Follow Friday

Follow Friday is hosted by Rachel at Parajunkee's View

This week's question: If you are a fan of Science Fiction, what is your favourite book? If you haven't read Science Fiction before...an inkling to? Anything catch your eye?

My answer: I haven't read too many Science Fiction books, at least in the young adult department, but I do love Across the Universe by Beth Revis. The story itself has some great film potential as it's set on a massive spaceship that's been travelling for a couple of hundred years to reach another planet, with a sideline story of romance that's between a girl who only knows the past, whereas the boy she falls for only knows the way of living in his future. If you haven't read it, do so!

Have an awesome weekend you guys!

Forsaken: The Demon Trappers by Jana Oliver

Release Day: January 4th, 2011

Publisher: MacMillan Children's Books

Pages: 448pgs

The Story

Riley Blackthorne.

Kicking hell's ass one demon at a time . . .

Riley has always wanted to be a Demon Trapper like her father, and she's already following in his footsteps as one of the best. But it's tough being the only girl in an all-guy world, especially when three of those guys start making her life more complicated.

Simon, the angelic apprentice who has heaven on his side; Beck, the tough trapper who think he's God's gift, and Ori, the strikingly sexy stranger who keeps turning up to save her life.

One thing's for sure - if she doesn't keep her wits about her there'll be hell to pay . . .

The Review

I find it very hard to write a review for this particular book. There were moments were I loved the book completely (and sometimes I couldn't stop reading until I knew what was going to happen next) but it's a love/hate relationship. First things first, I'm glad that I've read this book after seeing the gorgeous cover and I have to admit, Jana Oliver created a pretty awesome dystopian-like world. I think the only problem I had with this book was Riley herself and some of the other characters...her "love" interests.

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I imagined Riley being this kickass demon trapper, but instead, I get a girl that's not really as kickass and complains a lot. I guess there is a sense of realism, with her acting like an almost normal teenager...but I kind of hoped she was like a Jace from Mortal Instruments...or something along those kickass lines. But that might be just me...you'll have to read it to be a judge of her character.

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As for her suppose "love" interests, I don't really understand the whole guy character thing. Beck had too many attitude problems and you can tell he like likes Riley (I felt like strangling him sometimes), Ori was a complete mystery and I didn't really see any point of him being in the book, and the whole ordeal with Simon...unfortunately I just didn't feel the connection between him and Riley. He seemed more like the best friend than boyfriend material, plus he hardly knows Riley...and well...maybe things will improve in the sequel.

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Other than that and the poorly distracting slang language that some of the people spoke, I loved the book. I loved the fast-paced action scenes, the demon trapper idea, and the whole necromancer thing...it was quite interesting to read about. The ending didn't really end on a cliffhanger, but I'm still pretty stoked to read the next book. The author leaves a lot of unanswered questions, so I'll definitely continue reading the book in this series!

The Rating

3/5 stars

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Release Day: August 25th, 2010

Publisher: Scholastic

Pages: 458pgs

The Story

My name is Katniss Everdeen.

Why am I not dead? I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

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It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans - except Katniss.

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The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay - no matter what the personal cost.

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The Review

Before I begin, this review is a little bit late...but I haven't had a chance. Anyway, I just want to say I love the Hunger Games and I love everything about the Hunger Games. With the last installment Mockingjay, I found myself a little disappointed in the book, more so with how it ended and whom Katniss ended up with. But despite a couple of things that happened, it was still a great read and a perfect end to one of the best trilogies that I've ever read.

So, my thoughts on the book?

Well, let's start with Katniss and Peeta. I understand her connection with him and with him being a really nice guy, though personally I've always been a Gale fan. But that's just me. I will say however, that Suzanne Collins is wonderful when it comes to writing her characters and navigating them through a great deal of loss, pain, emotion, change, and trauma. It's sometimes hard to read about and may leave you with a few tears here and there, but that's what makes Collins such an awesome writer. Not because of how she writes, but because she makes you have a strong attachment to her characters and feel as though you're losing your closest friends...which just fantastic!

Without revealing any spoilers (cause you would totally kill me), I will say that the ending was not how I liked for it to have ended...but everything was closed up nicely. Regardless with who I wanted Katniss to be with, who I wanted to live and die, this was probably my least favourite Hunger Games book. Some events in the book ran a little too slow for me, but as the pace picked up after the middle half...I found myself with full of surprises and I was glad that Collins's ending stayed true to how wars ended, how powerful and emotional and how real it can be.

The Rating

4/5 stars

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

Release Day: Feburary 8th, 2011

Publisher: Flux/Random House Children's Books

Pages: 289pgs

The Story

Freak. That's what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic, which branded her hands and arms with iron tattoos. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.

When the vicious wood elves - the darkest outcasts of Faerie - abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries-old war between the humans and the fey. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout with secrets of his own, Donna races to save her friend - even if it means betraying everything her parents fought to protect.

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The Review

For starters, can I just say what an awesome cover THE IRON WITCH has - the silvery tattoos and the girl hiding her face were very eye-catching, which was what had drawn me to the book in the first place. As for the actual book and its storyline, I have to say...despite the short length of the book, I really, really enjoyed it. The debut author had gotten straight to the point and the words flowed nicely, with a sweet little touch of romance and a little touch of interesting magic...which made it the perfect read!

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From the very moment I met the main character, Donna Underwood, I admired her completely because she was such a devoted friend and had a personality that you could easily relate to, like with her being a little insecure, a little kickass and yet she still had that innocence about her. What I really liked about Donna was how she came to get those "iron tattoos" on her hands and arms, and it was fascinating to read about the folklore and alchemy that was blended into the mix. It as quite refreshing, actually. As for the whole "love triangle" aspect, I can see a possibility of one happening in future books, but I think anyone who reads this can tell who Donna is more attracted to.

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Donna's best friend, Navin, was a good old friend in the book and like most guy best friends, he stood by Donna no matter what...so he definitely earned some points from me. However, when it comes to the alluring and mysterious Xan, now that guy was LOVED by me! I think the moment you meet him, you know there's something odd about him and it was kind of obvious by the way, but I didn't care because he was the sexy cool guy and everyone loves a sexy cool guy! And what I really appreicated, was that Xan and Donna's connection, you know...that spark between them seemed pretty believeable...so I can't wait to see what happens between the two of them in the sequel!

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To end this review on a high note and without saying too much, the story was told very well and I loved the fact that it talked about faeries and alchemy, and to have those two topics be woven together it was...well, quite a treat! The only problem I had with the book was that it was too short for my liking and the ending was a little abrupt...and perhaps had some loose ends - which I'm sure will be tied in the next book, but Xan makes up for that! So, for those who haven't picked up a copy of THE IRON WITCH...what are you waiting for?!

The Rating

4/5 stars

Note: I would've given it 3.5/5 stars, but the extra half of a star is for the love of Xan.

Follow Friday

Happy Friday to all! Follower Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View, giving other bloggers to find other blog sites and meet new people in the blogosphere world! Now, please bear with me since this is the first time I've done a follower friday post...and bearly getting used to the idea. So yeah.

So, this week's question: What is your favourite romance hero-type? Stereotype wise. Do you like the strong, silent type, or the brute, macho man?

My answer: To be honest, I'm a sucker when it comes to the strong and silent type of love interests (Dimitri Belikov from Vampire Academy, anyone?????). They always have a sexy element about them because of their hidden secrets and I love their whole mystery that's waiting to be unravelled by the characters...and I guess that's the whole fun part about it! But sometimes I get tired of the "mystery" and just want a character that cracks a joke, with a little hint of an arrogant attitude...the guy that has the facade of being a real-class jerk, when really...he's just hiding the fact that they're nice and sensitive guys on the inside! Anyway, if it was me deciding who I want more...I can't really decide cause I always love a good mix!

So, what are your views on this question? Like to hear your thoughts! If at all possible, please follow my blog and leave a comment. And if you're a blog owner, leave your blog site in the comment box and I'll follow back! Thanks!-

Have an awesome weekend you guys!

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead finally has a cover!

For those who don't know me, I'm an obsessed fan of Vampire Academy and of ANYTHING written by Richelle Mead. If you haven't picked yourself a copy of Vampire Academy, then you're seriously missing out!

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Anyway, ever since Last Sacrifice book came out - the last of book of my beloved YA series - I was freaking out...but I was very excited to see Richelle Mead is going to be writing another six books in a VA spin off series and I'm glad to present to you, the NEW cover of the first spinoff book called Bloodlines!

So, do you love it, like it, or hate it? I read other people's reactions toward the cover, and most loved it...and so do I! For those wondering who is on the cover, well my dear Sydney is the girl on here and the guy model is Adrian. The thing that really stands out is the colours the art department used and the thorny font...it's very EYE CATCHING! I actually like this wayyyyyy better than the VA covers! What I'm looking forward to most is seeing the VA world through someone else other than Rose Hathaway, whom I'm going to miss for sure! But I love Sydney's character and I'm excited to see her as our main heroine!

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Release Day: January 4th, 2011

Publisher: Harperteen

Pages: 435 pgs

The Story

In the beginning there's a boy standing in the trees...

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, strongers, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place - and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make - between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

The Review

Nowadays, it's really hard to find a good, interesting and original angel book...but clearly Cynthia Hand has written one! From the very beginning, the storyline got straight to point and kept the reader engaged until the very end, with a few great twists and turns along the way.

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Clara, the main heroine of the Unearthly, was easy to like and despite her "part-angel" self, she was very much an average teenage girl. She was a little insecure - but again, who isn't - and sometimes she underestimates herself...which I guess, makes her a little more human and another reason to really like her as a character. The way the author weaves the angel mythology was very cool and I was glad it wasn't so complicated...which was good for a change. As for the whole love interests thing (cause what's a YA novel without love interests), I didn't really like Christian since he wasn't so great...but OH MY GOD I love Tucker! The chemistry between him and Clara seemed much more purer than the whole "I-want-Christian-to-notice-me" thing.

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The only let down of the book was the ending. I know you can't exactly open up a huge can of worms in the first book of the series and reveal all of the secrets...but still, the ending seemed to end a little bit TOO quickly. Another thing, I didn't like Angela's character because I didn't trust her AT ALL...so I think there's something about her, something darker perhaps. Anyway, getting to the point, I enjoyed the book and can't wait to see what else Cynthia Hands brings to this refreshing series! If you loved Fallen and appreciate a blend of realism and an angelic supernatural twists, then pick a copy up! It's well worth it! :)

The Rating

4/5