived by Victoria Schwab



Goodreads summary: Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books.

Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive.

Da first brought Mackenzie Bishop here four years ago, when she was twelve years old, frightened but determined to prove herself. Now Da is dead, and Mac has grown into what he once was, a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often-violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Because of her job, she lies to the people she loves, and she knows fear for what it is: a useful tool for staying alive.

Being a Keeper isn't just dangerous—it's a constant reminder of those Mac has lost. Da's death was hard enough, but now her little brother is gone too. Mac starts to wonder about the boundary between living and dying, sleeping and waking. In the Archive, the dead must never be disturbed. And yet, someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.

In this haunting, richly imagined novel, Victoria Schwab reveals the thin lines between past and present, love and pain, trust and deceit, unbearable loss and hard-won redemption.


Expected publication: January 22. 2013


 

 

 

Monday, August 20, 2012

Recommendations!

Before I officially got hook on YA novels, I read some Adult and Children's fiction as well. I still do read them. I just can't seem to find a particular subgenre of Adult fiction I do like. So, in no particular order, I would recommend you guys to read some of these awesome Children, Adult,  and YA novels I have read since I was like, uh, eleven.

Click on the image to read the summary.



One author who has influenced me is Martine Leavitt. I fell in love with her writing style and could not forget it. I think I am using her style while writing my novel. I could not finish reading A Child Called "It" because it was too cruel. Belle was the first book I read by Lesley Pearse. I enjoyed the book very much and when I learned there was a sequel I screamed my head off and just had to have it. Yes, I have an ecopy of the sequel, The Promise. Howl's Moving Castle, I think, is the only book I've read for about five to seven times. I can never get over it. I am selling my paperback copy of Chinese Cinderella. If you are interested in buying it, please contact me.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday #1


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine. It features each blogger’s most anticipated books.


For this week (and maybe the next), my picks are:



Thorns by Kate Avery Ellison



Goodreads summary: Lia Weaver went against everything she’d ever known when she risked her life to help a Farther fugitive named Gabe escape from the Aeralian soldiers, and her life changed forever. And the Frost changed, too—the Farthers have taken over her village, a new group of vigilantes calling themselves the Blackcoats are making plans to overthrow the Farther occupiers, and the Thorns are seeking for her to join them.


Lia seeks to fight back against the evil and injustice that has swallowed up her home, but danger lurks at every turn. The monsters that dwell in the deepest regions of the Frost are growing bolder and more dangerous every day, a Farther noble takes up residence in the village on a mysterious mission, and Lia discovers that her parents were harboring even more secrets.


As the frozen world of the Frost grows even more perilous, can Lia survive


Expected publication: August 31, 2012



Flawed by Kate Avelynn



Goodreads summary: Sarah O’Brien is alive because of the pact she and her brother made twelve years ago — James will protect her from their violent father if she promises to never leave him. For years, she’s watched James destroy his life to save hers. If all he asks for in return is her affection, she’ll give it freely.


Until, with a tiny kiss and a broken mind, he asks for more than she can give.


Sam Donavon has been James’ best friend — and the boy Sarah’s had a crush on — for as long as she can remember. As their forbidden relationship deepens, Sarah knows she’s in trouble. Quiet, serious Sam has decided he’s going to save her. Neither of them realize James is far more unstable than her father ever was, or that he’s not about to let Sarah forget her half of the pact . . .


Expected publication: October 9, 2012



Luminosity by Stephanie Thomas



Goodreads summary: Beatrice, whose Visions are clearer than those of the other Seers, trains to defend the Institution and the City from the Dreamcatchers. As the City prepares for an invasion, a Dreamcatcher named Echo tells Beatrice that war is imminent, and they must save each other in order to survive. Beatrice keeps this information from her best friend, Gabe, jeopardizing her allegiance to him and the Seers. Now, threatened by both the Seers and the Dreamcatchers, Beatrice must learn who she can trust, and make decisions that may cause her to lose Gabe or Echo forever.


Expected publication: November 13, 2012

Stacking the Shelves #1



Stacking the Shelves is a new meme hosted by Tynga’s Reviews, which is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

Month of August sure is awesome for me. I received some great books from Netgalley for review.



The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa (ebook)



Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel (ebook)



Frozen by Mary Casanova (ebook)



Rape Girl by Alina Klein (ebook)


And one more book I had to have, but I received this around July. Just wanted to show it off.



The Girl With Borrowed Wings by Rinsai Rossetti (ebook)


So, what's new in your bookshelves?

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Five (Elemental Enmity #1) by Christie Rich

Five




Goodreads summary: Rayla Tate’s life is about to turn vertical…again. As if it wasn’t bad enough her mother disappeared under questionable circumstances leaving Rayla to be raised by her aunt in a horrendously small town. Her overprotective guardian is determined to ruin Rayla’s life. She refuses to let Rayla out of her sight or out of the state. Provincial living might be what her aunt demands of her purposely sheltered niece; but, Rayla has other ideas. In a desperate attempt to follow her dreams she flees the safety of her home and runs away to college with her best friend toward a bright future in the art world.

However, excitement over her newfound freedom turns into terror when she is chased by a mysterious stranger on her way to school. When his motorcycle suddenly morphs into a fire-breathing pegasus, Rayla questions her sanity. Worse, the man riding next to her stirs a burning desire in her soul she has never known or could have ever imagined. Using all the will she owns, she manages to resist the compulsion she feels; yet, as he disappears into the night, she is certain he hasn't gone far.

Rayla quickly dismisses the encounter to her overactive imagination. She is determined to settle into her new life, yet the images and feelings of that night still haunt her. To make matters worse, her aunt seems to be in on the act, insisting that Rayla will soon be hunted by a pack of fae lords for a power over the elements she never knew she possessed—a power that could change the world. Quicker than she ever thought possible, she finds herself surrounded by stunning men that all seem determined to win her heart. Why does she feel drawn to each one of them? More importantly, what dark power do they hold over her? Rayla must quickly learn to fend off these beautiful and seductive pursuers using whatever means necessary or find herself lost to the fae world forever.

Review


I would love to thank the author for giving me a free copy of her book for an honest review.

I haven't read so much flirting in a book before! And the flirting in Five wasn't the shy, slow type of flirting. It was the I'll-get-into-your-pants-within-five-seconds type of flirting!

What I thought of Five?

Wow... this is hard to explain. Five was just WOW in a semi-bad way. I enjoyed the parts about the Fae and the Fae world, since I am not familiar with fairies and Western mythological creatures. I can even say that Five is very original with its prophecies and legends, which were very interesting.

Rayla is a character I would love to befriend in the real life. She's funny, strong-willed, a nasty cat if you make her angry. But, I feel the author failed to flesh Rayla out, as if she weren't human enough for me. I had a problem with the secondary characters as well, like they were thinly imagined. I know they're just secondary, but I needed to feel their presence, to convince me they were human. The Fae lords: Zach, Jett, Luke, Taylor, Finn, I think, weren't planned out enough. I had a difficult time picturing out their features and what their personalities really were. I can't see what and who they are  in their dialogue or in their actions. So this really bothered me. I'd describe the men in one word: cardboard. They felt and seemed like cardboard.

Falling in love in a matter of a week or in a few hours? Hmm, I know you get this "pull" whenever the guy is around, but seriously? The romance felt rushed and unconvincing. The guy just did something (like smiled, or shared a little about himself) and Rayla concluded and felt like they knew each other for an eternity! No! No! NO! You cannot just tell the reader that you are in love because of something like that!

Overall, Five is a fun read and I would love to read the sequel. But it had a few lapses because there were scenes that jumped to a different type of scene, which only confused me and had to get over it and read without understanding what really was going on. So, I did have some difficulties reading this. But still, had a great time reading Five!

Rate



Sunday, August 12, 2012

A Strange Fire by L.H. Cosway

A Strange Fire




Goodreads summary: Flo has always had problems. Her stammer prevents her speech and her dad’s abuse makes her life a living hell. Not to mention she sees colours other people don’t.

When her dad decides to ship her off to live with her grandma in the sleepy town of Chesterport, Flo thinks that this is her chance for a better life. But on her very first day at her new school she is ridiculed and laughed at for having a stammer. One student sticks up for her and his name is Frank.

Frank’s body is surrounded by an aura of fire, but Flo is the only one who can see it. He lives in a foster home for troubled teenagers. Flo is drawn to him because he’s different and so is she.

Things are about to get scary, because Chesterport is not your ordinary suburban town. It’s infested by a coven of dark witches who prey on the young and the elderly. Soon Flo discovers that she’s next on their list of victims, and finds herself fighting a battle she never would have imagined possible.

Review!


Before I start with my review, I would love to thank the author for providing me a free copy for an honest review.

Hmm... A Strange Fire, hm, where shall I start?

description

I could not read this book in one sitting. I just could not! I'm actually surprised it took me two weeks to read it. I think it's both my fault and the book's. Why my fault? 1.) Exam week! 2.) Assignments, quizzes, projects, case studies 3.) Sleep! 4.) Fiesta week preparations. Why the book's fault? 1.) It didn't capture my interest right away. 2.) Shut up, Flo!

The creep factor in this book is a 4/10 for me. Yes, there was cannibalism, effing witches, and mysterious murders, but none of them really made me feel any goose pimples or the shakes.

Mystery factor? 7/10! But when the mystery was revealed, I felt too much info was dumped on me that the mystery became less fun and I started not caring anymore.

I did not like how the author described the characters to the reader. Once, I thought it was part of Flo's powers, but I realized it wasn't. Info dump much? The author described the character's by their facial features, which is alright, but then she also added the age and whatnot, which seemed out of place at times and just set the mood off of the story. So yeah, too much info can really lead to awkwardness. Try to tame the description a little, okay?

The story?


description

I... I.... really have nothing to say much about A Strange Fire. I mean, it is unique with all the mood-detecting-power and cannibal witches, but it just did not suck me in from the first page to the last. When it ended, I thought, "Um, okay, uh, how am I going to review this?" The story didn't really stick to my mind, like it was just another book that I will surely forget and not bother to remember.

The characters?


description

Flo is just really awkward and kind of whiny. But if she were real, I wouldn't mind befriending her. Is she a strong type of character? Uh, I think, I guess, maybe? I think she's trying to be too strong that it seems like she is a weak character.

Frank is a very good-looking, horny teen. As in horny with a capital H, O, R, N, and Y! It's like he's always ready to jump on Flo. If I were left in a room alone with Frank, I think I should be very afraid and be on guard all the time. I would not want him to be my boyfriend, maybe just a friend, but not a boyfriend. What I liked about him is that he genuinely cares for Flo and really protects her. One thing I liked about this book is that it's the boy who's head over heels in love and stalker-ish, and not the other way around.

Overall thought?


description

Uh, it's okay. I would recommend it, but not recommend it like I'm some sort of advertiser or promoter. But I really thought, from the moment I read the summary, that I was going to have fun and an adventure. The book disappointed me a little. Flo didn't like discussing her feelings, which hindered me from having any emotional connection with her.

Rating


Tuesday, July 31, 2012

In Dreams by J. Sterling


Goodreads summary: When Katherine Johns starts dreaming about a boy she doesn't know, her college roommate Taylor is determined to find him. Convinced he must exist, Taylor is relentless... until she finds out exactly WHO the mysterious stranger really is.


The realization rocks the girls to their core and sends them down a path of unimaginable heartbreak as they learn to navigate their new reality.

Follow Katherine & Taylor's journey through love, friendship and tragedy in this emotionally captivating debut novel by J. Sterling.

Review: Along with What Kills Me and Faelorehn (a book I have yet to read and review), In Dreams was one of my impulsive sign-myself-up-because-I-have-nothing-to-do-and-I-want-to-read-a-book moments. Same with these three books, I did not read their summaries. When I read What Kills Me I was really excited to read In Dreams, hoping it would be as exciting as What Kills Me. Oh, but I felt like I made the biggest mistake on my twentieth year of living!


This book is too much of a catastrophe! Redeeming qualities? I think it has none. The first page just turned me off! The author, just from the way she wrote In Dreams, just showcased how much of a newbie she is and how much practice she very much needs. And probably some reading.


I felt as if the book was trying to kill me!



It was slowly killing my brain!



And turning me into something like this!



I have two words for In Dreams: unsubstantial and unrealistic. So our protagonist dreamed about a boy and because she felt the dream was too real, then the boy must be real! And her BFF roommate is helping her look for her dream boy after a five-second explanation of her dream and feelings. Oh, but they decide that real-life-cute-guy (cannot remember protagonist's other love interest) is way better than dream boy. But protagonist is wary of real-life-cute-guy because she is in love with dream boy and she waits for him every night to appear in her dreams.



I can't take the silliness of this book! Bad writing! Bad plot! Bad everything! I've read so many badly written fan fiction. And I can group In Dreams with them. A total waste of time! I suggest to the author to read, read, and write, write. And read, read some more. And write, write even more!


Rate: