The Cursed Ones by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguié

Release Day: February 3rd, 2011

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children Books

Pages: 480pgs

The Story

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The ultimate battle. The ultimate love.

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For the past two years, Jenn has lived and trained at Spain's Sacred Heart Academy Against the Cursed Ones. She is among the few who have pledged to defend humanity or die trying. But the vampires are gaining power, and the battle has only just begun. Forced to return home after death takes a member of her family, Jenn discovers that San Francisco is now a vampire strong-hold.

As a lone hunter apart from her team, Jenn is isolated and at risk. She craves the company of her fighting partner, Antonio; his protection, his reassurance, his touch. But a relationship with Antonio comes with its own dangers, and the more they share of themselves, the more Jenn stands to lose. Then Jenn is betrayed by one who was once bound to protect her, causing her to doubt all she has held as true. To survive, Jenn must find the courage to trust herself - and her heart.

The Review

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Lately I've been picky over vampire books - especially in the young adult book department - and it's not as if I'm tired of them (cause I still love vampires in fiction), it's just because not many authors write anything new about them. They sparkle, they turn to ash, they get staked, they become evil . . . there's nothing different. However, since I was already a fan of Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie's previous WICKED books I was pleasantly surprised with THE CURSED ONES since both of the authors offered something a little bit different with vampires and vampire hunters. I guess, in a sense, it sort of had this historical edge to the setting . . . when actually it's set in our own futuristic world.

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THE CURSED ONES takes readers into a believeable apocalyptic future, with vampires stepping out of the shadows and everyone who is human believes they are offering peace in their existence, when really . . . they want to take over the world. *rolls eyes* While this story seems cliche, but it's a good read and an interesting one at that. The main heroine, Jenn, is apart of a vampire hunting team in a small town in Spain. Within this team you have a vampire, a werewolf, a witch, and some annoying brats, and while the world building was very strong at times - including the religion and the history behind the story, but THE CURSED ONES has quite a lot of flaws. Some can be overlooked while others can't . . .

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For example: When I read the summary of the book and saw a promised romance, I didn't see anything worthy of my attention. Jenn and another hunter named Antonio are in love, or so it suggests, but while I love Antonio a lot because he is the protective guy that all of us will love overtime . . . but like most guys, he has relationship and blood-lusting "issues" everytime he's around Jenn. And before you say anything . . . YES he's a vampire. Who isn't nowadays?

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Another problem of mine was the length of the chapters - cause they are very long - and not to the mention the switching of MANY character points of view. Over the last few years, I've come to love the 3rd POV but it was a bit annoying in this case and it can get pretty confusing. None the less, the story is filled with some fun action-packed adventures and the authors wrote a great take on vampires and those who hunt them. The Hunters. But be warned . . . the story does take time to get into, but by the time you reach the second half of the novel, it does become quite engaging and leaves you guessing on what's going to happen next!

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The Rating

3 1/2 /5 stars

Divergent by Veronica Roth

ARC REVIEW!

Big thanks to Paper Lantern Lit for giving me this ARC book!

Release Day: May 3rd, 2011

Publisher: Harper Collins/ Katherine Tegen Books

Pages: 496pgs

The Story

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society has been divided into five fractions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue - Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the fraction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she is - she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are - and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into her life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

The Review

Honestly, I was very lucky to receive an ARC copy of this book since I was dying to read it! Out of all the dystopian books I've read in the past, I have to say that DIVERGENT is probably one of my top favourites of all-time - 1) because it's a little different to what's out there at the moment, and 2) because there is some gun action, and finally, 3) because there's a hot guy waiting inside this really cool debut book.

The only thing that I was confused about, was that people compared this to the Hunger Games and The Matrix. I can definitely see The Matrix in this book but as for the Hunger Games . . . I couldn't see the similarities. While I still think the Hunger Games is better, but DIVERGENT follows it close behind!

Moving on with the story, I love the world that Veronica Roth has created . . . what with these five different fractions that are dedicated to five different virtues. A very clever idea indeed. And at the center of this world is Beatrice Prior, or as she renames herself . . . Tris. Before the whole story evolves into chaos, at the beginning Beatrice must take her aptitude test which will determine a result, but ultimately she must decide which fraction she should belong in: Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and/or Erudite (the intelligent). But there is also another, one that only a few know about and one that is considered very dangerous to the five fractioned society . . . a Divergent.

Without giving too much away, since this book hasn't been released yet, I will say that whatever fraction Beatrice/Tris chooses is where the entire novel setting will be set out in. And since Beatrice chooses an entirely different fraction from her families fraction - the one she currently lives in along with her parents and brother - she is then pulled into a crazy new world where she must adapt to the vastly of rules that her new fraction has set out for her and her fellow initiates, one that prepares her for a shocking new way of life. I mean that literally.

What I loved most about DIVERGENT is Tris's new fraction. The whole reality of it is crazy and terribly exciting, all that is very confronting and almost dangerous. Just what I like. Each fraction is moulded together with each virtue's traits, and even the clothing's colour are strictly contained to one fraction to the next. Either way, this world that Tris is surrounded with makes her always stand on her toes, and soon enough she quickly learns how to toughen up. But then this leads me to her love interest, FOUR!!!! He definitely ranks at the top five of my favourite fictional boys! He's strong all the way through and the whole relationship between him and Beatrice seemed real and honest, unlike most YA books. They both have a balance with each other, they know exactly when to support each other and when to also let them do what they do best . . . recognizing their own strengths and weaknesses. They were pretty awesome, more so FOUR!!!!

My only complaint of the book is that the MAIN ACTION happens after the 400th page and when people said it was the next "Hunger Games", I was left disappointed with that comment. While the heroine is strong like Katniss and there are moments of violence, but I can't really see the Hunger Games inside this particular story other than a bit of violence. Despite that, Veronica Roth has done an amazing job with her debut book and I'm sure a lot of people will be excited to grab their hands on a copy of DIVERGENT!

I was going to give the book four stars, but considering the fast-paced-and-addictive ending, five stars seemed more than fair! For those who haven't read it, be sure to grab yourself a copy in May and for those who've been lucky enough to read ARC versions of the book, guess you already know about the movie deal with Summit! Can't for that and DIVERGENT's sequel that is due out sometime next year in 2012!

The Rating

5/5 stars

Iron Crowned by Richelle Mead

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Release Day: 22nd February, 2011

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Publisher: Bantum

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Pages: 384pgs

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The Story

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Shaman-for-hire Eugenie Markham is the best at banishing entities trespassing in the mortal realm. But as the Thorn Land's queen, she's fast running out of ways to end the brutal war devastating her kingdom. Her only hope: the Iron Crown, a legendary object even the most powerful gentry fear . . .

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Who Eugenie can trust is the hardest part. Fairy king Dorian has his own agenda for aiding her search. And Kiyo, her shape-shifter ex-boyfriend, has every reason to betray her along the way. To control the Crown's ever-consuming powers, Eugenie will have to confront an unimaginable temptation -- one that will put her soul and fate of two worlds in mortal peril . . .

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The Review

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Oh why must you torment me, Richelle Mead? The reviews on her new book IRON CROWNED have been divided, at least from what I've read on the internet. I don't understand how people can not love Mead's work - whether it's a young adult or adult book. She's such a great writer! Despite these mixed reviews . . . I absolutely loved IRON CROWNED! While some see Eugenie as a childish and whiney character, but I found her to be a very strong heroine in this particular installment. She's flawed, but again . . . who isn't? What it comes down to is that she's get's the job done and maybe it's the unexpected-kind-of-dangerous-but-complicated-kind-of-way, but she get's the job done anyhow.

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IRON CROWNED begins where we left off in the sequel, Thorn Queen, with Eugenie and Dorian united in war against the Rowan Queen. But when Eugenie wants to resolve this battle peacefully, she then learns of the Iron Crown - an ancient relic that is near-to-be impossible to obtain. Anyway, without revealing too much I can definitely say that it's a great story and probably my favourite of the series so far! And yes, you see a bit more of Kiyo. And yes, there's always some relationship drama. And yes, there's a lot of complications . . .

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I won't spoil the events of this book - it's full of surprising twists and turns so you're going to have to see for yourself - but I will say there's a big cliffhanger. I was left saying, "Okay . . . did that just really happen? Hmph." As for the whole TEAM DORIAN and/or TEAM KIYO, it's very easy to pick between them both. Before this book, I loved Kiyo but Dorian always wins my heart in the end of each and every book. I just wished Eugenie could see what a wonderful guy he IS!

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The Rating

4/5 stars

Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright

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Release Day: February 24th, 2011

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Publisher: ATOM

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Pages: 329pgs

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The Story

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The body of a young girl is discovered in a field of wheat. Her flesh mutilated by telltale claw marks. The Wolf has broken the peace.

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When Valerie learns that her sister has been killed by the legendary creature, she finds herself at the center of a dark mystery, one that has plagued her village for generations. It is revealed that the werewolf lives among them, and everyone in the village immediately becomes a suspect. Could her secret love Peter be behind the attacks on her town? Is it her betrothed, Henry? Or someone even closer to her?

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As the men in the village hunt for the beast, Valerie turns to her grandmother for help. She gives Valerie a handmade red riding cloak, and guides her through the web of lies and deception that has held her town together for so long. Will Valerie discover the werewolf's identity before the town is ripped apart? This is a dangerous new vision of a classic fairy tale, the happy ending could be hard to find.

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The Review

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As a young child, I always loved the Little Red Riding Hood tale (who doesn't?) and this version pretty much rocked everything I've heard so far! The last Red Ridng Hood retelling I'd read was Jackson Pearce's Sisters Red book and although that still remains a great favourite of mine, but this one closely follows it behind.

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While the love triangle of the story was a little bit cliche, but I loved every moment of it. I loved the characters - Valerie, Peter, Henry, and it was nice to get some of their viewpoints now-and-then throughout the book. While the writing itself was clear and well-paced, and had gotten straight to the point, but my only complaint out of everything was the ending . . . which wasn't exactly 'finished'. Apparently the true ending of the book is going to be released shortly after Catherine Hardwicke's film comes out, because both her and the producers didn't want to ruin the ending of the film. It's a real shame for this reason, but hey - what can you do? The way it ended . . . I hope nothing changes when I eventually read the next part of the ending online!

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Despite this strange mishap and from what I've read of the RED RIDING HOOD book, the pages are riddled with suspense, a sprinkle of romance (can't believe I said sprinkle haha) and of course some thrilling mystery! Just what I love in a book. The author does an amazing job here and if it's just as awesome as the upcoming movie, then I'm sold! So, when this Thursday comes around, I'll be the first in line to see the movie!

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The Rating

5/5 stars

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Release Day: January 25th, 2011

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Publisher: Harlequin Teen

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Pages: 358pgs

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The Story

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My name is Meghan Chase.

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I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I love, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

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This time, there will be no turning back.

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The Review

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If you haven't read this series yet, please do! It's one of the best faerie YA series out there in the book world and Kagawa's writing is just so awesomely-written! THE IRON QUEEN is probably my favourite out of the three books!

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I think one of my favourite parts of this novel is seeing the characters develop into something more than the previous books and THE IRON QUEEN is the perfect example of that. In this installment, we get to see Meghan Chase grow from an insecure teenager into a strong-willed, and such a courageous young woman, then we see also get to see Ash becoming far more than the ice, cold-hearted man he used to be, and he reveals a beautiful side of himself, and of course . . . my favourite character of all, Puck, whom despite his mischievous side, he too can be serious with any situation thrown at him. *whispers* I can definitely see the appeal with Ash . . . though I'll always be a Puck gal!

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Within a few pages, I was completely enthralled by the continuing story of Meghan Chase and I didn't want to leave because everything in Julie Kagawa's books are easy to read and her worlds are so imaginative! Although I'm not exactly allowed to reveal spoilers (cause you guys will go crazy over that), but I will say that the ending is one that keeps you on your toes!

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Overall, THE IRON QUEEN is a delightful read and is yet another perfect book to add to the author's writing career! You have great characters, riveting action sequences and enough surprises and twists to keep you there til the very last page! Truthfully, I loved every moment of it! And for those sad to see the series end, be on the look out for Ash's story called THE IRON KNIGHT which is due out sometime this year!

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The Rating

5/5 stars

Matched by Ally Condie

Release Day: December 2nd, 2010

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Publisher: Razorbill

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Pages: 366pgs

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The Story

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Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

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The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else dared to follow.

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The Review

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I bought this book as soon as it came out, but I never found the time to read it - but now I finally have, and I have to say it's quite a good read. What really drawed me in with MATCHED's world is the beautiful cover art. For those who don't know me personally, I love art that is simple but somewhat eye-catching, and after seeing it for the first time - then in my hands in a final glossy copy - and reading the summary of the book, I was pretty much convinced that this would become a favourite of mine.

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The main question here is: Did it live up to the hype? Yes and no. The last dystopian book that I've read is Lauren Oliver's DELIRIUM which really reminded me of this book, but the only difference between the two of them is that this particular one get's straight to the point of the story, rather than fluff around with lyrical form of words. What I really loved about MATCHED is the world Ally Condie created, the whole Matched ceremony that decides who your ultimate partner will be, and basically what you'll do for the rest of your life, even decide the day you'll die. It was definitely an interesting concept, something a little different to some dystopian novels I've read in the past.

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This leads me to the two love interests - Xander and Ky, the one Cassia is "destined" to be with and the other who could be something more. With these two boys I found them to be the perfect balance for Cassia . . . for one, Xander is almost like her best friend and he doesn't have to build up anything in their relationship because he already knows her . . . whereas Ky tests Cassia in ways Xander never could, and that is what makes the story a little more interesting.

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Some may ask me - so, who's team are you on? That's hard for me to answer. I like both boys and I guess I love Ky a little more, but to be perfectly honest . . . I found his and Cassia's attraction to each other happening rather too quickly. And as for Xander, I couldn't really love him as of yet because he wasn't really in the story, or at least . . . wasn't shed in the light I wanted him to be. But nonetheless, and like in Twilight, it could go both ways of Cassia's heart . . . she could either end up with Xander or end up with Ky. But when it comes to the ending . . . Cassia has made a decision but I won't get into that in this review.

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Ally Condie has presented us with a fantastic start to the MATCHED trilogy. It's simple and beautiful in it's own way. She's created a world that starts off as crystal perfect and then everything starts to crumble around the characters, just like every dystopian book that we all can appreciate. In the next sequel, CROSSED, like every other fan out there that has read this book, we can all hope that Cassia will find her own personal freedom and start living a life that she HERSELF wants to lead.

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The Rating

4/5 stars

Rosebush by Michele Jaffe

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Release Day: December 14th, 2010

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Publisher: Razorbill

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Pages: 326pgs
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The Story

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Instead of celebrating Memorial Day weekend on the Jersey Shore, Jane is in hospital surrounded by teddy bears, trying to piece together what happened last night. One minute she was at a party, wearing fairy wings and cuddling with her boyfriend. The next, she was lying near-dead in a rosebush after a hit-and-run.

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Everyone believes it was an accident, despite the phone threats Jane swears were real. But the truth is a thorny thing. As Jane's boyfriend, friends, and admirers come to visit, more memories surface not just from the party, but from deeper in her past . . . including the night her best friend Bonnie died.

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With nearly everyone in her life a suspect now, Jane must unravel the mystery before her killer attacks again. Along the way, she's forced to examine the consequences of her life choices in this compulsively readable thriller.

The Review

Honestly . . . I have no idea what to write for this review of Michele Jaffe's ROSEBUSH novel. There times where the pacing was slow, there were times were the pace started to pick up and get more interesting, there were times that I thought this book would improve in character development but . . . I was left disappointed. While I liked the concept of the story - at least the idea of it and the way I hoped it would end - but to me this book didn't really live up to my high expectations. A real shame on my part!

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It kind of reminded me of similiar elements from THE INVISIBLE book and film (a big favourite of mine and one of the reasons why I picked up this book in the first place). One of the main problems, was that I couldn't AT ALL connect with the characters nor felt much sympathy for them. Jane, the main character, doesn't remember what happened to her and why she ended up in a hospital, other than she was found in a rosebush and close to death, and yet, while readers like myself go back-and-forth to the past and current events that link with her "attempted murder". . . all I see is a spoiled girl who wasn't a nice girl to begin with.

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So, really? If you can't connect with the main character, then the book is pretty much out-of-luck. As for her boyfriend - the possessive jerk as I recalled him to be - I hated him to bits, and the same goes with Jane's "friends" and other school acquaintances. No one was nice! Well, expect Pete. Other than him, the story fell flat and please don't get me started on the ending! Why . . . why . . . WHY? It confused me as hell.

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Like I stated above, I have no idea how to express in WORDS about this book! It wasn't terrible and it was a good read to pass the time, and although I've read plenty of good reviews for ROSEBUSH, but I guess I'm one of those rare gems who cannot enjoy it as much as others did. But don't get wrong - we all have different tastes in books! So, if you enjoy mysteries like I do, then pick yourself up a copy and be prepare to be going, "OH COME ON, REALLY?" *winces over really wanting to like it, but couldn't*

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The Rating

3/5 stars

Cover Reveals

I came across these new book covers floating all over the internet. Firstly, let's start with Andrea Cremer's young adult NIGHTSHADE series! Now the following two book covers are the new US versions for NIGHTSHADE and its sequel WOLFSBANE. To be honest, I think these particular covers have lost the magical 'touch' of the series - which the original cover HAD - but they still are really nice additions!

Now the next cover, I just love! I haven't seen a larger image yet of Brenna Yovanoff's THE SPACE BETWEEN cover, but from what I can see so far...it pretty much rocks! The red is a big stand out compared to her debut novel THE REPLACEMENT cover!

Now the next book cover that I really LOVE, is Lili St. Crow's final STRANGE ANGELS book cover! The cover model is the same one on the previous books, and I love the yellow-ish gold colour on this one! She always has great covers for this series! I think the only thing that ruins the cover is the vampire on the top-left hand corner, but other than that, I absolutely love it! It'll be sad when this series ends! Which means...no more Christophe!

Now, the next book cover that I'll show you guys is Marie Lu's book called LEGEND. For some reason, I love simple book covers! I can't wait to read this book!



When I saw Gabrielle Zevin's next book cover, I loved it! Not sure about the chocolate heart (though I'm sure it has to do with the story) but I love the simple white colour and the city background!



And finally, the last cover to be revealed...Australia's young author Alexandra Adornetto's HADES - the sequel to her HALO book. I love the cover but I think it pretty much destroyed the beauty of the first book cover! I like the first cover much better since it doesn't show anyone's face, but this one...sadly...looks strange! Especially the girl. The guy and the Hades-likeness is fine but the girl and her shimmering dress looks weird to me.

The Ultimate Guide Update!

For those who are big fans of Richelle Mead's VAMPIRE ACADEMY series (which I'm completely obsessed with), then I assume all you guys know about the Ultimate Guide that is being released by Razorbill. According to sources and Mead, the VA ULTIMATE GUIDE is due to be released on November 2011!

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Sink your teeth into the perfect holiday gift and must-have collector's item for every fan of Richelle Mead's totally addicting Vampire Academy series!

Discover the history of St. Vladimir's Academy, explore the dark psychology behind Rose and Lissa's spirit bond, and find out even more illicit secrets about Moroi society. The ultimate guide will feature everything readers want and need to go even deeper into the world of Vampire Academy, Frostbite, Shadow Kiss, Blood Promise, Spirit Bound, and Last Sacrifice . . . every heartache, every betrayal, every sacrifice, and so much more!

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272pgs - paperback original - Due 15 Nov. 2011

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So....are you excited for this or what?!

Tempestuous by Lesley Livingston

Release Day: December 21st, 2010

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Publishers: Harperteen

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Pages: 368pgs

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The Story

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"I don't love Sonny Flannery."

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That's the lie Kelley Winslow told to protect the boy she loves from a power he doesn't know he possesses. Devastated, Sonny retreats - to a haven for Lost Fae that's hidden deep underneath New York City.

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But Kelley's not about to let things end in heartbreak. To get Sonny back, she's got to find out who's after his magick - and how to use her own. She's got to uncover who's recruiting Janus Guards to murderously hunt innocent Faerie. She's got to help rebuild the shattered theater company she called family. And she's got to do it all without getting dangerously distracted by the Fennrys Wolf, whose legendary heart of stone seems to melt whenever he's around Kelley.

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The intrigue and romance that began with Wondrous Strange and Darklight come to a stormy head in Tempestuous, the breathtaking conclusion to Lesley Livingston's ravishing urban Faerie trilogy.

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The Review

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Tempestuous is an exciting, action-packed, page-turner, ending to Livingston's Wondrous Strange series trilogy! With all the plot twists and the "who done it?" is finally revealed, and with Kelley and Sonny discovering their true magic potentials, I couldn't have asked for a better ending than this wonderful faerie book!

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This book picks up where the second one left off; the theater has burned down and Kelley has chased away the boy she loves by telling him she doesn't love him anymore, and desperately wanting to keep Sonny safe - with the Green Magic he's carrying, a secret that she's kept from him. But then some attack and chaos occurs during these events...and it's all up to Kelley to figure out what's really going with the Faerie Courts. Without giving away spoilers (cause I will start babbling a lot which you guys don't want), this particular book was just as great as the previous two in the trilogy, and you can definitely expect most of your questions answered by the end page! I think out of everything I read, the ending was the best thing about the book, a very sweet ending...but you'll have to read it to get my meaning!

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Overall, Tempestuous is filled with romance, a little bit of heartache, betrayal, and plenty of entertaining action to keep the reader engaged. Like Wondrous Strange and Darklight, the conclusion of theis final installment leaves you with a very satisfying ending! So, I'm all Team Sonny!

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The Rating

4/5 stars

The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge

Release Day: February 22nd, 2011

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Publisher: Delacorte Books

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Pages: 512pgs

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The Story

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In the city of Lovecraft, the Proctors rules and a great Engine turns below the streets, grinding any resistance to their order to dust. The necrovirus is blamed for Lovecraft's epidemic of madness, for the strange and eldritch creatures that roam the streets after dark, and for everything that the city's leaders deem Heretical - born of the belief in magic and witchcraft. And for Aoife Grayson, her time is growing shorter by the day.

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Aoife Grayson's family is unique, in the worst way - every one of them, including her mother and her elder brother Conrad, has gone mad on their 16th birthday. And now, a ward of the state, and one of the only female students at the School of Engines, she is trying to pretend that her fate can be different.

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The Review

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First of all, let me just say that I absolutely j'adore this book cover - it's dark, eerie, and really sets the mood of the story. As for THE IRON THORN book itself, I love anything that is steampunk and I especially loved the world of Lovecraft - an alternate 1950's Massachusetts, all made of iron and machines! I could literally feel the cold, hard metal every time I turned a page...it kept me there til the very end. Before this book, I've always been a hardcore fan of Caitlin Kittredge's previous novels and since this is her very first young adult novel, I say she is pretty much, well, a genius!

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The main heroine, Aoife Grayson (a beautiful name by the way), is far from the proper standards of a 1950's lady. Her behaviour was like a boy's and her strong-sometimes-stubborn attitude made her stand out from a lot of heroines that I've read in the past, in a great way of course. But the thing that I really came to admire about Aoife's character, was that she doesn't fade out a single inch away from this book, at least not when her two boys keep her company - her best friend, Cal, whom got on my nerves at times but I still loved him, and the new love interest and one of the guides of Lovecraft, Dean, whom I adored completely! What really stood out to me in THE IRON THORN novel, was the magic weaved through the madness of the world...it was beautifully written and executed with such grace in words!

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The best part of the story was Aoife's suppose 'madness', when she will turn sixteen. Her mother was mad, her brother was a mad runaway, and her father...well, he too was believed to be mad. But when she decides to leave Lovecraft, after receiving a cryptic note from her brother, Conrad, she then teams up with Cal and Dean, to find out the real truths of her family...and by that, I mean, she really does make some interesting discoveries about her magical heritage, about the madness that courses through her, and most importantly, about the outlawed witchcraft. Without revealing too much, I will say...oh Dean! He was probably the best part of the book! Cal...well he annoyed me a lot, but by the time I reached a few ending chapters, I came to love him a bit more!

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Overall, THE IRON THORN is creepy, dark, and filled with many things that go bump in the night and to be honest, I didn't want it any other way...cause it was a very cool adventure to read about! With an ending so intense and many secrets revealed, I'll definitely be picking up the next sequel of this series! So please, whatever you do, pick up yourself a copy of this book...you won't regret it!

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The Rating

5/5 stars

Cover Reveals

*larger images available closer to the release date*

Check out these COVER REVEALS! It's very exciting since all these featured covers are so beautiful in their own way. The first cover reveal is for Ally Condie's MATCHED Sequel, Crossed. I haven't yet read MATCHED but it is in my TO-READ book pile, but this cover totally beats the first book's cover! I love these covers because they're simple but very eye-catching! Love the shattering effect on this one!

The next cover reveal is the companion novel to Anna Perkin's ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS, titled Lola and the Boy Next Door! Now, I absolutely LOVEEEEEEEEEEDDDD Anna and the French Kiss and though these are new characters, but I'm sure I'll love this one too!

The third cover reveal is this beautiful gem! To be honest, I have no idea what to say about this beautiful cover featured here, a book called THE MEPHISTO COVENANT by Trinity Faegen! Isn't it just the most beautiful cover you've ever seen?

And finally, my last cover real...is for Laini Taylor's DAUGHTER OF SMOKE & BONE book cover which is just so unusual and yet so OUT THERE in a good way! I love the colours!

Author Interview with Marianne de Pierres

I'm thrilled to present to you an interview with one of my favourite aussie authors, Marianne de Pierres! You can read my review on her upcoming YA book, BURN BRIGHT, and please do check out this book when you get a chance to...it's full of awesomeness and a world that is so very cool in its own original way!

What sparked the idea to write BURN BRIGHT? The world, the Ripers, the characters themselves?

It came from a collision of a number of things; my interest in nocturnal animals and the lifestyle, my inner Goth and my ideas on whether or not people will self regulate when they are freed from societies rules and regulations. Once I started creating, the Ripers, the Uthers and the Night Creatures just announced themselves. I did have fun researching church architecture too!

Just so you know, I absolutely loved Retra's character, especially with all the emotions she goes through in this new world of Ixion! She has a lot to adjust to! So, what inspired you to write such a compelling character? Was there anything of yourself in her?

Thank you, Erin! I think Retra's character allowed me to finally discharge some long held concerns left over from my teen years. It felt good to see her become empowered and in charge.

Out of all the characters in your book, which one did you enjoy writing the most about?

Hmmm ... Retra was very rewarding because she changes and gets stronger, but Lenoir was a bit of a favourite as well. How can you not love a mysterious, tall, dark, handsome, tortured stranger!!??

Since BURN BRIGHT is your first young adult book, was the writing process a little different from your other adult series, including the Parrish Plessis series (which I also love)? Did you use book outlines or are you one of those authors who just goes with the flow when writing?

I'm not one to write detailed outlines but I will always have a skeleton plot. That combination works best for me; enough structure to keep the story in shape but not enough to stifle creativity. Writing YA has been a joy and I'm not stopping after this! I have another series brewing called Emo Traders which I'm looking forward to getting to in due course.

As most readers are aware of, BURN BRIGHT is going to become a trilogy and the sequel is called ANGEL ARIAS. So, for those who've already read BURN BRIGHT, what can readers expect to see happening in the sequel? Will we see more of the Ripers, the Night Creatures, Lenoir (whom I have a little crush on) and more of Retra/Naif's brother, Joel?

The sequel takes place between Ruzalia's island, Sanctus, and Retra's home, Grave. Mostly Grave. This makes it a different book from Burn Bright; altogether more scary and creepy. You spend the whole time desperate for her to get out of there! She meets some new characters, and Markes is with her, which gives their relationship time to deepen. But Lenoir is never far from her mind, influencing her.

How did you and the singer Yunyu come together to write ANGEL ARIAS song? It's amazing by the way!

We were introduced by mutal friends and got talking about the possibility of working on something together. It then became a matter of the 'right' project. When I finally finished Burn Bright, I sent it to her and she was inspired enough to write three fabulous songs. In the end we could only afford to record one, though.

And finally last question - What are some of your tips for aspiring authors?

My tips can be found here (and there are also links to some other great sites): http://www.mariannedepierres.com/extras/writing-tips/

I've thought and been asked about writing a lot and this is really my best advice.

Thank you so much to Marianne de Pierres for this interview! I really enjoyed reading her answers! Be sure to check out her book, BURN BRIGHT!

Follow Marianne:

Website

@mdepierres

Facebook

Burn Bright's Website

Check out Burn Bright's book trailer!

You can also download Yunyu's ANGEL ARIAS song on itunes!

Burn Bright by Marianne de Pierres

Release Day: March 1st, 2011

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Publisher: Random House Australia

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Pages: 316pgs

The Story

Into a world of wild secrets and deadly pleasures

comes a girl whose innocence maybe her greatest strength.

In Ixion music and party are our only beliefs. Darkness is our comfort. We have few rules but they are absolute...

Retra doesn't want to go to Ixion, the island of ever-night. Retra is Seal - sealed minds, sealed community. She doesn't crave parties and pleasure like all the others. But her brother left Ixion two years ago, and Retra is detemined to find him.

Braving the pain of her obedience strip to escape the only home she's ever known, Retra finds herself drawn deeper into the intoxicating world of Ixion. Come to me, whispers a voice in her head. Who are the Ripers, the mysterious guardians of Ixion? What are the night creatures Retra can see in the shadows? And what happens to those who grow too old for Ixion?

Retra will find that Ixion has its pleasures - but its secrets are deadly.

'Listen well, baby bats. Burn bright, but do not stray from the paths. Remember, when you live in a place of darkness you also live with creatures of the dark.'

The Review

If Isobelle Carmody and Melissa Marr had a book baby together, BURN BRIGHT book would be the finished product! No kidding. I've been a big fan of Marianne de Pierres other books, but since this is her first young adult book, I have to say...she pretty much nailed it! It was weird (and I mean weird in a good-weird-but-interesting kind of way), adventurous, edgy, provocative, dangerous...and kind of thrilling with each and every page you turn. The author has created a world that is by far...very different from most YA books and that's why I liked it so much!

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By the end of the book, the main heroine, Retra/Naif, changed from this frightened and sheltered girl to a inquisitive young woman. What I loved about her character was how the novel focused on all her uneased feelings, the pain, and longing for a better life...it's all very interesting once you get sucked into this absorbing world de Pierres has created! As for the other characters, most didn't really do anything for me...well, except for Lenoir - a leader of the pale and inhuman enforcers called Ripers, which was so very fascinating for me...damn he was pretty hot despite everything else that was going on! Cause there's a lot going on by the time you read the last page.

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Without revealing anything, I will say that it's very hard for me to review this book let alone do BURN BRIGHT some justice...so you'll just have to pick yourself up a copy to fully understanding how much this book rocks! It's the most engaging and one of the most oddest books I've read since the weird-but-interesting Across The Universe. So, if you like Isobelle Carmody, a little bit of Melissa Marr, and a new read that's different from the rest of the fantasy genre, then give this one a go!

The Rating

4/5 stars

Afterlife by Claudia Gray

Release Day: March 8th, 2011

Publisher: Harperteen

Pages: 368pgs

The Story

Bianca and Lucas face a terrifying new reality: they have become what they most feared. Lucas is a vampire, and Bianca is a wraith. Together, they've overcome every obstacle life has thrown at them and fought pitched battles against enemies - mortal and otherwise. Now they must face their biggest challenge so far. They must discover if their love is strong enough to survive what comes after life...

Packed with romance, suspense and page-turning drama, Afterlife delivers a heart-stopping conclusion that won't disappoint the many fans who have made the Evernight series such a runaway success.

The Review

Before I go into details about the last installment of the Evernight series, Afterlife, I just wanted to say that although I like the concept of the series when I first read them and enjoyed reading Claudia Gray's writing...but to be honest, I've never really been an Evernight series fan. I don't know whether it's because I'm sort of "over" vampire novels in general or the fact that Bianca ends up becoming a wraith and Lucas ends up becoming a vampire...it just didn't seem all that great. However, in this book, I was pleasantly surprised by how this one ended.

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Afterlife has a lot more going for it than its predecessors and there are several more layers added to the storyline that twisted in ways you didn't see coming. Which was a good thing considering the other three books were quite predictable.

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In this book, I loved everything about it except for a couple of things: Bianca's character hasn't been my favourite (being honest here), but she has grown throughout the series but there were times where she acted childish, when really she should've been concerned about helping Lucas, and another thing...without spoiling this book - because I will if I write anymore to this review - I will say that I wasn't all thrilled about the ending, especially when it came to my beloved Balthazar, and other characters like Patrice and Victor...whom didn't really get an ending they deserved. Total bummer. I wanted more details about them and a little epilogue would've been nice too, but hey...what can you do? As for the main characters, Bianca and Lucas, they got an ending that readers will appreciate and it wasn't a complete 'happily ever after' type of ending either...which was good.

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Overall, this was a well-done book and Gray offers great non-stop action, a powerful fight for love, and all sorts of emotions that will hit you like whiplash. Whether you're already a fan of the Evernight series or haven't yet picked up these books, definitely get stuck into them!

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The Rating

4/5 stars

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Release Day: May 31st/June 1st, 2011

Publisher: Harperteen/Macmillan

Pages: 496pgs

[though my ARC copy is longer]

The Story

How Do You Defy Destiny?
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Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different how different she is - no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood...and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together - and trying to tear them apart.

The Review

First off, let me just say a BIG THANK YOU to the Macmillan UK publisher for sending me an ARC copy of Starcrossed! I've been lusting for this book for a while now and I'm very thankful for the Macmillan to provide me one of the best debut novels I've ever read this year! To be honest, words cannot describe this debut novel by Josephine Angelini - it's addictive, filled with wonderful characters, weaved and twisted with Percy-Jackson-like myths, and in the end...it became one hell of a page turner! I've never been so addicted to a book since Vampire Academy and while that still remains my favourite YA series, this beautiful start to a trilogy is closely following behind!

First off, let's talk about the characters. I loved Helen when I first met her, I instantly connected with her til the very end. Sometimes she may have become selfish but that is how girls are at times, and when you're in love...it blinds you. Which then leads me to Lucas. I loved him! Simple as that. He was dedicated to Helen, in control most of the time (hehe), and he truly wanted what was best for her. The only thing that frustrated me about him was the fact that he was keeping things from Helen, and when he got caught out...well he could've saved himself the trouble to explain himself. Other than that, I loved every single character in the book - especially the Delos family, which oddly reminded me of the Cullens from Twilight. Only they were better! Throughout the whole book, I saw similiar Twilight elements, but at the same time I found myself thinking, "Now this is how Twilight should've been written!" I mean, you have a strong-but-sometimes-sensitive heroine - which I love, you have a love interest that would stay by her side no matter what - even when things seemed impossible (which you will see through the course of the book), and then you have an awesome mythology that is unique from most books nowadays which is another bonus.

When it comes to the plot itself, I won't say too much since it'll be spoilery, but I will say that when I read this secretly in my bedroom, it felt like I was hiding a big secret from everyone...a guilty pleasure that I couldn't help but keep to myself. So...when June comes around this year, DEFINITELY pick yourself a copy of this book! I loved everything about this book - I loved the Greek mythology that we explore, all the powers, all the Houses of families mentioned in the book, and most importantly, I loved HELEN & LUCAS! While the last few chapters left me in some depression (cause a lot of things happen that leave you saying NOoooo) and while it did have the same Twilight aspect, it was a refreshing take of a YA paranormal romance and I'm immensely looking forward to the sequel to this amazing debut novel! Way to go, Josephine Angelini! *two thumbs up*

The Rating

5/5 stars

This is the UK cover version, which I love a lot!

My ARC version has no actual cover, but its pure white with gold titles and gold cover backings, with this beautiful golden lightning strike on the front cover like the one featured here. It's beautiful even for an ARC copy! So big THANK YOU's to UK's Pan Macmillan for allowing me to feature this book review on this amazing debut novel! Expect good things from Josephine Angelini!

-- Erin xox.

Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr

Release Day: February 22nd, 2011

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Publisher: Harpercollins

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Pages: 336pgs

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The Story

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The Summer King is missing; the Dark Court is bleeding; and a stranger walks the streets of Huntsdale, his presence signifying the deaths of of powerful fey.

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Aislinn tends to the Summer Court, searching for her absent King and yearning for Seth. Torn between his new Queen and his old love, Keenan works from afar to strengthen his court against the coming war. Donia longs for fiery passion even as she coolly readies the Winter Court for battle. And Seth, sworn brother of the Dark King and heir to the High Queen, is about to make a mistake that could cost his life.

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Love, despair, and betrayal ignite the Faery Courts, and in the final conflict, some will win...and some will lose everything.

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The Review

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If you haven't reading anything by Melissa Marr - where have you BEEN?! Melissa Marr is one of my favourite young adult authors, not only because she writes fantastic faery stories, but the fact that she writes with every bit of emotion and intensity, which is beautifully done in this last installment of the WICKED LOVELY series! I could not have asked for a better conclusion than Darkest Mercy. It went beyond my expectations! Also, I found myself a little sad too, seeing as these characters have reached the end of their journey.

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It's no secret to tell you that I've been in love with Aislinn, Keenan, and Seth's story from the very beginning. They are the kind of characters that have sense of realism - not the faery part of course, but with their wide range of personalities, and their differences in strengths and weaknesses. Aislinn is hard and bright, Keenan is is a fool in love (which we already know), Donia is all about strength, Bananach is just CRAZY in my opinion, and as for my dear old Seth (my favourite character) is just so driven and the purest guy on earth! I love him. Though each of these characters make mistakes along the way - some you just want to strangle them to death for - but they are still able to come through on top and surprise you! Keenan for example surprised me alot in this book, what with he was willing to do for his court! Let's just say Melissa Marr is a genius when it comes to writing about self-sacrifice and pushing her characters to fight to the limit!

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Without giving away spoilers, I will say that everything in Darkest Mercy is how you want every book to end and I don't think I would change a thing! Darkest Mercy is beautifully written and if you're one of those readers hmmm-ing and ahhh-ing over reading these books, please DO! They are fantastic YA reads!

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The Rating

4/5 stars

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Release Day: February 1st, 2011

Publisher: Harperteen

Pages: 441pgs

The Story

There was a time when love was the most important thing in the world. People would go to the end of the earth to find it. They would tell lies for it. Even kill for it.

Then, at last, they found the cure.

Now, everything is different. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Haloway has always looked forward to the day when she'll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But then, with only ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable...

The Review

I've heard a lot of buzz about this book and I loved Before I Fall, the first debut novel for Lauren Oliver. The thing I love about the author's writing, is how she writes - it's well-controlled, stylized in a way that is almost lyrical, the kind of words that you would often see in elegant poetry. And that's one of the reasons why I love her books. As for this particular book, Delirium, I felt very drawn to the world Oliver brings to her readers and I can definitely understand how the Government can control you and the people around you - fearing everything they want you to fear and not questioning their 'beliefs'. To have a sense of security on your side. While the world building strengthened by each page and chapter, I felt the characters themselves weren't as built well as they should've been.

My first problem with the book was the length of the paragraphs and sometimes I found myself skimming a few of them, just to get to some character dialogue. Which then leads me to my second problem: there wasn't much dialogue to make you feel more emotionally tied with the characters, but there's two more books after Delirium...so we'll see. Despite that, I loved Lena and how the author made you feel confined just as the main character felt, which is a real talent in my opinion. As for her suppose "love interest" Alex, I really loved his character because he showed both Lena and us as the readers...a whole different world away from this strict way of life, and also testing the system Lena has always grew up in.

When it comes to the ending...oh don't get me started! I kind of expected the ending to be like it was, but man...it was a killer! And by the end of the pages, I was left to say, "Oh, is that it???" Personally I was depressed by this book, and ironically enough...the society Lena lives in is also depressing, so Lauren Oliver has even more talent to write a book that made you feel like the main character does. In saying that, if you love dystopian worlds, a little hint of Romeo and Juliet, and Before I fall - Lauren Oliver's first book - then, you'll love this!

The Rating

3/5 stars