Review: Alienated (Alienated # 1) by Melissa Landers

Title: Alienated (Alienated # 1)
Author: Melissa Landers
Published: February 4th 2014
Publisher: Disney Hyperion

My Rating: 3 stars

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them.

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class.

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

Ever since reading JLA's Lux Series, when I hear aliens in YA novels my brain automatically equates it to hot guys. Lol! So I was actually pretty excited to start this one, plus quite a lot of positive reviews this book is getting, so that definitely added to the anticipation. And so I dove into it and I...liked it. Not loved, which was what I was hoping to happen. It did deliver most of my expectations and did put on a number of smiles is my face and gave off swoony and giddy feeling but in the end, it's just that. I liked it but I just didn't really lose myself into it. 

Cara, our heroine, was an easy character to like. She was smart and an over achiever but determined and extremely loyal. I liked that although she was reluctant about the scholarship and the arrangements she took responsibility of it and with great open mindedness. Her efforts on being a host and a friend to Aelyx were adorable and genuine. Aelyx on the other, while I like his initial mysterious and aloof personality, sometimes it borders to boring, (almost Edward Cullen-y, if you know what I mean). So I took great pleasure whenever this playful and sexy side of him slips in. It was fun and entertaining reading through the dynamic and development between the two especially how different they are. 

Now, as for the plot and world building, I have to say that the story did provide quite a lot of interesting and intriguing ideas especially about the world of L’eihr. I was curious with it and was really looking forward exploring more of them. However I was a little disappointed to realize early on the story that the setting for the first book will mostly revolve around in our world. While the whole book was actually and easy read I would have love to see more complex and complicated situations that would make the story a whole lot more exciting and thrilling. 

Nonetheless, Landers was still able to provide enough ideas and factors to keep me entertained all throughout. And she does know how to write a funny but totally sexy and drool worthy scenes. Heh. 

This book will probably work much better to those who are looking for a fun, light and entertaining read but wouldn't want to venture out of the world of paranormal or sci-fi books and jump over the realistic/contemporary ones. A good little break to all those too complicated and problematic ones. Ha!

Thanks to Disney Hyperion for providing a copy of this book.

Review: All Our Yesterday (All Our Yesterday #1) by Cristin Terrill

Title: All Our Yesterday (All Our Yesterday #1)
Author: Cristin Terrill
Published: September 3rd 2013
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
My rating: 4.5 stars

"You have to kill him." Imprisoned in the heart of a secret military base, Em has nothing except the voice of the boy in the cell next door and the list of instructions she finds taped inside the drain.

Only Em can complete the final instruction. She’s tried everything to prevent the creation of a time machine that will tear the world apart. She holds the proof: a list she has never seen before, written in her own hand. Each failed attempt in the past has led her to the same terrible present—imprisoned and tortured by a sadistic man called the doctor while war rages outside.

Marina has loved her best friend James since the day he moved next door when they were children. A gorgeous, introverted science prodigy from one of America’s most famous families, James finally seems to be seeing Marina in a new way, too. But on one disastrous night, James’s life crumbles apart, and with it, Marina’s hopes for their future. Now someone is trying to kill him. Marina will protect James, no matter what. Even if it means opening her eyes to a truth so terrible that she may not survive it. At least not as the girl she once was.

All Our Yesterdays is a wrenching, brilliantly plotted story of fierce love, unthinkable sacrifice, and the infinite implications of our every choice.

Time travel is not exactly my favorite concept in a book and most of the time I avoid reading them. So it was actually quite surprising when I found myself picking this up, turning each page eagerly and digging the book with such enthusiasm in one night! Cristin Terrill's All Our Yesterday definitely took me by surprise with it's clever and thrilling concept, fantastic characters and sweet romance. And I just so so loved it!

Ironically enough, my favorite part of the story is actually the time-travel itself - the whole re-writing of history, the connection of the past and the present, how things turned out like that and how they all add-up in the end. It was very interesting and impressive as Terrill presented it in such a mind-boggling and clever manner. I enjoyed predicting and finding out how each turn around will affect and change the course of the story. 

With the way the story was presented, we were able to see the changes from the past Marina, Finn and James to the present them. The inbetweens during the time travel, what led to this and to that, things they had gone through - we were able to understand how all of these contributed to the development and growth of their characters. It was an effective presentation because I quickly became invested with the characters - with their relationship and the friendship and love between them - it's quite impossible not to be emotionally involve as well. 

And I wouldn't be ending this without, of course, the mention of romance. I loved the subtle way it was handled in this book but never lost the sweet and swooning effects it should invoke upon its readers. It was lovely, heartwarming and achingly sweet. 

Although I was satisfied with the overall of the story, I felt some things could still be add up and developed on the story so I was really happy when I found out that there would be a sequel for this book! It's a little hard to imagine what the next book would be especially with that pretty clean ending but of course, I certainly won't pass up another whole book with Finn! Lol!

This is a must read! I highly recommend Finn this! ;D     

Review: These Broken Stars (Starbound #1) by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Title: These Broken Stars (Starbound #1)
Author: Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
Release Date: December 10, 2013
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
My rating: 5 stars!

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

Disclaimer: After more than two months of not writing a review and blogging I'm not sure I'd be able to give justice to any good books I've read much more to something totally as spectacular as These Broken Stars. So this review might be a little bit rusty but hopefully it would be convincing enough to make you want read this book - because this book is seriously fan-freaking-tastic! See, it made me want to blog/review back. That should say a lot! Lol!

***

I've been waiting for this book since May last year! And alas, after waiting for 17 months (Yes, I counted it! Oh well, I should probably make it only 15 months since I received the ARC two months ago! Heh.) I was finally able to read it and boy, did it not disappoint! The wait is totally worth it and I can say that this is definitely one of my best reads this year. Tarver, Lilac and their world universe is one of the most original concept I have ever come across reading and it has captivated me from the very first start until the end. Reading These Broken Stars is one hell of a freaking experience.

The combination of well-rounded characters, magnificent world-building, and thrilling but oddly creepy (the voices, yeah?) plot is what made this book such a fantastic and amazing read. I have to admit, I was fooled a little when I was only starting it because it totally reminds of Titanic and I thought it would just be like that. But boy was I wrong because in a blink of an eye it showed me just how far and deep it could go. It was more complex that I could have ever expected.

Lilac and Tarver are from two different worlds. Lilac, the daughter of the richest man in the universe and Tarver, a young war hero who came from a middle class family. It was fascinating witnessing how fate brought this two together and was put together in drastic and survival situations and having them learn to get over their prejudice to each other then trust and then soon fell in love with each other. 

The development of each character were very well crafted and presented. I especially loved how Lilac grew throughout the story from the naive, spoiled, daddy's girl to someone who'd learned to make a camp and light a fire by herself, question her life and beliefs, braved a room full of dead rotting bodies alone for days to get the things they needed and who'd sacrifice herself and her happiness to ensure he wouldn't suffer. I'd come to really loved her character as the story went on. Tarver, on the other hand, I adored him instantly (well, yeah, I'm that shallow) but I think I just easily saw through him. Behind the tough soldier mask was just a boy with soft heart and tender feelings. I loved his relationship with his family and how much he treasured them. I think he's even more sentimental than Lilac. Haha! And he writes poems! That pretty much sums everything up. The romantic development between the two was very well written, it didn't feel forces or too fast but slow and realistic. And definitely swoon-worthy. 

As for the world building, the idea of a space ship that could travel light-year fast and of super advance technologies that enables one to teraform planets and move from one to another was very interesting and quite honestly, a little bit terrifying too. But I definitely enjoyed exploring it here and hopefully more on the next books. And for the plot, it was impressive and very entertaining, there were no dull moments. I loved seeing what Lilac and Tarver would do to survive each day and what things they'd discover along the way. The twists and turns were thrilling and exciting and at some point it even felt quite scary and sinister especially with the voices and visions! a! You guys have to look out for that but that's one of my favorite things in this book.

So there you go! With impressive concept, thrilling plot, fantastic characters, brilliant world-building and oh so swoon-worthy romance, this will definitely be shelved on your best reads this year. This would work not just from romance junkies but to those who love sci-fi and actions as well. This is a must read! I highly recommend this. 

Thank you Disney Hyperion for providing a copy of this book.

Review: Altered (Altered #1) by Jennifer Rush

Title: Altered (Altered #1)
Author: Jennifer Rush
Published: January 1st 2012
Publisher: Little, Brown, & Co.
My rating: 4 stars

When you can’t trust yourself, who can you believe?

Everything about Anna’s life is a secret. Her father works for the Branch at the helm of its latest project: monitoring and administering treatments to the four genetically altered boys in the lab below their farmhouse. There’s Nick, Cas, Trev . . . and Sam, who’s stolen Anna’s heart. When the Branch decides it’s time to take the boys, Sam stages an escape, killing the agents sent to retrieve them.

Anna is torn between following Sam or staying behind in the safety of her everyday life. But her father pushes her to flee, making Sam promise to keep her away from the Branch, at all costs. There’s just one problem. Sam and the boys don’t remember anything before living in the lab—not even their true identities.

Now on the run, Anna soon discovers that she and Sam are connected in more ways than either of them expected. And if they’re both going to survive, they must piece together the clues of their past before the Branch catches up to them and steals it all away.

Altered was definitely a very pleasant surprise for me. It's always such a lovely treat whenever I encounter a paranormal book with a fantastic, unpredictable plot yet with very likable characters. Not to mention, a number of hot, hot, hot boys. Altered was such an amazing and fantastic read. I enjoyed almost every part of it (especially Cas!).

And yes, I do think the Merrick brothers have finally found their competition. I remember Brigid Kemmerer saying something about the boys here too...

And they indeed are!

Anna was a character I appreciated quite a lot. She appears to be a bit vulnerable but she has very real and honest personality. What I admire most about her though was the genuineness of her relationship with the boys. She may not be a very kick-ass heroine and though sometimes, she tends to seem a bit of the damsel in distress, her faults and flaws where overshadowed by how much she treasures and loves Sam, Cas, Trev and even Nick. In the end it was her loyalty and love for the boys that pushed her to be brave and strong and do some pretty kick-ass moves too.

Now the boys. Let's start with Sam. He was aloof, mysterious, a bit standoffish but he was a great leader and friend. It was actually the opposite of what I had imagined of him but I still end up really liking his character. He seems so serious and distant most of the time but he always took great care of everyone. Nick was the gorgeous bad-boy in the group. He was rude to Anna and seems to really dislike her. He had a very bad and awful past that forced him to have that kind of attitude and thinking. Trev was the levelheaded, rational and smart one among the boys. He had a close relationship with Anna and considers him her best friend. He loves to read books and always ready to give advice and quotes for Anna. He was a character that was so easy to like and trust but... And last but not the least, my favorite, CAS! He was an easy-going, laid back kind of guy who never seems to get his stomach full, always demanding for food but he was also very sweet, funny and really really charming. He was the kind of friend that you would need when everything is just too intense and overwhelming. Who would make you laugh and put a smile on your face when thing started to feel too stressful. I remember asking Jennifer if I can have him and she said HE said YES!

So move over girls! Cas is mine. Hahaha! Just kidding. I'm really not that selfish. Contact me and maybe we could make some arrangements. Lol!

As for the plot, I just loved it! I love how it mixes some mysteries and actions.I enjoyed how they try to figure out what really happened through the small clues they had. It was fascinating and what made it more really good was the unpredictability of it. It was hard to guess or calculate what's gonna come out and what's gonna happen next so all you'll be able to do was just to continue reading. I just have some slight issue with the romance although I still enjoyed it and I do think that Anna and Sam were really great couple. However it was just that I wish a few more convictions were added that it was indeed real since it was hard not to worry that it might just have been caused by the alterations. But we're only on the first book so I think I can oversee it and I'm sure more explanations and developments will come of the following books.  

Overall, Jennifer Rush did an amazing job in delivering us a story with such fantastic yet unpredictable plot, awesome action-packed scenes, shocking twists and discoveries and lovely but amazing characters. I enjoyed it very much and I'll be sure to have an eye on this series. I highly recommend this.

Review: Taste by Kat Evangelista

Title: Tase
Author: Kat Evangelista
Published: April 30th 2012
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
My rating: 3.75 stars

At Barinkoff Academy, there's only one rule: no students on campus after curfew. Phoenix McKay soon finds out why when she is left behind at sunset. A group calling themselves night students threaten to taste her flesh until she is saved by a mysterious, alluring boy. With his pale skin, dark eyes, and mesmerizing voice, Demitri is both irresistible and impenetrable. He warns her to stay away from his dangerous world of flesh eaters. Unfortunately, the gorgeous and playful Luka has other plans. When Phoenix is caught between her physical and her emotional attraction, she becomes the keeper of a deadly secret that will rock the foundations of an ancient civilization living beneath Barinkoff Academy. Phoenix doesn't realize until it is too late that the closer she gets to both Demitri and Luka the more she is plunging them all into a centuries old feud.

Well, this book was a pleasant surprise for me. I wasn't expecting that much on this one and to be honest I had some doubt I'd end up really enjoying it. But I'm pleased to report that this book is actually a very interesting one. It might not have instantly caught my interest during the first parts but as I went deeper to the story I realized that it had eventually intrigued me. The characters and the world Kat created were indeed a very unique and fantastic and I'm happy to say that I enjoyed reading this book.

I first thought this was a vampire book thus explaining my doubt. I was surprised when the world was finally described and explained that I realized how interesting and fascinating it was. It wasn't really a vampire world but a world of "Zhyamvys" or "zombies" as we humans, according to the book, bastartized it. It was rather a fascinating idea - good looking zombies, smart and civilized than just the brain eater we always thought of. It was quite captivating and absorbing to explore this unique world Kat created.

Phoenix, our main character discovered the existence of the Zhamvys when she accidentally overslept in the library of her school pass the curfew. Her curiosity still brought her to discover more of the world of Zhamvy and soon found herself helping some of them in this dangerous secret that might kill this ancient civilization that lived underneath her school.I didn't get well with Phoenix right away. I was actually pretty annoyed with her and some of her actions. Her curiosity I understand but she was impatient and reckless and although those could be appealing attributes on some characters, it felt quite annoying on her. Although as the story went on I saw parts of her that is good and kind and impressive, like when she agreed to help Dray to look for a cure for his people because she understood how it felt not to able to do anything to someone you love. She agreed even if it was dangerous and did extreme sacrifices. In the end, I think she did grow on me. 

Now onto the other main character and the love interest, Demitri. Well, there's a reason why I still haven't read Vampire Academy, Wanderlove and why I didn't continue the Faeriewalker series. 

Long-haired guys. 

I know, I know. Shallow it is. Don't get angry at me but they were just never my type and it turns me off quite majorly whenever I encounter one. However, after reading this I realized that it wasn't really that hard to imagine them to be short-haired. Lol! Seriously, that's the only way I know how I'll be able to continue reading this and still really like it. So in the end, I  was actually able to like Demitri genuinely. And yes, I also did think he was sexy. 

Although I liked the overall, I was a little disappointed with the ending. It felt kinda rush, even some other parts of the book but it was the ending that I wish had been elaborated more. Nonetheless, I think this is a pretty great debut novel and really fantastic for a one-shot paranormal book albeit a little formulaic and predictable at times. I wouldn't mind if there will be a second book actually (or a companion book about Luca). I enjoyed this and I guess it's safe to recommend this.

Thank you Kat Evangelista for providing me a copy of this book!

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: 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: 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: Hold Me Closer, Necromancer

Title: Hold Me Closer, Necromancer

Author: Lish McBride

Published: October 12th 2010

Publisher: Henry Colt and Company

Ready synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 4.5 stars

This book is so much FUN! I love love love everything but most especially Samhain Corvus LaCroix! I tell you, I'm in love with this guy yeah, like I don't feel like that with most of the heroes I met. XD. Its like I met the guy version of Sophie Mercer (Hex Hall)! This dude made me all laughing from the first page to the last and even on worst situations. While this book offered lots of good humor it also gave a very good side of dark and paranormal stuffs. 

I love reading books with male protags but I tend to be really picky about them. But when I heard that this gave off the same aura as White Cat, which is one of my favorite series with male lead, it definitely caught my interest. I'm not sure about it though when I started reading it but when Sam started using his smart-mouth, oh boy, I realized I gonna love it big time. 

Sam's character is very appealing and admirable. I like how he talk about things and handle stuff, he knows who he is. Oh wait, no. He didn't know he's a necromancer before - more like he's honest about himself. He acts with no pretense and admits things he's capable of and what he's not. And most of all, he's smart-mouthed. His snide comments and witty comebacks had me all laughing out loud. His relationship with his friends - Ramon, Frank and Brooke - was also really adorable and funny. I love how much he cares for his love ones.

This is the book where you're gonna love almost all the characters in it. You'll definitely take notice with everyone even if they don't share much exposure. Ramon and Frank were loyal and very reliable friends. Brooke, I adore her so much! She's funny and definitely a strong character. Bridin, I thought when Sam met her she'll intimidate him but she didn't. She's actually sweet and very supportive but also a tough and brave character. Then Ashley too! I just really love that girl! Even the villain here, Douglas, is an interesting character.

The paranormal stuff is very entertaining and intriguing. I love the idea of hybrids, the were-hounds, the hybrid between werewolves and fey. I also think that what made Sam powerful is because he's also a hybrid between a witch and a necromancer. I'd love to discover more of these paranormal creatures and to see Sam's abilities develop on the next book. Oh yeah, and I'd like to see what's gonna happen between him and Brid! ^^

I highly recommend this book! This is a humorous and very enjoyable read with an interesting and amusing paranormal plot. I really had so much fun reading this! 

Review: The Other Life by Susanne Winnacker

Title: The Other Life

Author: Susanne Winnacker

Published: February 1st 2012

Publisher: Usborne

Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 3.75 stars

I've always been a fan of zombies. Not that I'd loved them if they become real but I just like the thrill, excitement and nervousness they can make me feel. I've seen lots of zombie-themed movies and read some mangas of it. But I haven't really read any novel about it, I realized just after I finished reading this book (and I really wonder why I never thought of reading one. Hmm~). So basically, this is my first 'zombie' themed book and it went really well. Hurrah! It was good and I liked it. Though it may not be as gruesome and creepy as I had expected it was still a fun and enjoyable read. 

The Other Life has an exciting and interesting plot with really great and cool characters. I love Sherry's voice. I immediately saw that she's a strong and determined heroine. She never pretends that she's not afraid and definitely has fears but she's a loyal and determined person especially when it comes to her family and to other people she loves. Joshua, driven by the awful things that happened to her family, had become a really tough and brave person. He's also a very caring and thoughtful. And never think twice in helping other people. Whenever he could get someone to save he would always do it and I really admire that about him. 

The premise may not have been super original - invented a virus that had gone wrong, infected the whole city, the government or some big freakin' organization being behind it - it was still able to surprise me by some of its twist. I just thought it could have been more sinister. I was really expecting more of actions, chasing and fighting. I was waiting for something that would make my heart pound from excitement and nervousness and make me cringe in all its gruesomeness. Well, the story delivered enough, I just wanted more. lol! (Yeah, I have twisted sense of humor and I am proud of it! lol!) 

Anyway, it was still really a fascinating read and I'm very much curious on what's gonna happen next and how they will be facing those challenges. I hope the next book would be as good as this one or even better, more thrilling, gripping and heart-attack inducing

Review: Touch by Jus Accardo

Title: Touch
Author: Jus Accardo
Published: November 1st 2011
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Read synopsis: Goodreads
Rating: 3.5 strars

Touch was an easy and fast-paced read. The plot was fairly entertaining and engaging though it was a bit predictable. The characters were cool and good and the story offered enough exciting actions and twists. I had fun reading this however it didn't left much big impression on me and I'm not quite sure if I will continue reading the series. 

I liked Denzee's character, her being straight-forward and sarcastic definitely make her a cool heroine. A lot of people find her hot and good looking and she's very well aware of that but still acted it really cool. Though at times her actions kind of get on my nerves. She could be a little dense and clueless at times. 

I find Kale funny, cute and...awkward. His ignorance about the outside world was just really cute that I kept on grinning and laughing whenever he encounter things that amazed him and said things straight even when it should be kept a little private, and yes, it was a bit awkward too. I love how he learned things and grew to understand love. But when I reached the second half of the book I find his character a bit undeveloped. Yeah, I liked him because his actions were funny and very innocent but it was getting old and as the story progressed I can't find any other things that I would love about him.

Alex was an interesting character. I actually liked him before he did a really bad thing which was really a letdown. But still, I think he wasn't really that bad. Brandt, Dez's cousin is one of my favorite character, he's cool and really kind. And his ability was definitely awesome. 

The first half of the book really did turn so well for me however during the second half I kind of feel like the story turned a little slow and not as exciting during the first part. The story was cool and I really did enjoy some parts of this book but I just didn't really got caught up big time.

Review: Obsidian (Lux, #1) by Jennifer Armentrout

Title: Obsidian (Lux, #1)
Author: Jennifer Armentrout
Published: December 6th 2011
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Read synopsis: Goodreads

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Never in my life had I ever thought that aliens could be so sexy and hot. But boy, was I wrong! I am practically drooling and swooning over them right now. Oh Daemon baby... *sigh*

Jennifer Amerntrout really knows how to write a kick-ass story! Obsidian certainly did not disappoint me. I felt so giddy all throughout reading it, I was completely consumed and overcome. It offered me more than what I had expected - exciting twist, unique plot and concept (sexy aliens!), thrilling actions, hot romance and steamy scenes, and adorkable but lovely yummy characters. Simply put, this book is just so freaking amaaaazing~!

Katy and her mom moved from Florida to a small town in West Virginia right before her senior year. She became friends with Dee, her neighbor but Dee's brother doesn't seem to like her. He was rude to her and always pissed her off. But somehow, some part of her is getting attracted to him. And so does Daemon to her (though he still kept on teasing her). However there is something Dee and Daemon was hiding from her. They were not humans. They were aliens. And her finding that out did only not put her in danger but also might be the end to all of them.

Katy is an adorable and equally wonderful character. I love her. She's strong funny and fights back and runs a review blog! Haha. She isn't the kind of character you'll get irritated or annoyed at times. She makes good decisions and stands for it. I love how loyal she is to Dee, how selfless of her to sacrifice her safety for them. Daemon is this hot, sexy, gorgeous alien neighbor of Katy. He was rude to Katy the first time they met but that's because he was trying to protect he and her sister from being exposed. He loves to make fun of her and teases her a lot. I really love it whenever they are together and keeps on having their witty and snappy banters. It was funny and sweet. He may be rude and have pissed Katy a lot but I think he does really care for her. I also love his relationship with her sister,Dee. He's a good brother and he'd do everything to protect her. Dee is another lovely character. I like her already the first time she came up on the book. She's so kind and her care for Katy was real and genuine.

And boy, how I love those extra chapter's in Daemon's POV! That just proves that he is definitely attracted to her and cares for her. I was giddy and swooning while reading it.

"But no matter where I went, what I was running from would still be with me—Kat. She wasn’t just back in the house, in that bed. She was with me now, inside me. And there was no outrunning that." - Daemon 

Ahhhhhhh! That is just...ASDASFDAFASERFA!

Oh my, can I have the second book now? I just really can't get enough of them. Aliens. Sexy Aliens. Gorgeous Aliens. Swoon-worthy Aliens. Yeah, they certainly exist in my mind now. This is the first book I've read about aliens and obviously it did have an entirely different effect on me than what I would've expected in reading a normal paranormal-sci-fi-alien based novel. Jennifer really did a very nice job with them. It was unique and incredibly cool.

This is a must read! Jennifer Armentrout is now officially one of my favorite authors! I highly recommend this! You're gonna love love love Daemon this! XD

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! :))