the lake house by james patterson

Title: The Lake House
Author: James Patterson
Pages: 350
Rating: 4/5
Source: Owned

Summary (Goodreads):

Six extraordinary children are trying to lead normal lives in the Rocky Mountain countryside. They live in different homes, with different families, but there is something powerful that connects them. Something that puts them in terrible danger. The only time they've ever felt safe was when they were together in the waterfront cabin they call the Lake House. And the only people they've ever trusted are Frannie and Kit, the couple who rescued them from unimaginable evil once before. When that evil resurfaces, the kids reconnect with Frannie and Kit and set off on an astonishing adventure. They flee to the Lake House, but even that haven may no longer be safe. Dr. Ethan Kane is chief of surgery at Liberty General Hospital, one of the most esteemed hospitals in the nation. It is here that terrible secrets lie, secrets that will change the world for all of us.

My Say:

I never know the book was actually the sequel of When the Wind Blows and a prequel of Maximum Ride Series until I read about it somewhere early this year. I love the series so much and gave a little effort hunting this book in a used bookshop, hoping that I will know a little bit more on the series of how it started. It was a very quick read, plus it's a page turner with short chapters. Although with quite a lot of characters, I don't easily lost track because each character have their own individual character. I really adore these extraordinary kids especially Max. Her leadership brings them safety and she really did her best to protect others. Talking about how science can be that evil and makes human lost the humanity to manipulate others, especially kids! There's a lot of actions and I think it's very cool when it involved flying kids doing it. The story developed really fast from the start and sometimes it's kind of little confusing, but I can assured you that you might enjoy it once you finished reading it.

the island by sarah singleton

Title: The Island
Author: Sarah Singleton
Pages: 294
Rating: 3.5/5
Source: Won from Sarah. Thanks!

Summary (from the back cover):

Otto, Jen and Charlotte are off to India for the trip of a lifetime. Arriving ahead of he others, Otto's soon enjoying the beach paradise they've all dreamed of. But when he discovers a girl dead in the shallows, he's suddenly thrust into the middle of a murder investigation. And then he disappears. As their dream holiday unravels, can Charlotte and Jen find their friend and prove his innocence-without putting themselves at risk?

My Thought:

I haven't read any young adult science fiction and thrillers before, and having a chance to read one, is a great opportunity to learn about something new in reading. When I read the blurb of the book, I think I must give a try.

Although I was looking forward to read the book, the starting point of reading from the the page one is like I'm pondering around what it is all about. Each chapter is narrated by each of them; Otto, Jen and Charlotte. They have their own distinct character by which Otto is acting like an easy-going person, love to explore some new place by himself first, but at the same time is a very loyal friend. His two best friends are Jen and Charlotte. I love Charlotte. She is sensible, attentive, reliable, and the most practical among three of them. Although sometime I think she acts like a boss, but she has to so that the three of them will make steps forward. On the other hand, Jen is a the most fragile and has a great sense of instinct. She knows that she is different and always knew that are great things upon her to find out the truth.

When Jen suggested they travel to India, Charlotte is somewhat kind of against it but accepted the idea later. However, when Otto disappeared and involved in a murder investigation, both of them started to investigate based on anything they found and also with a little help of Jen's strong instincts.

The story was not really that fast pace, quite a page turner to get the attention but need a little sometime to catch the interest. However, the author did a good job of describing Goa and it really kind of alluring and tempting, beautifully evoked. Added with great mystic and spiritual elements of mysteries about the Island which attracts Jen to be part of it. She always knew that Goa has something right for her all along, something pure that only few people in the world have the gift. It sounds unbelievable here, but believe me it quite make sense after they discover the truth. The book also has a great ordeal, action-packed wise, and a great mystery ahead and also a quest full of adventures.

Other than that, the closeness between the three of them is very open and they act like real best friends although there's might be a spark between each of them. But being friends seem a better solution to keep them together and happy. The ending is quite okay but I feel like it could be a good stand alone if it is not a series. But I can't wait to read the sequel too! Overall, it's really a worth reading and I will try to read her other books. Fully recommended to any young adult science fiction and speculative fiction.

*Credit: This review is taking part in Radiant Reviews, hosted by Crissie @ Chrissie Corner. Click HERE for more information

stake that! by mari mancusi

Title: Stake That! (Blood Coven #2)
Author: Mari Mancusi
Pages: 130 (e-Book, pdf)
Rating: 3/5

Summary (Goodreads):

Rayne McDonald had it all figured out. Get turned into a vampire, become the mate of the Blood Coven leader, and live the high-life for all eternity. Too bad the head vamp took a bite out of her twin sister by mistake. Now, not only is Rayne still not a vampire, but she learns she's a slayer instead—destined to destroy vamps gone bad.

After being recruited by a secret organization, Rayne is given her first mission: infiltrate a seedy bar downtown and expose its vampire owner, Maverick, for purposely spreading a nasty blood virus. Luckily the Blood Coven sends some help—in the form of sexy vampire Jareth. Will vampire and slayer be able to settle their differences and work together to bring down the evil Maverick? Or will they find their own hearts on the line?

My Say:

Hmm..I know, it's not a good way to start a review. I have a mix feeling about the book and I really don't know if I like it. I did enjoy reading the book and have to admit that it has a lot of humor in it which is okay. The story continues exactly at the part where Rayne is been told that she's actually born as a vampire slayer. Note that she actually dying to be a creature of the night but her twin got so lucky, even became the Queen of the Blood Coven.

The second book focus on Rayne's perspectives. Rayne's character is developed this time and the whole part of the slayer mission kind of make her cool and more like Buffy-ish. Having Jareth, a new character as a Blood Coven General really makes the story more interesting. In fact, his character as a quite cold and mystery guy shakes Rayne's world and yes, he's so hot in a bad boy way that we all like.

The only thing that quite bothering me is the way the story is written. It is written in blog writing entries (even with comments from her friends, Sunny and also anonymous), so many OMG-style, and war video games conservations. It is kind of different and quit risky but yes, worth to try since it has interesting plot which outcomes the flaw. It is light and easy read, fun and enjoyable, but I wont recommend you to buy it. Read a borrowed copy from library or friend. I'm hoping the next installment would be better.

vampire kisses: the beginning by ellen schreiber

Title: Vampire Kisses: The Beginning (Vampire Kisses, Kissing Coffins, Vampireville)
Author: Ellen Schreiber
Pages: 576
Rating: 3.5/5

Summary:

The mansion on top of Benson Hill has stood empty for years. But one day it seems to be occupied, and its mysterious, handsome inhabitant Alexander Sterling becomes the source of much talk around town. Raven, a vampire-obsessed Goth-girl who has always considered herself an outsider in "Dullsville," is determined to uncover the truth surrounding the secretive Alexander. As she gets to know him, and their spark intensifies, Raven finds herself in some unanticipated situations. Can Alexander make her lifelong dream come true? But love always has its complications—especially when it can only be awakened at nightfall.

My Say:

It's so much FUN! I've read a few reviews saying that the series kind of cheesy and cheap vampire story. As for me, I totally addicted to it! Raven is such a cool, witty, brave and full of energy. What I love most, she's like a totally a goth chick that I find her very amusing and alive. Everything is so gothic with her and she love gothic stuff even dream of vampire boyfriend. However, she's a loyal best friend and always fight back for her best friend. She literally screwed her school honorary student (but actually the biggest jerk) and just being herself.

Then comes Alexander. He is so sweet, very very sweet. He's totally pale (of course) and likes everything black like Raven. They like each other and I think they are the sweetest couple ever in books I've read (definitely, maybe). It may sounds a bit corny but it's the truth. The storyline is okay but slightly weak on elaborating certain characters and settings. The strongest part probably would be most of the dialogues. I was like smiling or grins while reading because they totally funny and the jokes really works.

It's a very quick read even though the book pretty thick with 576 pages (compilations of 3 first books). It's a very cute read. People said it's as 'cheap' as Twilight. But what makes it cheap if the 8th book will be released in 2011? Means, everyone reads it! If you don't mind to read this Twilight 'clone', then it will be a pretty fun read.

Have you read the series? What do you think?

city of bones by cassandra clare

Title: City of Bones (Mortal Instruments #1)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Pages: 485
Rating: 4.5/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know.

My Review:

After quite some time I've been tossing or put this book aside, I finally finished reading this book. Don't get me wrong, I've only done that because I don't have the other two of the series and even now, I still don't have my copies yet.

To put it simple, the story is somewhat amazing. It is full of family conflict, love triangle, supernatural abilities and it happens in bid cities like Manhattan and New York. Imagine there's actually werewolves, vampires, warlocks, witches, and etc mingles and mix around people. But this is not a story about those creatures of the night. This is story about a group of Shadowhunters which are more or less like a balancer of both good and evil. I'm pretty impressed of how this book is not all about about tall, pale and fangsome vampires or hot bod werewolf. *cough*.

The characters are built in strong personality with each of them have significant differences of interests. When I say that, it goes to the character of Jace, Clary, Simon, Alec and Isabella. Others are OK but I have this huge complex on Valentine and Hodge. They are not what I've expected by which all means, I want Valentine to be meaner and Hodge sudden change from good guy to bad guy is not really believable. It sounds a bit funny, really. All in all, they are pretty more or less as OK.

There are a lot of twist in the story that really intrigues me all the time when I read the book. Even with a little flick of flaw I've mentioned doesn't mean I don't like the book. I was totally absorbed by the book, lost in it and at a quarter end of the book, I had this huge shock that I suddenly threw the book on the floor!That is a super twist I've ever read! I know I know. But I've assumed Jace to be someone I want him to be and despite of that, he never will be what I want him to be to Clary. Urgh. I still have this grudge over Miss Clare. *LOL* OK, maybe she has better plan for that which I think it leaves me impatiently waiting for the next installment, as I am.

To whoever that never read this yet, you better be. It's an amazing and engrossing read that you think you need more than this.

Other Reviewers:

YA Vampire Books 4.5/5
Jennifer @ Reading With Tequila 4/5
Shy @ The Bibliophile's Journal 4.5/5
Morgan @ Smitten With Books

boys that bites by mari mancusi

Title: Boys That Bite (Blood Coven #1)
Author: Mari Mancusi
Pages: 175 (e-Book, pdf)
Rating: 4/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Technically Sunshine can't get killed-because she's immortal. Well, not quite yet. Due to the worst case of mistaken identity with her dark-side-loving twin sister at a Goth club called Club Fang, Magnus, a vampire hottie, went for Sunshine's innocent neck. Now if she doesn't reverse it in time, Magnus will be her blood mate forever and she's doomed to be a blood-gulping, pasty, daylight-hating vampire. That would seriously bite.

And now, after the unfortunate slaying of the vampire leader, Sunshine, her sister Rayne, and Magnus must find the one thing that can solve her problem: the Holy Grail. They wish it were a joke but it's not. It's absolutely necessary that Sunshine gets out of this in time, because somehow she scored the hottest prom date in her school, the mouth-watering Jake Wilder. So she just can't be a vampire for the prom-let alone the rest of eternity.

My Review:

This is not your typical boy bites-girl love story. Yeah, right. Honestly, it's funny and I'm enjoying my time reading and I have to admit that this book is page turner. The twin girls, Sunshine and Raiyne (Sun and Rain??) are very different but both of them have very interesting characters. Their personalities are nothing in common, Sunny is like other normal girl which is a bit down to earth while Rayne is more like a goth freak babe. She likes wearing black and goth makeups.

I love the twins although they have the differences, but kind of complete each other. It's cool to have another you, right? At some point, it's really predictable as I can assume what will happen next. By saying that, I mean in a positive way. Because it was told in a very interesting and exciting way. Two identical girls with nothing in common and interests. Even Magnus cannot distinguished them at all as he bit Sunny instead of Rayne!

I will not tell the detail, but since Sunny doesn't want to be a vampire as Rayne wishes, she needs Magnus to reverse the vampirism transformation in her. Of course, a lot happens but very adventurous for a 16 years old of a typical, normal, stereotype school girl. But I like all the characters, Sunny, Rayne and Magnus (and he's so hot!). I like the writing which is really simple but very strong lines, makes me hooked up and totally absorbed, and finish in one sitting. Wow.

I will recommend you to read this book, especially all vampire fans and young adults.

p/s: I wish I can have a "Bite Me" tshirt. *LOL*

Other Reviewers:

YA Vampire Books 4/5
Key @ Smart Girls Read 4/5

frostbite by richelle mead

Title: Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2)
Author: Richelle Mead
Pages: 327
Rating: 4.5/5

Summary (Goodreads):

Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose...

It's winter break at St. Vladimir's, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy's crawling with Guardians--including Rose's hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if handto- hand combat with her mom wasn't bad enough, Rose's tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason's got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks. This year, St. Vlad's annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price.

My Thought:

It's a WOW. I like Vampire Academy #1 but this one makes me fell in love! It's exciting, deviously cool, a fast pace page turners and I deliberately enjoyed the book so much. While the first book is a bit confusing, this one turned out to be more precisely explained and elaborated. Each characters were defined very well or maybe just excellent. They are well presented and each of them have an equal responsibility to make the story better. I found Rose's character is more serious, wiser and bright. Well, she seemed like a bit of a bit*h in the first book. The twisted feelings she has for Dimitri or a fling with Mason did gave some impact on the storyline.

New good and bad characters being introduced and I certainly love Adrian Ivashkov. I think he's rock. But the other two Strigoi characters, well, they played their parts very well for me as I'm awed when Rose was doing her actions killing those two.

The plot/storyline is good, interesting, enough to pull my attention and being absorbed by the book. However, the only flaw I could point out here is that the book is a little drag. The real actions only started like at the last 40 pages. It could be better if it started at the middle of the story. Too much drag on Rose feelings toward Dimitri, Mason, her mom and Adrian. It might be an asset for the next-next books but either way I think, overall, the book is still has its own charm. I could read it again and I probably will read the next sequel very soon.

Everyone should read it =)

Other Blog Reviews on Frostbite;

Aye.Me? @ Reversing The Monotony
Kristi @ The Story Siren
Faye @ Ramblings of A Teenage Bookworm
Sarah @ Sarah's Book Reviews

*Storywings is hosting A Vampire Academy Reading Challenge starting from April 18th- May 18th as a 'pre-welcoming' for the next new book in the series, Spirit Bound.

Check out on their blogs =)

blue moon by alyson noel

Hi everyone! I know it was so long since my last book review or post on my blog. I truly never mean it. But I personally miss everyone so much, and I am so sorry for not replying comments and make any visit to your blogs. I will redeem myself later. *LOL* I was so super busy and April is such a chaos and hectic month for me. I was so caught up with schools, seminars, presentations and anything in between that prevent me to write something on my blog. I definitely cannot resist it. And having 1 and a half month preparation to submit my master thesis is not going to help me. Wish me luck because I am going to really need it =(

Title: Blue Moon (The Immortals #2)
Author: Alyson Noel
Pages: 284
Rating: 2.5/5

Summary (Goodreads):

Eager to learn everything she can about her new abilities as an Immortal, Ever turns to her beloved Damen to show her the way. But just as her powers are increasing, Damen’s are waning. In an attempt to save him, Ever travels to the magical dimension of Summerland, where she learns the secrets of Damen’s tortured past; a past which he has always kept hidden from her. But in her quest to cure Damen, Ever discovers an ancient text that details the workings of time. Now Ever must chose between turning back the past and saving her family from the accident that claimed their lives or staying in the present and saving Damen, who grows sicker every day.

My Thought:

Honestly, I'm quite disappointed with the second sequel of The Immortals. I didn't necessarily hate this book. That being said, I only had a lot of issues with it.

I liked the 1st book Evermore because I thought the author manage to introduce new ideas and concepts like, auras, "elixir” of life, chakras and so on. That's maybe the reason why I decided and can’t wait to read the second one Blue Moon.

However, I was totally DISAPPOINTED...I read so much of good reviews on the second book, on how the excellent idea and twist and everything going to woo me much more than Evermore. This book started with promise, yes. Right until Roman starts to reveal his evil self and turns everyone against Ever at high school. Roman is an obvious jerk and protagonist character, of which the author isn't very subtle about. I find the fact Ever only seems to notice that he is from England a while after knowing him, quite confusing. I always hate that he is portrayed in a rather simple, stereotyped manner. I hate how he often says "mate" and "bugger off", they are apparently the only words of English slang that he knows of. Like the first book, the author like to focus on the “pressing” his/her lip. Urghh. And hey, I already knew Damon is super cute, super hot and super gorgeous. You don’t have to tell the readers about the ‘fun-facts’ in every chapter about that OK.

I found the book getting worse and worse as it drew towards the end, what with Ever taking a trip to Summerland with Eva to try and find an antidote for Damen. The book there on just drags and seems like to make things up in an unconditionally crappy way. Like the author has to end the story exactly on page 284. There’s an excellent plot there, but the elaboration and how she write on everything is just in obvious cliff hanging facts. Finally the ending is totally like a super rush. On that exact moment suddenly Ever made the stupidest mistake. How easily she’d been tricked to Ramon to save Damen.

Last but not least, I'm so don't understand how could blending saliva of two person while kissing, not forget to mention if touching could change human DNA. Of course we can be imaginative but please, this reason is absolutely crap. How could that possibly be? OK, if it a yes, why wouldn't the author at least explain it more on that particular fact? Make it believable or at least do some research on that. Science is not just facts. It can be subjective too, with some logic mix and match. And if the author really want to project some new idea to prevent both of Damen and Ever could never be together because of the obstacle, then this idea is absolutely the worst. I bet if Damen and Ever could not have child because Damen's blood already has the same sequence like Ever because the antidote mixed with Ever's blood, then maybe that sounds really real to me. I'm not against the idea and it's not like I cannot be an imaginative person. I can. But I also like to think while I read. That is how I understand and imagine things written on a plain white sheet. Well, each person is different in her/his own way though, right?

Oh yes, I did found one good thing about the book. I'm so glad I read it that I have so many things to comment and to questions why and how this and that. At least I'm improving my imaginative ability. *LOL*

Enough said, I don't know if I really want to recommend to anyone to read this book. But if you don't mind the fact she made up, then this will might interest you. Not to forget, it's fast read and could be enjoyable too. Not to me, obviously. A worth read to kill some time.

Nonetheless, I think I will read Shadowland not very soon. Wait and see what my opinion will be. =) God, hope it will be better, please.

p/s: The review is actually the second time I write. I accidentally erased while editing the post. I try to remember what I've wrote but failed. *LOL*

tantalize by cynthia leitich smith

Title: Tantalize (Tantalize #1)
Author: Cynthia Leitich Smith
Pages: 336
Rating: 4.2/5

Summary (Goodreads):

Quincie Morris has never felt more alone. Her parents are dead, and her hybrid-werewolf first love is threatening to embark on a rite of passage that will separate them forever. Then, as she and her uncle are about to unveil their hot vampire-themed restaurant, a brutal murder leaves them scrambling for a chef. Can Quincie transform their new hire into a culinary Dark Lord before opening night? Can he wow the crowd in his fake fangs, cheap cape, and red contact lenses — or is there more to this earnest face than meets the eye? As human and preternatural forces clash, a deadly love triangle forms, and the line between predator and prey begins to blur. Who’s playing whom? And how long can Quincie play along before she loses everything?

My Review:

So finally this book wooed me. Tantalize is a very very interesting book. But when I say interesting, it doesn't mean that it was perfect. In fact, the characters are far, far, far from perfect but surprisingly, the whole story really hooked me up.

It's a story of 17-year-old Quincie (I love the name) has a lot of things to think of. She's in her senior year, trying so hard to catch-up with school, have a crush with her best friend, Kieren who apparently a half-werewolf and the re-opening of her family's restaurant after her parents' recent death. Unfortunately, just days before opening, Quincie's long-time family friend and head chef, Vaggio, is murdered in the restaurant kitchen, brutally. This violent event begins a series that change her life forever. And this occasions blames a were-people, or to be exact, a werewolf. Were-people (possum, cats, wolf, anything can be a were too in this world), vampires and humans mix and together in a community. Cool. I thought it would be even curiouser when they blamed a werewolf instead of vampires. And of course, Quincie cannot trust Kieren anymore. And I even thought, "why Kieren is the bad guy? I want him to be the hero!"

**Spoiler**

**Then come the best part. The werewolf is actually the hero here. And not vampires! Finally. But, the interesting part doesn't stop there. Because it's going to be a vampire who fall in love with a werewolf. Awww.. I love the parts of Quincie and Kieren in this book. I kind of like that. A werewolf and a vampire really remind me of the Underworld movie.**

However, I have to admit that it's not a page turner book for about the first 50 pages. The problems of re-opening the family restaurant with a vampire theme really quite off the hook. But, it kind of worked a little with the plot she created. When there's a major plot twist toward the end of the book that I somehow completely missed, too, so I found the book to be full of surprises.

I enjoyed the short chapters with titles of each as they really helped move along the pace of the book also added a lot of interest. However, I was very disappointed in the abrupt and unsatisfying ending. Another cliffhanger. It reminded me very much of the "resolution" to Rachel Caine "Glass Housess" I've read last week. To put it simply, there isn't much of one. As readers, I were left hanging to hope that Smith ties up some of the obvious loose ends in her subsequent books. Urghhh..I felt this first portion of the story could have been a little more developed. But, it's OK I guess.

Overall, Tantalize is a tantalizing read. And luckily it did leave me wanting a little more. I can't wait for the next two books of the trilogy. I know the #2 is Eternal but I don't know when is the #3 installment. I don't even know the title. *LOL*

Have you heard anything about the trilogy? Hoping we could share some. =)

strange angels by lili st. crow

Title: Strange Angels (Strange Angels #1)
Author: Lili St. Crow
Pages: 293
Rating: 3/5

Summary (Goodreads):

Dru Anderson has what her grandmother called “the touch.” (Comes in handy when you’re traveling from town to town with your dad, hunting ghosts, suckers, wulfen, and the occasional zombie.)

Then her dad turns up dead—but still walking—and Dru knows she’s next. Even worse, she’s got two guys hungry for her affections, and they’re not about to let the fiercely independent Dru go it alone. Will Dru discover just how special she really is before coming face-to-fang with whatever—or whoever— is hunting her?

My Review:

I think it would be better, because of how many other people seemed to like it even some also seemed not very much like it. I felt let down because it ended up this is the least book I liked ever since I've read a few of Young Adult genre these past few weeks.

The main character was inconsistent, to me, in her personality, and there was the repetitive use of the word "goddamit", and that got tiring. Even it was was mild use of bad language which although fits in with the characters is not really necessary for the storyline. It is just that sometimes I thought she kind of 'not-so-very-bright' a.k.a st***d.

Only once I got about a third of the way through, and got over Dru's hideous language quirks, then I really started getting into her story. Oh yes, there was a part I was amazed when Dru somehow ended up being much more endearing and vulnerable than I ever expected she could be, and Graves' honest, goodness and strength made him more than a little interesting.

Well, it's a good read if you like paranormal romance and lots of fast paced action and dramatic tension but be warned you will be left with a lot of unanswered questions and definitely have to read Betrayals to get more of the answers (yeah, GREAT marketing strategy). But, it is absolutely not for me. I don't think I will read Betrayal soon enough.

If you ever read Strange Angels, leave me your review link and I will be glad to hear what you think of it too. Thanks!

evermore by alyson noel

Title: Evermore (#1 Immortals Series)
Author: Alyson Noel
Pages: 301
Rating: 3.5/5

Summary (Goodreads):

Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch. Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste…

Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition. He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets. Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head. She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is. Damen equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed the book. Full stop. I read it in 4 hours and utterly it was a page turner. I kept reading because; (a) i wanted to know why they are not vampires but just 'immortals', (b) why does Damen is so freaking gorgeous but at the same time significantly weird, (c) why does Noel keep mentioning the the word 'pressing his lip on mine' like zillions time? <--okay, leave this one out of the list. I’m not surprised and expected much from the book since I've read a few paranormal/ vampire books these few weeks. My expectations are not much but honestly most of them were met. Ever has a solid character. Her loss, guilt, and loneliness made her struggle to stand on her own. And being psychic is a big thing when the whole world is a stranger to her. Two friends of her, Miles and Haven, have their unique personality which is a big applause to Noel because the characters are quite strong. In my point of view, at least. While Damen, he is hot, beautifull, gorgeous, yes... but what is exactly his story? It's just sometime you see him, sometime you don't. I know he is the mystery guy. I’m hoping to learn more about him in the rest of the series. He hasn’t really impressed me much yet, but that may change. However, overall, I liked the story itself, the plot was engaging, I really had no idea what was going on. That's why I keep reading till the last page. My curiosity which previously listed above, are revealed piece by piece which was a welcoming change of pace. The writing is OK. Because I don't like the repetitive word of 'pressing' when they kissed. (I'm sorry!). BUT, impressive imagery! I can see what she's trying to portray. What can I say? I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. In fact, I recommend this book to all young adults' fan. and whoever love teen's love story =) ** I read a review of Evermore by Melody @ Melody's Corner. She posted an interview with Alyson Noel and I know something interesting about why they are immortals instead of vampires. What can I say, Noel has an original idea on Evermore. =)

glass houses by rachel caine

Summary (Goodreads):

Book #1 of The Morganville Vampires. College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood. So meet Claire,Eve, Shane and Michael in The Glass House in Morganville.

My Thought:

The first time I heard about the series was from Hannah @ Changing My Definition of Life. She read the entire series of book #1-#7 in just 3 days! Yeah, I know, it is a wow. So last few weeks I got myself the first 2 series including Glass House and The Dead Girls' Dance. I only finished the 1st book in the series and decided to stop before continuing to the next installment, The Dead Girls' Dance. Let just say, I need a break =)

Meet Claire the brainiac, Eve the gothic girl, Shane the hottie, Michael the ghost and vampires of Morganville. My first impression? This is totally different from what I've read from other vampires' books. I thought of some vampire heroes and heroine and stuff we normally read in vampire series. But how about a group of human which is minority, live in a vampire territory? You are forbidden to go outside after twilight and free in daylight. And the vampires own you? That scares me enough.

The storyline alone is amazing. Glass House is where four of the teens live and the house itself is protected from the 'undead'. The story begins when Claire needs to find some place safe, being away from Monica, a queen b**ch who is totally mean. When I say 'mean' it's mean really mean enough to kill. And of course I hate her every time I read her whenever her parts, her actions or when she speaks.

I like every parts of the story and I'm impressed because this book started smoothly and I feel very curious on every page I read. You will keep reading it and find the story has a fast pace. By the way, I'm not saying the book is perfect because the ending is dreadful for me. I know the Morganville Vampires is a series. However, it doesn't mean that Caine can ended the #1 book hanging. I'm not satisfied only with that hanging ending. At least, she could make it in a better way. Otherwise she could just make a statement to the readers as if ''buy the sequel then you will know nothing about this at all".

Nevertheless, I will still going to read her next sequel on the series, as long as I manage to have the copies in the series. I also going to recommend this book to other vampire fans because the book is cool and it contains different perspectives of vampires and humans.

My Rating: 3.9/5

vampire academy by richelle mead

Title: Vampire Academy #1
Author: Richelle Mead
Pages: 336
Rating: 4.5/5

Summary:

Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with an unbreakable bond to the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest and most dangerous vampires--the ones who never die.

The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir; she is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making her one of them.

Fear made Lissa and Rose run away from St. Vladimir's, but their world is fraught with danger both inside and out of the Academy's iron gates. Here, the cutthroat ranks of the Moroi perform unspeakable rituals and their secretive nature and love of the night creates an enigmatic world full of social complexities. Rose and Lissa must navigate through this dangerous world, confront the temptation of forbidden romance, and never once let their guard down, lest the Strigoi make Lissa one of them forever.

My Opinion:

I like this book. Not very much of it but still like it. Vampire Academy is a thrilling adventure that draws you along and makes you continue to turn the pages. As the danger to Lissa gets closer, it gets interesting and more difficult to put the book down.

The friendship relation between Rose and Lissa is very unique. They are bound and complete to each other. First few chapters I read about them, I feel very uneasy because I thought their bond is something 'dark'. But as I continue the reading, my curiosity is explained in a very simple twist. I thought of a Buffy clone when I imagine Rose. She is an amazing example of female power and a great role model for teenage girls. It's refreshing to see a teenager grows that much in one short book. While Lissa if the opposite one. She is very fragile, but not vulnerable. She is very graceful and soft. She is a Princess after all.

I enjoyed my time with Rose, Lissa, and Dimitri. Not to forget, rebellious Christian. The only flaw that I think affect me a little is Lissa actions is too bold and I don't know. Maybe too easy. She can/ nearly make out with anyone she wants to and I felt her character is too mixed up, unbalance. I think the way Mead creates her is like a teenager who has a personality complex. However, every other characters are better in the book. They have their own personality but they pretty much believable.

Even with that, overall, I still like the book. And also a fresh idea for book storyline as well. I'm anxious to read what else happens soon, if Rose will ever get her man, and if Lissa will ever be able to resolve her powers. Can't wait to read the next sequel.

Other Reviewers:

Sarah @ Sarah's Book Reviews
Sophie @ So Many Books, So Little Time

the host by stephanie meyer

The Summary (Stephanie Meyer):

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away.

Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.

When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of senses, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves—Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.

My Thought On This:

Well, did I enjoy this book? Yes. Did I like the book? Wait, let me think twice. Yes? No? Maybe it is a yes. I like The Twilight Saga. But this one, thank God it was different. Vampire thingy sounds just OK since there's load of that type of books. But alien invasion? Plus without a body is way beyond our imagination/ thinking.

The "I like Part" is that Stephanie Meyer did a good job. She thinks of another kind of paranormal genre (no Vamps involved). The storyline was great and the idea of alien (like I said before) is way too cool. The last time I read anything about alien invasion was from Sidney Sheldon (The Doomsday Conspiracy). So I guess she did a good job creating another interesting perspective of idea in her writing instead the typical vampires. I think it is a lot better than the Twilight Saga when it comes to the idea. But still, Breaking Dawn is the best.

The "I don't Like Part" is The Host somehow I thought it should be a bit heavy or maybe adventurous read since it can be categorized a sci-fi @ adult instead I found it is only another Young Adult genre. The focus is more on love conflict and tangling in solving problem a bit later. I felt like there were parts that dragged a bit, and it was long (or boring?). It is sci-fi, so there were things about it that were bizarre. I don't mind to read a long written novel, but at least it has to make my adrenaline rush. Harry Potter did that successfully to me.

There's always at least a but or more, about flaws in the book. It is fascinating, but there are a few things i found a little bit senseless. I think Stephanie love to have a dumb/clumsy/rebellious heroin in her books. Like Bella (in Twilight), Melanie also have this strong will to repel something or whatever. So skeptical and typical characteristic. Her characters are shallow and unbelievable, and the way she delivers a plot I have to admit, leaves the reader wanting much more. But I think she has some seriously messed up views on what is and isn't "romantic" in a relationship. But, she is a good storyteller somehow. I liked this one more than I did the Twilight series, but the similarities between the two made me realize I was reading more of her hopelessly teenage romance, and that she just changed the vampires to aliens, perhaps.

Do I like the book? Yes. No. Maybe yes and no. But a lot in yes. =)

My rating: 4/5

the lion, the witch and the wardrobe by c.s. lewis

The summary:

Four children, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, are sent into the country to live with Professor Kirke (Diggory from the magician's nephew) because of the air-raids on wartime London. On their first morning, it pours with rain and they play hide-and-seek indoors. Lucy scrambles inside an old wardrobe full of coat. Narnia is in the grip of the White Witch's spells and it is always winter.It has been foretold that her reign will end when two Sons of Adam and two Daughters of Eve sit on the four thrones at the castle of Cair Paravel. So the Witch has made sure that anyone who sees a human in Narnia will tell her straight away - or be turned into stone. Lucy is the first person to find Narnia, bewildered and excited, she told her brothers and sister, and not surprisingly, they don't believe her story, especially as the wardrobe remains obstinately a wardrobe. However, the children do go back into Narnia when they least expect it and find everything just as Lucy described—only perhaps more real and more frightening. The kindly Mr. and Mrs. Beaver keep them safe from the White Witch's secret police—but there is a traitor in their midst and the four children soon discover that only Aslan can protect them from the terrifying danger that threatens to destroy them all..

My thought on book the and the movie:

i love both of the book and the movie..actually, i watched the movie first then i read the book..The movie was very entertaining and i kind of got my mood to read the book afterward..I like the Narnia Chronicles very very much.. in fact, i made a lot of searches to buy the books back then.. well, you know, it's way too difficult when you are in a country side and take a few hours to go to the city just to find books..only that two years back, i knew how to buy books from online..ha! kind of funny really..reading the second book of the chronicles, i also has the same feeling like the 1st one..since i like fantasy read, it's easier to imagine or fantasizing their adventurous journey to safe Narnia..what i like most of all is of course Mr. Tumnus the faun (he's so cute..) and Aslan the Lion (i like Liam Neeson voice cast for him by the way =p)..wait, i think i love all the talking animals, and the children except the White Witch (i like the costumes though..)

what can i say more when the book and the movie are really fascinating..?

My rating: 4.5/5

the magician's nephew by c.s. lewis

first of all, i love this book..!

My summary:

the story is about what happened when a boy meet a girl.. digory, and polly..a boy who really like to take risks and polly who was quite an adventurous, but very limited, which means; a girl i s always a cautious being, right? they became very good friends, and like fooling around, pretending that every single thing happened or they found, was actually related to something magical or mystery..and until one day the end up which started the biggest step of human invading to other world (yeah, that's human obviously..)..digory had an uncle, the magician...he sent polly away with a magic ring (with a trick!) and force digory to fetch polly..unwilling, but polly is his good friend, he determined to go to Charn, woke up Jadis, and the conflict began..and Jadis became the enemy of Narnia when it was found like in less than 7hours..

My review:

well, i like it very much as i think mr. lewis is a great story teller..when i read the story, it is like he is telling me what is actually happened there.. he did an excellent job with developing the characters, which made them really interesting and alive..they're written so well, that i was absorbed into the book.. (well, there's magic everywhere!). Aslan was, a great and wiser person (as if he is person no matter whatever, how big or small he/she is...right?). it is here that Digory and Polly meet Aslan for the first time and Aslan begins the wonderful song of creation which brings about the dawn of the first day in Narnia..every plants and animals that heard Aslan song became alive and they can talk or communicated among themselves..it was warm, it was so awesome..and every animals shocked when they found out they can talk! and the first joke was made! ha! i think everyone have read this.. but if you not, then you should read this, and you will discover how Jadis thinks she can be the Queen of Narnia, how and old man and her wife from our world became the first king and queen of Narnia, how digory was tempted to steal the apple of life for himself..i can't even stop reading the adventure in the story..

What i think?

well, i realized something in the end, human always have good in them, no matter how bad they can be or had been..digory realized it himself after all.. it is so simple to be frank and open with people when we put it into kid's life, when it is actually always grown ups who make a lot of mistakes..this story give me more than a story..it makes me realizes things..how i always want to be a kid..other than that, it makes me want to be a better person; who did wrong, but always accepted the guilty in the end and try to make things better again..

Rating: 4.5/5