Taking Chances by Molly McAdams

 

 I'm not in the mood for an in depth review right now. I'm so devastated. My heart is crushed to its core. A beautiful story and a lovely ending but I can't seem to accept the bittersweet truth of it all.

 Because I was shocked... utterly shocked! The twist is an uber blow, I swear I didn't see it coming.

 So allow me to show you how I felt.. I was like this... 

 

And this.

  

Then this...

   

I'm glad Brandon and Harper have their happy ending... But is it so wrong to wish one for Chase?

 I'm sorry but all I have right now is the sheer disappointment for the story. It has great potential, only if it was told in a different way. And I'm tired of hearing people say that "It's the reality of life, somehow we have to deal with it." Grrrrrr! I want to tell them can't you see how it made me feel? Now would you say that to yourself if you are in Harper's place? That's why I think the plot is unforgivable. If you want to torture yourself, go read it. But if you want to save yourself from the all the trouble, I'd support you all the way. I don't want to give away the story but I just want to make you guys think first before reading this. It will be tough if you go in blind. 

If you don't want to read the BIG spoiler you can stop here..

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If you're reading this I want to tell you in advance that the love interest, the gorgeous, hot, sweet, loving Chase was killed! I'm sorry but I'm just frigging mad I even bothered reading this. It would've been better if the author didn't make the readers love Chase, if she wrote it in such a way that you would hate him. But it wasn't that way! She made Chase's character seem lovable and not to mention there was too much effort in his character development. So I thought he was the one! And just when you start loving and swooning over him, something happens, then BAM! Everything goes down the drain. Your hopes, dreams, expectation comes tumbling down. It was an absurd effort to stir the reader's emotion but all it does was make you miserable. 

 I was so happy about how their love story turns out. I was like "Wow! They're getting married soon and they're going to have a baby! So excited!" But then 50% through the book, he died in a freaking ACCIDENT! God. His death wasn't even given enough justice! One minute they were having an emotional fight, then he died the next page! To tell the truth I was asking myself, "Is this real?!" Because killing the love interest is unbelievable! Preposterous! Yup Brandon is still there but how about the guy who blew me away the first time I read about him??! How can the characters, especially Harper, move on that fast?! How can she be with Brandon as if nothing happened?! 

 Again, I apologize for the major ranting or shall I say outburst. I just need to vent this. 

 I heard the author will write the story in Chase's POV.. Well...

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 There's no way I'm going to break my heart again. I don't want to torture myself any further than I already have. 

“That first night, I did realize I would never meet another girl like you. But you deserve someone who has waited for you as long as you have waited for them. And no matter how much I wish I could be that guy, I can't Harper."-Chase 

 .. Ugh...I miss him... I think I need a support group for this book. I'm extremely pissed. 

 My Rating: 2 of 5 stars.. (>, >)

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!! 

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly undeniably surpassed my very low expectations.


 Being that it is one of those well-known Nephilim/Fallen angels novels like Hush Hush, or Fallen, I really thought my mind is very close to abandoning ship and fluttering away on its own because I'm getting tired of this concept and its popularity, as if it's the replacement to the vampire mania. But surprisingly, it's so much BETTER!




 One distinguishing factor that I like about the story is its originality. I like how the angels radiate their Glory, that they all have to fulfill their one purpose in life. And for the first time, the heroine, Clara becomes the powerful angel, and not some weakling who's only good at pining over a handsome guy. At first, I was frustrated because it's crystal clear that Christian is Clara's loveteam. He's the guy in her vision, the guy she's so obsessed with, and the guy she dreams of. That's why I thought that this would be the first time I would be siding with the other guy who's pathetically loving the girl who doesn't love him back. I was so distraught because Tucker is the right guy, and I can feel it...


 But luckily, I was right all along! Tucker is the one! I wanted to rejoice, to celebrate because he deserved it and he's such a great guy. I knew it, the first time he called her "Carrots," they'd be amazing, romantic, and inseparable! 


This is such a refreshing read that I became so excited for the next book. And I keep my fingers crossed that she still choose Tucker because she's having some issues and kind of getting confused.  


My Rating 4 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!

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

I was so excited to read this one because so many people already told me it's an awesome book. So I'm glad it didn't disappoint me.


 Shatter me, the debut novel of Tahereh Mafi, introduces a dystopian society struggling to survive the brink of destruction until the Reestablishment takes over. However, the poeple found themselves even more doomed because of the wicked treatment of tyrannical leaders. In the midst of this turmoil, Juliette is imprisoned. She's locked up for 3 years without any knowledge or communication from the outside world because she's considered lethal, a threat, an outcaste. For her touch could kill and suck the life out of anyone. This predicament has always been her life. A life devoid of love, acceptance,and happiness. But everything changes when she discovers what she's truly capable of, that it's her choice whether to create life or destruction.


 Undeniably, Tahereh Mafi is the new author to discover. The plot is well-constructed, and the strike through concept is a genius, it contributed a great deal in exploring the depths of Juliette's mind. The romance between David and Juliette feels genuine. And the other characters are great. I don't know why but I like James and kenji, I was entertained with every conversation they have.


Also, I was amazed at how a simple act or event can be made beautiful and believable just by the author's perfectly strunged words. The writing is so poetic that you'll feel the words moving out of the pages into your heart.  It has enough action, romance, and surprises. Although the ending lacks the intense action scenes some are waiting for, it's worth it because it's so cool that it will make you more excited for what's coming in the second book. It will be one of the books I’ll recommend to my friends as well as to those who are a fan of dystopia and superheroes.


My rating: 4 of 5 stars!

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

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! 

My Rating:  5 of 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!

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!