Book Review: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

(5 stars)

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything- including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

As much as I read many people hating this book(based on reviews) I still loved it! <3

I can't believe it! Two books in a row, both 5 stars! :D This is my lucky day. After a few days of reading the book, I appreciate and adore the eyebags it left at its wake. Because trying to stay up all night just to finish the book was worth every kilowatt energy I can produce.

Calla, a female alpha wolf of the Nightshade pack was betrothed to fellow alpha, Renier Laroche of the Bane pack. Calla is now facing the most important part in her life and in her future pack's life. The union will finally form Calla and Ren's new pack. But how will Shay, a new human in the school, whom Calla saved, alter her decisions and beliefs in life.Will she fulfill her duty and stay with Ren to protect and serve her Keeper, or will she, for once in her life, choose to follow not her master's orders but her heart's command?

Saying the term "I love it" is not enough. It was so pleasing in many angles and addictive that I couldn't dare let myself stop reading. Finally, after a few months of not being completely enthralled. Once again, I have found my new love.

Nightshade really piqued my interest because of the story plot, it had a different style than most books about werewolves. It this book, the werewolves are called "Guardians" and they protect the "Keepers", since it's something new, I wanted to try it.

The characters were very intriguing. Cremer didn't describe the characters in strict detail, but their personality  and attitudes were more revealing than their physical appearance. I felt like I knew them personally, which made me love them more.

Calla is a very inspiring heroine, she loves her family, friends and her pack and she would risk anything for them. Although very orthodox, I still find her awesome.

Ren really isn't that bad either. Under the very VERY thick arrogant face, is a man of a sensitive heart. It's fun to see him boasting that Calla is his. Arrogant but cute, cocky and jealous but still cute. He was very vulnerable when the book was near the ending, I'm interested to what will happen with him and Calla in the end.

And Shay, he is just freaking adorable. I usually don't like a kid-brother figure as the leading man, but he was just a cute little thing >.< I like his sweetness and humor. He's kind of the ideal guy to me.

Although, I gotta admit that Cremer had a lot of guts featuring gay relationships in the story (which I admire), I read other books featuring gays but I like the way Cremer made it more casual and carefree. This is a very sensitive topic to many people, and I hope I don't offend anyone by saying this but: Gays are very normal and wonderful people. They are great friends with a joyful personalities, many people misunderstand them, heck sometimes I don't even get them. But as pinoys says "walang basagan ng trip". If you have nothing good to say, you might as well shut up so that you won't hurt others.

Overall I think Andrea Cremer made a good job, and I can't wait to read the sequel.

Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

DIVERGENT BY VERONICA ROTH

(5 STARS)

Oh my Gawd! Dude, this is too good to be true! >.<

In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.

Beatrice Prior had made the decision that will forever change her life. Choosing Dauntless, she now left her old family and past to make a new life among the Dauntless. There she met Four, one of their trainers for initiates, she learns to be brave, to fight and protect not just for herself but also for those around her. But as her training continues, she learns the deep secret that the faction leaders has kept hidden from everyone, which will make the factions much more enigmatic than what she really thought.

WOW. Just WOW.

This kind of story makes me remember the hunger games and the Delirium trilogy. Although the style is almost the same, there’s something about Divergent that makes it so special. The factions itself was amusing. Abnegnation for the selflessness. Erudite for knowledge seeker, Candor for the honest. Dauntless for the brave and Amity for the righteous. The complexity of the book is what makes it amazing, it’s like you love it, but you don’t have the proper words to actually describe it, it's the feeling I got when I was reading it reading it.

I especially like the fight scenes in the book, don't get me wrong i'm not a violent kind of person, but the different fighting styles are interesting. My most favorite fight scene is when Beatrice beat Molly up (I'm kinda biased on this one), really raw, it's like I can feel what Tris is feeling. And mostly I can't forget that part where Tris jumped of a 100 storey building, makes me want to bungee jump too. Well, it isn't really a bungee jump, but it was close to it.

Having Dauntless as a headquarter is awesome, I kept imagining what it would really look like in person. It is a bit eerie, because it's dark and hidden in a cave, but gawd. It would be much more awesome than an ordinary field trip.

Beatrice was cool, I liked her but not that much. Her name change to “Tris” was a great move, made her a bit more edgy and perfect for her attitude. I can’t say that I like her arrogance against showing vulnerability, but it is endearing. Most of the time, I really like Tris’ personality, her perfect blend of selflessness, inquisitiveness, and courage made her very admirable. Most of the time anyways, because when she's not "acting" like a divergent. She just seemed like a simple girl.

Four/Tobias is also cool, but like Tris, I don’t like him that much too. He seemed like the loner-don’t-talk-to-me type that became open when the heroine came. Although he did seem like a hot guy. >.< He didn’t appeal that much to, his past was half predictable and his bossiness or coldness when he’s with Tris in public is actually normal, in his loner type. He’s also a bit of jerk, but not a jerk enough to make me want to pull his eyes out.

As for the other characters, Uriah is my most favorite and Eric is the most hated-but-cool character. I know that Tobias is the match for Tris, but Uriah is eye-catching, he isn't featured much in the book but I kept hoping that somehow he was Tris' match (but i'm not sad that Tris' matched with Tobias). And Eric... I noticed that in books some bad guys are always named "Eric"... anyways, he is so bad ass. His look is scary but that's what makes him noticeable, unlike Peter. Pffft. He looked like a nerd to me.

I don’t really love the characters as much as I did to my other favorites, they were just plain to me. The plot was what made this book a Five star worthy review. The secrets and twist in the story was just surprising, there were many things that were happening that I can’t let myself to stop reading it.

And right now, I can’t wait to read insurgent :)

Book Review: Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

Book Review: Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

(3 Stars)

I'm a bit disappointed but at least it wasn't horrible--ish.

COVER OPINION: The cover was awesome, and it's a sure eye-candy. Based on the title, I thought that the girl was the one who is 'strange and deadly'. Creepy trees, a weird poker face from the girl equals interest piqued.

FIRST OPINION: *reading a book review* this looks awesome...

AFTER OPINION: *Last page was finished* Humph... *stands up and leaves*

Eleanor Fitt, of the Philadelphia Fitts is now a near outcast, with a determined mother by her side, her family struggles to come back in high society. Eleanor isn't interested in coming back into society, because she is in search of her missing brother who hasn't come back on his due date to come home. Not only was her brother missing but his last telegram wasn't delivered by human being but of the Dead. Still trying to find her brother, she seeks the help of the spirit-hunters--a group of people who hunt the Dead--she then does her best to find her brother, while the dark secrets of the past unfold on her search.

I'm a bit dramatic, yeah, but I just had high hopes for this book, something was missing.

I'll give plus points for an original plot. I never encountered this kind of antagonist yet. Zombies that are actually scary when you read how they're described(especially when you're reading in the middle of the night). These zombies are called the Dead, and some of this corpses are called the Hungry because they are rabid and faster than a normal walking corpses. These walking corpses are being controlled by an unknown necromancer. The detailing was good, the hairs on my skin raised when Dennard talks about the Dead. Really imaginative and playful (but sometimes it only leaves me up at night thinking about corpses)

The lovestory was nice. The pace was very respectable, Eleanor and Daniel were very amusing to read. Eleanor had an obvious attraction, and it's funny how they quarrel. Daniel was great. Sarcastic, direct and a bit of a snob.

Eleanor was a bit naive and clever, she can understand situations where she knows when and where she should be brave. Although she is emotionally impulsive. She has a strategic mind that knows what to do, she cant handle stress in hard situations, not one of my favorite heroines, but one of the most bravest and clever girls I've ever read.

Daniel was definitely amusing, humor is what I like most about him, when he always teases Eleanor, I can't help but have a smile on my face. But I'm a little pissed off because he's a bit numb towards girl's feelings, and that is a major turn off for him.

It wasn't a big disappointment, but I really expected more from this... it was lacking something... originality is there and romance was minimal but amusing, but it felt too easy to expect what would happen, I felt that it was too predictable, I had two suspects who the mysterious necromancer was, they were both a bit weird and suspicious. Turns out I was right, with one of them, and poof, the story was finished. Although I didn't expect the ending, so that turned out great.

Maybe I would give it 4 stars if the antagonist was unreal, and skeptical. I still have high hopes, and i'm still hoping(with crossed fingers) that the sequel will be better. :))

Book Review: Indebted(Premonition #3) by Amy Bartol

Indebted (Premonition #3) by Amy Bartol
(4.5 Stars)

I hang my head in sorrow for just a moment when I know I am truly alone. I feel like I’m going to my execution, just as he had said. Then I move forward again. I hop a fence of fieldstone and cross a field dotted with Queen Anne’s lace. Goose bumps rise on my arms as I pass the cluster of windmills that I have seen in a dream. The scent is sweet in the field though, not the scent of heat, like it had been when it was forced upon me in visions. I gaze down the hill, beyond the small, whitewashed house that I knew would be there. The church looms dark and grim with its rough-hewn, timber façade, capped by tall, oblong spires reaching to the sky. Black, ominous clouds have collected above the roofline, as if Heaven is showing me the way.

Being torn between the Angel and the Faerie

FIRST THOUGHTS: Finally!!!! *looks at the screen* I have waited for so long.........

AFTER THOUGHTS: Amy Bartol... you are evil... and good... for making me love Brennus. I love you soooo much!! <3 :))

Hahaha, remembering this still makes me smile. When I first found it, I couldn't stop squealing with delight. I loved it even though it's just an ebook (Shame on you, Local bookstores. For not having a copy!!) I couldn't stop reading it. It completely enchanted me...

MY PRECIOUS!!!!

*Sigh* I can't describe the absolute joy reading this book! I waited for a long time to read this. I didn't get disappointed  As usual Amy Bartol proved her writing skills true. :) This will be the 3rd book in the Premonition series and apparently this is my favorite. Yet. For those who haven't read the first two books, I suggest that you start reading it 'cuz one, this might be a spoiler and two, YOU are missing out a great book.

A little recap shows that Evie a half-human half-seraphim angel who is bound to her Power angel, Reed(super hot and dangerous) and undead faerie(Gancanagh) Brennus (also super hot, more dangerous). Just by reading the terms "angel" and "undead faerie" clearly states who's good and bad.

Reed can be any girls dream. He's caring, protective and loving... although he's not perfect (gosh, he's very arrogant and a bit big arse sometimes), but sometimes having a person love you both in your worst and best is worth his/her shortcomings. Reed fit perfectly in that role. It's against his nature to allow others to protect him, but he let Evie, 'cuz he loves her. Reed feels emotions and care because of Evie. Reed is a better person when he's with Evie... You get the point they're perfect for each other.

But even if I really REALLY love Reed. I seem to love Brennus more... Maybe because of his hidden softness and really funny humor. I saw many good things about Brennus in this book, and not just Brennus but all of the Gancanagh. They were a team, they work, protect, and kill for each other. They're evil, brutal and well creepy nonetheless, but Amy Bartol did a pretty good job showing all of their softer sides. Especially Brennus, he's still creepy and maybe a bit of a pervert, but he really touched my heart by trying to make Evie fall in love with him.

I know, many people might think; "Why him? He's evil?!". But I say differently, sometimes you crave for the thrill, surprises and sometimes a little bit of danger (watching Vampire Diaries, really did paid off =] ), you can't help but feel tingles and butterflies in your stomach whenever he does something unexpectedly sweet, and most importantly, you can't help but feel special because of the fact that he will do ANYTHING to make you like or even love him. Brennus was like that, he's still evil but with his charm and hidden soft side, you can't help but fall for him. <3

And Evie? Oh, she's fine, still pretty, still have boys fighting over her.

Nice eye roll Potter!

Kidding! :)

Anyways, it was fun and very entertaining that's why I'm giving it a 4.5 score, although I wanted to give it a 4.75 score. Even if my eyes grew sore reading, it was all worth it. :))

Idle Chat: Why I seem to fall in love for "tough guys"

Why do i seem to fall in love for "tough guys"

Yeah... right XD

The truth is I've never fallen in love, well, not yet anyway. But I'm sure fellow book lovers, seem to be soooo attracted to the dark, tall and handsome types (I know I've been). I've encountered many books were I read about this very sober, attractive guy that doesn't seem to have a heart, or at least any interest in girls.

But somehow, every time that we encounter this certain person, we become so infatuated by them that sometimes we wish that certain person isn't a fictional character. Bad guys in fictional books (and in real life) are the same. We become interested when someone is unorthodox, or out of the ordinary. But what makes us really love a character is when we learn what kind of person he/she really is.

For example: In the Iron Fey series, Ash was first described as a villain (a gorgeous villain at that), but by the end of the series, we saw how Ash was willing to die for Meghan. (Gosh, I'm still swooning >.<)

In the Hex Hall series, I saw Archer as the typical alpha male of warlocks. He was famous, hot and powerful, but as I continued to read the series, I saw Archer not just a loyal and loving boyfriend(to Sophie) but an honest and true friend.

In my opinion, men try to put on this mask where they radiate a bit of soberness, and elite personality, they try to look tough and to put on this facade where they can never get hurt. But the truth is they are somehow a bit more fragile than girls. When they're hurt, they're hurt deep, if they're angry, then they're in a complete rage.

I once thought that boys were annoying beings :) , meant to annoy girls for all time, but being in highschool, I met many boys that had this facade of intimidation, but hid a heart as fragile as crystal. For me, I don't find a boy crying as cowardice, I find him brave, because he isn't scared of showing emotion.

It's a little sad, because unlike Ash or Archer. Only a few men actually show their true emotions and personality. Pride being one of the reasons. But any girl can dream, so I say to myself; "Dream on! Dreamer!" :)

Book Review: Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

(3.5 Stars)

Set on the island of Nantucket, STARCROSSED tells the tale of Helen Hamilton, a young woman whose destiny is forever altered when she meets Lucas Delos and tries to kill him in front of her entire high school. Which is terribly inconvenient, not only because Lucas is the most beautiful boy on the island, but also because Helen is so achingly shy she suffers physical pain whenever she is given too much attention.

Making matters worse, Helen is beginning to suspect she’s going crazy. Whenever she’s near Lucas or any member of his family she sees the ghostly apparitions of three women weeping bloody tears, and suffers the burden of an intense and irrational hate. She soon learns that she and Lucas are destined to play the leading roles in a Greek tragedy that the Three Fates insist on repeating over and over again throughout history. Like her namesake, Helen of Troy, she’s destined to start a war by falling in love. But even though Lucas and Helen can see their own star-crossed destiny, they’re still powerfully attracted to each other. Will they give up their personal happiness for the greater good, or risk it all to be together?

Cover Opinion: It's not really the most prettiest cover I've ever seen, it's not awful, but it didn't really strike me interesting, but it does have an interesting title.

Book Review: It was my first time reading one of Josephine Angelini's work, and the plot of the book was pretty interesting. It was about Helen, a really tall and pretty girl. Recently their island had a new neighbor. Everybody was curious about them, they were pretty much movie stars with their being gorgeous. Helen wasn’t really fond of them (that’s putting it lightly). When she first saw Lucas (one of the de los family’s hottest sons), she was completely enraged, without any reason at all (this was actually her first time to see him personally), but she felt like she knew him. From her past, that she can’t even remember.

She then continues to feel this anger towards him and his family. She made it her way to completely ignore them, but the rage and hatred grew stronger. Ironically, she kept running into them, and each time that happens, Lucas continues to push her away. This irritated Helen to no end. But the unexpected happened, one night instead of killing Lucas, and vice versa, they ended up saving each other, and this gave way for learning Helen’s untold past and heritage.

I had fun reading this book, I knew from the start that this was inspired by Greek mythology, and it still felt original. The fates were the ones that are knit close to the plot. The gods of Olympus isn’t in the spotlight for once. It was interesting to know the history of Helen of troy, I hadn’t had the chance to delve into it, until now.

Was it amazing? A little bit.

It had a nice story to it, I liked the fact that the fates were the ones that were controlling them, the way the story continued was because of the fates' curse on the "house". But there is something so stereotypical in the story, of course it revolved about epic love. Helen and Lucas weren't supposed to fall in love with each other. Just like Helen and Paris. If they fall in love and became "married" (Greek style), the curse will only get worse. I'm not that surprised that they (meaning Helen and Lucas) chose to run away and be together, but I had to admit it was so sweet, but whenever there's true love, something was bound to stop their love for each other.

I don't like hate this, but this is already to easy to expect, the girl chose to be a martyr to keep the others safe, and the boy agreed. I can't explain what I exactly feel about this kind of coincedence, It wasn't a kind of book that I would consider on my "favorite" shelf, but it isn't that bad for me to put it in the trash, I just hope the sequel will make up for this.