The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

JULIE KAGAWA + VAMPIRES + DYSTOPIA = OMG PERFECT!!!
 

First, let me tell you that I’m a huge Julie Kagawa fan so please bear with this a little bit biased review. lol ;)

In this new novel, Kagawa ventures into two worlds fans of YA novels are raving about. Imagine a dystopian world filled with bloodsucking vampires. What do you get? The Immortal Rules! Well, freakin’tastic!

Allison Sekemoto is a human. She hates and despises vampires for their sheer cruelty. They treat humans as nothing but bloodbags from whom they could feed on whenever they want. But what if something terrible happens and she’s left with no choice but to be one of them? To be like those ruthless monsters that everyone fears?
 

“Sometime in your life, Alison Sekemoto, you will kill a human being. Accidentally or as a conscious, deliberate act. It is unavoidable. The question is not if it will happen, but when.”

The first time I read about the synopsis, I thought how would the author make this kind of story work? I mean I was having a post-Iron fey hangover so I didn’t want to read anything outside of the fey world. But actually, she pulled it off pretty well.

Yep, it was ominous and dark. But hey, Vampires and Dystopian, what are you expecting?? Despite that, I loved the engaging story. It’s new, refreshing and cool. The story is some kind of an “I am Legend” progeny with references to the bible. The concept is new and unique.

Moreover, I am truly fascinated by the characters, especially, Allison Sekemoto. I’ve never admired any vampire girl before her. She’s an incredible kick-ass heroine and I love that about her. She’s a vampire but her heart is definitely human through and through. And of course, Ezekiel. Zeke is a real gentleman. He sees the good in everyone. I just hope they’d be together in the end. When I reached the end, I am torn and my heart couldn’t accept their fate. Nevertheless, I liked it. I liked the concept, the plot, the characters,  and that there were still many unanswered questions. I’ve been anticipating this book for so long and I am just glad that it lived up to my expectations. Anyway, I'm lovin' that beautiful cover! The blood tear is really cool and suits the story so well.

 I recommend it to all Julie Kagawa fans like me. 

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars!

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Knight is my DREAM-COME-TRUE and my WISH-GRANTED! Boy! I was definitely surprised and delighted when I realized that what I'm reading is Ash's POV!!

Reading the last book was bittersweet. Their problems finally resolved and the Iron Realm is in the hands of the new Iron Queen, Meghan Chase. But one thing that left me in a state of utter disbelief is the tragic truth that there will never be a future for Meghan and Ash. So please bear with me and my slightly discombobulated thoughts because I just finished the book a minute ago and here I am making a review yet my mind is still trapped in Nevernever.




 I love Happily Ever Afters, especially one that is Ash-Tallyn related. I love him too much. Okay, I am not going to gush like a fangirl anymore because I tend to do that when it is about him. Let's talk about the plot. We all know that the Nevernever is in harmony after the epic battle but not quite right?



Being the queen of the Iron Kingdom means Meghan cannot be with Ash because just like any faery he cannot endure iron, for them it means death. So Ash embarks in an impossible quest to become mortal. He faces different obstacles and tests just to have the chance to be with her. Even if being human brings him weakness, conscience, and mortality. Then Ariella shockingly appears in front of them. Yes, I was shocked, didn't see that coming. My jaw dropped while reading that part. For I knew Ariella's unexpected return is a complication to their love story, Ash might waver and doubt his feelings for Meghan. But I admire him still, in the end he was able to make the right choice and prove that the one he truly love is Meghan. He's a true knight and shining armor. I felt it, his love, his effort, everything. I also salute the other characters. Puck for being the good friend. Despite his own loss, he learns to let go the person he loves for her happiness. Grimalkin for somehow being their genie in the bottle, always there to guide and help them in times of need. 




 I didn't expect so much from this. The other books in the series are probably better when it comes to the plot. The story was supposed to be a trilogy so I'm just thankful for this. The loose ends are tied and I was able to really know Ash, his thoughts, and his past, and his true feelings for Meghan. Reading the Iron Fey books for three consecutive days was an amazing experience. I loved it! And it'll surely be one of the series that I won't forget. Thank you Julie Kagawa for bringing such wonderful creations to the literary world!




My Rating: 5 of 5 stars! Plus my LOVE for the Series!! 

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

“I will always be your knight, Meghan Chase. And I swear, if there is a way for us to be together, I will find it. No matter how long it takes. If I have to chase your soul to the ends of eternity, I won’t stop until I find you, I promise.”


What is this I'm feeling?... 
I can't think of anything else. 
He's everything I want and everything I think about. 
Could this be... 
The in-love-with-Ashallyn’darkmyr-Tallyn feeling?


Indeed it is!
^_^


First of all, I want to say that Julie Kagawa is my new favorite author! I love the way she writes, the 
way she always leaves me breathless, amazed, and satisfied. The third book in the Iron Fey Series is a great reading experience! If you think second book is awesome, you better read this because you might just change your mind!


Meghan and the fey world finally face the most dreaded war against the Iron Fey. To withstand them, they must join forces and do the most crucial sacrifices. I have to admire Meghan for her bravery as well as Ash for making me swoony everytime he utters cheesy lines and for being an amazing knight. It makes me want to have a knight of my own. As for Puck, I feel sorry for him because somehow I know that behind that teasing and happy-go-lucky facade is a heart breaking for the love he cannot have. The ending left me contented and emotional. I don't know why but it brought tears to my eyes, as in A-Walk-to-Remember-kind-of tears. 


It's really sad that Meghan cannot do anything to alter her fate, she has no choice but to accept it. Now I'm dying to read the fourth book because I know there'll be more surprises,especially after Ash says he will not give up Meghan, that he'll find a way for them to be together. Gosh! Ash Tallyn I wish you were real!!! No forget that, I wish I was Meghan!! She's lucky lucky girl!!


Well. I'm not a fangirl. But reading this.. I think I have to give an exception ^_^

 I ABSOLUTELY recommend this!!




My Rating: 5 of 5 stars!! 

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa

FANTASTIC!! I was fascinated by the fey world the first time read about it, and now I'm

 loving it!

The second book of the Iron fey series is just as magical and engaging as the first book, and maybe even better!! After Meghan rescued Ethan and killed Machina, her journey has gotten more complicated. Unfortunately, the Iron fey has not ceased to exist but has only gained a new leader to rid the Nevernever of faeries. In the midst of this, the Scepter of the Seasons has been stolen causing a war between the Winter and the Summer Court. In order to end this fatal war, they must return the scepter to its rightful place. But doing so could mean imminent danger, death, and sacrifices.

This fantasy novel is an interesting read. I enjoyed every bit of it. I like the characters' personality, strength, and boldness. The romance is totally unbelievably amazing and riveting! The first part of the story broke my heart because of how impossible it is for Ash and Meghan to love each other. But I'm glad the ending stitched it back in place. Although, fate may have not favored them I admire their choices. I loved Ash for having the courage to admit his love for Meghan to the Queen, and I loved him even more when he'd rather be banished to the mortal world than forget her.

ASH, You're the Man!! 

I assure you the ending is a satisfiable one. There are so many questions in my mind after reading this. I want to know what will happen next right away so I'm definitely going to read the next book after making this review! I can't get enough of the fey world and the romance!!

My Rating 5 of 5 stars!

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

The fourth installment of the Mortal Instruments Series is, as expected, an exciting and praise-worthy one, typical of a Cassandra Clare novel.  

With Valentine dead and gone, the story turned into a new chapter.  what's going to happen next. New conflict, new villain, new allies, and probably more to come! 
Though, I STILL feel that City of Glass is better and more epic than this one, I'm glad it ended quite well. 

After the last scene, I thought "Not Again!" The ill-fated lovers, Jace and Clary, suffering another we-cannot-be-together-even-though-we're-madly-in-love problem. Their love story is so depressing.  Yeah. "To love is to destroy," 
I really hope that they'll prove everyone wrong. I admit I was a little bit disappointed in Jace's character development in this installment, because after everything else, he's become weak and vulnerable. But couldn't blame him either because as much as he feels that Clary's the best thing that's ever happened to him, he's also afraid of losing her.

I would probably mention how I liked that Simon has more appearance in this book than the previous ones. Reading his point of view is entertaining and interesting, sometimes I couldn't help but crack at his bland humor. It's hilarious to read about his own two-timing love story. Good to see some normalcy in him despite his being a vampire.

After reading 4 books of the series, I do and honestly feel like it could have ended as a trilogy with City of Glass, as this one's veering off to a totally different plot and conflict. But who wants that right? We want more of Shadowhunters! Can't wait for City of Lost Souls!

I give this 4/5 stars!

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy

All I can say is that it was a great read! Suduggery Pleasant taken its spot alongside some of the famous fantasy novels for children.


Although it has a cliche for a story with the usual kid figures out that there's a whole different world around her, gets fascinated by it, wants nothing more but to be a part of it, so she gets tangled in a web of risky adventure. However, what shocked me the most is that the main character is a human skeleton! complete with detective attire. It was fun imagining it walking among the people, battling enemies, protecting the heroine, and being the good guy for a change. It's new and you can't help but to like Skulduggery albeit his appearance. The story ended satisfyingly well but not quite because we all know it's a series. I would absolutely recommend this one to children or anyone who wants a thrilling adventure with lovable characters. 

I give this 4/5 stars!

Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

I'm quite relieved to finally reach the end of the story because I practically mustered all my strength and will to at least finish this. It's boring, predictable and very twilighty, as in it was so perplexing to see how they are so alike. Dear Carrier of the Mark, How do you do that? Let me count the ways... Megan lives with her dad and goes to a new school, she caught the gorgeous Adam mysteriously looking at her. And hey, he goes to school with his sister named Aine who reminds me so much of Alice and his brother meets his responsible and good father, Fionn ( Carlisle, is that you?) She discovers their long kept secret as well as the Order that is the same as the Volturi. In the end, she was kidnapped by a tracker. There you go, I could list it all down but I'm afraid I'm only giving the reasons why the novel is a disappointment. It's a relief that it is not a vampire novel, that it deals with the Marked ones or those who control the elements. But I'm not entirely convinced because it didn't give me the amazing feeling we all feel whenever we read something new. I thought it's lacking in originality. I admit I dragged myself throughout the novel. I even found the time to read two other novels while in the middle of this one because I was losing my interest. Since it was recommended, I thought I'd love this but it just compounded the reason's why I'm getting bored of reading novels with this kind of story.


I give this 2/5 stars!

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

Reading the first two books, I thought it was okay. Theme was good. Mediocre storyline with few good fight scenes. I used to look at it displayed at bookstores and think of its undeserved popularity like some novels I've become tired of mentioning. Couldn't believe I'd eventually like the series. Because yes now it's true! 

After reading the first novel, it was good, a bit predictable, and depressing in the end. I didn't even want to make a review, not with disappointment in the back of my mind. Well, it's different now, all because of how I engrossed I was reading this. 

Praising this novel not just because of the good news everyone's been waiting for (Finally Jace and Clary are not related!) but also because of the complexity the plot has turned into. The ending was epic, the battles were great and exciting. I like that how everything tied up, wasn't at all disappointed with the well-written revelations. I also came to adore how the characters developed. Jace and Clary, their risks, and decisions. Simon who's always the good friend, mundane, but no more cause he's now a vampire! And Sebastian, who would have thought of a new character who plays a big part on the story. I was truly caught off guard by the revelation of his true identity. And of course, special mention to Jocelyn Fairchild, finally! That's a relief. I thought she'd be a sleeping beauty forever. I'm also glad that Valentine's already taken care of despite the questionable death/disappearance of Sebastian. Now, I'm looking forward to what will happen in the fourth book. The demons or enemies they have to face, the unexpected twists to their story, and the romance people can't get enough of.

"I love you, and I will love you until I die, and if there's a life after that, I'll love you then."

I give this an epic 5/5 stars!

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Meghan Chase is the typical high school girl who wants to fit in. She's unpopular, not that rich, and has a big crush on the football player . You would take one look at her life and decide it's boring. However, everything turns upside down after her little brother, Ethan, disappears. She discovers the children stories she's known when she was a child were true, that faeries are true, that her bestfriend, Robbie is one of them, and his name is Puck, not only that, she's the daughter of King Oberon! She goes to Nevernever on a quest to find her missing brother. But she'll soon find out a deeper dilemma that is much bigger than her losing her brother.


The Iron King by Julie Kagawa brings back the pleasure of reading fantasy novels like The Harry Potter series, The Fablehaven series, with all its magical creatures and a new facsinating world (Nevernever) you'd surely want to explore. It also reminds me of Narnia, I guess it's because how they first got there is through a closet. It is divided into two courts : the summer court (Seelie Court) and the winter court (Unseelie Court) where a winter prince named Ash lives. He's handsome but I didn't like that he's cold I mean literally cold because i can't imagine it without a vampire stalker lurking into my mind. I also hoped it didn't made references to A Midsummer's Night Dream because I was clueless as to what it is. It became interesting because its characters are personified in the book, namely Robin Goodfellow, Tatiana, Oberron, etc. But it's probaly for those who have read and can relate to it, right? The heroine is great, she's brave and has a heart to the ones she loves. And I also like Grimalkin, always helpful and interesting. It reminds me of the cat in the Alice in Wonderland. Also, the author made emphasis on the baneful effects of technology, it's definitely cliche but it's good to read a different plot now and then. 


The ending went pretty well and it kept me guessing whether Ash will still surrender Meghan to the queen. So I have to read the next book to know what'll happen! All in all it was a good story, this is a must read to anyone who is a fan of fantasy novels. 


I give this 4/5 stars!

Beastly by Alex Flinn

I have nothing much to say about the book because it wasn't bad and it turned out to be what i expected.

Recently, modern versions of tales we all came to love since our childhood days have magically emerged. But we still read or watch them though they've been adapted so many times. The reason probably is the same as why i decided to read this. Like some readers, I just want to be able to experience again those times when fairy tales are all that really matter. Well, I can say that Beastly is one of them, albeit it comes with a modern twist.

The story is nearly the same as The Beauty and the Beast but it is obviously intended for young adult or teen readers. I mean I agree that beauty is nothing if you treat other people as inferiors. The only way you'll be able to open your heart is to put yourself in their shoes. And isn't it amazing how true love can change a person for the better? 

I know that this book is not flawless, it didn't give me the jaw-dropping scenes and revelations, what it gave me was something to ponder about. Because sometimes, the most obvious and easiest lessons in life are the ones we give the least importance to. All we need is a simple reminder just like what it gave me.

I recommend this to those who are not really looking for something new but for something familiar yet beautiful.

4/5 stars for this book!

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

I can't help but remember The Mortal Instruments series while reading this one,you get used to the way the characters of both series are alike, the concept, her writing style and plot development. However, what made me admire her was the incredible way she still keeps me glued to the story.

As expected, the first book of the Infernal Devices series didn't frustrate or disappoint me. Compared to The Mortal Instruments, it's as exciting, action-packed, romantic, and full of shocking revelations. In fact, it's even better. I can think of a few reasons why...

I liked that the setting used is Victorian London complete with Victorian houses, their clothes, horse-pulled carriages, and let's not forget their British accent! I adore the female lead, Tessa, she is less annoying than Clary. She has cool abilities, and of course, I like anyone who likes books. Will, for me is close to an anachronism, his attitude wouldn't pass for an English gentleman during their time. He's rude that sometimes you'd want to hurl him out of the books. Then he gets so sweet and kind that your heart melts with his, then he goes back to the bad boy image. So I'm kind of confused. He looks drop dead gorgeous but there's a mysterious side of him that he still keeps as a secret. I'm definitely going to watch out for it. Jem is the nice guy who Tessa magically bumps into when she's having a hard time and then gives her advice. Well, I'm sensing a love triangle.

Also, the story is more interesting. There are no spontaneous unimportant-to-the-plot attacks from demons that would make you think "What stroke of luck they have for always seeing one!" Every scene contributes to the overall plot or the revelation in the end. Speaking of the ending, it's great, exciting, and worth reading the entire book. The narrator's omniscient point of view helps a great deal in arousing reader's interest. Will definitely left me hanging by a cliff when he is meeting with Magnus Bane. He's about to tell what the problem is, then that's it, the next thing I know I was staring at a blank page. The novel ended with a question mark.

Could this be the secret Will is so worried about? The reason why he doesn't want any involvement with Tessa? I can't wait to read the sequel and discover it!

I give this 5 of 5 stars!