Reading, makes me feel relax. Reading, helps me to de-stress. Reading, makes me ponder a lot, reflect my own life. Whether it is romance, suspense, thriller, mystery, historical, horror, or chic-lit, Reading, brings me a new level of pleasures and satisfaction.
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. . . .
Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.
I find the story is quite interesting. However I feel the pace is rather slow. There are lots of actions throughout the whole book. I admire Clary's courage. She did not show any fear after knowing about her mom and her true identity. Instead, she embraces the upcoming challenges with open heart and courage. I salute her for that. And I'm glad that she's not alone in her journey. Besides the main characters, I find the other supporting characters are equally shinning in the story. And they all play an important role throughout Clary's adventures in the Shadowhunter world. The ending is a little out of my expectation. And made me can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Overall it's quite a good read. I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.
Title: Goddess Interrupted
SubTitle: The Goddess Test Series: Book II
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinTEEN
Pub Date: March 27, 2012
ISBN: 9780373210459
Author: Aimee Carter
WHAT IF IMMORTALITY ISN’ T FOREVER?
KATE WINTERS HAS WON IMMORTALITY.
BUT IF SHE WANTS A LIFE WITH HENRY IN THE UNDERWORLD, SHE’LL HAVE TO FIGHT FOR IT.
Becoming immortal wasn’t supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she’s as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he’s becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate’s coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.
As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of
Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one
person who is the greatest threat to her future.
Henry’s first wife, Persephone.
Book Trailer:
I'm not too sure what to expect from this book 2 from the series, but I actually enjoy this book more than The Goddess Test. The story continues from The Goddess Test, with an unexpected turn of event. I enjoy reading the surprises and the twist. Although I wish there's more about Kate and Henry. Sometimes I feel like want to strangulate Kate for having doubts on Henry; but at the same time I also feel like want to kill Henry why can't he just tell Kate what she wants? The story definitely get me hooked that I actually finish reading the book in one sitting. And the ending was just shocking! I can't believe the author is so cruel to leave such cliff hanger ending for us. Now I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.
Note: I receive the digital ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Title: Grave Mercy
SubTitle: His Fair Assassin, Book 1
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Imprint: Houghton Mifflin
Pub Date: April 03, 2012
ISBN: 9780547628349
Author: Robin LaFevers
Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?
Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.
Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?
I like the book cover very much! It's the book cover that attracts me at the first place. The story is very interesting. It's a historical fiction, with some elements of the romance in it. The story may look a little dark with those training and killings being an assassin, but nothing brutal. I'm intrigued with those assassin trainings from the convent. Even though the trainings and the rules in convent was very strict, but it did not stop Ismae from making good friends with few other girls there. And instead just blindly follow the order from the convent, I'm glad that Ismae at the end actually give some time to ponder and do her own analysis before carrying out her duty as handmaiden. And her honesty and courage telling the abbess about her mind. It's like you can just see how she has grow by carrying out the order from the convent. It's just a little less convincing that how naive she is when comes to between man and woman, despite those seduction lessons at the convent as part of her training. Duval is another like-able character. I like the way he protects his sister. And Anne, being strong despite her young age.
In summary, Grave Mercy is a good read. Although I feel that the introduction is a little lengthy and slow. But nonetheless I enjoy reading it very much, especially the part Ismae works as the spy in the court. I'm looking forward for the next book in the series next Spring.
I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.
Note: I receive the digital ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
n the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister Primrose, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before — and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
I have been reading a lots of good comments about this Hunger Games series. I'm not too sure what my expectations suppose to be, but I feel depressing reading this book 1. Why? Because I found the story is kind of cruel. I find it's a bit hard for me to accept that the children are forced to kill each other for the sake of entertainment for the others. How cruel it is. But that's this Hunger Games is all about.
Despite depressing, I would say this whole story is very well written. The plot is good, the characters are well developed with strong heroine. Katniss definitely has strong will to stay alive in the Hunger Games despite having mixed feeling to Peeta. Peeta even though does not have those survival skills that Katniss is having, but he definitely knows what he's good at and manage to survive long enough until Katniss comes to save him. About Haymitch, I almost get cheated by his addiction on alcohol. He's definitely a smart and brilliant one when he's sober.
Although depressing, but I do enjoy reading the part when they are in the arena. Who is ally and who is enemy? Katniss has to make the right judgment and choices in order to survive. In the arena, just physically strong and skillful are not sufficient. The Hunger Games is a show. Response from the audience do play some parts.
Though depressing, but I think it's worth reading. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.
Title: The Warrior Heir
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Pub Date: March 28, 2006
ISBN: 9780786839179
Author: Cinda Williams Chima
Before he knew about the Roses, 16-year-old Jack lived an unremarkable life in the small Ohio town of Trinity. Only the medicine he has to take daily and the thick scar above his heart set him apart from the other high-schoolers. Then one day Jack skips his medicine. Suddenly, he is stronger, fiercer, and more confident than ever before. And it feels great-until he loses control of his own strength and nearly kills another player during soccer team tryouts.
Soon, Jack learns the startling truth about himself: He is Weirlind; part of an underground society of magical people who live among us. At the head of this magical society sit the feuding houses of the Red Rose and the White Rose, whose power is determined by playing The Game-a magical tournament in which each house sponsors a warrior to fight to the death. The winning house rules the Weir. As if his bizarre magical heritage isn't enough, Jack finds out that he's not just another member of Weirlind-he's one of the last of the warriors-at a time when both houses are scouting for a player.
I find the story is kind of interesting. Despite the pace is a little slow, the development of the story and the characters are quite good. The thing that keep me reading the book is the tournament and the outcome of it. There are few twists that out of my expectations. But his opponent at the tournament was someone that I have expected. Though the ending is kind of unexpected and a little disappointed, but I think it's still a good ending.
Overall it was worth the read, especially if you like a story with lots of actions and adventures, with some suspense elements in it. I would like to read the other 2 books in this series.
Title: The Ruby Kiss
Publisher: Dorchester Publishing
Imprint: Dorchester Publishing
Pub Date: November 01, 2011
ISBN: 9781428511774
Author: Helen Scott Taylor
A POWERFUL NIGHTSTALKER
Nightshade hungers to bring the strong and beautiful to their knees beneath the ecstasy of his bite, but he has never known sexual lust—not until he meets Ruby McDonald, the curvy redhead who wields attitude and strength like an ax, and who would be the perfect mother of his children. Caught in a clash between the Seelie and Unseelie courts, he vows not only her survival but also to win her heart.
A MORTAL WITH A SECRET
Plagued by magic inherited from a father she never knew, Ruby wants answers. Nightshade has them. And when he crashes into her bedroom late one night, the fairy’s silvery eyes, dark intensity, and striking black wings tempt her with a whole lot more: a mysterious world waiting to be explored, a dangerous love that binds her in body, mind, and spirit…and the children she thought she could never have. Ahead looms a choice between freedom and a power some would kill to possess. Should she deny her desires, or succumb to the seduction of… THE RUBY KISS
This is actually book 4 of The Magic Knot series. I actually have never read other books in the same series, but I don't really have much problem picking up this book. It is mostly about Nightshade and Ruby. How they met, and then how their relationship developed from then. There are lots of actions and adventure on this story. At times, I feel a little frustrated with Ruby. She is a goddess, she has power and yet she could not use her power. Each time she has to rely on others to protect her, to help her. And so coincidence, both Nightshade and Ruby have very selfish father, who only care about themselves and not the children. I like Troy and Devin though. Nightshade is so lucky to have them as his friend. As they are willing to do anything to help Nightshade and Ruby, even if require them to sacrifice themselves. The ending is good. If you like fantasy and paranormal, you may like this book.
I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.
Note: I receive the digital ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Title: Seers
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Imprint: Sweetwater
Pub Date: 10/03/2011
ISBN: 9781599557922
Author: Heather Frost
When Kate Bennett survived the horrificcar accident that claimed her parents' lives, she knew her worldwould be forever changed. But she never could have imagined howdramatic these changes would be. Feeling like a freak, Kate tries tohide her unwelcome new ability to see people's auras – that is,until she meets Patrick O'Donnell, who seems to be able to disappearat will. When Kate and her remaining family begin to be haunted by Demons, her only hope is to stay close to Patrick and other Guardianslike him. Somehow, Patrick lies at the center of the mystery, and Kate soon realizes that both she and her heart are in big-time trouble. Caught up in a war she barely understands, with enemies onlyshe can discern, Kate quickly learns that in war everybody loses something...or someone.
About the Author
Heather Frost was born in Sandy, Utah, and raised in a small Northern Utah town. She is the second oldest of ten children, and she loves her family very much. She is especially grateful to her wonderful parents for their decision to homeschool their children. She graduated from Snow College with an associate of science, and is currently majoring in English.
Heather has always been an avid reader, and reading and writing are among her most favorite things to do. She also enjoys playing the flute, listening to all types of music, and watching a wide variety of movies. Ever since she wrote her first story--at the age of four--she has dreamed of one day becoming an author. Seers is her first published novel.
I was attracted by the synopsis of this book. The story is quite interesting. Majority part of the story is written in Kate's POV. However there are few parts towards the end of the book that are suddenly jump to Patrick being the first person POV. This at first confuses me for a little while before I realize that the subject has changed. Same for the epilogue, I don't think it is necessary to write the whole story in first person POV and without telling who that person is.
I have a mixed feeling on this book actually. Although the story is quite interesting, I found myself fancy none of the characters in the story. Not even Kate or Patrick. I have neutral feeling on Patrick. While I do not hate Kate but I don't quite agree with her behaviour to her boyfriend. To me, she had been dishonest with her boyfriend, not on keeping her special ability as a secret, but on her feelings with him. I wonder if Patrick does not exist, what will happen to them. Will she make the same decision? However she was just a teenager, I suppose I should not expect she acts like a mature adult.
In summary the book is not really that bad actually. It's quite an easy read (if you don't mind the first person POV). The pace is not very fast despite some actions.
I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Title: The Iron Knight
SubTitle: Book 4 in the Iron Fey Series
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinTEEN
Pub Date: 10/25/2011
ISBN: 9780373210367
Author: Julie Kagawa
Book Description:
Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.
Unless he can earn a soul.
To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.
Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.
With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.
To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.
And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.
My Review:
Finally the long awaited The Iron Knight, book 4 also the last book of the Iron Fey series is available in Net Galley. And being a big fan of The Iron Fey series, I request it straight away. :)
Unlike the previous 3 books (The Iron King, The Iron Daughter and The Iron Queen) written from Meghan's POV, The Iron Knight is written in Ash's POV which I think it's perfect! I always like Ash since The Iron King. I still remember the first time Ash met with Meghan when Meghan first come to the faery realm. Ash, being the 3rd prince from the Winter Court, was a cold, emotionless and obedient child to the queen of Winter Court. However he started to change after meeting with Meghan Chase. We may not know much on what's inside his mind of this cool prince but one thing we know is, Meghan had melted the ice around his heart and he had vowed to protect this woman that he loved by her side. In order to keep his promise, he had to earn a soul for himself, a quest that no other fey had succeeded before.
In The Iron Knight, finally we get to know many thoughts and emotion of Ash throughout the whole journey to earn a soul for him self. We get to learn his doubt, struggling whether he had made the right decision; whether he was able to protect the woman that he loved after becoming human, as human is less strong than a fey. We also get to learn about his past, the dark side of his life before meeting Meghan; his resentment and his feelings towards the people around him. Yes he's not perfect. But I admire his courage to do something no one has got passed before, to keep his promise; a promise for the woman that he loved so much; a woman that he's willing to sacrifice everything just to keep his promise. How many people can really do that? Or willing to do that?
Ash was a lucky one too, seeing there were bunch of people who were willing to risk themselves to join him in his quest, to help him to get his quest done. Despite they had their own reason or purpose on helping him; nonetheless they had the same goal - to help Ash to get the quest done. It's a dangerous journey. I really doubt that without them, can Ash made it through?
Despite without Meghan involved in the journey, The Iron Knight is not bored and does not disappoint me at all. In fact, the author has done an excellent job writing about Ash, as well as giving a wonderful ending to this Iron Fey series. I like the plot of the story. It is unpredictable and never stops giving me surprises. And I'm pleased with the good ending for everyone, although I feel sad that the whole series has come to an end. I never love the main characters that much in other books!
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. If you are a YA or fantasy lover, I highly recommend you to read this Iron Fey series. Watch the book trailer of the first 3 books in the series:
About Julie Kagawa:
Born in Sacramento, California, Julie Kagawa moved to Hawaii at the age of nine. There she learned many things: how to bodyboard, that teachers scream when you put centipedes in their desks and that writing stories in math class is a fantastic way to kill time. Her teachers were glad to see her graduate. Julie now lives in Louisville, Kentucky, with her husband and a plethora of pets. She still laughs whenever she sees centipede. Visit her at www.juliekagawa.com.
Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
When I saw this book is available in Net Galley I was so happy and can't help to request it right away. After reading Twilight Prophecy, I was very much looking forward to read the sequel. And this book 2 Twilight Fulfilled, does not disappoint me at all. Instead it is better than the first book.
While the first book was more about James, this book two was on his twin sister, Brigit. James used his healing power to revive Utanapishtim from his ashes. But then the soon after that they realized it's a mistake to revive him. So the vampire race sent Brigit, the destroyer, to destroy Utanapishtim to save the vampire race. But something unexpected happened between them. And things get complicated when US government stepped into the battle and more secrets were being revealed.
I found the story very fascinating. It captivates my interest from beginning till the end. The pace is good. There are quite a number of supporting characters added in the story with clearly defined role and they never over shadow the two main characters. The intense emotion of the characters is well projected too. The plot is good. The twists and turns just made me can't stop turning the pages. I like the ending. I wonder is there any more upcoming books in this series.
I enjoy reading it very much. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Book Description:
Enemies... Lovers... Saviors?
The First Immortal Walks Again
Utanapishtim has paid dearly for the sin of creating the vampire race—imprisoned in a living death for centuries, driven to near madness. With a single white-hot glance, he immolates his descendants…and the vampire Armageddon begins.
Beautiful and deadly Brigit Poe, not wholly vampire but fiercely loyal to that shared bloodline, is called into action. She abhors yet cannot deny her destiny: to vanquish the once-great king of the immortals and save the vampire race.
Two warriors, equally matched in power and determination, are soon locked in an unwinnable battle, only to discover a passion so shocking it threatens every truth they’ve ever known—even as they must face one final battle that seems fated to end in death and heartbreak for them both.
In this series:
Book I: Twilight Prophecy
Book II: Twilight Fulfilled
About the author:
“Tension packed,” “haunting,” “bewitching,” “tasty” and “better than chocolate” are just a few of the ways New York Times bestselling author Maggie Shayne and her award-winning novels have been described by critics and colleagues alike. Maggie is one of the hottest authors currently writing paranormal romance. Her works are fresh and sexy, carrying the reader into a darkly compelling and fully realized world where vampires are creatures of the heart, not just the night.
Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher Harlequin via Net Gallery. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Title: Lost Voices
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Imprint: Harcourt Books
Pub Date 07/04/2011
ISBN: 9780547482507
Author: Sarah Porter
I suppose most of us here grew up in a family and a home who give us love and protection, a place where we feel secure. What happen to those children, where they could not live with their family, either their parents are no longer there, or their parents do not love them? In Lost Voices, these unhappy children will become mermaid. When they are at the most despair moment, they transform into mermaid. Since they are mostly not fairly treated when they were a human, naturally they dislike human. And they also cannot be discovered by the human; afraid what will the human will do to them if the human know about their existence. There is a queen mermaid leading the tribe, the one with the best singing. The mermaids have sweet voice, but their song is a death song, a song which lures the human to death. However one of the mermaid, Lucy, she does not like to sing the Song of death. She would like to make use of her talent in singing, to do something more useful. But this also puts her at odds with her new friends.
I tried to read this book several times in the past one month, but only few days ago I was able to pick up the mood and finish reading it. This book is about friendship, letting go and forgive. It is the first book in a trilogy.
I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars.
Note: I receive the ARC of this book from the publisher via the Net Gallery.
Across the Nightingale Floor is the first of the Tales of the Otori trilogy. It covers a period of just over a year, when Otori Takeo was sixteen years old, and Kaede was fifteen years old.
It covers how Takeo was rescued by Lord Shigeru and being adopted by him later. One day, Lord Shigeru's friend, Muto Kenji visited them and revealed that Takeo's father was of The Tribe, a group of families with special powers. And Takeo had inherited lots of talents from his father, which made the Tribe wanted to claim back Takeo. In order to adopt Takeo, Lord Shigeru was forced to marry Shirakawa Kaede. But Lord Shigeru also had another plan. The wedding was going take place in Inuyama, home of Lord Iida. Lord Iida had killed Shigeru's father and brother. The wedding gave Shigeru a reason to get near Lord Iida for his revenge. Takeo supposed to kill Lord Iida before the wedding, but Kenji betrayed Shigeru and brought Takeo back to the Tribe. And his action cause Shigeru being crucified. On the same night, Kaede killed Lord Iida when he attempted to rape her. Lord Arai took the opportunity to take over all land from Lord Iida.
The story is told primarily in first-person narrative by Otori Takeo. At first, I thought I will get bored very quickly but on the contrary, the more I read the more I get fascinated. The characters are well developed and the story was alternate between Takeo and Kaede. Both of them have sad story but they did not give up getting what they want.
Japanese historical story always made me feel very bitter. In those days, there was not much thing where you can decide what to do. You can hardly choose your bride or groom. Lots of arrange marriages due to political reason. There were no laws, the Lords are the law. I actually long to have Takeo's super power:
Acute hearing - so that I can hear what my kids are doing when they are out of my sight (Takeo could draw the layout of the house, based on hearing what's happening at that house, and he could calculate how many people and animals in that house).
Split into multiple self - to attend both kids at the same time.
Invisible - to hide myself so I can get some rest when both kids want my attention non-stop. LOL!
I enjoy reading this book very much. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Some fact about Tales of the Otori - Tales of the Otori is a series of historical fantasy novels about a young warrior Otori Takeo, set in a fictional world based on feudal Japan. The whole series has 5 books -
The trilogy: Across the Nightingale Floor, Grass for His Pillow, and Brilliance of the Moon,
Sequel: The Harsh Cry of the Heron,
Prequel: Heaven's Net is Wide.
The whole series cover the whole life of Otori Takeo - from a village boy become a warrior, to avenge his adoptive father, to fight for his land and inheritance, at the same time escape from The Tribe who want to claim him, and marry the woman that he loves, Shirakawa Kaede, another main character in this series.
