Review: Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris

Title: Unraveling

Author: Elizabeth Norris

Published: April 24th 2012

Publisher: Balzar + Bray

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 3.5 stars

Okay. I'm probably leaning a bit on the minority side. Not that I didn't like the book it was just that, with all those glowing reviews I kind of expected this book to blow my mind. Which I realized was not a very good move. Because it did not. Although there were parts that I did enjoy and had me quite impressed I was a bit sad that I wasn't completely captivated by the story.  

With all the FBI investigations, bio-terrorism and pseudoscience talks, dead bodies from radiation and parallel universe this book had so much remind me of the TV series, Fringe. This made me more excited because I love that series yet it also lessen my surprise when twists and revelations came. There were revelations that still managed to surprise me a little and had me curious but the overall feel was actually just fine and still kept me pretty entertained.

Janelle was an impressive and remarkable character. She was smart, tough, brave and independent. Even though I can say that I was impressed by her curiosity and braveness to conduct her own investigation sometimes I feel like it was getting borderline nosy. Or maybe it's just me because without her being too curious I guess the story wouldn't be really interesting and engaging. 

There were still things that I really like about her like the way she took responsibility in their family and her relationship with his brother, father and Alex. There were a lot of things thrown to her but she took and faced it bravely and for that I respect her character.

I like Ben and I find him really intriguing although sometimes I find him a bit awkward too. He's character was the kind that was so easy to like because he was good, caring and all and I do really like him but for some reason it was not in a swooning and gushing way. I could still say though that his chemistry with Janelle was really good and well, they could actually make some pretty hot scenes too.

I had some conflicting emotions with the romance. Not that I hate it but for the most part I was a just a bit unconcerned about it then suddenly I would grew a little fond of it. I struggled a bit to keep my connection from it. And sometimes I don't know what I should really feel for them if I should be happy or sad or whatever. 

The ending was the one I really loved and it was really beautiful. It was sad and sweet at the same time. If I were Janelle at that time I might have drowned myself into depression but I was impressed that despite all those things that happened Janelle tried to see the good things and took that chance she was given to live again.

"But I'm alive.

I'm alive.

More alive than I was before any of this happened.

Life is a fragile thing. Apparanly the whole world is fragile too.

But it'll beat on.

Because it has to."

Although the story wasn't really utterly original I still find some of the ideas and concepts really cool and very entertaining. And to tell you the truth I actually loved it too, if it hadn't just came a bit predictable for me and a little exhausting I would have really loved the story more. This book definitely has a lot of potential and even though it didn't blow my mind it was still a really good and entertaining read. I would still love to recommend this to you. 

Review: Black Heart (Curse Workers #3) by Holly Black

Title: Black Heart (Curse Workers #3)

Author: Holly Black

Publication Date: April 10th 2012

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Read Synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 5 stars!

Call me bias or whatever but I gotta give my baby a 5-star! lol! 

Oh boy, I gave this book a 5-star rating but it's like I don't have anything to say! Ha! -- the rating speaks it all! lol! Alright, alright. I'll try to say as much as I can...

First of all, I'd like to say that I found this series really wonderful and unique. The world-building was awesome, the characters were charming and fantastic, the twist and mysteries were impressive and clever - with those all I can say is that I loved every bit of it. I am a little sad to part ways with this series and I would definitely miss Cassel, Lila, Sam, Daneca and Barron! But I am also very satisfied and happy to see the conclusion of this story. 

For some reason I feel like I've been with them for real and experienced too all those crazy things and stuffs and it was just relieving, you know, to see these characters, especially Cassel and Lila, to finally have things their way. Cassel's struggling with issues with his family, friends, love life and himself was poignant and I found myself repeatedly saying "Oh, Cassel" and I just wanna hug him. His voice was very endearing and it wouldn't help you but relate to him. 

The love story definitely had me. It was sweet or rather I say, cute? lol! I don't know, I just love how it was wrapped up. It wasn't overly mushy and sappy but it was definitely swooning. It was great and I'm glad they can finally be together. 

The ending was absolutely great. I love how Holly Black ended it in a way that was a bit open, she didn't pointedly tell who's bad and who's good and that leaves the reader to think which is Cassel. But what I guess, the story was telling was it's all about figuring oneself and making the right choices. It's not really whether your bad or good but whether your choosing the thing that would make it right for your self. 

This is one of the series that will always remain in my heart. I highly recommend this 

Review: Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers

Title: Grave Mercy

Author: R.L. LaFevers

Published: April 3rd 2012

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

I was doubtful I would enjoy this during the first parts but surprisingly as the story progressed, for someone like me who's not much into historical and political stuffs, I found myself getting thoroughly engaged into everything that was happening. It was indeed a stunning and impressive read. 

The synopsis instantly caught my interest and definitely had me when I saw the promise of 'assassin nuns'. However, I didn't know that it was set in a historical period. I haven't read any historical fiction (aside from the Infernal Devices) and they don't usually float my boat so I became a bit uninterested and less excited. Adding to that, the first few chapters didn't go well with me, especially the religious aspects. It was a little uncomfortable and unnerving for me. The sisters in the convent and their beliefs was quite spooky and freaky. But I was glad when the story didn't dwell on those part for long and went to Ismae's tasks fast. From then on I find myself gradually getting devoured and caught up with the happenings, twists and discoveries in the story. I can't seem to put it down.

The plot was unique and fantastical and the writing was really great and surprisingly smooth and easy. Much of the concepts and ideas were a bit new to me so everything went a bit unpredictable which was really good since it kept me curious and interested. The political stuffs was actually intriguing and attention-grabbing. Some readers might find it boring but since the characters really grew on me and I love and care for them, I was so interested in figuring things out too. I find myself thoroughly engage with it - how they're gonna fight the opposing side and win, what actions and strategies they're going to do, who's to be trusted and who's not. The paranormal aspect was also cool, it blended very well with all the other aspects of the book.

The characters were remarkable. Ismae's a kick-butt heroine! I wasn't sure of her at first since she seems to be really naive and trust the convent pretty much. I was glad when she started questioning the things taught to her, doing and believeing her own observation, trusting other people, and following her heart. I also loved it whenever she kills (whoa! there goes my twisted sense of humor! lol) or more like how she does it, the way she fights and uses her weapons which were actually really cool. Despite her terrible past she's a very caring, understnading and loyal person - to Duval, to Anne and Isabeau, to Beast and De Lornay and even to Duval's mother. It was great when she realized the right and real purpose of her ability and what Death really wanted for her - how she stand up to it and believed on it. 

Duval was an outstanding character. He's intelligent and wise, brave and loving. His loyalty to his country and sister was impressive. Despite being a little aloof during the first parts he was actually very kind and caring gentleman. Hist strategies and ideas were great and remarkable. I love how his and Ismae's relationship developed, it was slow but more believable. The ending was lovely and really sweet!

Anne's character was very striking (She reminds me of Nunally in Code Geas! XD). She radiates wisdom and knowledge at a very young age. I, sometimes can't quite make myself believed that a 12 year-old girl will be able to think like that and the idea that she would be married to a much older man at that age irked me. But given the time period, I think it was pretty believable and I know the author made a fair share of research on that. Other character was very admirable like Beast and De Lornay. I was so sad that he died. I think he was the only character described as gorgeous. What a waste! LOL, they were brave and a very loyal friends, I love how much they trust and value Duval.

All in all, it was very spectacular and stunning story! The blending of history, politics, and paranormal was great. It made the story more interesting and brilliant. The characters were well developed, the actions and twists were thrilling and the ending was very satisfying. I highly recommend this, even if your not much into historical fiction, I think this might be a good start for you! :)) 

*An advance copy has been provided by the publisher via the Negalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Wating on Wednesday (#6)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, that spotlight upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" is..

Unraveling

by Elizabeth Norris

Expected publication: April 24th 2012

Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she’s opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn’t possible, Janelle knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life. 

But her reincarnation, and Ben’s possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI-agent father’s files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what’s right in front of her: Everything that’s happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben’s sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she’s going to need to uncover Ben’s secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process. 

From debut author Elizabeth Norris comes this shattering novel of one girl’s fight to save herself, her world, and the one boy she never saw coming.

*This just sounds so interesting right? With all the mysterious death and the secret investigations I guess I will definitely enjoy this book. :))

Waiting on Wednesday (#4)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, that spotlight upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" is..

Cursed

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Expected publication: September 18th 2012 

by Spencer Hill Press

Dying sucks--and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows. 

Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he’s a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she’s more than interested. There’s just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. However, she’s willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't? 

But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not've been an accident at all, she’s not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.

Yup! Another Jennifer Armentrout book! Since I've read Half-blood and Obsidian, Armentrout easily became one of my most favorite authors and because of that her books has become a must read for me too. She has proved a really great skill in writing YA paranormal books so I'm really looking forward for this one. Can't wait to meet Ember! :))

Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Title: Daughter of Smoke and Bone
Author: Laini Taylor
Published: September 27th 2011
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was very different from most paranormal books I'd ever read. When I started reading this the first thing I noticed was the writing. It was uniquely different. It was elegant and beautiful. But it was also a bit strange for me, it's like the first time I encountered something like this that I didn't know if I would be able to grasp the strangeness/uniqueness of this book and appreciate it as something wonderful.

I almost gave up on this book. The first few chapters were fine but it was like I needed some adjustments with all the ideas and concept of the book. I had a hard time adjusting and grasping the weird, strange but somehow unique concept of the book especially the deal about the teeth. LOL. I saw reviews and they were all good and I was really wondering why this book is not getting me. And so I think maybe I wasn't just in the mood or maybe this isn't just for me. I decided to put this book on hold for a while until I'm pretty much convinced that this book is really worth a try.

And yes! After weeks of putting it on hold and arguing with myself if I should continue reading it I was finally convinced (Thanks to some of my GR friends!)And all its worthiness was proven. I admit during the first parts I thought the book was weird. And I didn't know if I would like it or not. But as I progressed things were finally taking my interest. Slowly I was getting absorbed and caught up by the world of Karou. And I started to really appreciate the uniqueness/strangeness of this book.

I love Karou, Akiva, Madrigal and Brimstone! They are all such wonderful characters. Usually, when I'm reading paranormal books I want characters that know what they are and what their purpose are. When it pass half of the book and it wasn't still very clear I usually get impatient and struggle to know what they really are. But in this book I was incredibly patient and surprisingly taking and absorbing everything slowly. I wasn't in a hurry to know what's up and what or who the character really is. I love how the author revealed everything by jumping from the present to past then to present again. I love how she let the readers know exactly what had happened with the characters by making them see the whole thing not just by letting the characters say what happened but by bringing us to the exact past situation.

The twist and revelations made me really curious and wonder what's gonna happen next. I think this will be an interesting series. This first book doesn't have much actions and adventures yet to offer. It’s more of the learning, realization and revelations. It's like an introduction to this new world, understanding first the whole situation before getting on the next step, the next book, where I think the real excitement and action kicks in. :))

So yeah, I think I'll waiting for the next book and hope it'll be as good or even more as the first book. I recommend this to everyone! Read this! :))  

Review: Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting

Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

As much as I love the first book, this one just did't really got me totally hooked up. It was okay, it was a nice read but the excitement I got were a little less than what I had expected. I guess I was expecting something more twisting, something totally shocking. Nevertheless the writing was good, Derting was still able to deliver some really spooky and creepy parts very well. 

I find Violet a little annoying here. I just don't get some of her reasons why she doesn't want to tell her family about what she had heard or discovered or why its taking her too long to at least tell it to Jay. She's getting a bit dramatic in this book. And Jay, really he's just so kind and too sweet and mushy and cheesy. Which is a bit... too sappy for a mysterious book, I guess. I don't know, sometimes I find it really cute, but sometimes its 'okay, enough'. 

New characters were also introduced. Sara and Rafe. Sara's knowledge about things like what Violet can do was intriguing. And Rafe was interesting. And I like him. LOL. He doesn't have that much appearance on the book but really, you'll definitely notice him when he appears. I even thought that it was okay if he became a competitor to Violet's attention. I wasn't really at all bothered if it ever comes to like that. I mean I like Jay and Violet, but I think I might also like Rafe and Violet. Well, let’s see on the next book. ^^ 

The mysterious parts, the guessing-game was exciting and interesting however when everything was finally revealed it wasn't all that surprising. But I liked that in the end Violet finally realized that her ability is a gift and not a curse, something that she could use to help others and for the good. :)) 

So yeah, 3.5 stars for this book. I think I'm still gonna read the 3rd book. Because of Rafe! LOL. :)))