[R2R] The Color of Grace by Linda Kage

Summary

Not Interested -- that's what's Grace has said when the famous jock of the opposing team asked her of her name. It was one of the regrets of Grace since she can't get him out of her mind especially that green eyes. And now that she's transferring to his school, away from her home and to her friends, part of her wishes that he remembers her.

But when she met him again, Ryder already has a girlfriend clinging to him everywhere. Realizing that the only part of her that wants to be in that school was already killed with Ryder having a girlfriend, Grace felt all alone. Bit by bit, she and her old friends grow apart because of misunderstanding, her mother is changing-- no longer the friend she has, and her new stepfather acting weird and creepy towards her.

With everything that's happening to her, Ryder is always there.  Noticing even the slight changes in her clothing, appearance and moods. It seems like Ryder knows all the problems and fear she's having, no matter how good she hides it. 

My Review

Is this another story of a girl moving to a new school, then ending up with the famous jock? Yup is it! Sometimes, it gets tiring to read the same kind of stories over and over again, but the the other part of the story made me continue reading.

I was only expecting a young-adult story here, where the characters' biggest problem is unrequited love. But as I continue reading, there's something mo in this story. The storyline has potential, but there are lots of anticlimactic events. Like when Ryder end up crying when he should be comforting Grace. Or when Grace's problems doesn't been emphasized due to love problems and other high school stuff.

I want to like Ryder. He's gentleman, clever p, friendly and he's very popular. But I feel like he's too good to be true. Is there really someone like him. Though I totally loved him in the end, on how he handled things including Grace, most of the times, it feels like he wasn't given much opportunity as the leas character. Honestly,  his bestfriend's exposure was better.

it feels like there's something that's missing. I didn't see the characters developed. The problems were solved, yes. But that's just it. Still, all in all, the story went nice and didn't end up as a shallow one.

Lorien Legacies 1 ~ I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

Summary

There are nine of them who came into this world, along with their Cepan or guardians. They're from the planet Lorien, and when the Mogadorians invaded and destroyed their planet, 9 children who are meant to restore their planet once again in the future, was sent to the closest living planet -- the earth.

 A magic was cast upon them, to protect them against the Mogadorians who are hell bent to kill them. They can only be killed in order. Otherwise, the injury will bounce back to the one who did it. Three has already been killed, and now, they're coming for four.

This is the story of four, and how he lived his life hiding from the Mogadorians And hiding his real identity to the people of the earth pretending to be a normal high school boy. Until he and his Cepan Henri chose Paradise, Ohio as they're next hiding place.

 

Here, now john, experienced to be a normal person by having a real friend who accepts him by what he really is and fall in love with a girl.  Until, john could not leave paradise, even if the Mogadorians are close.

My Review

I  have watched the movie first -- a lot of times, before I even decided to read this. Actually, I chose it as a gift when my boyfriend asked me what I want to have for Christmas. So here it is, a set of the Lorien Legacies. At first, I was glad that what I'm reading is what exactly I have watched. Exact lines were used and the setting is almost the same. But then, as I continue reading, I'm taking back everything I say. I ended up so different from the movie. Well, the major story is still there, but what exactly happened, and what really came to be is totally different. So I was quite disappointed for awhile.

The pace of the story is also faster in the movie compared to the book. I guess iy's natural, but I'm only in chapter15 and when I replay the movie in my mind, I'm already halfway through. Anyways, I'm still enjoying it so I proceed.

It's really a nice story, enough actions and enough history and details to keep you informed and not out of place. Four's world has been defined elaborately that you can believe it's really real. What I just don't understand, is why these Mogadorians after them, they have already destroyed their planet, and they're planning to invade another one, so how come they still want them dead?

Four's character quite annoy me. He's uncontrollable, inconsiderate of Henri and his power gets into his head. Maybe because I'm aware of what will happen to Henri, that I can't blame anyone but four on what happened. I really like Henri and his dedication in protecting four, but he's so selfish that he forgot that it's not just his life that is in danger but Henri as well.

It's a  very good start for a trilogy. An elaborate introduction of what's happening, and living enough mysteries for the reader to keep going. It's not a cliffhanger that would kill readers in anticipation. What I noticed while reading this, is that it made me relax in reading. I could go on and on as long as long as I want just for the sake of reading, but I could stop anytime and continue later, without me being anxious on what will happen next. Except for the climatic part of course! ;)

Off to the next book now :)

The Iron Fey 4 ~ The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Summary

Meghan is now the Iron Queen. That means, Ash can't be with her, as long as he's a fey, he'll never be able to survive in the Iron Kingdom and be with Meghan. As long as he's a fey.

And that's why Ash has embarked to a journey, along with Puck and Grimalkin, to the end of the world, and be a human -- it's the only way.

But as Ash gets nearer to his goal, things come in his way. A legend willing to go with them, a past he thought will always remain in the past, the life he was brought up and many more.

In the end, it will be Ash to decide if what he chose just to be with Meghan would be the life he really wanted.

My Review

If you haven't started reading The Iron Fey series, don't you think this cover is enough to convince you to do so??? This guy is totally hot! It really suits him as Ash.

Anyways, back to the story...

There are a lot of happenings in this book, and it feels soooo llooonnggg..  Maybe because I was waiting for the scenes with Ash and Meghan. And I'm warning you, it's not that much in this book. But I swear! It's all worth it.

It's nice to see Ash and Puck together, working on the same goal. Though it breaks my heart on what's Puck is doing, you could still see the camaraderie between the two, even though it's being hidden behind all their "fights" and "angst" toward each other. Also, I was able to have the opportunity to see different sides of both of this amazing guys. You'll see a Puck so serious, and fill of regrets. And you;ll see a vulnerable Ash. An Ash who love so deep.

From here on onward, I won't be able to write a proper review without some spoilers... so BEWARE OF SPOILERS if you continue reading..

There's a big surprise in this story and I didn't like so much. Yes, it's Ariella. When she returned, and the way Ash acts toward her is so annoying. It makes me wonder, If Ash have known that Ariella is alive all this time, Would Ash still fall for Meghan? It would be nice to know that even with Ariella in the scene, Ash would still choose Meghan. Although, I don't blame Ash that much for acting that way. He had believed Ariella is already dead for thousand of years, and in those years, he's suffering. Though Ariella is nice, I can't help but hate her. Every scene, I was wishing Meghan would just pop out there and end everything right there and then!


There's a lot of action here as well. And not the usual war we've seen in the past books. A very good type of action that suits well in every character. In the end, it became so intense and very dramatic.

The ending is the best ending I've ever read so far. It's better than any fairy tale. It's not that cheezy, but it would make you go head over heels for Ash. He's the best knight ever!

Then, at the last part, it keeps me wondering. Is Grim Ariella's cat???

The Iron Fey 3.5 ~ Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa

Summary

Ash and Puck has been friends since forever. Until, Ariella was killed and Ash blamed Puck for it and vowed to kill Puck someday. 

But now that Ash is on his journey to find a way to be with Meghan, Puck won't let Ash go on his own. Just to make the girl both of them love be happy, Puck would do anything, even if it's to steal something from the scary summer queen herself.

But when Oberon gave him the blessing to be with Meghan, and an opportunity to be with her. Will Puck take the chance he longs to have, if it means removing Ash out of the way?

My Review

Finally! A novella for Puck! I always love Puck. I loved him more in Iron Queen, when he broke my heart with all the pain he made me felt during his heartbreak when Meghan is dying. At first, I felt his pain more than Ash. But don't get me wrong. I'm team Ash all the way. It's just that in my opinion, and I know yours as well, Puck is the best person to fill the love triangle for Ash and Meghan.

And now, a novella on his POV is a great gift from Ms. Kagawa. Here, I learn to know Puck more, the way he thinks and how deep his feelings for Meghan is. And when I felt it, the -I-will-do-everything-even-if-it-is-helping-my-rival-to-be-with-you-just-to-make-you-happy kind of love, it would melt your knees seeing the real Puck behind the prankster.

Blog Tour ~ Find You In The Dark ~ Clay Interview

Clay Interview

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Readiacs and Meredith Walter for the opportunity to be part of htis blog tour. The book was amazing, and so is Clay! So here he is... I am so lucky to have him for interview *blink blink

Bookgineer: Basic Information
Clay: 
Full Name:  Clayton Allen Reed
Birthday:  March 18, 1995
Age: 17 years old
Favorite color:  Grey


Bookgineer: When you first saw/bumped Maggie, what is your first thought about her? Clay: Well, my first thought was that I was pissed!  I wasn't having a great morning to start with and then some girl bumps into me.  She didn't apologize, she didn't help me pick up my stuff.  But she had fire and she didn't back down.  So even though I wanted to yell at her, I was strangely intrigued by her as well.

Bookgineer: In what specific event did you realized you are falling for Maggie? 
Clay:  I think I started falling for Maggie the first time we had an actual conversation.  The way she came up to me and sort of just called me out on my attitude.  It took me back, but damn if I didn't enjoy it.  She was brash and to the point, but she had compassion about her as well.  I knew there was a lot to this girl that I just had to find out about.  Then the more I got to know her, the deeper I fell.  I really didn't have a chance.

Bookgineer: What is your favorite memory with Maggie? 
Clay: The morning in the cabin.  Waking up with her.  Feeling her pressed against me while I slept. I've never felt that safe and secure with someone.  She makes me feel the best of everything.  Watching her face light up when I gave her the butterfly necklace was a memory I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Bookgineer: Humility aside, who in Hollywood or any actors in that manner do you thing resembles you the most?
Clay: That's tough...I guess Aaron Johnson from Nowhere Boy..

Bookgineer: . If you'll not really end up with Maggie, who do you think deserves her the most?
Clay: She deserves to be with someone that makes her smile.  Someone who doesn't drag her down.  Maggie deserves to be with a guy who doesn't make her cry.  It's really hard for me to think of Maggie with anyone else.  It sort of guts me actually.  But if she's happy, I could be happy too.  Even if that means she's not with me.

Bookgineer: . When you're already ok, do you plan on returning to Maggie? if yes, what is the first thing you'll say to her? 
Clay: I hope I can see Maggie again.  It's the one thing that keeps me going every day.  I don't know what I'd say to her if I see her again.  I'd probably just stare at her like an idiot.  She's always made it hard to think straight.  More than anything, I think I'd want to apologize...face-to-face.  I don't think you can tell someone you love “I'm sorry” enough. Particularly when it's the one thing you want to and should say.

Bookgineer: Message for people like you with bipolar disorder?
Clay: You can have a life.  You can find love.  But you have to take care of yourself.  You can't ignore the things you need to be healthy.  If medication is what you need...take them.  If it's therapy...then go.  You have to find a balance within yourself.  And you have to be willing to face the ugly even if it hurts.  Denial is a horrible thing and doesn't help anyone...particularly yourself. 

Bookgineer: Message for people who's considering committing suicide?
Clay: Talk to someone.  The worst thing you can do is bottle it up inside and let it eat away at you.  If you're at a point where you're thinking about hurting yourself, you have to find that person you trust...that person who will listen.  Then you tell them.  If they don't listen, you KEEP telling until someone hears you!  EVERY life matters...so that means YOU matter!  And every life is worth living!

blog Tour - Find You in the Dark by Meredith Walters

Hi Guys! It's my turn for the review so... Welcome to The Bookgineer!

Summary

Maggie is ok. Except for her car that won't start more than it starts and having bad days sometimes, she's definitely ok. Then she met Clay, who is obviously not ok. Actually, saying he's not ok is an understatement. The moment Maggie saw Clay, she can't stop being curious of the aloof mysterious guy and started growing an attraction to him. Everything in him shouts "leave me alone" and her friends definitely sees him as trouble but it seems Maggie is not listening to any of that.

And when she finally succeeds in breaking the new guy's personal wall, Maggie founds out the problem and burden Clay has. At the start both believe that love would make everything works. But as Clay's problem grew bigger than both could handle, would just love be enough to make everything be ok for both of them? 

My Review

This is more than a YA Romance book. It's not just a story of a girl falling in love with the new boy type of thing, it's more than that. This was not written just to make us giggle, roll our eyes with all the love and put butterflies in our stomach. Well, it does that too but this book also give us awareness on one of the major issue of teens right now. Suicide. It is so intense that makes my hand hurt in gripping my phone while reading it. I guess this is the reason why my reader was glued in my hand I can't put it down. The story is so emotional, but at the same time frustrating. There are parts that I want to enter the story just to explain to both of them that hey... he needs help.

The characters are familiar but also different. There's the girl in high school who find her life boring and everything changed when the new mysterious guy came and turned her life upside down. But in my opinion, the characters are the closest to reality compared to other YA I've read. The girl is not the "she-is-beautiful-but-she-does-not-know-it" and there are no secret love of a best friend toward the girl. Also, there are no love triangles that other books' hope in putting excitement in the story. This story is just plain and very real. Though the other characters are just "other characters" they are also nice to read. But still, the story focused mainly between Maggie and Clay.

At first, I am like them. Hoping that they're love is enough to make everything all right. But as I continue reading, realizations come. Realitywise, there are things that teens like Maggie and Clay could not handle on their own, no matter how big their love for each other is. I guess that's where the lesson starts. Those teenagers who are experiencing the same thing, they feel like they could surpass anything, feels like noone understands them and too proud to ask for help. I think this book made a very good point.

But aside all the dramas, I really love when Maggie and Clay are together. The hope of this two is contagious. It makes you hope as well and root for them more. So I'm hoping to read more of this two on the next installment. I'm definitely waiting now and so excited what will happen next.  

Please don't forget to stop by again on December 20 for Clay's Interview! I know you want him too! :p 

Blog Tour ~ Find You In The Dark

Monday, December 10^th                           For the Love of Film and Novels – Review

                                                                A Dream within A Dream – Maggie - Interview 

      

Tuesday, December 11^th                           Never Judge a Book by Its Cover – Review

                                                                Late Bloomer Online – Rachel - Interview

Wednesday, December 12^th                      Book Addict – Review

Thursday, December 13^th                         The Bookgineer – Review

                                                                Good Choice Reading – Author Interview

Friday, December 14^th                             Shiirleyy’s Bookshelf - Review

Monday, December 17^th                          Good Choice Reading – Review

                                                               Shiirleyy’s Bookshelf – Daniel - Interview

Tuesday, December 18^th                          Late Bloomer Online - Review

Wednesday, December 19^th                     Actin’ Up with Books – Author Interview

Thursday, December 20^th                        A Dream within A Dream – Review

                                                               The Bookgineer – Clay - Interview

Friday, December 21^st                            The Readiacs - Review

The Iron Fey 3 ~ The Iron Queen

Summary

Ash and Meghan are now free to love each other. After choosing to be banished that to swear never to see each other again, they are now in the mortal world to find a future together. But with the Fake Iron King trying to kill her, Meghan can not return to her family and risk them being involved. So, Meghan and Ash decided to go to the queen of exiles--Leanansidhe (did I spell it correctly? :-s) but before that, they need to return first to the Oracle whom took Meghan's best memory before-- the momory of her stepfather, who happened to be under the care of the queen of the exile herself.

However, the NeverNever is not yet through with Meghan and Ash. The truth is, they needed them badly, especially Meghan and her being immune to iron. Seelie and Unseelie court are now at war against the Iron Kingdom. And truth be told, they are not winning. Meghan is their only chance of surviving this war. But of course, Meghan would not do it alone. Ash and Puck would be where Meghan is.

My Review

This is like a whole new story with more excitement! But first, let me quote one of Meghan's line in this book:

"... Fairy godmother didn't exist...Besides, I had something better than a fairy godmother. I had my faery knight, my faery trickster, and my faery cat, and that was enough. In the end, it didn't matter."

I think this says it all on the story. This is a faery story but not a faery tale. 

I totally love the Ash in this story. The cold Ice prince is gone and is replaced by a very sweet, thoughtful and vocal Ash. I already love him being the Ice Prince but this one, it's like I want to enter the book and take Ash for myself! Sorry Meghan! I never enjoyed much of the fairy tale's princes, but I would say they are nothing comapred to Ash! The best knight-in-shining-armor ever! and oh! He has the ice gamour! beat that! Also, there's a new character I come to love as well is Razor. He's like an animal pet you could put in your pocket.. haha

Among all the Iron Fey books, this one is my favorite. It's because it tells so much the love between Meghan and Ash. It even included Puck's feeling for Meghan. This book tells a lot on all the characters feelings... well, except for Grimalkin of course! And I guess this is where you could really see how much all the characters have grown from the day Meghan found out about the feys.

Then there's the war. It was pictured perfectly. Detailed and very clear. It's like I'm seeing the war myself--like watching a movie. The excitement was heightened further by the idea that the only chance for winning a war is a mere human. Who in all honesty does not have any idea/plans on how to beat the fake iron king. What Meghan only has is her determination and Ash and Puck behind her. 

But what I really enjoyed more in this story is Ash and Puck's banters. I told you before how Ash changed from cold to warm. You could definitely notice it first on how he talks and jokes. Yes! Ash is doing jokes!!!  This part was when they are in the cave in the Iron Kingdom and Ash and Puck are debating who to stay awake to guard the entrance:

Puck: Why don't you take first watch, prince? you could actually be doing something that doesn't make me want to gouge my eyes out with a spork

Ash: I would think you're better suited to the task, Goodfellow. After all, that's what you're best at, isn't it? Watching?

Nice one Ash! I totally love that comeback. I was laughing out lout after reading this! haaha!

Then, near the end, Meghan did some speech:

"Summer and winter are not your enemies! They are different, yes, but they are fighting the enemy that you hate -- a tyrant who seeks to destroy everything..... Who is with me?"

This speech is better than Snow White and the Huntsman! Really! this would be a better movie indeed! I just hope if they decided to put it into movie, they'll stick on the story.

And at the end, (I want to give spoilers here) this book has been successfully in making me cry. Not just teary-eyed, but really cry. I had red and puffy eyes after!

The Iron Fey 2 ~ The Iron Daughter

Summary

Meghan Chase now needs to uphold her side of the contract. Now that Ethan is safe back home, Meghan is now at the Unseelie court and she's anything but safe. She's the daughter of Oberon, the Seelie king, a half-blood faery immune to iron and now and is now a hostage by the Seelie queen, her father's mortal enemy and her love's mother. But here in the Unseelie court, her love is nowhere to be found. Though he's there physically, the Ash she knows during their journey to the iron kingdom is MIA. The Ash in this court is the Ice Prince. The cold and soulless youngest prince of the Unseelie court. 

Doing her best everyday to survive the winter court, Meghan also needs to prove to everyone of the danger the Iron Kingdom has to NeverNever. But noone believes her. Even when the scepter of the season was stolen by the Iron faery, no one believes her but Ash. And with the Scepter stolen, Winter and Summer are preparing for the war. Again, it is up to Meghan and Ash to save the day. But with forbidden love in the way ,how will the two succeed?

My Review

I'm so excited for this second installment, but the story's plot at the start is getting me frustrated. It started with Meghan reminiscing the past events on book1 and even put a paragraph with the exact words from Winter's Passage which for me is kind on useless and waste of space. Though it's nice to have a reminder of what happened, it's kind of tiring to read the story again and again epecially when I have already read the first books/novella which is sort of a requirement here. OR maybe, I think this way because this is my second time reading this story and I did a marathon (meaning, just read Iron King and Winter's Passage a couple of days ago).

Reading about Grimalkin always made my day. I love how he talks and I love how he always say "because I am a cat." The way Grim talks strongly expresses how smart he is. Then there's Iron Horse. Amongst all Iron Fey, I love Iron Horse the most. You could feel his loyalty towards the Iron Kingdom. Don't want to put spoiler here, but I just wished I could read more about him.

I really like how Meghan was presented in this story as a strong character. Finally! Now, she has her power and her determination is stronger than before. She's definitely so different from the Meghan we saw in the first book. Meghan in this story has lost the innocence and fear of the NeverNever. From just the few months she lived in NeverNever, she immediately got familiar with how the NeverNever works...almost. :/ And the best thing is, even if she knows how cunning the faeries are, even after all the deals and contracts she experienced, she still does not think twice in doing contracts with them for the sake of her loved ones... which I believe defines so much what Meghan's character really is. Loyal and selfless.

I love Ash.I will always love him. But here, Ash's attitude annoyed me a lot. He has full of dramas and too proud. But since I love him, I understand him. I sympathize what he's going through. Growing up in the Unseelie court as he describes and falling inlove and knows that it is forbidden, who wouldn't act the same way as he is? And when he's breaking Meghan's heart by saying they can't be together, my heart is breaking with Meghan's. The pain of breaking was perfectly captured by Ms. Kagawa in her writing. It's as if I'm the one breaking up with Ash! :((

A perfect ending. Though of course it's not yet the ending since two more books are ahead, I just want to say how romantic the story ended.

The Iron Fey 1.5 ~ Winter's Passage

Summary

To save her younger brother Ethan from the Iron King, Meghan Chase, the half-faery princess of the seelie court made a contract to the unseelie prince and her forbidden love to help her go to the Iron Kingdom. In return, Meghan Chase will voluntarily go with Ash to the unseelie court and be a captured by Mab, the Unseelie Queen. And now that Ethan is safe back home, Meghan needs to uphold her promise. 

But on their way to the Unseelie Court, they sensed that someone is going after them. An ancient hunter, older than anyone could remember and very powerful through all the faery stories he's in. And it's coming after them.

My Review

This just shows how good Ms. Kagawa in doing stories. To create an adventure to a simple journey in going to the Unseelie court and introducing such a powerful character at the same time is amazing!

It's nice to have this story. I think this tells a lot on what's Ash is feeling for Meghan and the battle going inside her. He's bringing the love if his life to the his court. It's like bringing Meghan to her death, the thing Ash wanted to protect her from.  

It's a very short story but tells a lot. I remember that this novella helped me a lot in my frustration during the time I was waiting for Iron Daughter to be released. :)

The Iron Fey 1 ~ The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Summary

Meghan Chase will turn 16 years old in a few hours. All she's expecting on this day is a time with her all -time crush, the campus jock. But fortunately or unfortunately, life has to reveal something very unexpected to her the day she'll turn 16. Turned out to be, her best friend for almost 10 years is a faery and the famous prankster of Midsummer Night's Dream- Puck. Robin Goodfellow the Puck! But before learning this, his younger brother Ethan was kidnapped by an unknown faery. Together with Puck, Meghan ventures to NeverNever- the faery land.

And when Meghan thought she knows everything she needs to know about her life, when she met Oberon the king of the Seelie court. Then, she met Ash, the youngest prince of the unseelie court, and fell in love. 

Along with a cat, Puck and the youngest prince of the unseelie court named Ash, they traveled to the unknown part of the NeverNever to save Ethan. But the journey became dangerous in every revelation. Continuing the journey could kill not just the faery she's with, but also the whole NeverNever and Meghan is the onle one who could stop it.

My Review

This book started me in reading faery books. And until now, nothing still beats the Iron Fey series in its genre. The idea was well-thought of and very detailed. It makes you think if NeverNever really exists. Julie Kagawa have created a whole new world of faery with some twists and everyone's loving it. The Iron Kingdom is really a unique idea that won't make the reader say it's a typical faery story. There's no cliche in this book.

Everything in this book will intrigue you. First, the cover. I really love the concept of the cover. Then the title. Iron King? in a Faery story? What's the connection. Then Meghan's POV. You'll just find yourself sleepless and not stopping until you finish the book. And even the ending won't make you stop and will force you to continue reading the next book. 

But of course, a story will be good as much as its characters. And good thing, I love all the characters even the antagonists. Meghan, is the best lead character. Meghan's character is a fighter, though she seem weak and all, it does not stop her in leading the way to the unknown to save her brother.  And who would not love Ash and Puck. My dream boys came into life in this book. And of course, the caith sith! I totally love Grimalkin! Why? Well, because he is a cat!haha He's one of the major contributor in making this story not boring.

It's a perfect book for relaxing. A way for you to escape the real world for a while and enjoy another world, with faeries, cat talking and all the twists the NeverNever could offer.

[R2R] A Shimmer of Angels by Lisa Basso

Summary

Rayla can see people with wings, and that brought her to the mental clinic - SS crazy she calls it. After 3 years of therapy, Ray finally was released. But only few days after being released, she can see them again. And worse, a new student in her school has wings. But when Cam, the new guy with wings turned out to really have wings (only Rayla could see) she expected it to justify everything about her and proves to herself that she's really not crazy and angels really exist. But then, things got more complicated as students started killing themselves and Rayla trapped in between with what seems to be the working af another angel with black wings. cam turned out to be a guardian angel for Luke, one of the students who's life is in danger.

When Ray thought things won't get any weirder, she met Kade. Kade is another guy with wings. But unlike Cam with golden white wings, Kade's wings are dark and shiny as night. And what's more? other angels won't see each other's wings, and in an anomaly Ray can't explain, she's the only one who could see wings from either sides. From Kade, she found out that Kade was a fallen angel, who succumbed to human emotions, and coincidence it might be, he once met with her mother and fell in love with her. Through Kade, she also found out that another fallen angel is causing the suicides in her school for his evil plans and if she won't do anything to stop it, more students would die, and that may include her best friend Lee. 

Together with Cam and Kade, Ray battles with Az, the fallen angel behind all the attacks to stop him from taking another innocent lives. Turned out to be, that Az has plans none of them expected.

My Review

I find the development of the story slow. I was near the midpart of the story and I'm getting bored and frustrated. I'm not sure where the story is going with all the crazy issues of Raylah and her angst toward the world and her family. It even came to a point that I'm getting annoyed with all her blabbering that is going nowhere except that I'm finding her as a self-centered crazy girl. When she started proving that Cam really has wings, she turned out to be crazier. I guess for other persons, that would be some instant realization that she is not crazy, but she has so much doubts and took her awhile before finally believing it to be real. A part of me don't blame her. For years, everyone says she's crazy and that there's no angels, that she was forced to believe it herself. So, I guess proving otherwise needs a lot of time to take in.

Halfway through though, everything went spiraling up. The story got interesting and really exciting. At this part, I'm finally getting a hint of what's the story is all about. Better late than never! haha! Kade and Cam being both angels and one human angel who can see wings started getting intriguing and I can't keep myself turning page to page to know what will happen next. I guess my waiting is worth the wait. Until the end, I was totally absorbed in the story, that I myself seems to be part of the action. 

I'm still not sure who to root for. Would it be Cam or Kade? Well, Cam came first and had Ray's first kiss so I'm guessing it's a hint he'll be the one she'll end up with. But I find Cam stiff and seems that Ray is not his priority. Unlike Kade. Kade is not far behind, though dating Ray's mom before took the romance on them, the way Kade and Ray being friends and being comfortable with each other is a plus point. I'll be anticipating the second book just for these two hot angels :)

[R2R] The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

Summary

Nastya Kashnikov is the new student. The girl who only wears black and stilletto. Nobody knows much about her, except that she doen not talk. Literally doest not talk except for "no," "yes" and "maybe." But deep inside, the girl with selective mutism is full of rage. Anger for all the things she could no longer do and anger to the person who took it all away from her.

Josh Bennett is surrounded by death. Everyone arounds him die. His mother and younger sister, his grandmother, his father and now his grandfather. With all the deaths, he can go away wfrom anything, all people avoids him and he avoids all of them. Until Natstya Kashnikov came and destroyed that "force field " that surrounds him. A girl that do not talk but gives him the curiosity and the company he never though he needed, Josh bit by bit is getting used to her and maybe, falling for her.

But Nastya has too many secrets she could not share, secrets that even herself is too afraid to tell. Will Josh love for her break all the walls she put to protect herself from her dark past or would she let her dark past consume not just her voice but everything about her?

My Review

The plot itself got me intrigued, then paragraphs on each chapters makes me more curious what's this book is about. It's hard to do a review without giving some spoilers because this story is one big mystery and I totally LOVE it so firgive me for some spoilers! There are time that Nastya would say something that would make me stop... "what?!" who's emilia? you were murdered? Can someone tell me what's going on??!

When I'm finally having a hint on what's going on, (that means I'm finalyl getting that Nastya survived a murder) I'm a little bit worried that I won't like it that much. I've just finished reading another murder story and it's quite heavy emotionwise so I need a break from those type, but then I find myself laughing at some parts. So.. this story has the heavy emotion of a murder story and death but still has the time to be humorous... I'm really loving this!

The development of the story is perfect. The stages before the two moved on from their grief gives the readers too much lessons. When the part came where Josh and Nastya has the conversation of believing in God, and that Josh says:

"I believe in God, Sunshine. I've always believed that God exists, I just know that he hates me."

That says it all, it's just a line but you could feel the deep emotion on what Josh is saying and somehow, even if you didn't had the experience Josh had, you could relate. The story gives you something to ponder on. Whether it's on overcoming grief, acceptance or moving on... it jsut says so much!

It's nice to see the name "Emilia" in the chapters at the end, I guess it's symbolizes the acceptance and movin on. Saying this is a page-turner is an underestimation. I got late in my date with my boyfriend because I can't stop my "just-one-more-chapter" promise, then I eneded up staying up until 4 in the morning because I can't stop until I finish it. This is just unbelievable amazing! I didn't expect too much from this book but this definitely entertained me more than I wanted it to be. And the ending? There's no better ending than this I swear! Such a perfect ending!

The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten ~ The Lost Prince

Summary

Meet Ethan Chase. Yes, the same Ethan Chase. Younger brother to Meghan Chase that was kidnapped by the Iron King back that led to her sister saving him and ending up as the Iron Queen. The same Ethan Chase who started it all.

And now, he's 17 year old and no one hates the Feys more than him. The feys kidnapped him when he's so young, broke his family apart by taking her sister as the ruler, and now making his life miserable with all of them putting him in trouble because of his Sight.

In his new school, this is the last chance for Ethan to make it right. After being expelled in his former schools because of the Fey trying to burn the school and other else, Ethan wants nothing but to have a normal life away from the Fey. But with his sight, and a school mate who happens to be a half fey, Ethan finds himself trapped once again in the business of the Fey. And now, his family and everyone close to him are being threatened by Feys he never seen before, leaving Ethan with no choice but to go to his sister to the Faery world for help, bringing along a girl he wishes would never be endangered because of him.

My Review

My favorite feys are back!!! Once again. Julie Kagawa proved that the magic of the Feys and the Iron Kingdom has not been lost and forgotten.

It's good that finally Meghan chase had her happy ending, but sad that I would no longer hear new stories about the love of Ash and Meghan in a book. But good thing Ms. Kagawa gave readers consolation by bringing a whole new story starting with Ethan. I think it's just a right thing to put Ethan Chase as a lead character in the this new series since everything started when he was kidnapped. We only saw him before as the younger brother whom Meghan loves so much. But now, here he is, all hunk and all!

But Ethan is full of anger, so I find it less enjoyable than the original series. Grimalkin is right, Ethan are Meghan are the same, but Meghan is better company! Speaking of Grimalkin, I totally miss this cat!!! No one is more clever than he is, just because he is a cat! Yes!!! The series won't be complete without this vanishing pet!

Honestly speaking, I didn't like the new characters that much. Ethan is always brooding, Kenzie is so stubborn beyond annoyance, Annwyl ends up being a weakling and Kierran seems to be just a spoiled prince who's in love. Before throwing tomatoes on me, please hear me first. This is what I saw from them in this story. Unlike the previous series, we find out lots of reasons in their characters. Like Ash is cold because the way his family are, Meghan is stubborn but brave because she loves her family so much. But here, there's not much of a foundation on the story behind their characters. Well, except for Ethan whom story we already know. Though at the end, Kenzie's character is justified, still, I find other information lacking I can't pinpoint. Maybe I'm saying this because I love Ash-Meghan-Puck story that I was expecting more from the new series. But I'm not closing my doors, though I was not able to be attached with the characters, the story behind them really good and I know this would end up a great story and I'm just in the beginning of it.

Confessions of a Murder Suspect by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

Summary

Growing up from a perfectionist parents, with an unorthodox way of raising their children, Tandoori grew up sheltered and looked upon by people. Every Angels has skills beyond normal. Tandy's older brother is a famous NFL player, her twin brother has been been an extraordinary artist, the youngest Angel, who's only 10 already shows a strenght a 10 year old should be impossible to have, and she herself is intelligent beyond a normal teenager should be.

Then her parents are murdered in their own house, in their own bed and there was no sign of break ins or stolen items. That leaves everyone inside the house as the murder suspect. The Angel children, including Tandoori.

It is not a secret within the walls of the house how their parents have raised them. Strict, brutal with too much expectations. Each of them has their motives to kill their parents, but who did really kill them? And Tandy feels like it's her responsibility to find out who, especially when there are things she can't remember, things she's starting to remember, things that might tell her who the real suspect is.

My Review

My first book by James Patterson and I'm already putting him in the pedestal. The story is very well written with such uniqueness. Written in Tandy's POV, writing is easy to understand, the flow of the story is natural but what totally got me hooked is how Tandy addresses directly to the reader. It makes the reader feels he/she is part of the story, part of the secret and confusion she is feeling, making the reader think what really is going on. I never had a lot of questions while reading a book until I read this. Every page has revelations that would lead you to more mysteries. 

As other book goes, what got me instantly attached to this is the cover, a beautiful girl, with an intriguing title and the line "Does this girl look like a murderer to you?" Te moment I saw this in the best-selling shelves, I can't stop thinking about it. However, I had a moment of doubts from buying it since I never tried mystery and thriller before, ever. But as days go by, the title keeps popping in my head. So couple of days after, I'm in the bookstore grabbing the book without second thought and off to the cashier!

I thought this is just an ordinary murder story, but when I started reading, some parts got me confused. How the Angel Family lives is one big mystery, I have to go back reading previous scenes before I finally get used to Tandoori's life. It does not spoon feed the reader on what's happening. I find myself wondering what the hell is Tandy's saying? "congo grande" where did that come from. But as the story continues, I'll find out what it is then I just end up nodding my head "oh... now I see what that means.." . But I'm not against this, in fact I love the style of writing, it makes me think nonstop.

The story itself is the big climax, there's no high and low in this book but you can't say it's flat. Every scenes are high, every revelations makes your head spin and the anticipation who really killed Mr. and Mrs. Angel would drive you crazy. Though the end was just "ok" I never saw it coming.

Still, there are lots of questions, lots of mysteries unsolved so... will there be a sequel?

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

Summary

In Every facebook status, Josh and Emma could determine what's happening in their lives. Emma is married, Josh is as well. Every page refresh, both of them sees what is happening to them.

The only problem is, it's 1996, and facebook has not yet been developed. So what are they looking at? Josh and Emma are looking at a facebook application on Emma's laptop after installing a CD-ROM that's supposed to be AOL only. Here, they could see their future- fifteen years older version of themselves. And every action they do in the present creates ripples of changes that affects their future from their relationship, jobs, children and everything.

My Review

The moment I read the plot of this, I immediately got intrigued. A love story revolving around facebook??? I thought it would be like "Rosie Dune" by Cecilia Ahern where the story would revolve on conversation through email or in this case, facebook status. So when I started reading, I got confused in the beginning. This is not what I expected. Seems like I missed some major part of the plot. And that is, it's 1996 and there's still no facebook. So, when I realize this is sort of "time-travelling" type of story, I finding it kind of corny. But when I continue reading, my curiosity got the better part of me. Every thing that Josh and Emma does changes their future as seen n their future facebook wall. Even just the minor part of ruining a new carpet has done a major effect in their future.

Josh and Emma got drown in the facts and details they are seeing in their future. Who wouldn't?! So I won't blame them when Emma tried everything to change the future which she doesn't like or when Josh made it to the point to make sure that the future he saw would happen. Then, bit by bit it seems like both are being controlled by their future instead of their present. Their actions are based on what they see in the future, and as long as they see that everything is ok in the future, they don't care about anything else.

Future could be either sad or happy. It depends on how you would see it, but one this is for sure, there are changes. I would like to quote something from the book that I believe is one of the saddest truth:

"People grow apart and sometimes there's nothing anyone can do about it."

It's a simple story actually. A love story with a future facebook twist. But what got me hooked into it is of course, the twist of facebook. I could relate...every facebook user would! Then, as I continue on reading, it would make you contemplate in different things. First, every decision one make, no matter how small or big it is, not only affects you in the future but also other people as well. It makes me think, that maybe I should be more responsible in my words, thought and actions. There's also that facebook issue, that we are in the age where we would write everything on facebook. We write whether we are happy, not happy, frustrated, relaxed and everything. For Emma and Josh who happen not to know anything about facebook at first, they find it weird for people to see everything in facebook, it made me wonder, for other people with facebook now, what do they think when they see my status? I guess I should be more responsible in my facebook status from now on :) And I guess the best message I got from this is that: no matter what your future may be, it should come from decisions that you chose because it's something you thought about and what is your heart's desire. So when you are already in that future, you would be happy with no regrets. 

Covenant 3 ~ Deity by Jennifer Armentrout

Summary

Because of everything that happened in Catskills, Alex knows deep inside that something really big is coming up, and that it would all be trouble. Everything has changed. Alex chose Seth, that mistake she had done killing a pure and Aiden covering that mistake but doing compulsion over a pure. Both are against the law. Alex's mistake could mean servitude for her and Aiden's could mean treason or death. So everything should be kept as secret

Other than that, there are more pressing issues that Alex and the group  they should consider. Minister Telly is determined to put Alex into servitude, the issue of Alex's awakening and being a power charger for Seth, Alex's doubt about Lucian, her concern on how Seth looks up to Lucian, the furies plan of returning to kill her and more. 

But through all of this, there's Aiden who swore to protect Alex until the end. 

Review

First, can anyone explain me what's on the cover. That one with glowing tattoo? Is that part of the body? What specific body??? I just can't distinguish it and I can't get it out into my mind!!! Haha

I would just like to quote Seth on how she describes Alex, because it totally hit the mark.

"Ah, I remember this girl who couldn't follow a simple rule even if her life depended on it."

"The girl who can't follow rules to save her own life..."

When I thought Pure is already high with emotions in everything, Deity heightened it more!!! I'll tag this book as don't-mess-with-me-while-reading-this-book. This book totally owned me! My thoughts and my emotions. It got me angry, happy, playful, frustrated, anxious, disappointed, sad, heartbroken and everything more! This book has all the control over me, no one could talk to me while reading this, eyebrows scrunched together sitting in the corner. I looked creepy here...hahaha!

What I love the most in this story is Aiden is back in action!!! Finally! His concern for Alex, his protectiveness, actions and words totally made me fall for Aiden all over again! I truly understand the attraction/love Alex feels for Aiden...because... I feel the same way! hoho

Seth on the other hand is changing, that part I foreseen. There's something wrong with Seth that's cluing Seth is going in the wrong path. Those looks he had every time Alex got her new marks are really scary. I'm a little frustrated with Alex for not noticing it immediately. 

Then, revelations came after an almost tragedy. And I literally squealed that I guessed right! After that, some scenes really went so funny with the banters of all the characters which made the story light for a while which is good, since I'm already so tired from reading this with all the emotions it puts me through. :)

You might notice my reactions in guessing right. That is because this story is totally unplottable! But since I have the habit of guessing on what's head, this book totally blows my mind from all the surprises!

Near the end, frustration overwhelmed me. I want to pull Alex and shake her until she wakes up from his stupidity. Her hope for Seth is admirable, but nearing the line of stupidity. Also, I just can;t understand how Alex can will keep her calm and sarcasm when everything around her is so serious. I feel like if she took everything seriously, Seth would understand what she's trying to say, but she speaks like her life is not depended on it that's why she did not convinced Seth on what she's trying to tell her. *sigh

Then everything turned into an exciting Greek Mythology story. _spoiler here_ Gods finally acted and showed themselves! And everything went to exciting to more exciting. This story just keeps getting better and better that I doubt if it would stop!

So here I am, staring at my calendar and thinking how long April 2013 is from today for the next book... *sigh

Covenant 2 ~ Pure by Jennifer Armentrout

Summary

"Listen to me, child. Fate is afoot. Things cannot be undone. Fate has looked into the past and into the future. History is on repeat, but this is the time to press 'stop.' To change everything" -Grandma Piperi

"I ain't nothing no more. You must see what I've shown you. Hear what I have spoken. Nothing is what it seems. Evil hides in the shadows, plotting its plans while you fear the daimons. -Grandma Piperi

"You should fear those who follow the old ways. Those who do not seek change and cannot allow things to continue as they are. And what a path, what a path the Powers have chosen. The end, the end is near. He, will see to it." - Grandma Piper

These words of the oracle tells everything on what would happen in this story. 

Summary

Of all the oracle characters I have read, Grandma Piperi is the best! Why? Well, it's because I honestly do not know what she's talking about! I can't even guess! For the other I have read, most of them are quite clear on what they are saying in their prophecy. But with grandma Piperi, instead of making me know what the future holds, I got more confused! Way to go Grandma Piperi!!!

Now that Seth is everywhere Alex is. I grew to like him. I'm in the brink of choosing Seth over Aiden for Alex! However, there's the magic of forbidden love, that no matter how good the other guy is, I have this tendency to root for it wishing for a happy-ever-after just to prove that love conquers all! But in the meantime, while Aiden is MIA, I'll enjoy Seth! Haha!

Seth turned from being the arrogant to a very sweet person.... but still arrogant! His smugness keeps the story entertaining, specially when she is with Alex. But no matter how I want to root for Seth, there's this part of confusion if he is with Alex because he needed to or he wanted to. Just like what Grandma Piperi mentioned in Half-blood. Also, there's Aiden with that habit of saying something big and sweet then suddenly leaves, leaving you thinking all day what the hell was that! and boy! Aiden's words are totally sweet making me forget everything about Seth!!! Alex! why are you so lucky??!! haha!

Every characters, little or big has very important part in the story. I love the story, but sometimes I feel it's too cruel. A lot of persons are dying, first, Alex's mother, then more. It's just as I've said, all the characters get into you, and when I'm already used with them, already loving them as if they're real persons... poof! aw! this story is really making me cry :(

The emotions in this story is very high, and it goes higher and higher it never stops until the end! Emotions and tensions are always present in this book. It made me tired all throughout with my fast heartbeat!!! 

Covenant 0.5 ~ Daimon by Jennifer Armentrout

Summary

A novella revolving around Alex's life before she returned to the Covenant. She speaks of her life living in the mortal world. The places they went to, the friends she met and how no matter how she tries, somehow she just can't fit in the mortal world. We also had a glimpse of how her mother really was before she became a daimon and what really happened before everything broke loose.

Review

This is a very short story, only 394 pages in my iPhone. But no matter how short it is, I totally loved Ms. Jennifer for this part. As I mentioned before in my review for Half-blood, Half-blood started right in its momentum, in the middle of an action scene. Daimon is the missing part of Chapter 1 of Daimon. It's nice to know Alex' "before half-blood" I guess I was wrong to read Half-blood first before reading this. :(

Through Daimon, I had a better understanding of Alex and even her mother. What their life was like in the mortal world and how Alex get through with the escapades without exactly knowing what is going on. And when the heartbreaking part came, that tells what happened to her mother, how Alex killed a Daimon that killed her mon and ran away from the other daimons to save her life and everything, I myself was heartbroken. Too see your mother die knowing that she was dying right before your eves is so heart-wrenching.

Covenant 1 ~ Half-Blood by Jennifer Armentrout

Summary

Must-know before reading:

1. Hematoi - qnother term for Pure (not sure about this :()

2. Pure - Offsprings of two Hematoi

3. Half-blood - Offsprings of a Hematoi and a mortal

4. Offsprings of the halfs are useless in this world, they are treated like mortals

4. Aether - spirit/soul within the Pure and half-bloods. Pure has more aether than the half-bloods

5. Daimon - Evil creatures that sucks aether from pure and half-bloods. It is believed that Daimon are originally Pure who turned into dark side. They are vulnerable in the water.

6. Covenant - the training grounds for pures and halfs to be a sentinel or guards

7. Only Pures can be turned into Daimon

8. Half-bloods has either two future. One is becoming a sentinel/guard by training in the convenant, or be put into servitude and become a lifeless slave for the Pures

9. How to turn a pure into a daimon - "a daimon placed their lips on the drained pure's, shared some of their aether and- voila!- brand spankin' new daemon."

10. Halfs could see what the daimon really look like, pures cannot.

11. Pures and half heal quickly

12. Pures and halfs are not immortal

13. It is forbidden for pure and half to be in love.

Other must-know:

1. Alexandria is a half-blood, her mother is a pure and her father is a mortal she never met. Her stepfather Lucian is is currently a minister which is the most powerful position in the council.

2. Alexandria's mother was killed by a daimon

3. Aiden is a pure and is now a Sentinel

4. Alexandria is totally attracted to Aiden.

My Review

I heard a lot of good reviews about this series before but every time I'm planning to read it, it's either I get lazy or I suddenly become too busy. So now, finally, I get to read the first book. And I regretted every chance I had that I let to pass. It's a one-you-started-you-can't-stop-even-to-eat-or-sleep kind of book. Right from the start, there's already action. It's like the story started immediately on its momentum without warming up. And oh! by the way, if you want to read chapter 1 and chapter 2 of this book on Aiden's POV, visit here: http://www.jenniferarmentrout.com/extras/chapter-1-of-half-blood-from-aidens-pov/

At first I'm quire confuse with the settings of the story and overwhelmed with out-of-this-world terms. That's why I have to enumerate the important facts in my summary, to help myself and you guys to lessen the confusion. At first, I have to go back few pages every time I don't understand something, and those pages are those written above. But once I get into it..woah! I totally enjoyed it. I got wrapped up in Alex's world that I don't want to get out anymore!haha! And when I'm getting used with the facts, suddenly, things change that will rock every one's world.

I hate Alex but like her at the same time. She's so stubborn, reckless and uncontrollable. She doesn't know when to stop and does not care if she gets into more trouble when she's already in trouble. You know what I mean? But still, she's consistent. She's not the typical heroine that changes her behavior in every situation. If she's stubborn, she's stubborn all the way! and that's what I like about her. She has this braveness and boldness that no other half have, maybe that's why other pures love her. 

Aiden, I want to love him. Gush over him and everything. He has the potential, but since the story id through Alex' POV, I wasn't able to get to know him more. Good thing there are extras on Ms. Jennifer's blog where we could have some bits of his mind. 

I root for Aiden and Alex of course! This is the kind of story that I prefer. Innocent but still sexy. haha! The story does not revolve around the making making out. There's actually a story around them, and when they make out, it's something so important for the story and is definitly hot! Speaking of, if you want another Aiden's thoughts, on chapter 16 here it is: http://www.jenniferarmentrout.com/extras/aidens-pov-chapter-16/

The story is really plottable, the story has this pattern that when big events or twists lies ahead, an introduction subtly cluing what would happen next. For example, with the apollyon thing, before the apollyon is introduced there's the book that Aiden gave to Alex. Right there, you'll know what would happen nest. But I guess that is something unavoidable. With a story with all the terms only for this story, you have to present all the details before introducing something without making the readers more confuse.