If its there, I've read it.: June 2012

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Review: Stolen by Lucy Christopher

Title: Stolen
Author: Lucy Christopher
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult
Publication Date: May 4, 2009
Publisher: ChickenHouse

Do you want to know how many tears I cried while I read this small, immensely powerful and emotional book? No, I can't count how many tears I shed. There were too many.
WOW.
That's all that comes to mind when I think of this powerful book that altered my views on...well, everything around me. About Love, Family, Life in general.
I was very hesitant at first, seeing as how this was written in letter format. I wasn't sure how I would feel. But right away, after page one, I was hooked and I knew letter format must be the only way to truly get the emotion and power this book needs to (and does) get across to the reader. The fact that it's in letter format allows the reader to experience how Gemma, a 16 year old girl who was kidnapped by Ty from an airport one day, feels towards Ty and everything around her in a way that first-person narrative couldn't have accomplished. Since instead of "Ty" or "He", Gemma writes, "You", it's like you are in Ty's position, but at the same time, in Gemma's place. It gives you perspective on both the character's, and I think that's great.
I feared that, since it was in letter format, it wouldn't describe the scene or setting well enough. I was wrong. Lucy Christopher described everything just beautifully, in a way that I myself can not put into words. The characters, Gemma and Ty, who are basically the only characters (seeing as how Ty kidnapped Gemma), jump out from the page. They feel like real, flesh, livuing people who you could meet any day in the street or at school or at a fair. But they are still fascinating, and honestly, I don't think any other author has made me feel so much for his or her characters as Lucy Christopher made me feel. I was naturally rooting for Gemma and Ty to be together, as I think anyone would. They are the only ones basically in the book. You want them to be together. But then you slip into Gemma's mind, the feelings she had, how it felt for her to be kidnapped and her conflicting feelings over a handsome young man who has a temper but a vulnerable, gentle side as well. I loved Ty- and then he would scare me, or scare GEMMA, which in return scared me. By the end of the book, I was just as confliced about my feelings towards the couple as Gemma was towards Ty. And, actually, I bawled my eyes out. I was just so confused and lost and conflicted, but not lost and confused in the, "Wait...what just happened here?" way, but in the way that I was emotionally conflicted to the point of not knowing how to feel or act or do. That was also the position that Gemma was in by the end of the book, and Lucy Christopher makes it so that if her characters hurt, you hurt as well. You have no option but to hurt- it just happens. You fall in love with Gemma, who is so deep and complex that it will just amaze you. This book exceeded my expectations. It BLEW MY MIND. I had no idea writing could be this powerful, without using complicated metaphors like in other books such as The Book Thief. No, it was just so beautiful. It makes you experience Stockholm Syndrome and confuses you just as it confused Gemma, because you wonder- IS this Stockholm, or is this real? Does she even LOVE him, should she, do I even want her to...i do want her too... You want them to be together, but at the same time, it is so hard to accept them being together because of the fact that there really <i>is no escape</i> and it's hard to get over the fact that he took Gemma. It's hard not to hate him for what he did, but it's also hard to hate him once you see the vulnerable, gentle sides of him- it's hard to do anything, really. And then you hear about Gemma's old life, and how he thought he was proteting her by saving her from that life. And That is one very big and powerful part of the story. Everything here will make you lay at night thinking, it will make you cry and change everything for you. The characters are so real, they seem to be close friends- it's like you know them and, as i said, if they cry, you cry, if they laugh, your heart smiles. You see their flaws plain and simple but can't help but feel for and care for them so much. Numerous times I cried. I cried, because....
Because I wanted Gemma to go home.
Because there was no escape.
Because she was so afraid.
Because she was starting to love him.
Because Ty wanted her to love him so bad.
Because Ty was so gentle and she rejected him.
Because Gemma was conflicted.
Because it was impossible to love him, but impossible not to.
Because Ty could be scary.
Because of how bad Gemma's life was before, and because you don't know if this new life is any better.
Because I just didn't know how to feel- and Gemma didn't, either. It was just a maze of emotions, this book- and the fear you feel when she first wakes up in a strange bed, in the outback of Australia- it is such a real fear that it makes you want to cry, and you can't help but imagine yourself in her position, and the terror washes over you and suffocates you.
This is an amazing book. Every single sentence will fill you with some kind of emotion. The plot is original- so original. The characters are realistic, three dimensional, and VERY well developed. You watch them grow throughout the book, it's beautiful and really, I think this book is the perfect example of a real, solid, perfect, emotional, powerful book that will change your life. I wish all books had the same raw, emotional power, plot, and well written characters that this book did. Lucy Christopher is a genius. She writes gracefully and finishes perfectly, not rushed, but beware- you will need a box of tissues for this book. And this might just change how you view everything in your life. A fantastic book. This will be a classic, trust me- right up there, children from all over america will read this in 20 years. Beautiful. Just beautiful. If you haven't read this, you need to. Now.

Review: Flowers In The Attic by V.C Andrews

Title: Flowers In The Attic
Author: V.C Andrews
Series: Dollenganger Series (#1)
Genre: Suspense, Drama, Young Adult
Publication Date: 1979
Publisher: Pocket Books.

	In Flowers in the Attic, the first installment of The Dollenganger series, Cathy, Carrie, Chris, and Cory, four siblings, must deal with living in the dark attic in their grandparent's house after their fathers death, while their mother tries to win back her father and inherit a fortune. This is, needless to say, a very mature book. It was written by the well known V.C, Andrews, and I picked it up last-minute because I was desperate for a new book- any book. I saw the cover, the time, and bought it before the store closed. When I got home, I started to read. And I was very hooked. The story deals with many topics as the four dollenganger siblings grow up in the attic, topics such as puberty, family, wealth, love, sex (yes, there is lots of sex. Its mentioned quite a lot, actually, and I read this when I was younger and was wondering how someone could write such risky, naughty topics), and such. It is very powerful and immensely well-written. The only thing that detained me from rating this story was Catherine Dollenganger, better known as Cathy, the narrator of this book. She suffers from Mary-Sue syndrome, though she is probably not even close to making it to the top 100 Mary Sues I have ever read about. Cathy can be selfish, egotistical, mean, stubborn, and whiny. Whenever she doesn't get her way or sometime upsets her, she becomes easily upset and refuses to forgive for quite awhile. She doesn't have a great relationship with her mother, dances ballet, and is described as obscenely beautiful, like her mother, with lush blond hair and fair skin and big blue eyes, like a dresden doll. The reason I rated this three stars rather than four is because I couldn't really like Cathy. I felt sympathetic towards her, but she didn't really show a lot of character development, and even in the next book she seemed to be still selfish, whiny and self centered. Though she does care for others, like Cory, Carrie, and Chris, most of the time she thinks of herself first, and her own needs and wants. if she doesn't like something, it must be changed. She holds grudges against the smallest things and at one point even wishes harm upon herself so that others will feel bad for her, just because they made her mad. She is prone to throwing "hissy fits" and such, but is very talented at lots of things, such as academics, ballet, acting, and singing- which also causes her to suffer from Barbie Syndrome, meaning she can do almost, well, everything. The fact that she does not get any less selfish or whiny throughout the first and second book doesn't help, but there were times when she was likeable and she was a great mother to Carrie and Cory. The other thing I didn't like was the fact that Christopher Dollenganger, her brother, seemed to worship his mother AND Cathy (which made Cathy very angry) in a way that just sort of creeped me out (for lack of better word). He easily seemed to forgive Cathy for her misdoings and never really got angry at things that I, and any reasonable person, would get angry for. The only times he did not worship or love Cathy was when she was derigatory towards their mother, and even then that just made HIM look stupider while it made Cathy look smarter and more in the right, which feeds her being a Mary-Sue. One more thing I didn't like was that the mother was the ultimate villain, because though that goes far to show how lust for money and fame can change a person, it is unrealistic the things she did, and Cathy was the only one who didn't like their mother, who was a very weak and very horrible person. Everyone else, Cory, Carrie, and Chris, seemed to be blind to how horrible and despicable their mother was acting- they all loved and forgave her for the things she did almost the second she entered the room. Cathy was the only one with sense enough NOT to forgive her, which is good and makes me respect Cathy, but is also bothersome to see how dense the rest of her family and the other characters are when it comes to things that are so obvious. It was infuriating, at times, how dense Cathy's siblings were- especially Chris[topher]. However, Andrews made up for mary-sue Cathy and slightly dull, worshipping-Chris in the way she told the story and how powerful the plot and writing was. Unlike many Young Adult books now adays, this story did have a plot that was NOT relying on the characters themselves. If you took away the characters, there would still be a solid plot. This story also has many morals and things that deal with the hardships of life and I think it's great to find a story with such power behind its plot. You are with Chris and Cathy as they deal with puberty and raising themselves and their siblings all alone. You are there as the twins fall ill, as they are mistreated by their grandmother, and as their own mother falls in love more with MONEy than her own children. These aspects, of course, are unrealistic, but they do touch your heart in a way that is hard to describe. Just watching them grow up and have to deal with these things makes this book a worthy read. However, this is also a painful read- not because it is a bad book, but because of the horrible, atrocious things the characters have to deal with, even having their own mother do the worst things imaginable for money. It goes far to show how our world is today- how greedy people can be, how manipulative looks and money is, how hard it is to grow up, such and such. I think this is a great book with depth, and despite the characters lacking development and common sense at times, I really did enjoy this book. It was very well written, captivating, and it took many risks along the way. I think it's a great read and I recommend it to mature teenagers and to adults. There is something terrorizing and mesmerizing about this book. It's horrible and sad and twisted and has incest and an attempt at murder and even has rape...but something about it makes it a enjoyable book anyway. I guess it's the way the author HANDLES all those mature topics. She handles it well, in the end. -Astrid

In Flowers in the Attic, the first installment of The Dollenganger series, Cathy, Carrie, Chris, and Cory, four siblings, must deal with living in the dark attic in their grandparent's house after their fathers death, while their mother tries to win back her father and inherit a fortune.
This is, needless to say, a very mature book. It was written by the well known V.C, Andrews, and I picked it up last-minute because I was desperate for a new book- any book. I saw the cover, the time, and bought it before the store closed. When I got home, I started to read. And I was very hooked.
The story deals with many topics as the four dollenganger siblings grow up in the attic, topics such as puberty, family, wealth, love, sex (yes, there is lots of sex. Its mentioned quite a lot, actually, and I read this when I was younger and was wondering how someone could write such risky, naughty topics), and such. It is very powerful and immensely well-written. The only thing that detained me from rating this story was Catherine Dollenganger, better known as Cathy, the narrator of this book. She suffers from Mary-Sue syndrome, though she is probably not even close to making it to the top 100 Mary Sues I have ever read about. Cathy can be selfish, egotistical, mean, stubborn, and whiny. Whenever she doesn't get her way or sometime upsets her, she becomes easily upset and refuses to forgive for quite awhile. She doesn't have a great relationship with her mother, dances ballet, and is described as obscenely beautiful, like her mother, with lush blond hair and fair skin and big blue eyes, like a dresden doll. The reason I rated this three stars rather than four is because I couldn't really like Cathy. I felt sympathetic towards her, but she didn't really show a lot of character development, and even in the next book she seemed to be still selfish, whiny and self centered. Though she does care for others, like Cory, Carrie, and Chris, most of the time she thinks of herself first, and her own needs and wants. if she doesn't like something, it must be changed. She holds grudges against the smallest things and at one point even wishes harm upon herself so that others will feel bad for her, just because they made her mad. She is prone to throwing "hissy fits" and such, but is very talented at lots of things, such as academics, ballet, acting, and singing- which also causes her to suffer from Barbie Syndrome, meaning she can do almost, well, everything. The fact that she does not get any less selfish or whiny throughout the first and second book doesn't help, but there were times when she was likeable and she was a great mother to Carrie and Cory. The other thing I didn't like was the fact that Christopher Dollenganger, her brother, seemed to worship his mother AND Cathy (which made Cathy very angry) in a way that just sort of creeped me out (for lack of better word). He easily seemed to forgive Cathy for her misdoings and never really got angry at things that I, and any reasonable person, would get angry for. The only times he did not worship or love Cathy was when she was derigatory towards their mother, and even then that just made HIM look stupider while it made Cathy look smarter and more in the right, which feeds her being a Mary-Sue.
One more thing I didn't like was that the mother was the ultimate villain, because though that goes far to show how lust for money and fame can change a person, it is unrealistic the things she did, and Cathy was the only one who didn't like their mother, who was a very weak and very horrible person. Everyone else, Cory, Carrie, and Chris, seemed to be blind to how horrible and despicable their mother was acting- they all loved and forgave her for the things she did almost the second she entered the room. Cathy was the only one with sense enough NOT to forgive her, which is good and makes me respect Cathy, but is also bothersome to see how dense the rest of her family and the other characters are when it comes to things that are so obvious. It was infuriating, at times, how dense Cathy's siblings were- especially Chris[topher].

However, Andrews made up for mary-sue Cathy and slightly dull, worshipping-Chris in the way she told the story and how powerful the plot and writing was. Unlike many Young Adult books now adays, this story did have a plot that was NOT relying on the characters themselves. If you took away the characters, there would still be a solid plot. This story also has many morals and things that deal with the hardships of life and I think it's great to find a story with such power behind its plot. You are with Chris and Cathy as they deal with puberty and raising themselves and their siblings all alone. You are there as the twins fall ill, as they are mistreated by their grandmother, and as their own mother falls in love more with MONEy than her own children. These aspects, of course, are unrealistic, but they do touch your heart in a way that is hard to describe. Just watching them grow up and have to deal with these things makes this book a worthy read. However, this is also a painful read- not because it is a bad book, but because of the horrible, atrocious things the characters have to deal with, even having their own mother do the worst things imaginable for money. It goes far to show how our world is today- how greedy people can be, how manipulative looks and money is, how hard it is to grow up, such and such. I think this is a great book with depth, and despite the characters lacking development and common sense at times, I really did enjoy this book. It was very well written, captivating, and it took many risks along the way. I think it's a great read and I recommend it to mature teenagers and to adults. There is something terrorizing and mesmerizing about this book. It's horrible and sad and twisted and has incest and an attempt at murder and even has rape...but something about it makes it a enjoyable book anyway. I guess it's the way the author HANDLES all those mature topics. She handles it well, in the end. -Astrid

Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection (#1)
Genres: Romance, Dystopian, Young Adult
Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen

Let's start off with a quote from the protagonist, America Singer (Hey, guys...guess what she does!):

"Maybe what I wanted was stupid. Maybe it wasn't even something I could have. But still, it was mine. I didn't think I could sacrifice my dreams, no matter how much my family meant to me. Besides, I had given them so much already." -America Singer, Page 16 (Nook).

Okay. This is probably the only book I have ever read that I don't hate or love. It's simply...boring. Uninspiring. Yes, there were times when I would glare at my copy or make a noise of outrage at some bone-headed thing America (god, the name?) would do, or at how selfish she was, but most of the time I was bored. Uninspired. This book was flat, flat, flat to me. The character of Prince Maxon was weak and awkward- and definitely NOT in the cute, endearing way. In the way that makes you cringe and shake your head or acquire a immense migraine. The character of Aspen seemed...well. He's not a complete douche bag, but he felt like a jerk to me. And the reltionship of Aspen and America...I couldn't bring myself to care for them, or about her and Maxon. I couldn't bring myself to care about anything in this book much, except that sometimes I would be so angry at America Singer. Oh guys, guess what? SHE SINGS! Yeah, I know, never saw that coming, did you? I thought she was probably a cook or a mime. Besides the flat characters and nonexistent character development, the world building (or lack thereof) was just...ugh. I am having trouble coming up with words to express how ridiculous it was. There were so many holes and things that needed to be more detailed or looked over, things that if I were enjoying the book I'd overlook, but since enjoyment is one of the things that do not come to mind when I think of this book, I noticed an awful lot wrong with this so-called "dystopian" society. First off, the name. Creative, pretty name, but what kind of country is called after a person? A state, city, or town? Sure, you can call those after a person. But to call a country after a person seems unnecessary and just something that doesn't make sense to me. Then, the fact that CHINA INVADED AMERICA BECAUSE AMERICA OWED IT SO MUCH MONEY, made me laugh out loud. I showed this to everyone around me, and they eiter gave me, "What the hell?" looks, or snorted. Because if the country doesn't have the money to pay you back, invading that country isn't going to make them suddenly have the money to pay you back- and if that was how people handled having other countries in their debt, why didn't we all go invade Germany long long ago? The world would be CHAOS if that is how we handled it. The worst part is that people are daring to compare this to The Hunger Games, when the only thing that is even remotely Hunger Games like is the fact that the country has a new name and...well, maybe I'll think of something else later.
The only thing dystopian about this is the caste system, but really, is the caste sustem that dystopian? I mean, we already have first-class and middle-class and lower-class. Add detail into it, and you have the caste system. Not very original, really, if you think about it. But it's not like they have a horrible government, and really, the caste system could be changed if everyone stopped being prejudiced. It's not really a dystopia, in my book.

Okay, moving on. The biggest problem for me was not only the boring plot, the blunt and literal writing (Miss Kiera Cass, have you ever heard of DETAIL or DESCRIPTION? Or elaboration? at all?), or even the awkward prince and annoying, flat boyfriend. It was the fact that America Singer was such a big Mary-Sue. She is everything someone shouldn't be, with absolutely NO redeeming qualities. She is selfish, rude, egotistical (Besides, I had given them so much already. -America, Page 16), boring, and judgemental. She's selfish because she doesn't care about her family OR her country. She whines and WHINES AND FREAKING WHINES SOME MORE about the unfairness of the caste system, but then refuses to run for Queen. Doesn't she realize that if she was Queen, she could FIX the caste system? Then she complains about how there is never enough food, but she DOESN'T EAT HER DINNER and still won't try to become Queen. If she cared so much about her family and shortage of food supply and money, she would run for Queen and actually EAT her dinner. Which brings is to a lot of other topics. The fact that doesn't want to run for Queen is completely insensible. She gives NO reason for not wanting to run for Queen except that she is already in love with Aspen and will not give up her love to help her family and her country. Forgive me, maybe I'm inhumane and don't have any feelings, but I think that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Didn't anyone tell her, sisters before mistsers? She's so selfish! She WHINES about everything, but won't run for Queen to FIX everything. Which brings us back to WHY she won't run for Queen. Not only is she secretly in love with Aspen, but she never (America) elaborates in ANYTHING. She said she didn't want to be a caste One or Two, that she had seen their luxurious homes and din't want to live there. Okay- WHY? FOR GODS SAKE, WHY? Just because you want to have a better, glamorous life doesn't make you shallow, you know. Everyone wants a better life. I SEE NO REASON FOR YOU NOT TO WANT A BETTER LIFE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. So, in exasperation, throughout the novel I kept crossing my fingers that she would elaborate in SOMETHING. But no, nothing, she never let us know any details about why she felt a certain way about something or someone. That itself was infuriating. At least if she said the whole Selection thing was shallow or something, she would have a reasonable excuse. But she doesn't say that. She just gives us selfish reasons. And then she complains some more. Another thing that irritated me was how she, as a "Five" caste family, is supposed to be poor, yet she has a TELEVISION AND MAKEUP. If you are so afraid of the fact that winter is coming and you will not have enough jobs or food, why don't you use the money you have for food and clothes instead of TELEVISION and Makeup! She even goes as far as to complain about the fact that, yes, there is never enough makeup. I'd find it SO much more easier to be sympathetic towards the fact that they won't have enough money to eat if they didn't own MAKEUP. And that's even worse. A few morequotes from miss America Singer herself are:
"To pick a girl to smile and look pretty next to him on TV....Could anything be more humiliating?" Page 19 (Nook)
"You are Not!" May said. "Because I look like you, and I'M pretty!"' -May Singer, Page 21. (Yeah, did I mention her family is also egomanacs?)
"I wrapped my mostly untouched plate under a napkin." Page 24 (IF YOU ARE SO WORRIED ABOUT NOT HAVING FOOD...WHY DONT YOU EAT?)
"There was a mirror by my door, and I stopped to make sure my hair looked as good as it had this morning." Page 25.

I won't include anymore because going over the notes I posted in the book is making my head want to explode. There is NO character development. She stays selfish and egotistical through the entire thing, and she's not even likeable. The author's writing style is enough to make me want to light my hair on fire and jump into a pool of acid and sharks. Because really, the second biggest problem was lack of detail and elaboration. Decapitation would be less painful than reading over and over things like, "There was wallpaper." and she says how much she loves Aspen, but their relationship seems forced, fake, and is SERIOUSLY lacking in chemistry and depth. I have no idea why they like eachother. Maybe because they are both PRATS? Maybe? I don't know. The worst part is that America is obsessed with him- she even confessed to going crazy and wondering what he was doing every second of everyday. He's just not that good looking, and since he's about as interesting as a piece of cardboard (and that's an insult to the cardboard), I don't see what makes him (or her) such a great boyfriend/girlfriend. And, again, CASS WILL NOT ELABORATE ON THAT. Besides, we don't get to know them or their backstory as a couple. They're just there, together, right away, and as I said, it all feels fake. And at times it seems like the "love triangle" was so obvious and forced, it actually PAINED ME TO READ THE ROMANTIC DIALOGUES. It gave me PHYSICAL pain. If I read this book too long, it would melt my brain or numb my body because there was such a luck of depth and feeling integrated in this story. Finally, the fact that there is a big cliffhanger despite the fact that basically NOTHING happened in this book (okay, something happened. America WHINE WHINE FREAKING WHINED.) is just infuriating. Like, oh, there was just so much information that it couldn't FIT. If you wanted room, Cass, you couldn't deleted about 200 pages. No difference made, really, seeing as how there was no real plot. It was just another selfish, narcissistic, obnoxious, dense, unlikeable girl whining about how two guys are in love with her, and...well, that's about all. I think I sumed up the book pretty well. I've read countless books that were uninspiring and boring, but this, by far, is the most forgetable, boring, mind numbing book I have ever read. I couldn't care about America Singer, and the fact that the author went as far as to call America's mother manipulative to try and make us agree with America's not wanting to be in the Selection, to try and make us sympathize with America, was just sickening. Really. This book was bland, flat, poorly written, with characters that are about as entertaining and interesting to read about as it is entertaining to watch rocks, or the sidewalk. There is nothing good about this book. It's the perfect example of how NOT to write a good book, because honestly, I don't doubt that this book will be long forgotten in a few months. There is nothing remotely interesting or good about it. Seeing as how the author has such a great personality, i at least expected the book to be FUN. But it has NOTHING. NOTHING. Nothing.

My rating is one star. But if I look at the beautiful cover, I will give it one and a half. This book had potential- if you use your creatviity, America could have discovered secrets about her society or something while at the Castle. But there was nothing remotely creative about it. The bachelor, royal edition, with bland, two dimensional EVERYTHINGS. One star/cupcake. -Astrid

Review: Marked by P.C Cast

Title: Marked
Author: P.C + Kristin Cast.
Series: House of Night (#1)
Publication Date:
Publisher:
Pages: 306 (Paperback)
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Young Adult
*WARNING: This review has swear words and minor spoilers. Also, explosive anger on my part. I am not fond of writing angry, hatred filled reviews, but with books that are this painful and cause me to go into a Book Coma (Yes, this book put me into a coma/reading coma), I can hardly stop myself from throwing flames at the book, though I do try to support my anger and criticism with facts and examples from the book. So, beware, this review isn't very "professional", but it does have things in it that may help you decide whether you want to read this book or not. This is a scathing review.*

KILL IT WITH FIRE AND GIVE ME MY MEDICINE.
I read this book right after I read Fallen my Lauren Kate. Afterwards, I couldn't eat, read, sleep, breathe, or stop banging my head against the wall. I kept hearing voices in my head- Zoey's voice, repeating particularly dreadful phrases from the book, and I would scream and cover my ears, close my eyes, but it continued. Every time I walked by the library, I turned around and went the opposite way. I threw this book at the back of the car after I read Chapter 8 (One of the worst chapters in the book, and they're all abysmal and crappy, so that's saying someonething) and never dared enter that car, or touch the book, again. My dear mother was kind enough to return it to the library for me, seeing as how if I set sight on a real life copy of that thing again, I will have seizures, my eye will twitch, and I will have a conbustion. Or vomit. Either way it will not be pretty.
After this terrifying and severely traumatizing reading experience, I had to hire a therapist to help me get over my fear of reading books again. I was afraid to read because I might stumble upon another "House Of Night" type again, seeing as how this isn't a original plot and the characters are as annoying as hell. In fact, i'd much rather get decapitated by demons and eaten alive by lions than read this book or another one like it. The therapist helped, but the fact that I have to reminescence about this book to write the review, is making my hands shake with fear and sweat form on my brow. In fact, I may have to take several breaks while writing this and have a water break and healthy dose of Harry Potter, The Mysterious Benedict Society, The Hunger Games, or more Harry Potter. My deary Harry, always there for me.
Okay. Okay. *water break, slowly breathing, have Harry Potter by my side.* I can do this.

Let's start with the biggest problem of all. Zoey Mary-Sue Redbird. I think she upped the Mary-Sue scale- sorry, Bella Swan (from Toilet by Stephenie Meyer), you are no longer the biggest, living, waking Mary Sue in Young Adult fiction. You have been replaced by the whiny, spoiled, OBSCENELY hypocritical, boring, dense, *excuse me for the vocabulary, but there is no other word* bitch that we call Zoey Redbird. In the span of the book Marked (yeah, "marked" as the worst book in history of YA fiction...), Zoey goes around hating EVERYTHING on sight, playing victim and calling other girls sluts for kissing a boy. Then, she calls girls who suffer from eating disorders <b>freaks</b> because they suffer from psychological, mental disorders that really have little to do with having a perfect body. COME ON, P.C + KRISTIN CAST. DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING? Eating disorders are serious psychological diseases, it's not about girls wanting to be skinny! Stop acting like you know what you're talking about. You have no right to insult something serious that does kill hundreds of girls around the world every year, if not thousands. Eating disorders and the girls who SUFFER FROM THEM are not 'freaks, and if they read this book, it'd probably worsen their eating disorder condition, not make it better. You have NO idea how much that line bothered me, as I happen to have three people very dear to me suffer from anorexia and bulimia, and it's NOT funny and it's NOT just to look hot, bitch queen Zoey. (Zoey Redbird: She wasn't stick thin like the frak girls who puked or starved themselves into what they thought was Paris Hilton chic. ("Thats hot," yeah, whatever. Paris) Page 46). Zoey goes around bitching and being self righteous about how girls who don't eat to be skinny are pathetic. That's not pathetic- pathetic is whining about girls who are slowly dying from a severe mental disease, Zoey! God, doesn't she have something else to go do, like talk about "boobies" with her annoying, dull best friend Stevie Rae? Which reminds me.
One minute, Zoey is going on about how deep she is, acting all important as she offends Christianity (because that's basically all this book does when they explain the People of Faith.), the next she is giggling with yet ANOTHER boy or gossiping about other girls with Stevie Rae. This is like, taking the stereotypical teenage girl, and taking it up a big notch. Which brings me to yet another topic that makes me want to barf and die- Zoey, boys, and how hypocritical Zoey is. She goes around calling everyone a slut, and by the end of the first book, she has at LEAST three guys- and she's calling Aphrodite a slut 24/7. At least it was just ONE guy Aphrodite made off with, not five, which is thus far the total count of boys Zoey has either slept, kissed, or gotten together with. Zoey is the biggest slut on earth, but when SHE sleeps with 25 different people, it's justified. When another girl sleeps with her boyfriend or crush, suddenly they're some huge slut. Zoey goes around insulting everyone and acting like she's above Aphrodite and her Queen-bee crew, when Zoey is just as shallow, pigheaded, dense, spoiled, whiny, and dull as everyone else, even more so. And all she wears is THONGS. Like we needed to know that. As if the book itself wasn't traumitizing enough on its own with its bad characters and plot, they also take rape and sexual assault and try to make it look all sexy and seductive. WHEN is rape and sexual assault sexy? Seriously, P.C + Kristin Cast? Why did you have to GO there? It was a completely unnecessary element in this book that probably gave me more mental damage than Zoey's pig-headedness and whining. Which brings me to YET ANOTHER TOPIC- the sexism in this book. When a GIRL sexually assaults a boy, somehow it ends up being the poor boy's fault. That's about as sexist as you can get. And I don't know about you, but when a book bashes girls with eating disorders, has sexism,mary sue characters everywhere, and a unoriginal plot, I about want to burn it. NOT to mention the terrible and obvious lack of editing. Everytime I saw an error, I closed my eyes, counted to 20, took 3 deep breaths, and tried for the life of my not to crumple the books pages. Not just because of the obvious lack of editing, but because of the STUPIDITY of the mistakes. And the writing style- well, since I can hardly call this writing, I guess this little part of my "review" (aka my venting about my hatred for this book) is going to be a little...weird. Sorry for my lack of vocabulary in this review, but this book killed my brain cells, so. The writing and its style was TERRIBLE. I don't know how I managed to take noticed of the writing, what with the characters distracting me with their immense stupidity and pig-headedness. They're all more annoying, spoiled versions of the Twilight characters. So how I managed to take note of the sloppy, indescriptive, atrocious writing is beyond me. Really.
*takes water break, reads harry potter to calm down*
Thank god for libraries. If i bought this book, I'd have to torture myself for spending a penny on this sad excuse of a book.
As I said, this wasn't as much a good, structured review as me venting about my overflooding emotions for this book, which still haunt me even when I read this a while back. Sorry about the swearing and lack of organization, but when I come across books that make me cringe, cry, and twitch at every sentence, like the House of Night series, well....I can't seem to write well structured reviews. not that I'm a professional in the first place. Also, I'm pretty sure this book killed my brain cells, so that may be why this review was so...explosive, with lack of better vocabulary to replace the words "stupid, horrible, terrible, crappy, pig headedness, and traumatizing", which were repeated many times, along with the swear words and "spoiled, obnoxious, dull, and lifeless".

So, here it is. I am Team Kill This Book With Fire, because since Zoey has about 3 guys love her, and since she deserves NO guys and all 3 guys SUCK, I am not picking a team. But I am picking ONE STAR.

Review: Fallen by Lauren Kate

Title: Fallen
Author: Lauren Kate
Series: Fallen, (#1)
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Young Adult
Publication Date: December 8, 2009
Publisher: Delacorte Press
KILL IT WITH FIRE.

Do you see that pose the emo girl on the cover is doing? The miserable, melancholy one that involves burying her face in her hands? Thats the pose I was doing when I finished this book. I also did it numerous times while I was reading this...novel.

I wanted to give this book five starts for the cover. Seriously. I'm one of those people that takes the bait of pretty, sad covers. I am a fool. I have been hurt my books with these enchanting, mysterious covers before, and I have not learned. I keep hoping someday the book will be better than the cover. This is a great example of those books that fool you with a beautiful cover.
Well, this book made me pull my hair out and scream. Literally.

There are a lot of problems with this book. The fact that the cover really is the only good part about the whole thing is one of them. Another is the fact that the plot completely relies on the reader not only caring for, but strongly liking, the characters. If you don't like the characters, you'll throw this book at the flames. I nearly did, but I contained myself. Because I am civilized.
Okay, now I'm going to stop being civilized.
This book is a literature disaster zone. Everything authors are taught and told and expected not to do, is done here. The main character, Luce Price, is a spoiled, weak minded, air headed, dense, obnoxious, fragile, flat, injudicious girl that nobody can relate to, because she's more unrealistic and dull than Bella Swan. She suffers from immense lack of intelligence, intuition, common sense, AND SELF RESPECT. Serious, SERIOUS lack of self respect. At the beginning of the book, Luce is as annoying as she is at the end of the book. I'd have expected her to have gotten a little more mature, after all she went rhough- which, let's admit it, we ALL knew what the "big secret' was about 50 pages into the book. Kate reveals the big secret at the end of the book, but if you take in the summary, book title, and first 50 pages, you can figure it out on your own. It might as well be written in big red letters in the front of the book- it wouldn't make it any more obvious than it already is. And not only is the plot predictable, it's almost nonexistent. The plot is technically the core of the book. The characters of the book are created as plot devices, to help establish the plot and tell the story. If the plot is based only of the characters and their history with one another, then there really is no plot, is there? And it doesn't work if you don't care for the characters. Which I don't. Because they are monotonous. They all lack personality and depth. Every human being has depth. Characters don't have to be likeable all the time, or even likeable at all, but they have to be three dimensional and realistic in some aspects. The characters in Fallen, are not. Especially Luce. She spends the whole book pathetically lusting after some boy who is good looking, but treats her like something a the bottom of his shoe. Or something his cat might've puked up. This is not an exaggeration. He even flips her off, before they even officially meet. And yet she comes crawling back. TAKE A HINT, SWEETIE- If a guy flips you off and sends you hateful looks, he probably doesn't want to get all cuddly with you. I don't know about you, but it seems like any self-respecting female should have enough sense to get over a boy (if not hand him a Hermione-punch) who treats her so badly. I understand the reason he did it- I get why he acted the way he did. But her reaction to how he treated her, no matter how in love they are, is a horrible example and even offensive to adolescent girls everywhere. Throughout the book, I was hoping someone could knock some sense into Luce, but everyone seemed to like the air-headed, dense girl. She made the worst decisions possible, and I can imagine her running into a pole just because it looks so beautiful. The worst part is that despite her lack of depth, personality, or hair, she seems to attract the most male attention. Well, she made ME want to pull my hair out. Her decisions were senseless and, as I have said before, dense. She gets rejected, treated worse then trash, and then comes back for more- yes, they are both in love with each other, but in the book, Luce does not initially know they are meant to be together, and I understand something makes her keep looking for him, but it still doesn't make it okay to let a boy treat you that way, and ask them to treat you that way more. The worst part is not only does she look for him to treat her like this and to talk to him, she stalks him, always watching him, following around. It's not right. I don't care if they are in love, I don't care if he is doing this for her own good- it is unhealthy to keep WANTING A GUY WHO TREATS YOU LIKE CRAP. It just is not right. The worst part is that they don't have a reason to love eachother. I can't figure out for the life of me what Luce sees in egotistical, idiotic Daniel, except for his great face and jawline, or what Daniel sees in air headed, insensitive, weak Luce who seems to be unable to stand up for herself or anything in her life. I swear, she has no spine, and that alone can ruin the whole book. Their romance is forced and is void of chemistry or depth, LIKE EVERYTHING IN THIS BOOK. Honestly, the one thing nobody has yet figured out about this book is why they like eachother. They are both moronic, sure, but I don't think that results in deep, everlasting love, which they do not seem to share. And the whole romance wouldn't be a tragedy if Daniel found a hobby instead of waiting for Luce to come around so he can go step on her and say they can't be together. Seriously, could it get worse? Yes, it can. Kate, Characters need to be...readable. They need to be interesting and complex, they need to jump out of the page. They don't have to be likeable. In fact, some may argue, Katniss Everdeen is very unlikeable- but realistic, and fascinating, and fleshed out. Nothing here touches my heart or is even remotely interesting. And, really, this book can be just plain out confusing. I knew the entire plot right away, but by the end of the book I felt like I was missing something. Everything ex explained, but the ending just didn't make sense and was unsatisfactory. I couldn't understand what happened to any of the characters- it was clear, but it just didn't make sense or connect with the rest of the book. I mean, 3/4 of the book is made up of Luce sulking, being dense, and stalking a guy who, as I have mentioned before, treats her like trash. Then, the last 1/4 of the book, the secret is suddenly revealed and theres this big battle out of absolutely nowhere. One second it's all good then the book is tellins us what we already know. I mean, that book could've been 300 pages shorter had you taken out the sulking, stalking, and "Go away, I don't like you Luce, you are so stalking me." parts between Dan and Luce. Really, that was what bothered me even more than the characters- and that's saying something. The fact that NOTHING HAPPENED for the first 380 pages, and by the last few pages we already know the big secret, but there's a big revelation anyway, as if the author thinks we're not stupid enough to figure it out. What makes the revelation WORSE is that Luce, after ASKING AND NAGGING for Daniel to talk to her, runs away, when he does talk to her. Wow.
It took me 5 days to read this book because I felt like everytime I read it too long, my feelings and mind went numb, like the characters in the book are so void of feelings and real thoughts and personality that it sort of affected me too. So, no, I didn't find this book enjoyable and I don't recommend it to anyone. The only reason I am giving it two stars instead of one is because I can't get over the pretty cover. And, by the way, I am quite aware of the fact that one-dimensional doesn't exist, but saying her world and characters are two-dimensional is too much of an over-statement. If thats even a word or phrase.
So, there you have it. Boring lifeless, obnoxious, injudicious characters, a virtually inexistent plot, a pathetic excuse of a romance, delinquent clad setting, and a melancholy cover that lies because apparently Luce has very very short hair. Which, of course, is traumatizing to Luce- she just loved her hair. She even weeps about how she had to cut it off in the book. No joke.
I think you know my rating.
ONE STAR.
....
*looks at cover of beautiful girl in woods, with pretty dress*
....
ONE AND A HALF STARS.

(Way too many calories. Don't eat again. Unhealthy.)

The Indigo Spell Book COVER

HERE IT IS, MY LOVELIES! THE COVER OF THE BLOODLINES SERIES BY RICHELLE MEAD.
The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) by, Richelle Mead.

One problem- I have absolutely no idea who the guy in the back is. On Sydney's left (our right), is Adrian, with too little of his face showing. On Sydney's right (our left), is a guy who looks startingly like Cory Monteith. Richelle, please....no love triangle....we already suffered through Brayden. And we want Sydrian. *foam comes out of mouth* SYDRIAN!

Monday, June 25, 2012

Book Review: Spirit Bound

Title: Spirit Bound
Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Vampire Academy (#5)
Publication Date: May 18th, 2012.
Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin)
Pages: 489 (Hardcover)

I have to admit, since the last book was a bit of a bore (don't take me wrong, I loved it- but compared to the rest of the VA series, it was a snooze fest, except from the beginning, and towards the end; then it picked up, but for the most smart I was hoping some random Strigoi would come so Rose would go all badass on them.), I wasn't sure about this one. Actually, that's not true. I was drowning in prayers that Spirit Bound would have the action I loved and was deprived of in Blood Promise (though, it WAS a fantastic read, for the record). I was not disappointed, for the most part.

In Spirit Bound, our favorite heroine, strigoi-killing, ass-kicking Rose Hathaway has returned to the Academy and is preparing for her final exams. Things heat up when Rose decides to find Rober Doru -brother of the our old friend, Victor Dashkov- and the only person who could help Rose turn Dimitri into a dhampir once again. Only, getting to Robert is easier said than done. And so is turning Dimitri back to a Strigoi.

The action I was hoping for was found around every corner in this book. From beginning to end, I found the action satisfactory and almost always present.Adrian was the usual, sarcastic, snarky self we all adore, and Lissa was just as kind as usual. Christian was aggrivating and also made me snort pepsi with his witty remarks.

However, the reason this book did not receive a solid four stars (it even had the potential of five) is because of the main character- or rather, main characters. Rose Hathaway and Dimitri Belikov. While Rose was still out there and ass-kicking, there were times when I stared at the book and thought, dumbfounded, "Rose wouldn't do that." Especially in the dialogue between her and Dimitri- it seemed somewhat awkward and as if it was missing the usual spark. Dimitri himself was out of character, through there were some parts where the fire in him was back. You do knot believe how overjoyed I was when he acted like his old self, but for the most part, his actions (mostly towards Lissa) were uncharacteristic and bland. I understand why, but I think Mead could've handled (and written) the situation much better.
I also was exasperated for the first 3/4 of the book because of Lissa and Christian. They, as Rose said, made me want to pull my hair out at times. Their feelings for each other were so obvious, and sometimes the way they acted towards one another I found childish. Though, I suppose, in their situation (like Dimitri), it is justifiable. Really, I can't complain about Lissa and Christian. It was expected for them to act the way that they did.

The thing that really did it for me was Rose Hathaway. I adore Rose, and couldnt't wait to cheer for her. But for the most part, she just wasn't herself. Even when she defied rules and made snarky (and insulting, of course) comments towards someone, I felt like something was missing. She wasn't as complex as I last imagined her. Sometimes I found her to be saying totally contradictory things. It just seemed like something was missing from her usual personality, she didn't seem as deep and realistic and herself as she did in the past. However, my biggest issue was her and Adrian's relationship. I will try to spare you of any spoilers, but I think the way she handled their relationship was very immature. While Adrian is setting down below, watching her from the high pedestrial he put her on, Rose is so hung up on Dimitri that everytime Adrian mentions his love and devotion to Rose, it makes me cringe- or want to rip my hair out. It's like Mason all over again, only this time, the red-headed boy is our beloved Adrian Ivashkov. Which brings me to another topic- one I love to talk about.
Adrian has developed into a complex character. It seems as if everyone dismisses him as, "oh, just adrian." or doesn't take him seriously. Everyone seems to expect nothing from him but him indulging in his vices. But at least twice throughout this story, Rose believes Adrian is getting drunk or wasted when he is actually taking part in something productive. That lets you know that he really isn't who we think he is. He has low-self esteem, and I'm not sure Rose dating him but still being (incontestably and obviously) in love with Dimitri doesn't help his self esteem. I think he needs someone to believe with him, and when he has that someone, he will grow. I don't think Rose is giving him much of a chance, as much as he tries- or as much as SHE tries.

Overall, this book didn't impress or connect with me the way the others (even Blood Promise did). However, I did find it immensely delectable, and could not put it down. Though it is not Mead's best work, there is a huge cliffhanger at the end, and the way she describes the action and other characters is just astounding. Truly talented, that woman is- I can't wait to read Last Sacrifice tonight. Spirit Bound could've been better, but I think most every book can have its improvement. This is a solid, good novel and I think those who have just finished Blood Promise, will be in for a nice surprise
-Astrid

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Book Review: Blue Bloods

Title: Blue Bloods
Author: Melissa De La Cruz
Series: Blue Bloods (#1)
Publication Date: March 27, 2007
Publisher: Hyperion
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult, Vampires

Summary: Schuyler Van Alen has never fit in at Duchenese, her prestigious New York City private school. But when she turns fifteen, the death of a popular class mate haunts her in unexpected ways, and, strangest of all, Jack Force, the most popular guy at Duchenese, is taken a sudden interest in her. Once an outcast, Schuyler is thrust into Manhattan's most exclusive social circle. Its members are the most powerful, wealthy, and - as Schuyler soon discovers- inhuman. They are the blue bloods, an ancient group of vampires. Now something is preying on this elite group, and Schuyler wants to find out the truth. But is she the most vulnerable one of them all?

***
Going into this book, I had absolutely no idea what to expect. This time, the book was recommended (actually, she threw the book at me and forced me to read it) by my close friend, Katie Sharmer.
It follows a young Schuyler Van Alen as she discovers the truth about herself and Manhattan's most elite, wealthy, and powerful social circle. And, to be honest, I liked it. It was okay. I might read it again. It really is suffering from that "it-was-okay" or "in-the-middle-book" syndrom I heard Sarah from imlovingbooks.blogspot.com mention (perfect description of how I feel about this book).
Though, initially, I wasn't sure about Schuyler, I found her enderaring once in a while. She may be a total Mary-Sue, but the fact that she just turned 15 makes her young, and the way she acts portrays her naive and youthfulness once in a while. The way she dresses classes with her cutesy attitude, but it also makes her somelike another of those teenagers trying to find out who they are, and I think that makes her more relatable. I like her friend, Oliver, but I felt very sorry for him. It seems like he worships and cares so much for Schuyler and though she cares for him, too, she seems to play around with him a little, and that's something I can't stand. I can't wait to see how his story plays out in the next few books.

I really liked reading about Mimi Force. She was fascinating because sometimes, I couldn't be sure whether she was heaving real feelings or just faking them. I really think she was unique and well developed, and I can't wait to watch her grow more as the books progress, and I feel lots of sympathy towards her. I can't quite pin point why, but I like her a lot and I was happy that I got a few chapters in which we were following her and not Schuyler. And call me sick, but I really like Mimi and Jack together. In order to avoid spoilers, I will refrein from going into too much detail, but I think the two fit well together and their personalities complimented each other. I don't think much for Schuyler and Jack together, simply because it seems like the author is forcing them to be together and trying to hard to make them work, but overall I enjoyed the book lots. It definitely isn't my favorite, but if you are looking for a light read, this is a great book for you. I'd really recommend it to anyone who is looking for something nice, and light to read. It does hold your attention and such, but it isn't really "page turning" or a book you will stay up late reading. The world that De La Cruz created is amazing and I really can't wait to discover more about it. I would read it again- like I said, it's a nice, light read.
-Astrid

Book Review: Nightshade

Title: Nightshade
Author: Andrea Cremer
Publication Date: October 19, 2010.
Publisher: Philomel Books
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance.

Summary (from goodreads friend): Calla Tor has always known her destiny. After graduating from Mountain High School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf, Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their packs and guarding sacred sites from The Keepers. But when she violets her masters laws and rescues a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existance, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything- including her own life. Is forbidden love woth the ultimate sacrifice?
***

Well,
After looking at the cover, I did the forbidden and "judged a book by its cover." That seems to be something I always do- it usually is buying books because of a pretty cover, rather than putting down a book because of a strange or boring cover. I thought, right away, that this book had to be amazing. I really should learn from my past mistakes by now, but I used up the very last bit of money I have for the week and took it home with me from the grocery store (yes, they sell books there where I live).

I wanted to like Calla, I really did. I always try to root for that character that is rebelling against something, like Katniss against the Capitol, or in this case, Calla against her masters and the rules of her world. But as the story progressed, I found it harder and harder to root for our heroine. I looked for her best traits, but all I saw was the way she acted- and I couldn't cheer for that. She was always mean and rude towards Ren, and she always was distracted or cared about something else when he tried to talk to her. She was irritated by anything he said, and didn't give him a chance. Cremer was trying to portray him as jealous, bossy, mean and competitive as well as hot, but that's not how he came off. When Calla and him interacted, it was liked the wicked witch of the west and dorothy having a fight. Ren would be trying to talk to Calla and she'd simply snap at him or find bad in everything he said. I also didn't like how she supposedly "loved" Shay so much when all he was good for was sticking his nose where it wasn't his place and whining about life. I didn't notice any chemistry at all. He seemed more aggressive than Ren at times, and I wanted to cheer for Shay and Calla being together (as I said, I always want to root for the star crossed lovers rebelling against society to be together). But they were so different, and I couldn't see any reason for why they'd be so in love with each other. I could understand why Shay was attached to Calla- she saved him. But it was more like he worshipped her as one might worship the person who saved their life, than him liking her for who she was. He was infatuated with her before he knew her. The same seemed to go for Calla, and as much as I wanted to, those two just didn't work. I also didn't like how every. single. character. in the whole story was paired of with someone. Calla's best friend with Calla's brother, everyone from the Bane pack with the Nightshade pack....I found it so strange. It was like Cremer was pushing it.

I did like the plot and concept. I think I might like Calla if she wasn't so rude to most people.I thought the whole idea about the masters (who the wolves thought were the good guys) actually being the bad guys, and the bad guys (Keepers) being the good guys, was really interesting. And I also liked how the plot panned out throughout the whole story. I think the concept and idea was really good, and that Cremer did a good job with a new take on werewolves. The idea was almost completely original (though I have read similar things before) and the fact that no vampires were involved made it a little better. I am praying that in the following books, I will come to like Calla and that maybe she will start opening up and giving Ren a chance, because I really like him. I feel so bad for him, because it is clear that he is trying to make things work- I'm sure he would rather not be forced to marry someone either - and Calla just won't let him. That might (hopefully) change, and after the huge cliffhanger (not that huge, but it made me wonder) I can't wait to get my hands on the next. Maybe I will see some more character development in Calla and maybe Shay will mature, and if he doesn't, maybe Calla will choose Ren. I also loved all the actions and excitement in the book, and really the only thing I didn't like was Calla and Shay as individual characters and as a couple. Everything else? I loved. I really did enjoy this book, and as good as the idea and action was, I don't think I will read it again. That's only because for me, there was so much mystery and action leading up to the climax that now that I know everything that happens, it just won't be as good or exciting the second time I read it. One of those books. It was good, but if I read it again, the juice is sucked out of the story. That happens when you have all the answers. That being said, I am Team Ren.
-Astrid

Book Review: Wicked Lovely

Title: Wicked Lovely
Author: Melissa Marr
Publication Date: June 12, 2007
Publisher: HarperTeen & HarperCollins
Pages: 328
Genre: Faeries, Romance, Young Adult, Urban Fantasy

SUMMARY: Seventeen year old Aislinn, who was gifted with the ability to see faeries around her, is drawn against her will into the centuries-old battle between the Summer King and the Winter Queen when Keenan, the Summer King, enters her life and takes an interest in her- to be the Summer Queen. Her love, life, and mortality all hang in balance depending on the choice she makes.

***
"Wicked Lovely" by Melissa Marr caught my eye at the local library when I was searching for my next victim- aka, my next book. The cover was intriguing and pretty, and due to my personality, I, as was the case with "Hush, Hush", picked up the book without a second thought. I read the summary in the car ride back home, and was very afraid. After my last enconter with faery books and having a bad experience with "Wings" by Aprilynn Pike, I was much too afraid to read this one. I let it sit on my shelf for days, but couldn't bring myself to return it. Finally, I opened the book and started to read.

And, to my surprise, the book was quite enjoyable. It's one of my favorites now. I did find the Winter Queen a bit too "over the top" and exaggerated to be as threatening and serious as she should have appeared to me, and as I think the author was trying to make her. She was one of those characters that are just so...well, I don't have a word for it. But, do you know when you're writing a story, and you say, "I'm going to make this character girly," and she turns out to be over the top, real walking definition of girly? You know, everything she does is girly, and over exaggerated to get the point across that she's, well, girly? I found this to be the case for the Winter Queen. I guess her tea-party attire was supposed to add on to the fact that she acts innocent and dresses so but is actually deadly, but it only made me laugh rather than tremble with horror. Aislinn, I liked her, but I believe she's just another one of the many Mary-Sues out there. I didn't see any redeeming qualities in her.

I also loved the take on the faery world the author did. The faeries were much more human-like than in "The Iron King", but there was something otherworldly and disturbing about them that made them non-human. I loved how Donia, the winter faery, was bitter at Keenan, but still cared about doing the right thing. I loved how she wanted to protect other girls from her fate, and her overall attitude towards Keenan. It was so realistic, and I was cheering for her the whole time. One thing I didn't like about the plot was the fact that it, was so...well, we didn't go into too much depth. All we knew was that there was a battle between winter and summer, and Aislinn could try to stop it by becoming Summer Queen.

The best part for me was probably the relationship between Aislinn and Seth. I think this book was more romance centered than anything else. I mean, take a way anything but the romance, and its still fantastic. But the whole faery thing and Keenan and war between Summer and Winter was there to complicate Aislinn, Seth's life, and their relationship. I think that was the main point- to add some spice to the story so that it wasn't all smooth sailing for the pair. And it helped, to have that. Iit really made the difference between an okay book and a great book, which I think this is. ALSO: Beware. The romance can be really cheesy and cringe-worthy sometimes, but I didn't think it was that bad. Don't read if you can't stand cheesy ness or lots of romance, because thats practically the core of this book.

Their chemistry was unbelievable. I mean, the two were just on fire. Their personalities complimented eachother, and you could just tell that they were meant to be together. When they interacted they were untouchable, and with a bedrock certainity i knew that Keenan would never sway me or Aislinn. Seth....is strange. I loved how the author wasn't afraid to not make him the typical, hot, perfect boy that most boys in YA are today. I like how she gave him a special style and swagger. He is just something, and he seems like someone you wouldn't want to approach on the street, but when he's with Aislinn, it's like he turns into mush or something. I can't put the chemistry between those two into words, I really can't, but it was so realistic i could almost touch it.

Overall, Wicked Lovely was a great book. I am so glad I finally picked it up! Melissa Marr has created a dark, haunting, romantic, lovely story that I can't wait to watch unfold as I read the rest of the series. I am really excited and hope to see the characters develop as well as the plot. I definitely would, and am, going to read it again. If you don't already know, I am Team Seth all the way ;) Though I can hardly call it a competition. Aislinn never wanted to be with Keenan, not ever. I agree with her. Keenan was too soft for my liking, a little...weak. It was like his entire world and existence was to be with Aislinn, but when she didn't want to be with him, he didn't care- was just a little sad. I liked his character a lot better when he interacted with Donia. She made him come alive, and it is clear they still have feelings for each other.

-Astrid

Book Review: Wings

Title: Wings
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Series: Wings (Book#1)
Publication Date: May 5, 2009
Publisher: HarperCollins & Harper Teen.

SUMMARY: Laurel Seawell, a home schooled 16 year old, moves to Crescent City, California with her family and starts to attend regular high school. There, she meets David, a kind human boy that Laurel begins to grow attached to. When autumn comes, Laurel discovers a small flower growing on her back, and she meets Tamani, who not only explains that she is an autumn faery in blossom, but who claims he knows her, and soon, Laurel discovers the secrets about her past.

***

The fear that had been soothed by "The Iron King" by Julie Kawaga was reawakened when I read "Wings" by Aprilynne Pike. As I stated before, I was always afraid that any faery book I'd read would be too chilish, naive, and have too many unrealistic characters and interactions because of the fact that it was, indeed, a faery book. This all happened in Wings, a story about 16 year old Laurel Seawell who discovers that she is a faery. I can't express how much I want to like this story as much as I liked The Iron King. But I can't like it quite as much.

Though I appreciate that the author had enough creativity to create an original take on faeries, I have to say sometimes that original idea didn't work out as much as the author might've planned. The idea that faeries grow flowers on their backs once a year (like, for example, a girl's menstrual cycle comes monthly, only in a faery's case, their flower, or 'blossom', comes yearly, depending on what season the faery was born in.) is nice enough, and Avalon, the faery world, is cute. That's the problem. Nothing about this story is serious. I don't mean each and every story needs to be all serious and all that, but honestly, I think this belongs in the childrens section. So why did I find it under Paranormal romance at Barnes&Noble? Maybe some misplacement on the part of the employes?

Laurel, David, Chelsea and Tamani, the main characters of this story (Chelsea is more of a supporting character), are all kind, naive, innocent and...boring. Every single character was made just to tell Laurel how special she is. David, who for some obscene (for lack of words) reason is in love with Laurel, spends the entire book standing by Laurel and admiring her, how beautiful she is, and how kind and pure. David himself is all nice, and kind, and pure. They're all nice and kind and pure. Chelsea, even, who is supposed to play the role of the "bold, funny, daring best friend" and has a crush on David, spends the entire story either pining over David, or saying to Laurel, "Well, if he has to like someone else, I'm glad it's you. You are so wonderful.You are amazing. And nice. And pretty." I mean, thats a great friend, but what else does Chelsea do, besides tell Laurel how glad she is that she [Laurel] and David are together? Nothing! David, as I said, spends the whole time being smitten by Laurel. Does he not have a life? I mean, he never gets mad at her, even when she flirts with Tamani - oh, that's another thing I don't like. Tamani adores her so much, and she encourages him- but when he thinks he has a shot, and gets hopefully, she goes and shuts him down again, going off with David. And her parents also adore her, which I respect- but come on. Mary-Sue? No wonder Stephenie Meyer liked this book. I think Bella and Laurel could be best friends. Laurel is beautiful, she doesn't menstruate (i get it, but its just unfair to all girls out there.), she's good at everything, everyone lives to tell her how much they adore her, she only eats healthy, she's skinny, and she's smart and even a "special" faery, because she was born in Autumn.

Face it. The only reason this isn't in the Childrens section is because there are guns involved. Like, none of the teenagers in this book make mistakes, have flaws, or do bad things. They're all nice, crisp, perfect little 16 year olds, when in real life, 16 year olds are driving at night, drinking, yadda yadda. I mean, this is like, worse than Disney. At least some Disney teenagers get in trouble in their TV Shows, like Alex Russo. But Laurel? Oh, never. The most trouble she's ever gotten in is...um, I'll get back to you on that one. I don't mind the plot, but honestly, if this wasn't a saga (four books), and the plot was just in this one book, I think it's too basic of a plot. I can summarize the book very easily: Girl finds out she's faery, girl is in love triangle, girl saves the day by getting rid of the bad guy, girl ends up with boy. I mean, Aprilynne Pike really does have writing talent- there is something about the way she writes words in an out of themselves that is just beautiful and alluring. But the characters and plot in this book just weren't as beautiful as the way she writes. She really needs to work on her character development and needs to get more complex plots. She has the talent, now she has to find a way to use it correctly and use it to create 3-D characters. I wouldn't recommend this book to a lot of people, and I wouldn't read it again. This is exactly the kind of book I was afraid, "The Iron King," by Kawaga would be like, the reason I was hesitant to pick up The Iron Fey series. This is an example of my faerie book fears put into physical, living material. I'd recommend it for children 10-12, But I don't think it's sit too well with 14+ year olds. Really, maybe 10-14, depending on what kind of 13 and 14 year old you are. I don't give it that high of a rating. And, if I had to pick, I'd pick Team David. Because I feel like Tamani deserves better than Laurel. Out of all the mary-sue characters and gary-stu characters in this novel, I think Tamani had the most personality. Really, Pike- you have beautiful words. USE THEM.

I should change that to: 2 cupcakes (A little to sweet and pure and innocent and unrealistic for a pastry)

-Astrid

Book Review: The Iron King

Title: The Iron King
Author: Julie Kawaga
Series: The Iron Fey Series, (#1)
Published: February 1, 2010.
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 368

Summary: My name is Meghan Chase. In less than 24 hours, I will be sixteen. Countless stories, songs and poems have been written about this wonderful age, when a girl finds her true love and the stars shine for her and the handsome prince carriers her off into the sunset.
I don't think it will be that way for me.

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny—one she could never have imagined…
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.
But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

I would like to thank my cousin Valeria Meza for talking to me about this book and recommending it to me.This is one of the few books I have ever read that, when I look up from the pages, I blink and say, "Where am I? Oh thats right, the human world." That doesn't happen often, and I really appreciate it when it does. So, again, thanks, Valeria.

When I went to find myself a copy of this book at Barnes&Noble, I was hesitant. I wasn't worried about anything too much, except that the fact that it was about faeries, and that might make the plot and characters too....naive and sweet and unrealistic. I couldn't have been more wrong.

The setting in which the story is writtten is fascinating. I was afraid that the faerie world would be all happy and annoying, but actually, it was quite scary. There are countless faeries with glowing eyes and pointed teeth that love to either eat or torment humans. They can be rude and deceiving little creatures, nothing you'd have expected, and it's hard to find kindness anywhere there. If you are expecting "Tinkerbell", think again.There were so many places to visit in this world that Kawaga created, and you would always find yourself wondering if a certain creature or faerie was nice or evil or what. You could never tell if they were leading you into a trap or actually helping you. Saying, "Thank You," could put you in a lot of debt to the fey. The whole plot itself, and all the characters in it (from witty, sarcastic, redhaired Puck to cold, sensitive winter prince Ash) are just wonderful, original, and so realistic. Once you start reading, you won't be able to stop. Kawaga writes beautifully, every sentence is necessary- there are none of those "filler" paragraphs that we all hate. Every chapter is action packed in some way or another- besides maybe The Hunger Games, I have never read a more action-packed book in my life. Kawaga's world will have you hooked the second you start reading. You will be unable to look away, and the pages will fold you into a wonderful adventure unlike any other you have ever experienced before. When you finish reading, you'll look up, blink, look around you, and wonder where Meghan, Ash, Puck, and the faery world is. Kawaga writes so vividly, using all five senses, you'll feel as if you're right there next to the characters, and you will find yourself cheering Meghan along in her quest to save her brother and melt prince Ash's heart- or laughing along with Puck's hilarious comments that make everything that much better.

Julie Kawaga's, "The Iron King" is a book that just can't be missed. A book like this comes out once in a life time, twice if you're extremely lucky. I can't find any adjetives or words to describe how I feel and love this book and everything about it. The characters feel like my friends, and I admit I was crying at some points of this story. Maybe you won't cry, but trust me- if they get hurt, you will feel it. If they laugh, you'll laugh. Kawaga has woven a plot more beautiful, original, and fascinating than you could ever imagine. You just can't miss this.

****
Would I reread it again? Yes. Since I first picked it up in June 2011, I have reread it a record 32 times. Yes, yes, and yes!
(By the way. I'm Team Ash all the way. Sorry Puck.)
Usually, here I'd post my rating. But this book just about broke my scale. Nevertheless, I guess I have to downgrade it to five cupcakes, when in reality it deserves 1000000000000000 cupcakes. :')

-Astrid

Book Review: Hush, Hush.

Hush, Hush.

By, Becca Fitzpatrick.

Publication date: October 13, 2009

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Pages: 391

Series: Hush, Hush Saga (#1)

This is one of those books that you look at the cover and think, "Oh, this ought to be good." I mean, there's a shirtless guy....seeming to fall from the sky, feathers flying around him...well. It sets a mysterious, dramatic atmosphere, and of course, its the kind of book that you either, a) start reading secretly at the book store, or b) purchase without a second thought. Me, I did the second option. And I wasn't horrified by what I read.

SUMMARY: The story follows Nora Grey, a teenage girl attending Coldwater High School, who finds her life in danger when she becomes involved with a mysterious new student named Patch Cipriano, who is revealed to be a fallen angel himself with a dark connection to Nephilim Nora.

Well, it [the cover] certainly did make my expectations rise a couple of levels. But when I finished, those expectations were not met. First off, NORA GREY. Since the summary makes you think she's involved with a dangerous guy, that makes you start thinking, she has to be interesting. Being involved with a dangerous guy has to make you interesting. Well, I'll tell you- eZine columnist Nora Grey is anything but interesting. I can't think of any word to describe her that wouldn't be describing her physical appearance. I think this girl might make Bella Swan have a run in with her money for "biggest Mary Sue" in town, except for Zoey Redbird, but we won't get into that today. What makes Nora Grey's character a Mary-Sue isn't that she's boring. I have read about many boring characters in successful or at least good books. Usually in those cases, the main characters don't matter because the plot itself, and the supporting character, can carry the story. And, also in those cases, the main characters are not Mary--Sues. Being boring does NOT make you a Mary Sue. But when you are boring and a hot, mysterious, dark fallen angel falls in love with you because you are "interesting and like nobody else" when you are really as interesting as cold oatmeal, that does make you a Mary sue.

Now that we are talking about Mary Sues, I am brought back to the center of almost everything these days: Twilight. This book is very similar to Twilight so, if annoying (there's a word for Nora!) main characters don't bother you, this may just be the book for you- if you liked the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. The similarities, in my perspective, were stunning. To start off (And I promise, I won't go too much into detail) Nora and Patch both meet at Biology class, where they are forced to pair up together. That was also the case with Bella and Edward. Nora's appearance (she is brunette and pale- but Patch noted at one point that her hair looked like it was red in the light, same as Mike Newton said to Bella Swan on one of those rare sunny days in Forks) is also like Bella's, though the resemblance between Edward and Patch ends....well, I'm not sure it was there to begin with. However, when you reach the middle of the book, I promise you that any similarities with Twilight (well, any noticeable ones) come to an abrupt stop. I was about ready to put this book down when the action got started, and that got me hooked, because there is nothing I love more than action, fantasy, and romance. Except maybe dystopias. The book goes from "Slowly, moving along" to "OHMYGODISTHATHAPPENING?" in the span of maybe a chapter or two. Really, the book was a bit slow in the beginning, but I can't deny the author this: even when it was slow, it was mostly exciting. There were parts when Nora was sitting at home being her boring self that I was like, "Oh, please, spare me..." But more often than not, that wasn't the case. Usually small, exciting things happened leading up to one big moment in the book that made your heart stop. The climax, if you please.

To cut it short, as much as I hate Nora's personality and the paranormal-fiction cliches and Twilight similarities, I just couldn't really stop reading this book until I finished. I'm not sure if I will read the second book, because I feel like this is one of those books that there shouldn't be a sequel to take away from the excitement. But, just for closure, I might finish the rest of the series. This book isn't exactly original, but there's something about it that kept me reading. Maybe it was because right after Patch and Nora met, the "small, exciting" things started to happen, and that kept me going, or maybe it was the fact that the love interest could turn out to also be the villain. Something kept me reading. It was definetly not the best work of fiction, but it was (as my cupcake-oriented mind would say), "Just sweet enough for me." Though it fits right in with the cliched paranormal/fallen angel books that seem to be around every corner, it was okay.

Would I reread it again? Probably. It's really depending on my mood. Yesterday I wouldn't, today I might. It's one of those in-between books.