The Rise of Nine (Lorien Legacies #3) by Pittacus Lore

Summary from Goodreads:

Until the day I met John Smith, Number Four, I'd been on the run alone, hiding and fighting to stay alive.

Together, we are much more powerful. But it could only last so long before we had to separate to find the others. . . .

I went to Spain to find Seven, and I found even more, including a tenth member of the Garde who escaped from Lorien alive. Ella is younger than the rest of us, but just as brave. Now we're looking for the others--including John.

But so are they.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They caught me in New York--but I escaped.
I am Number Six. 
They want to finish what they started.
But they'll have to fight us first.

My Review:

Oh the hype and excitement in this book!

Seriously, I love, love this book. As usual, Six is awesome! And I'm glad that they found other members on this book. It's actually a book of hope.

The switching POV can sometimes be a bit confusing but as you go on reading, you'll notice the switching lesser. (Now it's on Four's, Seven or Marina's and Six's POV) There's already action in the first chapters! The fights are more intense now compares to the first two books. And honestly, I loved this one compared to the second book. 

And oh! Eight is hot! He and Marina are adorable!

In this book, my hate for Sarah completely vanished. (You'll know here why! ;))

And Sam. I missed Sam in this book. I wonder how he's doing.

This book ended perfectly well for me. I can't think of a better ending.
Anyway, this book left me wanting for more. I just can't wait for the next book to come.

5 STARS!

Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1) by Laini Taylor

Summary from Goodreads:

Around the world, black hand prints 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 grows 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?

My Review:

WARNING: This review may contain tiny spoilers.. ;D

I have delayed purchasing this book for months before I actually bought it. For one, I was already tired of angel stories and was scared to be disappointed again. And second, the summary at the back of the book didn't really sound appealing to me. But then, I stumbled upon this book here at Goodreads and was surprised by it's high ratings and high praises. And so I immediately ran to the bookstore and grabbed my own copy, with my fingers crossed.

And boy! I can't believe I actually doubted this book. This is just the perfect paranormal version of Romeo an Juliet! (I have a fetish for forbidden love stories) It's Romeo and Juliet in a way that they are enemies and just like that, there love doesn't really end happily. Although this isn't the end yet since there's a sequel coming up. But then the ending of this book was actually about Karou and Akiva parting.

What made me absolutely adore this book is Karou. She's not just your average dansel in distress heroine. She actually can fight! Okay not really the warrior kind of girl but definitely the I can kick your butt kind of girl. She's also been into different places, and I mean places like Paris and Africa. And she also lives in Prague which is awesome!

She's also the first book character to make me love monsters and see them as the good guys rather than the scary and bad guys. And did I mention that her hair color and art works rock? Yeah, totally!

Then there's Akiva. He's a seraph who kills chimera. His first encounter with Karou is actually a fight with her since our feisty heroine is a human raised by chimeras and has their mark on her palms. And ever since that fight, he starts to develop these strong attraction towards her in ways he couldn't understand. Akiva is the tough and vulnerable kind of guy you can't help but love him. 

And Kaz! Oh! I am so looking forward to reading about him. He is Karou's ex-boyfriend who seems to still have this thing for her. I wish there was more of him and I'm hoping there will be more of Kaz in the next book. I'm looking forward to a love triangle here.. haha!

This boowrtuk is just breathtaking! There's a beautiful plot, lovable characters, wonderful descriptions and imagery, and very interesting inside stories. It's just so good I'm scared my words won't do justice in describing how great it is. But here's all I can say, this is the angel book we have been waiting for! ;D

5 STARS

Everneath (Everneath #1) by Brodi Ashton

Summary from Goodreads:

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath. Now she's returned--to her old life, her family, her boyfriend--before she's banished back to the underworld . . . this time forever. She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these precious months forgetting the Everneath and trying to reconnect with her boyfriend, Jack, the person most devastated by her disappearance--and the one person she loves more than anything. But there's just one problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who enticed her to the Everneath in the first place, has followed Nikki home. Cole wants to take over the throne in the underworld and is convinced Nikki is the key to making it happen. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back, this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time on the Surface draws to a close and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she is forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's queen.

"Everneath" is a captivating story of love, loss, and immortality from debut author Brodi Ashton.

My Review:

WOW! Definitely WOW!

That is all I can say after I finished reading this one. An absolutely beautiful story. A fresh and new touch to the mythology of Persephone. Ahhh. Just beautiful.

The first page of the book itself was drawing. It made me curious that I can't wait to flip to the next page. I believe that's one factor every book should have. To be able to draw the readers attention on it's first sentence or it's first page. And this one has it.

The writing is easy to read. The imagery was beautiful. I love how Brodi Ashton describes things. Not to shallow, but not too deep either. I love Greek Mythology so I found this read really interesting. It did not just tackled the one about Hades and Persephone but also about Orpheus and Eurydice which by the way, is one of my favorites. I loved how she placed those stories in this book.

The characters are also lovable. I had a battle with myself until the last few pages on who I'm rooting for. Whether Jack or Cole. I got to admit though, Nikki is pretty annoying. I disliked how she can't be honest with the people around her especially Jack. I feel really sorry for Jack regarding this. I hated it when you wanted to be near that person the most, but can't help but keep away from him. Yes, she is torn like that. 

Jack is, *sigh*, romantic, understanding, swoon-worthy, loyal, and every girl would love to have. I felt sorry for him. That he had to go through something terrible brought about by Nikki's disappearance. He's a hero. My gosh! I still can't believe he was willing to do that!

And there's Cole. I like Cole despite what he is. He is especially drawn to Nikki. Although I don't approve of him wanting to drag Nikki down to the depths of Everneath and make her queen, I can't help but find him admirable and well, lovable. Ughh! I both want him and Jack to be mine! Bwahaha! ;)

Anyway, yes, I loved, loved, loved this book. And Argggghhh! the ending! Why, oh why did it have to be like that??? WHYYYYY???!!!! I've got to read the next book soon or I'll die! ;)

5 STARS

Dark Kiss (Nightwatchers #1) by Michelle Rowen

Summary from Goodreads:

I don't do dangerious,  Smart, ü ber-careful, ordinary Samantha-that's me. But I just couldn't pass up a surprise kiss from my number-one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me...something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It's like part of me is missing-and I don't know if I can get it back. 

Then there's Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he's keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he's what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me.... 

NIGHTWATCHERS 

When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising.

My Review:

The first thing I loved about this book (and probably what made me check it out) is it's amazing, mysterious, fabulous cover! Okay, I love the cover.. hahaha! Also, the plot is very interesting.. It didn't sound very new to me, but good enough to have me curious.. And well, I did not just love the cover, but also the story..

Sam is a fine heroine for me. She's smart, brave, a little innocent, but fine. I was so glad she isn't some dumb, or too love-struck heroine. She's actually someone who stands her ground. I like that.

Then Bishop. Okay, so at first, I actually found Bishop funny! I know he's still disoriented and all, taken it's his first time on earth, but well, I really found him funny on his first encounter with Sam. 

Kraven. Now, I like this jerk. Haha! He's actually funny and nice in a jerk kind-of-way. Which I actually find attractive.

The rest of the characters, the angel/demon gang weren't really that emphasized in the story though I get the picture that they played some role in there too. Zach is a healer and probably the most level-headed and cool among them. No doubt that Roth is the most hot-tempered and aggressive among them, and Connor, well, I didn't get much about him.

There's also Carly, Sam's best friend who I think is also a great character and friend. A heroine I would say. Her loyalty to Sam was something I envied.

Well, I liked this book. It is interesting enough to keep me reading, it doesn't have too much mushy lines, does not have too much action that dulls out everything else, has great description, has enough humor and has great characters. So yeah, I would definitely be picking up the next book! =D

4 STARS

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Summary from Goodreads:

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home. As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

My Review:

My first words as soon as I reached the ending of this book: "AAAAWWWWW!"

This book is just too cute! Really way too cute!

Anna and the French Kiss, is an easy, light, funny and cute read. I love the setting, Paris (who in earth wouldn't love that?), and I love the quirky and funny characters.

One of the lines that really stuck with me:

"You love him, he loves you, and you live in the most romantic city in the world." 

*sigh* I also wish to have my own love story happen in the most romantic city in the wrold. Won't that make it extra romantic?

Anyway, I love how the story grew from the beginning until the end. The transition was beautiful that it was so easy to forget the time and just continue to read. The imagery was also good. And not to mention that I keep laughing to myself because each time St. Clair's dialogue would come, I find myself reading it aloud in my best attempt at English accent. So yeah, this book is easily addicting and can easily get you carried away. 

There were times though that I hated St. Clair and Anna for being too clueless and naive which each other. Geez! Why won't you just say it? Okay, I know they were not in a very good time, but still.

I read Lola and the Boy next door before I read this and there, I had a preview of Anna and St. Clair. They were too cute and in love that I promised myself I would read this one. And boy! I'm so glad I did!

Totally one of those easy reads that would make you smile. A perfect read!

4 STARS

Slammed by Colleen Hoover

Summary from Goodreads:

Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she's losing hope. 

Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.

Not long after an intense, heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together, and the secret that keeps them apart.

My Review:

Colleen Hoover wrote my favorite book! Definitely my favorite book!

I cannot believe how much I loved this book.. I never thought I would be reading this until past midnight and moreover, I never expected to find myself squealing at the end of this book.

This is one of those books that have that insta-love, love at first sight thing, which I do not adore! And surprisingly, it didn't affect me too much.. 

I loved each and every character in this book.. Seriously, all of them.. There's Julia, Lake's mom who is probably one of the best book moms I have ever read.. She's caring, tough, and wise.. The two boys, Kel and Caulder are also adorable.. They are like the rainbow of this book.. Eddie and Gavin, were that two awesome friends.. And of course, Will and Lake..

Will is sweet, strong, an amazing brother.. He no doubts love Caulder as he is his only family and has to take care of him at a young age. (I still think that 21 is young).. He is someone who won't hesitate to sacrifice just for his brother.. I do not resent him for what he did to Lake actually because I see that he's only doing what he thinks is best for everyone.. And Lake.. Lake is beautiful (not just physically), a family girl, smart, and I appreciate her for trying to follow her head and not be swayed by her heart.. 

Another thing I appreciate about this book is it did not just talked about love, but of course of family, death, and sacrifices.. The poetry in this book are so beautiful and poignant I sometimes find myself teary-eyed.. If you don't find the book itself beautiful, I assure you that you would find the poetry beautiful.. The description and imagery was awesome! I love reading beautifully written imagery..

But I'm warning you, this book will not just make you roll your eyes, groan in irritation, smile, laugh, swoon, mad, but surely, this book will also make you sad and bring tears to you eyes.. That's what it did to me..

*Sigh* I just love it.. Really, really, really loved this book.. And naturally, I am now off to read the sequel! =)

5 STARS!

The Fault in our Stars by John Green Review

Summary from Goodreads:

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now. 

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. 

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

My Review:

There are different kinds of great books. There are those books that keeps you hooked you can't let go of it though you have been reading it nonstop for hours. Those books that can make you forget your hunger and realize it's already past meal time. Those books that by the time you finish reading, you still can't put it down. Those books that still keep on ringing on your head even after you've finished reading it for weeks. Those books that can make you laugh and smile and even cry. Those books that make you really feel what the main character is feeling. Those books that can actually move you, you brood over it for weeks...even months. John Green's THE FAULT IN OUR STARS, is THAT book! That very book that make you feel all of these. A book that actually leaves you heartbroken. A book that transmits the emotions from it's pages right into you.

I was a little hesitant to write this review because I'm scared that words would evade me in how much I love this tragically beautiful bitter-sweet story.

This book turned me from smiling, to giggling, then to frowning, then to biting my nails, then to cruing and then finally to wailing.

So yeah, this book actually gripped my heart. It's amazing how this book was able to make me laugh, sent butterflies to my stomach, raise my eyebrow at the main characters different views about life and death and stuff, and of course, squeezed dry my tear ducts.

At one glance this book may seem like a cancer book.. But it isn't. it's a book about life. about family. about love. and about loss.

The characters are all adorable and easy to love. Hazel is strong and vulnerable. And Augustus is beaming with energy but fading. They transform you into a different person after reading about them, their pains, and fears. As Hazel said, she is scared to be loved because she is a grenade. Ready to explode any minute, leaving all those close to her in pain. But then, ironically, she fell in love with a grenade herself. It's already heartbreaking when you think about that.

This book left me with many things to ponder upon. This book offered so many lines worthy to be remembered. Here are some of my favorite lines:

"The world is not a wish-granting factory." 
“My thoughts are stars I cannot fathom into constellations.” 
“That's the thing about pain...it demands to be felt.” 
“The real heroes anyway aren't the people doing things; the real heroes are the people NOTICING things, paying attention.” 
"You don't get to choose if you get hurt in this world...but you do have some say in who hurts you." 

This is one of few books that can move you like no other book. It's beautifully tragic and sad, yet bitterly sweet and moving. And right now, I'm still dazed and caught between Hazel and Augustus' world. But one thing is for sure. This is THAT book. That book that would move hearts. One of the greatest reads anyone could have. =) Read this book and prepare to fall in love.

5 STARS!