Mini Reviews: Sever (The Chemical Garden #3) by Lauren DeStefano and Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder

Title: Sever (The Chemical Garden #3)
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Published: February 12th 2013
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Read synopsis at: Goodreads

Sever is the last and final book of the Chemical Garden trilgoy. In here I was finally able to get answers I have since the first book and learned more of the characters. Though there's a lot that I have liked about this book I think this is quite the weakest of the trilogy. 

While I can say that I was fairly satisfied with how everything turned out I still felt that some of the revelations weren't really that conclusive. Particularly, the explanation about the virus. It was like the answers just walk through me and for the most part it felt quite anticlimactic. I was actually hoping for something that is more thorough and detailed. The other part though was Rhine's feelings about Linden and Gabriel - which I have to say was very confusing and formless. I didn't get what it really was she felt about the two. Plus, it really disappointed me how undeveloped Gabriel's character was. I've been rooting for him since the first book and I was really looking forward to see more of him here yet I barely see him until the later part. Although I was happy that he still end up with Rhine I'm not really satisfied with how their relationship developed. 

I am split on a half on this one. I don't really know what are my exact feelings about the conclusion of this trilogy. I'm pretty satisfied with how things turned out but whenever I think more of it I kinda wish that there should have been something more with it. It felt like there were some things missing or that it wasn't completely delivered to us. Still, I think the majority of what had happened on this book had been very intriguing, there were twists and revelations that manage to surprise me and most of the questions were answered.

3.5 stars

Title: Chasing Brooklyn

Author: Lisa Schroeder

Published: January 5th 2010

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Read synopsis at: Goodreads

This is the second time I've read a work from this author and it still didn't fail to leave me at awe especially since this is a verse novel.

When I started this I realized that this is much more intense and emotional that the last book I've read of this author so I was a little doubtful if it would be able to connect and affect me deeply since it was written in a verse form. But lo and behold because it did! I was surprised to find myself tearing up on some parts and some making my skin filled with goose bumps. I fascinating how those short verses was able to contain such powerful emotions and feelings. It was very captivating and entrancing.

Nico and Brooklyn are characters that are so easy to like. I felt instant connection with them and felt the sadness and the struggles they've been having since the death of someone they both loved so deeply. The comfort they found through each other and how both of them had helped to let go and move on was very heartwarming and poignant. Their story was such a lovely and touching one that it made its way easily on my favorites shelf.

4 stars

Review: Defiance (Defiance #1) by C.J. Redwine

Title: Defiance (Defiance #1)

Author: C.J. Redwine

Release Date: August 28th 2012

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4 stars

Defiance is one of the books I've been highly anticipating to read this year. So you can just imagine how ecstatic I was when I got approved for an ARC of it, I almost started jumping up and down like a three-year old kid. And I'm more than happy to find out and tell you that this book really did not disappoint. It wasn't flawless but it was certainly good. The plot, twist and character blend it effectively to make a really interesting, thrilling and gripping action-packed story.

I love heroines who fights and knows her ways when it comes to weapons. And Rachel was absolutely like that. She was a strong-willed, confident and impressive character. However I thought she was a bit frustrating, narrow-minded and childish during the earlier parts. Which caused me to have a hard time liking her right away. Fortunately, she didn't stay that long and her character developed remarkably fast and good. And soon, I found myself warming into her and loving her kick-ass personality.

Logan wasn't what I was actually expecting. I was expecting the bad boy type but he was actually more of the nice guy. Still he easily took a place in my heart with his really caring but also strong personality. His most notable quality was that he fights with his brain too. His brain was his most effective weapon and he did prove it a lot of times in the story.

I love how these two developed and grew through the unexpected situations they were thrown into and discovered new things about their selves. C.J. Redwine really did an amazing job in showing the significance of each of Rachel and Logan's roles in the story and showing each of their journeys through their own povs. Both were made to be the main characters equally.

The world-building was great though I wouldn't say it was completely original. Still it offered things that were really intriguing, entertaining and refreshing. My only problem was that I got really confused whether I'm reading a dystopia or a steampunk. Did I went to the future or went back to the past? The setting gave off the overall feel of a historical period but the constant reminders of the developed civilization before the Cursed Ones arrived kept me thinking that this was indeed a dytopia novel.

The romance, although during the first parts felt a bit awkward for me soon turned out to be a really sweet one. The development of their relationship felt natural and genuine. And I just love how the realizations of their feelings came to them.

The plot was great and action-packed, the twist were thrilling and exciting and the characters were all remarkable and amazing. It wasn't perfect but still it provides a great and wonderful reading experience for me. I recommend this.

*Thanks to Edelweiss and Balzer + Bray for providing an ARC of this book!

Review: What's Left of Me (The Hybrid Chronicles #1) by Kat Zhang

Title: What's Left of Me

Author: Kat Zhang

Release Date: September 18th 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4 stars

The first time I saw this I wasn't really that interested. Although the premise does sound intriguing it wasn't that enough for me to be very excited about this one. So when I saw this in Edelweiss I wasn't really planning on requesting it, however my fingers have their own minds and took the liberty to click it and started typing why I wanted a review copy. And to my surprise I actually got approved. Then comes the glowing reviews from my GR friends and I was like, maybe I should thank my fingers for requesting this, this could only be so good. And so I read it and boy I couldn't thank my fingers more because this book is just great, really great!

The originality of this book is one of the major aspects that made this book so good and very intriguing. The concept of this book was definitely a first for me; I never encountered a book with the idea of a world where people lived with two souls. That idea although made me interested also made me anxious to read it; wouldn't it be difficult? How can I like the MC if there are two personalities in them? How could there be a romance in this one? Wouldn’t that be awkward? Can the author pull it off? 

But all those worries soon fade away as I find myself gradually being devoured by the author's writing! Kat Zhang is an amazing writer and she definitely pulled this one off! Her writing was simple but gorgeous and the pacing was comfortably fast. The world and the characters she created were all very well thought and written. The world-building is one of a kind and although I had some little issues with it I can wait for them to be resolve more in the following books. The characters were my favorite part of this book. I loved how she wrote them especially the relationship of the sisters, Addie and Eva. 

The relationship and the emotional struggles they had were very realistic and heartbreaking. I saw the conflicting feelings each shared with one another. And how they struggled in doing and choosing things they wanted for their own but not wanting to hurt or be selfish to the other one. I love how Zhang showed that with all the hurting, Eva and Addie really care and love each other. Through the different circumstances and obstacles thrown to Addie and Eva we were able to see the two differently - how they take and handle things, how they talk and think, their expressions and mannerism. So as the story went on, when they shift it wasn't really confusing. She wrote the sisters in a way that we could really see them separately, two entirely different and unique characters, sharing one body. 

Other characters like Hally and Lissa, Devon and Ryan, and Kitty and Nina were great supporting characters. They were never left on the sides and I liked how they contributed on the development of the main character.  

There's a very light touch of romance in this one and it surprised me that it was actually fine with me. Because I am a major sap and I love romance! It's one of the things I always consider when reading a book but throughout the course of the story I was just so busy thinking of how they're gonna overcome their problems and obstacles. So when this one sweet moment came I was just like, aww. It made me really smile and for some reason I was pretty satisfied with it...for now, even though I still have very little idea of how the romance will gonna work. But I hope it would be more apparent in the next book.  

With original plot, great world-building, and well written characters this book promises a definitely wonderful and engaging reading experience. This book did not disappoint. I highly recommend this.

*Thanks to Edelweiss and HarperCollins for providing an ARC of this book! 

Review: Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

Title: Insurgent (Divergent #2)

Author: Veronica Roth

Publication Date: May 1st 2012

Publisher: HarperCollins

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4.5 stars

When I first read Divergent, I was awed. I loved it and I really enjoyed it. However there was this small part of me that just cannot acknowledge that this series could be, like most reviews had said, leveled with The Hunger Games. I don't know, there was something I need to see or feel for me to be completely convinced that it is worth comparing to THG or say that it could be as great as THG. 

And well, great job Veronica Roth, because Insurgent just had me convinced that this series is indeed f*cking AH-MA-ZING! I was floored! I can certainly say now that this series could be leveled with not just THG but other really great dystopian novels as well.

I was so happy this sequel didn't become a filler book, or that it didn't suffer on the "second-book syndrome" in which most second novels in a trilogy tend to be. I was surprised to realized that throughout the book there were so many things that actually happened, so many discoveries and things learned.

I thoroughly enjoyed the parts where we get a look on each faction. It was fascinating and interesting to see how they work and learn their beliefs and principles and ways of living. I saw the good and the bad in each of them, their issues and flaws and realized how much their world were twisted seeing how it limited their people to have their own individuality.

With her grief over the loss of her parents and her guilt over Will's death, Tris went through an intense emotional roller coaster ride. Her regrets and remorse from what had happened drove her to make thoughtless and careless decisions and actions. Which made me ache for her but also drove me pretty crazy and frustrated me a bit. It was understandable and believable though especially after all that had happened and obstacles they were still facing. With all those emotional suffering she'd been through she was still an amazing and admirable character, a really brave and strong-willed heroine. In the end she was able to find her way and realized the right things she has to do.

Tobias/Four. I saw a lot of different sides of him in this book. His usual 'cold and aloof' facade he wear most of the time was gone. He showed a lot of emotions in this one and he'd been more open regarding his feelings. I saw a frustrated Four, a vulnerable Four, a regretful Four but also a very loving and caring Four and boy did I fall in love all over again!

What I also loved so much in this book was how Tris and Tobias's relationship was handled. It was very real, believable and mature. I love that it showed how it was to have a relationship in a situation were too many obstacles, conflicts, emotional baggages were thrown. It wasn't easy and it wasn't always beautiful. But they were still able to overcome it. The downside of it helped established their relationship into a much stronger and more in depth one. I was touched by them and I just so freaking loved them.

I found myself dumbfounded by the ending. It was mind blowing and I was seriously surprised. It wasn't really a brutal cliffhanger but it was a very good cliffhanger! I wasn't expecting that and it made me so excited for the next book! Overall, Insurgent was a very remarkable and impressive sequel! Once you read it, you'll never have a doubt about his series. I highly recommend it. Book 3, hurry up! :))  

Review: Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

Title: Glitch

Author: Heather Anastasiu

Publication Date: August 7th 2012

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 3.75 of 5 stars

Glitch is a very interesting and fascinating novel. I wasn't really into dystopian novel which are about, uh, how am I going to describe it? robot-like people? cyborg? computer chips and stuffs? Something like that, you get it right? Like Skinned or Cinder (Although I heard really a lot of good things about the latter and am planning to read it soon). Themes like that just don't appeal on me that much. But when I saw this on my friend's blog's WoW, I find it really interesting and appealing. I had it high on my to-read list and when I say it was up in Netgalley I requested it right away.

I tried not to have so many expectations on this book (my tendency of dropping some books unfinished was pretty high lately) but I was pretty excited when I started it. And well, thank goodness because it did not disappoint! I wouldn't say it was perfect, I actually have some little issues on some stuffs but I can overlook most of it because the overall was good and I really enjoyed it.

I was happy that the story starts when Zoe already started glitching. I was afraid I would get bored if she hasn't yet and would only describe their utopia society on a perspective of someone who believe and trust everything in that world. It had been more endearing since when it started, although confused, she was already questioning stuffs, how their society works, which should be right or wrong. Things escalate pretty fast on the first thirds which was good since it's already giving you the hype for starters. The attraction between Zoe and Adrien went fast too than what I expected, I know this might not appeal on most readers, especially to someone like me who's always complaining about insta-love. It wasn't really that insta-love though because on the following parts there were some unfavorable circumstances that happened that affected the romantic aspect that it kind of almost took away what had been there first however I find it good because it also enable the attraction between the two and their relationship to develop in a more natural and profound way.

Other stuffs that I like was the paranormal stuff - their X-men-like abilities. It was that aspect that definitely attracted me to read this. Although I think there were something that's lacking on that part that made me not so enthused as I was to Shatter Me and Hunting Lila. But I'm still looking forward for more of it on the following books and hopefully it would be really good.

The characters were great. I like Zoe and I understand her confusions and struggles, I mean it was really terrifying to live in a society where people live mechanically, no feelings, no emotions, no compassion. Then suddenly you would wake up and feel every kinds of emotions. So even when Zoe was having difficulties in making her choices and actions I didn't get really frustrated at her. She was an admirable character and I like how her character developed through out the story, how she cares and thinks for everyone, how she faced conflicts and problems and how she discover feelings and emotions and how she dealt with it.

Adrien was a very compassionate and likable character. He used his ability to help people even though it was so very risky and dangerous. He's very genuine and caring. Uh, I really don't know what else to say about him but he's fairly an interesting character. Oh yeah, I love it how he explained and described feelings and emotions to Zoe.

I haven't read dystopia novels lately and it's really great to find a good one after a long break. The overall feeling of this book was somewhat like Delirium and Divergent(I'm not really making your hopes high and some might not agree with me but that's how I find it. Haha!). All in all, it was an entertaining and engaging read. And I'm definitely looking forward reading the whole series.

Thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an advance copy! :)

Review: Fever (The Chemical Garden #2) by Lauren DeStefano

Title: Fever (The Chemical Garden #2)

Author: Lauren DeStefano

Published: February 21sth 2012

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 3.75 stars

My mood on this book keeps on shifting the entire time I was reading it. From being disturbed and unnerved to fascinated and amused then frustrated and confused. And like most second books, this went more like a filler book for the series. The writing was really great though. The prose were really beautiful and captivating. But overall, it was still an enjoyable and intriguing read. The ending totally left me curious and craving for the next book. 

This series certainly has almost all those icky subjects that might have turn off a reader - polygamy, experimentation, prostitution, early pregnancy, etc. I was unnerve too, myself. Especially during the first parts of this sequel in which Rhine and Gabriel were thrown off into a carnival - or more like a prostitution den. Although it was pretty disturbing DeStefano was still able to make it so intriguing. I was afraid that most of the story will happen within that place but I was relieved and surprised when everything went differently than what I had thought. The turn of events weren't predictable and that just glued me more to the book.

I find Rhine a little confusing in here but I still saw her determined and strong personality. Though I think I understand her confusion - with all the things that had happened and how situations turned horribly, sometimes I just can't seem to get what she's really thinking and feeling. But when something horrible happens, despite all her confusions I love how she fights and faces it. Gabriel - I've seen quite a different side of Gabriel in here and I was really happy for it. But I really do think he was still a little undeveloped especially since he's supposed to be the heroine's love interest. There was also little assessment between their relationship that makes me think if their feelings for each other were genuine. Even though there were moments that reassured me that it is real (and made me swoon), I feel like some of it were just not enough. I'd like to learn more of Gabriel in the next book, I hope so there would be more of him there.

New characters were also introduced like Maggie and Silas. Maggie's one of my favorite thing that had happened in this book. I love her, she's smart witty and very adorable. Silas was an interesting character though I was afraid at first he might be a threat for a love triangle but so far, I doubt it...a little. 

Like what I said earlier, this went more like a filler between the first and third book, or what most readers would say, it suffers a second book syndrome. The last fourths kinda frustrated and it was a little disappointing that nothing really happened, I mean, there were interesting things that happened its just that you don't get to conclude or theorize something more concretely. Its something were you'll find yourself asking what now? But well, the the little bit in the ending was quite an attention-grabbing and intriguing. I instantly crave for more. 

All in all, it was still a good and wonderful read. I especially love the writing. DeStefano's prose were really beautiful and compelling. I am definitely looking forward for the next book! Hurry up, puh-lease! :))

Review: Angelfall (Penryn & the End of the Days #1) by Susan Ee

Title: Angelfall (Penryn & the End of the Days #1)
Author: Susan Ee
Published: May 21st 2011
Publisher: Feral Dream
Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! This book is just incredibly beautiful and absolutely awesome! This is not your typical angel/nephilim kind of novel. The idea of angels in a post apocalyptic/dystopian setting really did get my interest. The plot was uniquely cool, the world-building was amazing, the twists and actions were mind-boggling and the character were all kick-ass! I can almost say that this could be as good as the Hunger Games!

Penryn is a great character. She's strong, brave, kind, resourceful and loyal. She knows how to fight and it was amazing that she know a lot of martial arts yet she barely uses it unless she really needs it for her and her family's survival. She cares for her family very much, she'd do anything for them even if that means allying herself with an enemy. One thing I so notice about her that is quite different from most YA heroines is that she doesn't easily get distracted from her priorities even though she's with someone who is achingly gorgeous. Yes, she noticed that Raffe is devastatingly good looking but she doesn't actually fantasize on any romantic possibility between them yet. She does seem to care and had been really loyal to him though.

Raffe is an angel that was saved by Penryn when his wings were cut off. He's definitely mysterious. I was actually a bit surprised that he could actually make jokes and be sarcastic. From the most parts of the book it was clear that his only concern was just to get his wings back. He doesn't even seem to be grateful for Penryn saving him. That his and Penryn's partnership is just purely a partnership. That being friend with her is impossible. But during the last part some of his actions do indicate that he may have really cared for Penryn.

There's hardly any romance in this book. But I can say there could be a possibility. The relationship between Penryn and Raffe is more like companionship and friendship. I love to have a romance between the two but right now I like it just as how the author is developing their relationship, slow but more believable. 

There were those gruesome parts that made me cringe but also made me feel awed. Haha. Weird, I know. The description was vivid and it was appalling but somehow it has a positive effect on me. When I was reading it I felt like I was watching a movie. And it made me more curious and excited. The thing about Penryn's mom was also weird and creepy yet I think there is something more about it.

Everything that happened on the last part left me seriously craving for the next book. The way Ee wrote it was just really amazing. This is one hell of an awesome debut novel! I highly recommend this, everyone! A must read! :))

Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Shatter Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Published: Novemeber 15th 2011
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

First page and I was already completely devoured. First page and I was already smiling and feeling so giddy knowing I'll be seeing a totally awesome story. First page and I had fallen already in love with this book.

Shatter Me went beyond my expectation and surely did surprise me a lot. I was stunned the first time I saw the book trailer and I was more stunned when I started reading and saw the first line. I was so flabbergasted on how incredibly astounding and fascinating this book is! I was consumed and captivated by Tahereh Mafi's brilliant writing. It was very unique, exceptionally wonderful, and utterly original. I loved how imaginative she formed words into sentences and phrases to convey Juliette's thoughts and feelings. It was really mesmerizing that it effortlessly earned a lot of love from me.

This novel is packed with so much exciting twists and surprises, thrilling action and totally swooning romance. I adore Juliette. I see how strong and beautiful her character was even with all those things that were done to her. Yes, sometimes she is so willing to give up, thinks she's a monster and deserves to die but that's because her heart is clean. She doesn't want to do horrible things. She thinks she rather die than to shatter her dignity and ruin someone else lives. She wanted to be loved, to be accepted, to be touched by someone and to touch someone yet she doesn't know if it would ever come to her because of what her touch can do. Until Adam.

Adam is a very wonderful character. He's one of those swoon-worthy characters I would love to see! He's gorgeous and strong but definitely loyal and caring. I love how he and Juliette connected. I was worried and confused just like Juliette during the first parts as to what Adam's real purpose is. But once it was finally revealed I was...I was so so happy and relieved. There are so many wonderful moments between them that I can't help but smile and swoon and smile and swoon and smile and swooooooooon while reading it. I also love the the snippets of the past that made the characters well developed.

Tahereh Mafi did a great job by giving all characters their highlights even with not so many exposures and you'll still find yourself liking them. Though in case of Warner's character, I did hate him a lot. He's cold, manipulative, seeks power, and pure evil. However he was also having issues from himself, secrets about his family, his mother. And I kind of understands the causes of his actions. In the end I actually felt sorry for him. Aside from Juliette and Adam, James and Kenji and Castle are my favorite characters. James is Adam's younger brother. He is so adorable. I like him the first time he appeared (Though I think it was a bit wrong timing at that time. If you read this you'll know what I mean. LOL.) Kenji is really funny and I love how he and Adam fights and banters. I didn't really trust him the first time he appeared but in the end I was really surprised with the revelations and realized that I do like this guy not to mention he's also good looking! And yes! Castle, I feel that his purpose and compassion were very genuine that when he explained everything I felt so reassured.

Everything in the end was so so interesting and exciting and fascinating! I wasn't even expecting that. The last part left me so excited that I am tremendously craving for the next book! Seriously, I need more more moooore! Book 2 hurry up! This book is flat-out gorgeous and downright awesome! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this! Read this!

Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Rating: 4.75 of 5 stars


~I actually read this a few months ago so the excitement and reactions are a bit not fresh so this review will be a little short.~

Divergent is a fantastic, magnificent debut novel. With the increasing popularity of dystopian novels, this book really stand-out a lot.

Since I got hooked up with the Hunger Games, dystopian novels had come really close to my heart. So when I saw this from a book blog, saying that if you're a fan of THG this is a good book for you, I read it right away. And well, it was true. It was indeed an awesome book.

When I started reading this it did remind me of THG. But I didn't really compare it because though they have some similarities they still have their own unique ideas and style.

In this world, the society had been divided into 5 different factions, factions based on peoples values: Candor for honesty, Amity for kindness, Dauntless for bravery, Erudite for intelligence and Abnegation for selflessness. When Tris turned 16 she has to choose which faction she will be. And much to her surprise she chose Dauntless. Making her leave her family and learn a total different things and values, face challenges, and keep and discover secrets that might put her in mortal danger.

Tris is a strong, fierce, independent, but still lovely character. She knows how different she is to her family, though she had lived her life of 16 years being Abnegation she knows deep inside her she is far being like that. I love how she face her challenges and how she learned and realize things from it and through meeting other people from different factions. She's the kind of heroine who is really fun and exciting, a kick-ass one. And then Four! *swoons* Oh well, you would just really love everything about him. (Yay, so much for the fangirling.) Anyway, he's mysterious but has a really good character. I love how he cared for Tris, how he handled the training and a lot of complicated situations, how he observed Tris, how straight forward he confessed to her,(I can really go on with the list. LOL.) and how he showed her his vulnerable side - his four weaknesses. Will and Christina, Tris's friends are really funny and nice you'll like them instantly. And also Tris's mom, who is very much understanding, caring, brave and strong.

Veronica Roth did a great job creating such an interesting and unique world and cool characters. 4.75 stars for this book. I recommend this to everyone, especially those who love dystopia. Definitely an awesome read! ^^

Review: Eve by Anna Carey

Eve by Anna Carey
Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars


After a plague that eat up most of the population of America girl orphans were brought to an exclusive school were they got educated and taken care of supposedly to make them ready for the trade in the City of Sand after they graduate. On the night before her graduation Eve discovered something about the school; what her school's purpose really is, what the students are for, and what will they be once they graduated. She then escaped her school and wander through the wilds to find Califia, the only place were she could be safe.

Eve was a nice character but not very much the exciting and fun one. She gets annoying at times and also naive, but with the way she was raised its kind of understandable. I like how she grew throughout the story, how she learned and realize things. Caleb is a really likable character. He's nice, genuine, and mature. He's smart and it nice to see how he cared for Eve. Though I kind of think that the developing feelings between Eve and Caleb was a bit rush.

Eve is an easy, light read especially for a dystopian novel. In this time of the world, girl orphans are taught to hate men, that they are dangerous, perilous and known to only take advantages to the opposite sex. When Eve escaped she met Caleb and a lot more of them and learned that what was taught to them were mostly untrue. The concept was a bit appalling but also interesting, the idea of girl being use just to sire babies, lots of babies was a bit disgusting but also made me curious. I was excited once Eve discovered it because, well, there goes the action and adventure. And also with the King wanting Eve to be the sire of his heir it became more stirring and thrilling. However sometimes there are parts of the book that are a bit dull. And there were less action that what I would have expected.

Nevertheless it was a good and enjoyable read. I can see potential from this book. And lets see if the second book can pull it off. :DD