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!

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.. (>, >)

I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 ...... X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X ......

Full five stars with hearts and kisses to Sophie Kinsella for coming up with a new fantastic novel! This and "Can You Keep A Secret?" are probably my favorite Kinsella novels. Just like any other novel from the author, it has a simple but hilariously realistic plot, and a quirky lovable heroine, Poppy. I mean who gets into so much trouble just by losing an engagement ring? Well I'm not just talking about some it's-no-big-deal-we-can-replace-it-ring, it's the bloody family heirloom of her future husband! So how will she explain it to her fiancé? Or better yet to her in-laws who clearly do not approve of the marriage. But what you're all probably wondering is how Sam fits into the picture... Hmm don't want to spoil anything, it's for you to find out and for me to....*insert widest grin*...

 Anyway I recommend this to all Sophie Kinsella fans out there. I laughed, cried( well almost), swooned and I bet you'd also feel the same way. You'll love it especially the ending, it's sweet and priceless! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel!! Puh lease!!.. I want more of Sam and Poppy!

Well, this is how I pictured SAM.

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars!

Love Story by Erich Segal

"Love means not ever having to say you're sorry."

These are such beautiful words that bawled my eyes out, tore my heart apart but made it whole again. Indeed, it is true that a story's brevity is not an issue to be considered when it comes to moving the readers. I say this because despite the way this novel is told and narrated, it is emotional and has a great message to tell everyone.

The love story between Jenny and Oliver is told in such a way that surprises me. The events in their life are told in a fast-paced manner but it never left me short-changed, it was complete and satisfying. Most tragic endings are devastating, but this one is different. It made me appreciate love, family, and so much more. If you're looking for a read you can easily finish in one sitting. Try this, like me you might be awed at how beautiful this will turn out. 

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars!

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

ONE WORD to describe this book: UGH!..

MY REVIEW:

I was leisurely walking inside a books store when my eyes suddenly caught the list top ten fiction for the month. This book made it to the top spot. Shocker.

I thought. “WHY?!!”


Then it all comes back to me.. The feeling I had when reading this. The Red Room of Pain. The Hand Cuffs. Whip. Ugh! The unspeakable things that I never want to relive. But that would have been impossible since this book has been making a huge buzz all over the world. Yup. In fact, it was recently auctioned for movie rights, and all the bigshot productions bid for the movie adaptation. 

CURIOSITY.That’s the reason why I decided to read it. But curiosity killed the cat, right? I read this without reading one of the reviews from my friends. Thinking that my judgment would be clouded if I ever consult their reviews before I even start this one. I never consulted the synopsis! So it will probably be the understatement of the century if I say I was shocked by how the story turned out. It was intense. SHOCK-HORROR intense! I honestly didn’t see that coming!

Fifty Shades of Grey is a real unique love story. Unique because it’s about Dominant-Submissive relationship. Christian has it all, the gorgeous looks, body and the gazillion money. But the only problem is that he has a dark past that made him a perv.. ahem.. no let’s just say.. different. And there is Anastasia who’s immediately captivated by this perfect guy because she consents to an insane contract. 

Honestly, this story started quite great. I was blown away by Christian’s aura the first time they met. But then they talk about the contract and I was like. “You’re kidding right??” No sane girl would agree to this. But nah! Anna just did. I was truly trying hard to like this. I was trying so hard to look for the romance element into it but I can’t. All I saw were two emotionally tortured souls who are frustrating me most of the time. I kept reading because I was actually hoping for the characters to change. It wasn’t bad alright. It’s one of those novels that you either hate or love. I’ve read erotica stories before so this genre is not new to me. But come freaking on!! Why do they have to be so REVOLTING?!! 

If you don't want to read some kind of a psycho freakshow erotica don't read this.  I think I have to disagree with some people who loved this book. Sorry. This book is not really for me. But I might read the next two books because my friends told me it gets better.


MY THOUGHTS POST-FIFTY SHADES FREED:

Yup. Read them all and I have no intention of making my review for the other two books. So I just have to say it here. Here’s what I found out: It wasn’t that bad. 

For what particular reason I really don’t know. But it could be because:

1. It ended quite well. I like HEAs

2. I became used to the constant repulsive scenes. And the character’s occasional sick decisions.

3. I honestly liked reading the emails. Cute.

4. Christian possessive/emotional/generous streak can be overwhelmingly sweet.

5. The characters changed. 

Christian is still fifty shades of fucked up but he’s fighting his demons with Anna by his side. And that’s good enough for me. 

Bottom line: It was okay. It’s different. And really brave to have ventured this kind of story. But still not for me. I still don’t like it. I say it’s a shame to read this story. But I perfectly understand if some girls love the trilogy. **winks**.. Anyway, I stand by my opinion, it isn’t worth all the hype it’s getting.

My Rating: 2 of 5 Stars..

My reaction on NPR's 100 BEST-EVER YA Novels

I stumbled upon something really interesting today  I’ve been in love with Teens/YA novels like my whole life. So seeing NPR’s 100 Best-Ever Teen Novels, I repeat BEST-EVER, undoubtedly awakened my inner geekyness! It came from the reader's votes so  I just have to give vent to this strong reaction! So here it goes…

 Hold you applause... HARRY POTTER is No. 1!! No doubt about that. I would've been devastated if it wasn't. Hunger Games comes second...  Double Perfect!!

My reaction after seeing the The fault in our stars at # 4..  Are you freakin' kidding me??

Then I saw the Overrated Twilight wasn't in the top ten.. Finally! I can do the HAPPY DANCE!!

Dang! .....The IRON KING wasn't even in the list??!!! 






No! This is not true...Please tell me I have poor eyesight....

 




 I am very thrilled to see some books I truly enjoyed reading  such as... Anna and the French Kiss, Hush Hush, Delirium, Uglies, The vampire Academy, The Giver, and Shiver...

But there were some books that I think should be given a higher ranking... Like Unwind, Graceling, The Mortal Instruments, and Infernal Devices...

Call me disappointed...




Anyway, I think to sum up my feelings about the list... This pretty much does it..

 

Yeah.. I know I know...  I'm weird...



I have nothing to say about the other books... Either they deserve it or they're not really memorable so I don't care about them.

Here's the final list. If you have some reactions and opinions. Please do tell me.. *winks*

1. Harry Potter (series) by J.K. Rowling
2. The Hunger Games (series) by Suzanne Collins3. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
4. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
5. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
6. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
7. The Lord of the Rings (series) by J.R.R. Tolkien8. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
9. Looking for Alaska by John Green
10. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
11. The Giver (series) by Lois Lowry
12. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (series) by Douglas Adams
13. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
14. Anne of Green Gables (series) by Lucy Maud Montgomery
15. His Dark Materials (series) by Philip Pullman
16. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
17. The Princess Bride by William Goldman
18. Lord of the Flies by William Golding19. Divergent (series) by Veronica Roth
20. Paper Towns by John Green
21. The Mortal Instruments (series) by Cassandra Clare
22. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
23. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
24. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
25. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
26. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
27. Twilight (series) by Stephenie Meyer
28. Uglies (series) by Scott Westerfeld
29. The Infernal Devices (series) by Cassandra Clare
30. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
31. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
32. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (series) by Anne Brashares
33. The Call of the Wild by Jack London
34. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green, David Levithan
35. Go Ask Alice by Anonymous36. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
37. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
38. A Separate Peace by John Knowles
39. Vampire Academy (series) by Richelle Mead40. Abhorsen Trilogy / Old Kingdom Trilogy (series) by Garth Nix
41. Dune by Frank Herbert42. Discworld / Tiffany Aching (series) by Terry Pratchett
43. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
44. The Dark is Rising (series) by Susan Cooper
45. Graceling (series) Kristin Cashore
46. Forever... by Judy Blume
47. Earthsea (series) by Ursula K. Le Guin
48. Inheritance Cycle (series) by Christopher Paolini49. The Princess Diaries (series) by Meg Cabot
50. The Song of the Lioness (series) by Tamora Pierce
51. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson52. Delirium (series) by Lauren Oliver
53. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
54. Hush, Hush (series) by Becca Fitzpatrick55. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
56. It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
57. The Gemma Doyle Trilogy (series) by Libba Bray
58. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
59. The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros60. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
61. The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
62. Just Listen by Sarah Dessen
63. A Ring of Endless Light by Madeleine L'Engle
64. The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
65. The Bartimaeus Trilogy (series) by Jonathan Stroud
66. Bloodlines (series) by Richelle Mead
67. Fallen (series) by Lauren Kate
68. House of Night (series) by P.C. Cast Kristin Cast
69. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
70. Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn David Levithan71. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
72. Unwind by Neal Shusterman
73. The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
74. The Maze Runner Trilogy (series) by James Dashner
75. If I Stay by Gayle Forman76. The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley
77. Crank (series) by Ellen Hopkins
78. Matched (series) by Ally Condie
79. Gallagher Girls (series) by Ally Carter
80. The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
81. Daughter of the Lioness / Tricksters (series) by Tamora Pierce
82. I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
83. The Immortals (series) by Tamora Pierce
84. The Enchanted Forest Chronicles (series) by Patricia C. Wrede
85. Chaos Walking (series) by Patrick Ness
86. Circle of Magic (series) by Tamora Pierce
87. Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
88. Feed by M.T. Anderson89. Weetzie Bat (series) by Francesca Lia Block
90. Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen91. Confessions of Georgia Nicolson (series) by Louise Rennison
92. Leviathan (series) by Scott Westerfeld
93. The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer94. The Chronicles of Chrestomanci (series) by Diana Wynne Jones
95. This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen96. Gone (series) by Michael Grant
97. The Shiver Trilogy (series) by Maggie Stiefvater98. The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley
99. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson100. Betsy-Tacy (series) by Maud Hart Lovelace


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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!!