Monday, April 30, 2012

Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens






This is probably one of the most convoluted, twisted, passionate and craziest love affair I've read in my entire life. I'm fascinated reading about love triangles, but this one sure made me experience the roller coaster of emotions I rarely felt in romance novels. I felt giddiness, happiness, sorrow, regret, guilt, disgust, anger, and an unbearable ache for the characters.

The plot:
Kiera has the perfect boyfriend. Denny is handsome, intelligent, hardworking, sweet, and loves her with all his heart. So when Denny is offered a job opportunity in Seattle, she didn't hesitate to move in with him. Who wouldn't?... But the complication of all complications came because of Kellan Kyle, Denny's long time friend and their new roommate. One look at him would make you think perfection, absurdly gorgeous face, perfectly toned muscle, and a voice to die for. He's in a band and fans literally screamed at the top of their lungs and drooled by the mere sight of him. Having the best boyfriend she could possibly ask for, would it be possible for Kiera to be immune of Kellan's charms?

Well, she isn't! She gets herself involved in a threesome. I admit I hated her for the most part of the book. I want so bad to make her see reason, to make up her mind, to stop breaking the hearts of two incredible guys. I understand her inner turmoil, why she can't break up with Denny despite the fact that she clearly loves Kellan. But I'm just so mad at her for taking that long to figure everything out.

I felt sorriest for Denny. He's just too good to have a cheating girlfriend. I felt guilty while reading even though I was not the one hurting him. After knowing the truth between Kiera and Kellan, I somehow understood his violent reaction more than Kiera's unfairness and indecisiveness. I understood how betrayed he must've felt. He trusted her, gave her the pedestal that he never imagined she'd one day lose her love for him. It aches to see him endure the pain and forgive after everything else.

As for Kellan, I have to say that he's one of the few reasons why I managed to get through the nerve-wracking story. Besides being effortlessly the hottie drop dead gorgeous, he could be sweet, and funny. He's so great I always find myself wanting to rip him off the pages and make him real. He's a Casanova, rooting from is unpleasant childhood- devoid of love from his parents. But he changed a lot when he met Kiera. Behind the cool and easy facade, is a man capable of loving. I sympathized with him because he cannot have the only girl he ever truly loved. Every tear he shed is heart breaking I wanted to ease the pain.

There were so many scenes that I think is not really intended for readers my age. So many times I wanted to crawl inside the book and tell the characters what to do because they can't seem to make rational decisions. But just WOW! I didn't mind and kept my eyes glued to their story. This is not flawless, nor an amazing read. I weighed the pros and cons so I know this book is worth it! I loved their romance, and I’m wanting more of it!  I’m so glad there’s a sequel. And I can’t wait to know what happens to Kiera and Kellan!


My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Monday, April 23, 2012

Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi




"A million ways to die. One way to live."


Veronica Rossi's debut novel "Under the Never Sky" is one amazingly exciting dystopian fiction that would surely leave you wanting for more. 


One of the things I love about dystopian novels is the way a whole new world is introduced but at the same time, it does not feel so out-of-reach because yeah! we're  talking about post-apocalyptic time, Hello future! So i'm glad to say that this one is a cool new society. 


From the very beginning, I became so fascinated by the Realm. There's no pain, no risk, no problem in this society. They have their smarteyes that could take them wherever they want whenever they want. Their life is the literal definition of aversion to the dark realities people often face. It may seem like the an incredible utopia, but a closer look would make you see otherwise.


 The heroine, Aria is very likeable as well as Peregrine a.k.a. "Perry." He has this spirit in him that never gives up, fights for what he believes in, and protects the ones he love. The ending, however, was the kind of cliffhanger I didn't want to read about. I was dumbfounded when my eyes caught the acknowledgement part because I was expecting and wanting it to be more. Well, I cannot tell details any more than I want to because that would spoil the story. So let me just tell you that this is a worthwhile read, I enjoyed every bit of it. My eager hands can't wait to grasp the next book!




My Rating: 4 of 5 stars!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare


After reading this book. . . . . 

 My heart is torn, trying to put them back together but it can't be whole again.. not until Will is happy, not until Tessa is freed from the crucial decision she has to make in the end....

I never thought Cassandra Clare is capable of doing something so emotional in a Shadowhunting world. 

Clockwork prince is the second book to the Infernal Devices trilogy I came to love. If you liked the first one, there'll be no frustration in the second book. There are enough surprises, revelations, and betrayals. The ever beautiful Victorian London is perfectly described, and the story brilliantly paced and told. I found their conversation quite wonderful it was like going back in time but still enjoying the company of some interesting people from the past.

You'll see the depths of Will's mysterious personality. Why he has to be so despicable and why he has to push Tessa away. I sincerely felt bad for him. And just thinking of how everything turned out makes me so disappointed. If only he had known it earlier, things would have turned out different for him, for his family, and for Tessa. But it's too late now.

But not Jem, he's one lucky shadowhunter I wanted to make him feel how his parabatai's feeling. I'm not exactly mad at him. I just realized, after reading this, how badly I wanted Tessa and Will to be together. I can't blame Jem either because he's too good, dying and I like his character. Wow, that makes it even more confusing!  

So I'm just hoping against all hope that Tessa makes the right decision in the end. I'm feeling that it'll still be Will though their future together seems dark. Can't bloody wait for the last installment! 

Dear book 3,

PLEASE make it better! 

please Pictures, Images and Photos























My Rating:  5 of 5 stars! 




Saturday, April 14, 2012

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma


Oftentimes, I purposely avoid reading novels that do not conform to what I've always believed in. Otherwise, it would mean plunging into murky waters, and reading as a cynical critic would have. 

It is not your average love story. Rarely do I encounter novels that boldly ventures in this issue. But "Forbidden" not only managed to do that but also moved me in ways I never imagined.

 A negligent and alcoholic mother, a father who left them out of the blue, a family on the brink of falling apart. They say the ones who are affected the most in a dysfunctional family are the children. Maya and Lochan are no different. They are siblings and have been each other's strength for years. Struggling to survive, to raise their younger brothers and sister despite the circumstances failing them. And they love each other...

Incest is a very sensitive issue. I've never read anything about this before. So knowing what goes into their minds is new as well. It was tragic. They were both prison of their own society. They know it's not the right thing. They know it's immoral, illegal, unethical, and impossible. But how could you blame them? Strangely, it was a eye-opening read.

I was reluctant to read this at first. I'm a firm believer of what I know is right. But reading this, I found myself sympathizing for them and wishing things turned out differently. There were so many scenes that are revolting. I cringed. Yes. You'd want to stop them. But in the end, there is pity and remorse. This book reminds us that no matter how much you love each other, no matter how hard you fight for it, if it's against the law, it's impossible. Harsh reality of a story like this.

It's a book that's impossible to finish without having tears in your eyes. This is beautiful as it is heartbreaking. You may have seen love in it's myriad forms. But this one is definitely unique..

That's Just Tragic Pictures, Images and Photos

I give this 4/5 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!

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles


Simone Elkeles did it again! At first I doubted if she could outstand or at least equal the interest I had while reading Perfect Chemistry, but boy! I think I’m lovin’ some gorgeous Spanish-speakin’ gangsters! The books definitely gave them the good reputation.  Alex Fuentes made me realize that unlike from what we often see in movies, they have a heart, are capable of loving and they could be great protagonists! He’s my favorite gangster! But then Carlos came...


 I laughed everytime his sarcasm and bland rudeness show. I don’t know why but I like him more because of that. He’s not just a smart-ass thug but he could be interesting at times. I am also pleased at Kiara’s personality; she’s simple and doesn’t try too hard to be beautiful.  I really felt Carlos’s true feelings because even though he doesn’t admit it, he only has his eyes for Kiara despite the girls swooning over him. I should probably mention how glad I am of Alex’s and Brittany’s appearance in the book. I finally got a glimpse of how their relationship survived for so long because all I got from the previous book was the twenty-three-years-later epilogue that didn’t even include them. Although it’s easy to tell that this novel has not-too-complicated conflicts and lacks the dramatic impact compared to the first book, it’s still worth it because it has so much to offer. Rules of Attraction has lovable characters, an amazing plot, and a fascinating romance just as I wanted it. I can’t seem to forget how good they are together with their serious, monogamous, committed relationship!


“You’re dangerous,” he says. “Why?” “Because you make me believe in the impossible.”  


Ugh..Why am I so giddy? Oh. right… I remember, Alex and Carlos… ^_^
 So Luis? Definitely excited to know more about you in the third book! 

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver


I'm so proud to say that Lauren Oliver is one of the most talented authors! Her writing is pure, heartfelt and awesome!




I admit I was sort of disappointed reading the first few pages because nothing important is happening, I got so irritated with the shifting in time. But give it about 100 pages and the story gets better and turns into something exciting! 


I liked how the plot changed but in a good sense. And of course I liked Julian, somehow I understand what he's going through and how he's very much like what Lena used to be. I'm starting to like him for her.
 But then there's ALEX....  Every time Lena and Julian start to show their feelings to each other I think "Awwww!! they're so sweet! but no. no. no. no. no BIG NO! You love Alex remember? Don't let yourself get confused!" I don't know what to think anymore!


The ENDING... it's the ending I didn't want to read... because I was left hanging, thinking, speculating, fearing what will happen next. I just can't believe it has to end that way. Oliver sure knows how to make a cliffhanger!