Review: Losing Lila (Lila #2) by Sarah Alderson

Title: Losing Lila
Author: Sarah Alderson
Published: August 2nd 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
Rating: 4 stars

Alex and Lila are on the run, desperately trying to stay one step ahead of the Unit, which is somehow tracking their every move. While Alex is determined to keep Lila safe and her ability secret at any cost, Lila's only thought is of finding a way back to California so she can rescue her brother and mother from the military base where they're being held. Struggling to control both her growing power and her deepening feelings for Alex, Lila decides the time has finally come to stop running and start fighting. Together with Alex, Demos, and the others she's come to think of as family, Lila plans not only to save her brother and mum, but also to completely destroy the Unit and everything it stands for. But the plan requires Lila to return to California alone, and to make friends with the enemy - and in doing so, she risks losing everything: Alex, her family… even her life.

Who wouldn't love a book when the author goes straight and throw you right away with an action-pack and heart pounding opening? Sarah Alderson sure knows how to capture her audience. Right from the start she had me already really excited and thrilled and I'm very happy to say that she was able to keep it throughout the course of the story. Losing Lila is fantastic sequel with amazing plot, kick-ass characters, thrilling scenes and shocking twists. I absolutely enjoyed it.

Lila. I seriously adore this girl even if she could be really so stubborn sometimes. She's impulsive and quite reckless yet I love how she's so willing to take risks for her loved ones and be brave and strong with it. Alex. I understand the insecurities he showed here especially after being the only human in their group who isn't a psy. But Alderson still made his character so purposeful. He became the brain of the group. He was the one who thought of strategies and planned their actions. And clearly, he played an essential part in the group. 

Alex and Lila's relationship is, of course, one of my favorite parts in this book. It was sweet, touching and absolutely swoon-worthy. They had fights and misunderstandings but I love how it grew and developed. 

The secondary characters are so great. I love how almost all of them made an impression to me especially Nate and Suki! The tandem of this two is just so entertaining and fun. Key too felt like a very warm person, someone who is so easy to talk to and confide with. Also, I think I developed quite a crush on Jack. Haha! And wait, did you notice how thoughtful he'd been to Amber during the last parts? Ooh, I can totally see the two of them together if there would be a third book! :D

And one more thing! Sarah Alderson never fails to impressed me with her ability of writing awesome action-packed scenes. I can so vividly imagine it and it was kick-ass. The stunts were amazing and I love how she describe them with such vigor and energy

This is such a outstanding and fantastic book from an excellent and talented author. She'd proven it in Hunting Lila and with Losing Lila she'd given us a lot more reasons why we have to look forward to more of her books. A third book of Lila will absolutely make me really really happy! And I want a lot of Jack, please. Haha! I recommend this. :D

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! :)

Waiting on Wednesday (#10)

"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..

Glitch

by Heather Anastasiu

Expected Publication: August 7th 2012

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network. When Zoe starts to malfunction (or "glitch"), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers. As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse. In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy.

Yay! This totally caught my interest. You know how I love parapsychology stuffs - Hunting Lila, Shatter Me, Finding Sky - Hope this one will join the list soon! Really looking forward reading this. :))

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: Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson

Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson
Rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is freaking cool! Like really really cool. Its like I got hold of an advance-tech, sophisticated gadget, a newly invented video game, or a high-end, atomic bomb-proof car! Yeah, that kind of cool! If you get what I mean. Oh well, anyway, this book is not like any ordinary young-adult novel. With its parapsychology and pseudoscience science concept, this book definitely went beyond just being awesome. :DD

I got totally hooked up by this book. Everything is just so cool and exciting. The concept was great and really interesting, the parapsychology thing really got me. I was so excited with everything and with the abilities of the characters. All the characters are so lovable! (Well, except for Rachel) LOL. I just love them all especially Lila, Suki and Nate. And of course Alex! (Fangirling strikes in!)

Lila is so adorable, she's strong, funny and really cute! She knows about her ability and she kind of accepts it but also knows that she's always not in control of it and that it could be dangerous. Her thoughts are really funny and her reactions are really cute (especially when its about Alex) and I can't help myself but grin and laugh at that. I love her relationship with his brother, Jack. He's totally overprotected to her but not really the irritating type. They are so close and really care for each other, and I really find it sweet whenever Jack says he love her little sister (not the sister-complex type, just a real brother-sister relationship)Haha! And then there's Alex.(Fangirling striking in again!) His brother's best friend, whom she has been in love her whole life. Their age gap was a bit big, 4 of 5 years? But it doesn't really matter once you start reading this and met him and found out that he's seriously swoon-worthy! LOL. The last part was totally...*swoons*! And I just totally love how their relationship developed.

And the twist about Demos group was cool. I found myself loving all of them once the revelation kicked in. Especially Nate and Suki. Really funny and cute, and not to mention their abilities are kick ass! Haha.

And yup, the last part was a total action and I love it. Really cool and its like I'm watching a real action-filled movie. The characters are all magnificent and yeah, they all seem like a kick ass movie-star. LOL. >:DD

I applaud Alderson for doing such a great and smart job. A story you would definitely crave for more! Enjoyed it very much. Perfect 5 stars for this book! :))