Review: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3) 

By Cassandra Clare 

Released: March 19, 2013 

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books 

Hardcover, 568 pages 

Don’t miss The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, soon to be a major motion picture in theaters August 2013.

THE INFERNAL DEVICES WILL NEVER STOP COMING

A net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. Mortmain plans to use his Infernal Devices, an army of pitiless automatons, to destroy the Shadowhunters. He needs only one last item to complete his plan: he needs Tessa Gray.

Charlotte Branwell, head of the London Institute, is desperate to find Mortmain before he strikes. But when Mortmain abducts Tessa, the boys who lay equal claim to her heart, Jem and Will, will do anything to save her. For though Tessa and Jem are now engaged, Will is as much in love with her as ever.

As those who love Tessa rally to rescue her from Mortmain’s clutches, Tessa realizes that the only person who can save her is herself. But can a single girl, even one who can command the power of angels, face down an entire army?

Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment, and the tangled threads of love and loss intertwine as the Shadowhunters are pushed to the very brink of destruction in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy. --B&N

4.5 Stars

Review

I cannot believe that it's over! The Infernal Devices, one of the best YA series ever written is done, gone, and forever shall stay in our hearts. If you're a lover of this series and need to stop hyperventilating in excitement to read more Will and Jem, then I suggest you to stop being a miser and buy a copy of this book like I did. Seriously! It is worth every penny and trouble that you will get yourself into, like I did with spending $9 on it.

This will be a spoiler-free review, so let's see how this will go. Now, let's start with the aspect of the series that keeps everyone hooked: the love triangle. Honestly, this love triangle is one that is ridiculously hard to read about. It's so heart-wrenching and unbearable to see Tessa, Will, and Jem be forced into the kind of despicable romance with one guy left hanging. For some reason it is okay for 2 girls + 1 guy to have a girl be left hanging because that girl is always the self-centered *beep*, but for with 1 girl + 2 guys, it's such a tumultuous roller coaster that always crashes. 

Thankfully, Cassandra Clare is able to make the otherwise overly used love triangle exciting and seem original. There are so many love triangles out there, but this series presents a love triangle that seems to be genuine and passionate. I will not say that I am falling for the conclusion of this love triangle because it felt somewhat fake and obvious that the author was trying to appease everyone. 

Otherwise, everything about Clockwork Princess was perfect, or near perfection. There is a maturity that all of the characters, young or old, seem to develop. Characters that I originally despised, mainly Gabriel and Jessamine, received their share of the spotlight that redeemed them. Other characters that were obviously meant to be despicable remained that way, and some still are to this day (Woolsey is the werewolf I'd love to shoot the most). Despite the ridiculously large number of characters that keep popping up in The Infernal Devices, they all possess their own unique qualities that make them memorable. 

Clare's tendency to have weak, boring female leads seems to have shifted to stronger, more likable female protagonists. Tessa has become a heroine that is worthy of everyone's love and support because she doesn't mope or waste time on dreaming on the what-ifs, like Clary did in City of Lost Souls. In the beginning, Tessa did seem to be a clone of Clary, but thankfully she has developed into a fierce heroine that can stand among the Shadowhunters. 

Meanwhile, Will + Jem, are the couple that deserve the most shipping. All of the misunderstandings and necessary clarifications are revealed to the both of them that leaves the reader breathless. There are so many moments between the two in this book that left me brokenhearted. The beautiful friendship they have is so powerful and sweet. If only all books had bromances of similar caliber as this one...

Clockwork Princess is the pinnacle of perfection for conclusions to magnificent, epic series like these. Cassandra Clare has left her readers disappointed with an ending that is somewhat predictable, yet satisfying. The ending wasn't tightly tied up, but left many loose ends for Clare's future books, leaving everyone desperate to find out what more is to come in the world of the Shadowhunters.

Purchase Clockwork Princess here: Amazon/ B&N/ The Book Despository

Review: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Sweet Evil (The Sweet Trilogy #1) 

By Wendy Higgins

Published: May 1, 2012

Publisher: HarperTeen

Paperback, 453 Pages

Embrace the Forbidden

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?

This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.

Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She's aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn't until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He's the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns? --GoodReads

4 stars

Review

Hrm. This one is gonna be tough to review. It's great, but it's also not great. Bnaiovmaklfjopekmbko!!!! I am so not in a writing mood today. This is quite difficult for me to put into words, but here goes nothing.

Let's start with the cover and summary.

Cover: so cheesy, I can taste it. Seriously. Girls in long flowy dresses have become so overrated these past few years. Come on, especially with a creepy guy in the background!

Summary: equal cheesiness level. It tells us close to nothing and is so repelling. It's hilarious to watch my friends read it and ask me why I even bothered to read it. However, it's still really worth reading.

In this story, Satan is in charge of a committee of 7 Dukes, each representing one of the 7 sins. These dukes are "fallen angels" = demons. As Dukes, it is their job to influence humans to make bad decisions. Although they cannot directly make a person choose something, the Dukes can whisper into their ears. These Dukes can produce offspring by possessing human females, who usually die after/during labor from the strain of giving birth to a nonhuman soul. These half demon children are called Nephilim; it is their duty to continue their father's legacies by continuing the spread of the Duke's influence. If they don't follow their orders, they are killed (and unfortunately, they always end up in hell). Anna, the main female POV is born from a guardian angel mother and demonic father. Anna's father is the Duke of Substances (drug dealer) while Kaidan's father is Duke of Lust/Pleasure. Anna, as the female heroine, naturally falls in love with the kid that oozes pheromones and danger.

Not many others are too enthusiastic about the the two main characters - Kai[den], and Anna. It's really funny how stereotypical these two are. Anna is a goodie-two shoes girl who can't possibly do anything wrong in her life like, ever. She's a devout daughter of God, she gets good grades, she never lies and she always follows the rules. She's SO not the person you'd expect to fall in love with bad-boy.

An Ode to the British Guy Named Kaiden Who Also Happens To Be the Main Love Interest

Kai is a guy

Oh Me OH MY.

He's really quite English

Oh my gawd, he's delish

He's on the top rung!

With his proper tongue

He woos the gals

And loses his pals

He's outgoing - not shy!

He'd be a really nice guy-

But - (with that butt...)

He's just a man-slut

That's right. A half-demon boy that sleeps with other women on a daily basis to relieve his "needs." Yup, you heard me right. His needs. As a man. Er- Demon...thing. Ya know.

I really don't understand what's so attractive about a guy who JUST HAS THIS BURNING PASSION AND NEED to sleep with other women every night. Oh, Anna, where did yo' common sense go?

Tone: Was very dramatic. Uber dramatic. Like, kind of hilariously dramatic. But because this story is so captivating, it's really unnoticeable until you take a step back and really look at it.

I do have a confession to make. I love it when the main characters have super powers. I loved the fact that all Nephilim, induding Anna and Kaidan, had super senses and special abilities, which vary depending on their father's "sin." A big check in my book when it comes to the fact that Anna and Kaidan never get sick and are able to withstand high levels of alcohol, not to mention other harmful physical attacks. Nothing is worse than a super heroine defeated by a glass of alcohol.

Then again, Anna and Kaidan DO make some stupid questionable decisions here and there....but you'll have to read the book to find out. *wink wink*

Style: I really like Wendy Higgins' writing style, and it's so easy to get lost in the story [ good "lost" ] - no matter how unrealistic or fake the characters are. It's so natural and so easy to relate to. Sweet Evil is narrated, first person, by Anna. I love reading first person POVs because I like reading how the character feels and thinks at a certain moment in the story. It allows me to connect with the character on a deeper level than with an omniscient narrator. (Which is why Harry Potter should have been written in first POV!!!!) I kept flipping and flipping the pages, until, whoa! Am I finished already?! If only physical exercise time went that fast, amirite?

I did not, however, enjoy this book's conclusion. It was a job left unfinished. Obviously, not as much time was taken in the end of the story compared to the wonderful beginning of the story. It's really quite a shame, because Higgins was really going somewhere. She probably ended it so quickly in order to scrape up as many readers as she could to read the rest of the trilogy. There are more elegant ways you can end the first book of your trilogy! Find a conclusion that slyly leads readers in for more.

I'm really wondering how she will write the second book because I don't see where this book is leading. It got especially confusing in the last 100 pages or so when Higgins introduced 4 other characters. Clearly made to separate the two love interests, these poor characters just muddle the pile of who'sitsandwhatitsgalore even further. Love triangles that are comprised completely of Nephilim (the worst kind of relationships according to Dukes) are S-C-R-E-W-E-D with a capital SCREWED. There's no real plot line other than the fact that Anna has to survive being half angel and *gasp* half demon. Anna basically has to look like a bad girl in order to not get in trouble with the other demons. I found it equally ironic that Demons praise the mischievous, but punish the angelic.

Goodness I'm tired. Okay, time to wrap this up. Overall: it's okay. I would recommend it because I like the idea of angels and demons and Nephilim in the world that Higgins creates and I love it when female POVs have superpowers. Read it if you like fluffy LONG pleasure reads, but don't read it if you're looking for something really *cough* intellectual....or quick. The second and third books don't come out for quite a while.  So don't read it if you are impatient. Hrm. Well, that's a wrap.

Happy reading everyone!

Purchase Sweet Evil here: Amazon/ B&N/ TBD

Review: The Guardians by Krista Ashe

The Guardians

By Krista Ashe

Published: September 5, 2012

Kindle Edition, 321 pages

Got Wings?

Elijah and Cassie aren’t your old-school angels chilling in the heavens and strumming harps. They’re members of the Guardians, an elite force of angels. Their newest mission is no walk in the clouds. In an effort to seek out troubled teens, they, along with fellow angels, Rafe, Sophie and Gabriel, will pose as a family of adopted brothers and sisters and enroll in high school. Along with their gift of “emotional divination”, which is to take on the pain of those who are suffering, they experience their own roller coaster rides of teenage emotions.

Accustomed to working with children, shy Elijah is overwhelmed when he is assigned to Abby, an honor roll cheerleader. When she discovers she is pregnant and her boyfriend abandons her, Abby turns to Elijah for support. As his feelings for Abby intensify, Elijah also struggles with the desire to be a guardian to Abby’s unborn baby. However, as Elijah is trying to do good, a dark force hovers over him in the form of Lucius—one of Satan’s demons. Things escalate when Elijah threatens Lucius. It will come to a fight to the finish with Elijah either being defeated or damning Lucius back to Hell. --Barnes&Noble

3.5 Stars

Review

With plenty of emotions and angst, The Guardians sets itself apart as a paranormal angel book without the whole excessive "pure" mojo becoming burdensome and tons of human like emotions for our "angelic" characters.

After witnessing the murder of a pivotal mother, Victoria, among several families, several angels, including Elijah and Cassie, are sent on a mission to prevent several of the mother's family members from going off the bridge to the bad stuff. The job's tough, but someone has to prevent these multiple children from being manipulated by Lucius, the malevolent presence responsible for Victoria's death who is out for more blood. 

The guardian angels are sent down to earth in human bodies to make themselves behave like real humans for the sake of fitting in, so the angels are not immune to the effects of human emotions. These emotions make the angels relatable protagonists, despite their job title as "angel." This feels somewhat out of place with all of the jealousy, pride, and anger that comes along with the title of being a "guardian angel." In some ways, this is more like a book about two people developing feelings for people who lack the necessary ability to go far in life without some support. Unfortunately, they fall in love with these hopeless people, and then the soap operas come in. *dun, dun, dun* (No, actually it's a good thing)

There are few angel books that take risks like The Guardians does. Instead of focusing on "cleansing" the souls of these poor humans, the angels serve as guards for the kids recovering from the empty spot Victoria left in their lives. However, many elements of the plot and aspects of the world are left unexplained that leaves the reader confused at times, and wondering why all of this couldn't be solved as easily as it is at the end. Every scene seems to be a climatic moment, even if it is not the vital to the story line. Whether or not that is a bad thing, I still have yet to decide, but overall, it feels as if there's no true plot line. Instead, it feels more like a group of TV episode summaries bunched together, with a new situation and climatic moment every few chapters.

Many of the characters of The Guardians vacillate from brimming with emotion to drowning to one-sided characters with no personality. For example, Elijah and Cassie are hormone-crazy angels in teenager bodies. It's endearing in that they have to experience what every human's forced to face, but a little odd to see these angelic creatures easily adjusted to the sinful nature that humans have. It seems questionable that the main angel characters are the ones with all of the problems, while the other three; Rafe, Sophie, and Gabriel, aren't really developed as characters and act like the angelic creatures they are. Nothing is wrong with this, in fact, it makes The Guardians stand out as a book. Meanwhile, the assignments; Abby and Zach, are somewhat undervalued. Rather than being seen as teenagers who suffer as all teenagers do, they are portrayed as nearly perfect humans with terrible circumstances awaiting them. Abby is Miss. Goody-Two Shoes, even when she finds out that she and baby can't be together. Zach is like the Hulk, a sweet guy with an untested rage just dying to be unleashed. Overall, the characters weren't exactly the best selection to be found, but they were enjoyable to read about.

The Guardians is a sweet, enjoyable read due to its easy nature and real-life problems among teenagers. Despite all of the angel talk, there is no other book that has many of the soap opera problems that teenagers must face in a realistic manner, way more realistically than dramas. At first, I was thinking this book would be like Halo by Alexandra Adornetto, which was one of the stupidest books ever written in the history of YA kind, but actually, this book succeeds in everything Halo couldn't possible imagine. The ending was a little rushed in my opinion, and needed work because of its approach, which could've been achieved earlier in the book to save many characters much grief. Regardless, with a plot accented with twists and a group of multi-faceted characters, The Guardians shows itself as a great start for what I hope to be a wonderful new paranormal angel series.

Purchase The Guardians: Amazon (Kindle)/ B&N (Nook)

Cover Reveal: Destined by Ali Cross

Destined (Desolation #3)

By Ali Cross

Expected Publication: December 2012

Choosing is a bad idea, because Desi always makes the wrong one, and sometimes there are no do-overs. Certainly not this time, when all has been lost and Desi can’t even save herself, let alone her friends. For Desi, the hardest thing is letting someone help her, to accept their sacrifice on her behalf. But that’s exactly what she’ll have to do in order to save the worlds from Helena’s destruction.

The goddess of Helheimer, long imprisoned by Desi’s father, Loki, is free at last, and she’s bent on reclaiming what once was hers. The nine worlds will be drawn into war, over Hell, over Earth, with innocent humans meaningless collateral. While Michael and the Gardians of Asgard, along with the golden-armored Valkyrie lead the battle for freedom, it’s Desi who holds the destiny of all the worlds in her hands.

Can she set aside her doubts, once and for all, and claim the gifts that are hers to bear? Can she accept the sacrifice that is made for her and Become all that she was created to be?

Her final choice will define not only her future, but the fate of humankind, forever more.

BECOME (Desolation #1) YA paranormal romance on amazon | barnes&noble | goodreads

DESOLATE (Desolation #2) YA paranormal romance on amazon | barnes&noble | goodreads

Avenge Blog Tour: Awaken by Sarah M. Ross and Giveaway

Awaken (Patronus #1)

By Sarah M. Ross

eBook, 206 pages

Lucy Donovan was supposed to have a weekend of fun in the sun, celebrating her upcoming graduation from college. In a split second, everything changed. A drunk driver ended Lucy’s mortal life.

Lucy opens her eyes to a world she never imagined possible and a new destiny: as a Patronus, a guardian of spirits. Adjusting to her new role and abilities while negotiating this confusing realm will test her limits and push her further than she ever dreamed she would go. From wayward spirits who don’t want her help to soul stealing vampires, and even a stuck-up British royal, Lucy must brave them all to save one spirit she can’t bear to lose.

Further complicating her life is an inexplicable yet growing connection she feels to a member of her team, Max, whose mysterious behavior leaves her both confused and intrigued.

Waking up dead was just the beginning of her problems. Lucy’s death is about to become the greatest adventure of her life. --Goodreads

3 Stars

Review

If there is something about this book that struck out at me the most, it would probably be its similarity to Croak by Gina Damico. Many of the details of the world build in Awaken are either identical or very similar to the hilariously snarky Croak. Although I love Croak with a burning passion and can't dream of a single book about reapers comparing to its gory grim reaper glory, Awaken has its own quirks and charm that made it a fun read.

Awaken begins right off the bat with Lucy dead. Yup, no lag time between car accident and resurrection as angel, it's a smooth entrance to allow the story instantly grab attention, and it works. As I was reading Awaken, the fast-paced, exciting pace of this book instantly hooked me and left me dangling while I was away. It's just one of those reads that keeps a person pacing back and forth for what decisions and revelations will come out to add to the already daring plot. 

Unfortunately, what also struck at me was the ridiculous love story between Lucy and Max. By now, as a YA reader, I'm used to insta-love. But this was too much! The lovebirds go on a "should we admit that we like each other" by page 40. My feeling was like, "what in the world did I miss in the past 10 minutes?" The extreme insta-love was too much for me, causing me to kind of roll my eyes over all of the so-called romantic moments and Lucy's mooning over Max. 

When compared to Croak, this book isn't as satisfactory of a read. The romance is rushed at such a fast pace, the characters felt a bit unreal and unrelatable, and the book, overall, felt a tad bit immature for a book with a college student protagonist and many characters well above the 500 year old line. Perhaps if the book was longer than 206 pages, then it would be able to gradually build up intensity and emotions better. Despite my complaints, I cannot deny that I really enjoyed reading Awaken to my surprise.

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Review and Giveaway: Ember and Iridescent by Carol Oates

 

Ember and Iridescent (Ember #1 &2)

By Carol Oates

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

  When Candra Ember wakes up in hospital after a dangerous encounter with a red-haired woman, she is shocked to discover that seeing a winged boy wasn’t her imagination. Candra is exposed to a world of rivalry and sacrifice she never knew existed, and the aftermath of a war to save humanity thousands of years ago. Soon she finds herself relentlessly stalked by Sebastian, a beautiful and arrogant Watcher Angel and romantically pursued by his darkly seductive rival, Draven. Ultimately, dubious about her own goodness, Candra’s very existence compromises a tentative peace in the city of Acheron.--Goodreads

3.5 Stars

Review

Angels seem to be the next big thing in YA paranormal. Much of the latest YA paranormals have been Nephilim based. Whether or not this emerging trend is a blessing or a curse is not a concern, but I have to say that this trend allows me to be thankful that a series like this one has come out. Ember and Iridescent together create a series that is rich in realistically conflicted characters and intricately woven writing.

Ember begins with Candra trapped in a conflict between angels and her relationship between her bodyguard, Sebastian, and acquaintance, Draven. The plot of Ember is somewhat mediocre, but the characters were so beautifully described and mysterious that I just couldn't look away. Each of the characters had his or her own secrets hidden from everyone else and those secrets were dark, disturbing, and helped the plot to be set apart from most others. Instead of being good vs. bad, everyone wasn't just black or white, they were all a variety of shades of gray. 

In terms of plot, I felt Ember was flawed in its execution and presentation. For the first 100 or so pages, I was lost in this world of Nephilim. I had no idea what was going on, but as time went on, I was able to discern the the plot more easily and could along more easily with the events. If only the setting and world had been expanded on more, this book would've been more polished an exciting to read.

Meanwhile, Iridescent fared slightly better. Of course, the climatic buildup at the end slowed the book in the beginning. This time, the setting and conflict was already known, so I found it easier to following the events occurring. However, this does not mean that I found Iridescent an improvement over Ember. They still both had the shaky plots that drove me insane. Well, at least Irisdescent had a more realistic portrayal of romance. Ember was insta-love, as Iridescent was more like love development and trials.

The thing that struck me most when reading Ember and Iridescent though was the beauty of the author's writing. Carol Oates has a true gift in writing. Despite its disappointing plot, the book was able to flow because of Oates' inherent ability to write with a voice that is so vivid and descriptive. Even as I was confused over the events at the beginning, I just couldn't resist the dream-like quality that the book possessed that was absolutely enchanting.

Overall, Ember and Iridescent were fascinating retellings of the Nephilim. Regardless of its numerous flaws, I was thrilled as I dived into this Nephilim world. I do recommend for anyone to try Ember and Iridescent, they're just reads that will leave you as conflicted and emotional as the characters are.

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Promo and Interview: Name that Book Extravaganza

It's come the time to name the 3rd book in the Desolation series by Ali Cross!

 But let's first start off with an interview with one of the characters, the incredibly hot Michael!

Interview with Michael 

YA Novelties: So, let's start off with: who are you?

My name is Michael. I am Odin’s war general. But more importantly, I am the one who loves Desi and I am the one who will spend forever trying to make her happy.

"Spending forever to make her happy?" *swoon* How would you describe your relationship with Desi?

I had to laugh. Desi has no idea how much I love her. At one time she knew, but Loki has buried her memories of me so far beneath layers of hatred and loneliness that she has forgotten what we once meant to her. But she’ll come back to me—I will find her and help her Remember. I will spend the rest of my very long life undoing all that Loki did and proving to her how very much she is loved.

For now, I am content to be there for her, to watch over her, to protect her as best I can—even if it is herself from whom she needs protection.

Do you have any exclusive powers as one of the greatest warriors of heaven?
All Gardians can access the Bridge, and use the Doors that Heimdall has erected to Travel between the worlds. We can all speak with our minds and all possess an affinity to emotions and the needs of others. Because of this, many Gardians feel their love for others so deeply that it makes it difficult to think of inflicting harm—even if it is necessary for the protection of their self or their homes. That is where my skills have come to be of use in Asgard. I am able, for good or ill, to put my tender feelings aside and to fight for the greater good.

I will fight for my brothers and sisters when they can, or will, not.

What do you think of Lucifer?
We were friends once, though it was his betrayal of Desi’s love that hurt the most. He is stubborn and selfish and thought nothing of crushing the spirits of his fellow Gardians—the very people he should have one day ruled in love and respect as his father Odin has done.

I am not as forgiving as Odin. I can see no hope for reconciliation between us. As far as I’m concerned, when Loki tore a full third of my friends away from their eternal home, when he subjected Desi to centuries of his cruel and relentless humor, he took with him any hope of my love or friendship.

What do you think of this modern world? Find it inconvenient or love it?
It is . . . entertaining. I enjoy the abandon with which humans live their lives, I like the hope they carry with them. And Earth is a beautiful place—not unlike Asgard, but green and lovely like I’ve seen nowhere else. I like this Earth-life. I could be happy here.

Do you have any plans or dreams for the future? If so, what are they?
Only one, and it is a simple wish. To find Desi, to finally convince her of her worth, of how much I love her. And then, if she will have me, I would spend the rest of my life by her side. I guess that’s more than one wish—but together they are all that keeps me breathing every day.

Good or Bad?
There’s good and bad in all of us, wouldn’t you say? I have even seen the darkness of hatred or need for vengeance pass across the gaze of my king, Odin, the greatest of us all. The hope, then, is that we can feed the good in us to such a degree that it is what defines us and the bad is merely a footnote.

 Congratulations! You have just met the most swoon-worthy angel in history! Now, time for the Name that Book Extravaganza! Now, let us wait for TOMORROW (secret word) to come!

Here's the mock-up cover!!

Now here's the giveaway to name the book:

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Here's the Grand Prize Giveaway for the Scavenger Hunt:

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And Here's the Linky for the Scavenger Hunt!

 

1. Escaping... One Book @ a Time

2. Joyous Reads

3. Book Sniffers Anonymous 

4. Beauty and the Bookshelf

5.  Arianne Cruz

6.  Comfort Books

7.  Why Not? Because I Said So!

8. Donnie Darko Girl

9.  Bookish

10.  YA Novelties

11.  Words, Pages and Books

12.  Cherie Reich

13. Chapter by Chapter

14.  Christine Fonseca

Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly (Unearthly #1)

By Cynthia Hand

Published: January 4, 2011

Publisher: HarperTeen

Paperback, 464 pages

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy. 

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side. 

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart. --Goodreads

4.5 Stars

Review

After trudging through the horrendously high number of paranormals that have the Twilight characteristics, I was totally prepared to call quits on this genre. Luckily, I didn't, and still haven't, which allows me to discover the gems that I would have otherwise missed. Unearthly is a fast-paced, smart paranormal that explores the idea of fate and totally reworks the overused Nephilim thing.

Clara Gardner is a Nephilim who knows who she is and what she will have to do. Unlike most paranormals that are like "OMG! I'm this special creature," we already past that point and don't have to deal with the crap. Clara, her mom, and her brother are all part-angel, making them have super-duper cool powers that make them way more epic than most people, but also causes some inconveniences, aka Clara's hair glowing blonde, resulting in her hair being dyed a hideous carrot color.

Unearthly was special in its way of re-imagining the myths of Nephilim and incorporating them into our modern era. At some points, there were times when Clara and friends took the whole angel thing way too seriously for such a minor thing, but the author never fails to add another aspect of the angel thing that just brings smiles to the reader.

My only major complaint about this book was the first third of the book. During this intro to the world of Nephis (love my abbreviation, right?), the plot would progress incredibly slow and at certain points, I just wanted to give Clara a thump to the head. Still, as I continued to read the book, I fell more in love with the characters, the world and romance. I can guarantee that no one will be able to not love Tucker, because boy, that guy knows how to work his charm (unfortunately for me).

Cynthia Hand has created a work of art with the Unearthly series. The gorgeousness of the setting and the writing kept me hooked throughout the entire book, while the characters ran around in their own little bubble of Nephilimism. As mysteries were unraveled one by another, I can say that this book was one that will keep the reader hooked till the very end, and still grab ahold of your thoughts even as you put the book down.

Purchase this book: Amazon/ Barnes&Nobles/ The Book Depository

 

Review: A Want so Wicked by Suzanne Young

A Want so Wicked (A Need so Beautiful #2)

By Suzanne Young

Published: June 26, 2012

Publisher: Balzar + Bray (HarperCollins)

Hardcover, 288 pages

Elise is a normal seventeen-year-old girl until the day she wakes up in a desert park with no idea who she is.

After that episode, her life takes a bizarre turn. She's experiencing unexpected flashes of insight into people's lives—people she's never met before. Strangers frighten her with warnings about the approaching Shadows. And although Elise has never had a boyfriend, she suddenly finds herself torn between two handsome but very different young men: Abe, the charming bad boy whose effect on her both seduces and frightens her, and the mysterious Harlin, who's new to town but with whom Elise feels an urgent, elemental connection—almost as if they are soul mates.

Now Elise begins to question everything about her life. Why do these guys both want her so desperately? What are the Shadows? Why does the name Charlotte inspire a terrifying familiarity? And who is Elise, really? --Goodreads

3.5 Stars

Review

After reading A Need so Beautiful, I was really eager to see what would happen next after the whole cliffhanger that we were left on. A Want so Wicked explores the world of the Need a little more and adds a whole new dimension.

I would have loved to say that A Want so Wicked was not so obvious and easily predictable. Unfortunately, things just don't always go my way in the world of YA paranormal. Not only did I know what was going to happen as each page flipped by, I knew everything just by reading the blurb. The ridiculousness of this was totally uncalled for, but I still loved it.

My main issue with A Want so Wicked was with the predictability and whatnots, but otherwise I really enjoyed it. The plot was fast-paced, making the book not unbearably obvious, but more of a cheesy paranormal read that was adorably romantic and sweet at certain moments and heartbreakingly dark and shocking in others.

Elise, the protagonist, has a few marbles missing when it comes to her memory. It was fascinating to revisit the world of the Need with someone who wasn't necessarily as irritated with her destiny like Charlotte was in the other book. As Elise gains more knowledge on the destinies she will have to choose between, I was biting my fingernails in anticipation of the climatic battle that she will face. Of course I knew that the battle would happen, and the end result of it, but I just couldn't help but feel some empathy for Elise and want to cheer her on.

The whole love triangle mentioned in the blurb between Elise, Abe and Harlin is obviously screwed up. Elise and Abe will have some chemistry; however, Abe will have a more "I want to eat you" kind of allure that Elise finds herself attracted to. How, I am not sure on, but it was an extremely dynamic and creepy relationship between those two. Meanwhile, the Elise plus Harlin pairing was so insta-love, it was borderline disturbing. There is an explanation behind this whole mess and yes, it makes complete sense. Still, I just couldn't fall for it easily. Too much of their moments together felt choreographed and unnatural when you compare it to the chemistry between Charlotte and Harlin. I felt that the author tried to replicate the dynamic pairing of A Need so Beautiful, but didn't do a great job of it.

Overall, A Want so Wicked was a fantastic sequel for A Need so Beautiful, but fell a little too into the stereotypes of paranormal and wasn't as electrifying when it came to the romance. Otherwise, I enjoyed its fast pace and the dark world that it inhabited.

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Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1)

By Laini Taylor

Published: September 27, 2011

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Paperback, 448 pages

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself? --Goodreads

4 stars

Review

What drew me in to read this book was probably its cover. The shocking blue mask against the black and white picture of the person is just so memorable. Yes, I am one who judges his/her interest of picking up a book based off of the front cover. What can I say? It just looked cool, darn it.

I think this may have been the first YA books that I've read that takes place in Prague with characters that speak Czech. You'd think there'd be more YA books that have characters that speak Czech....actually, there probably are a lot more, and I just haven't looked hard enough. The descriptions of the scenery were nice -- you know, descriptive enough so you know where the characters are, but not to the extent where adjectives fill up a whole entire page. Check plus for the scenery.

So, onward to the characters! I quite liked Karou's character and her best friend, Zuzana. I think it was Zuzana's snarky, yet hilarious commentary and her boisterous personality was enough to keep me going. Now that I think about it, Zuzana is probably my favorite character. I liked Karou because, to be put simply, she's a girl trying to find out about her past, and herself in general. She's an artist, a dreamer, and is just like any other ordinary girl with bright blue hair. Most characters were very likeable. Check for characters.

Although I thought Karou and Akiva (the heart-stealing-sexy-angel-love-interest-of-Karou-slash-Madrigal) would make a nice couple (*siren* WEEOOOWEEOOO , SPOILER that you could already predict from reading the summary off of GoodReads), I thought that there was something cliché  about their relationship. Too stereotypical for a relationship of a YA novel for me to deal with. Like, if Bella's and Edward's (cite from Twilight) relationship is a sparkly sticker, then Karou's and Akiva's relationship would be the Sun -- so sparkly it blinds the hell out of your face, let alone your eyes. I dunno, maybe it's just me, but I felt their interactions were too superficial. (Except for the part where they can't really be together since their relationship is technically forbidden...) Personally, I've had enough of that crap about "soul mates" and falling in love in a past life and whatnot.

Another disappointment for me about their relationship would have to be that their relationship progresed waaaaay too fast to be normal. Probably about after 3 times Karou meets him (mind you, all being times where Adrian tries to kill her), Karou unexplicably feels herself being "drawn" to him, so she decides to help him out. What moron would do something so idiotic? If there was some psycho chasing after me going for the kill, I would hit the road running as soon as I could a whiff of that dude, let alone HELP him. Soooo, check minus for Karou's romantic relationships.

The writing style was very fluid, smooth, and consistent. It wasn't awkward at all, and things moved at a pretty even, appropriate pace. The tone and feel of the book was very fantasy-ish, which is good, since this happens to be about an angel and a demon. :)

Overall, I felt that this book was very likeable, but was lacking in something--which, specifically, I know naught. I think it might be that it was too far from reality for me. But this story is definitely worth picking up. I really liked this book, so I sort of critiqued it quite strictly. I'm sure many other reviewers would easily give this badboy a 5. Pick this one up, I'm sure you'll like it as much as I did.

Purchase Daughter of Smoke and Bone at: Amazon/ Barnes&Noble/ The Book Depository