Review #15: Iron Traitor

 

Title: The Iron Traitor

Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: Call of the Forgotten #2
Released Date: October 29, 2013
Type: Romance, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

In the real world, when you vanish into thin air for a week, people tend to notice. 

After his unexpected journey into the lands of the fey, Ethan Chase just wants to get back to normal. Well, as "normal" as you can be when you see faeries every day of your life. Suddenly the former loner with the bad reputation has someone to try for-his girlfriend, Kenzie. Never mind that he's forbidden to see her again. 

But when your name is Ethan Chase and your sister is one of the most powerful faeries in the Nevernever, "normal" simply isn't to be. For Ethan's nephew, Keirran, is missing, and may be on the verge of doing something unthinkable in the name of saving his own love. Something that will fracture the human and faery worlds forever, and give rise to the dangerous fey known as the Forgotten. As Ethan's and Keirran's fates entwine and Keirran slips further into darkness, Ethan's next choice may decide the fate of them all.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Not in the MOOD!!!!.

I don't what's wrong, boredom? hungry? I don't know but when I read this it was kind of a downer for me. I really liked the first book though, but this time...No idea what's wrong, maybe its Keirran and his hard-headed stubborn ways, sucky moments, really-want-to-reach-in-and-strangle-you moments or something, but the time I reached the middle part, it kind of got redundant and meh-ish. But fortunately, it got interesting again by the end. But never did I expect for THAT to happen so soon int he series. I really expected for that to happen by the next book or something, not this soon. 

Maybe, the author has bigger plans for Ethan and the others or something  but for in my opinion, its kind of going too fast for my taste. 

Rate:

Sadly 3/5 (but the Nekos' are kawaii right?? ^@^)

Review #14: Through the Zombie Glass

Title: Through the Zombie Glass

Author: Gena Showalter
Series: White Rabbit Chronicles #2
Released Date: September 24, 2013
Type: Romance, Paranormal, Zombies, Young Adult

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Inspired by the childhood classic Alice in Wonderland, this harrowing and romantic story features teen zombie slayer Alice Bell who has lost so much—family, friends, her home. After a strange new zombie attack, Alice fears she may be losing her mind as well. A terrible darkness blooms inside her, urging her to do wicked things. The whispers of the dead assault her ears and mirrors seem to come frighteningly to life. She’s never needed her team of zombie slayers more—including her boyfriend, Cole—than she does now. But as Cole strangely withdraws and the zombies gain new strength, Ali knows one false step may doom them all.

* ~ * ~ * ~*

Now, I'll write this wile I still have the zombie vibes going. Honestly, I blame the Walking Dead for this. And I actually planned to read this book by Halloween to still have the feel of creepy soul-sucking zombies and blood and gore and stuff. 

Anyway, a pretty good sequel for this series. Perfect for teens like myself, with all the heartache, growing up, break ups, and a good dose of the green-eyed monster. When I read the shocking parts, the vision parts, I was like "Oh HELL no, are they doing THAT!" Ali and Cole are like the perfect zombie slayer pair! Then I thought rationally, that those two are the main pair so no way was Gena ruining that. I was kind of hoping back then. And don't even get me started on the torture parts. Argh!!!! I just wanna reach in and throw that guy to the zombies. Ha! See how being eaten to death feels!

So, the plot is good. Good stuff happens after the bad stuff happens, by the way. I really thought then that Gena would totally cliff hanger her readers by not killing Z.A. I was dreading that she'll finish the book with one massively killer cliff hanger like some writers I know (hint: MoA. ^.^). Fortunately, she's one of few good hearts out there that won't torture her readers to death by "almost" killing the main couple. So, happy ending for all, especially for those who'd been in kind of a limbo in the last book. 

Now, to wait what Gena Showalter would do in the 3rd book, especially with an ending like that. Hopefully, this series would extend to a 4th or 5th book because if it does end with a 3rd, it'll be like "that's it?? I want more!!!" kind of feels. 

With that, I rate this book:

5 Zombies!!

Kind of ironic isn't it, since this is what they hate the most....

Disclaimer: Image got from here. 

Review #13: Black and Blue

Title: Black and Blue

Author: Gena Showalter
Series: Otherworld Assassins #2
Released Date: October 22, 2013
Type: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Otherworld, Futuristic

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He is every woman’s fantasy…

Corbin Blue is a man of many talents. One of the most powerful otherworlders ever born, he is wealthy, a professional football star, and a legend in the bedroom. But only a select few know he is also a black ops agent…and there is no better killer. When he and his crew are attacked and separated, he’s forced to turn to his boss’s daughter for help—a woman with even more secrets than Blue.

She becomes his only obsession…

Evangaline Black has always been wary, guarded. No man has ever breeched her walls. Until Blue. He has never been denied something he wants, and now, he’s decided he wants her. As he sweeps her into his double life of seduction, intrigue, and danger, he helps her see beyond the darkness of her own past. But as an enemy closes in, Blue will have to let Evie go to keep her safe—even though he'd rather die than live without her

 

* ~ * ~ * ~ *

Well, a nice turn about for this series. Read the first one, and loved the depth of the plot and each unique character. After reading that one, I now know that words like "he-slut" and other terms like that existed. It was a fun read, especially with Evie playing the hard-to-get REALLY tough girl.

This clearly was a case of first impressions and judging a book by its cover. I think its not nice to assume quickly of a person just because of hi/her appearance, personalities or what they've done in the past. For me, the true self in every person lies deep, deep down every one that makes them utter unique in this chaotic world of ours.Although it was understandable because the guy's true character wasn't revealed until you read the rest of the book, and Evie being a jaded person. Still, I liked how the story progressed with them becoming like any couple; though conventional couple, they are not.

Anywho...as the writer of the Lords of the Underworld, Gena Showalter didn't disappoint with this one. Too-hot-to-handle guys, action, wickedly heated love scenes(though mostly oral ones), and lots and lots of good bits that made my imagination soar into their world.

Oh! The reunion! Love that one. Knowing that Solo and Vika were fine and seeing their story continue with the second book is definitely okay in my book. Especially with all the gruesome things done to John. I feel really sorry for him. Can't even imagine the pain he'd gone through. But it was expected I guess, especially coming from the creator of demon-possessed warriors.

I can't wait for the next book!! I really want to know more about John No Last Name...and what kind of woman his lady-love will be ^.^

Rate!!!
5/5

 (Flames for the fire that burns inside of them(surprised they didn't spontaneously combust) and for Evie's fiery personalty; and blue for well, Blue)

By the way ....
I'm not done with Through the Zombie Glass. Almost done, so sit tight and I'll post it soon. :)

Review #12: House of Hades

Title: House of Hades
Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Heroes of Olympus
Released Date: October 8, 2013
Type: Romance, Adventure, Mythology, Young Adult, Fantasy

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At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy’s instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea’s forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape?

They have no choice. If the demigods don’t succeed, Gaea’s armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.

* * * * *

Hmm, after waiting for this book for over a year, keeping calm, reading and rereading  Lost Hero, Son of Neptune and Mark of Athena....Do I think that it was worth the wait?? HELL YES!!

I bought it on the first day of its release, had to wait for a couple of hours for my classes to finish before really immersing myself in House of Hades. The whole reading process was stop over stop over when I could've finished it by 2-3 days. I blame a lot of things for this. By the time I finished, it felt like I was suffering from a major hangover.

Anyway, on to the review.

First, really cool on the challenges, new gods and goddess that some even never heard from, bringing out the big guns in the bad guy reputation, bringing some of the old characters from the previous series and all that. Hate some of the gods and goddess, a few mortals that I'd like to strangle and shoved into Tartarus's ass(*cough*Octavian*cough*), few former baddies I'd like to cheer(and ultimately feel really sad about) and a lot of funny stuff mostly coming from Leo.

I think that some of the parts in this whole adventure, some may really learn something from it because (though not applicable with us normal mortals) those lessons may have some people relate to them. And as the characters go through each of their own challenges, they grew stronger, more confident and continually find their true selves.

Its kind of cool how Riordan keeps us on our toes in this one, with numerous twists that you wouldn't expect after reading Mark of Athena. He messed with my head with a few parts, made me think really deep on revelations and like be with the crew as they grew and matured to be real A-class demigod heroes. Ooh! I especially like how the seventh wheel finally, finally, found someone; though stupid circumstances kept them apart. For now. Fingers crossed he'll keep his promise(with a final breath >o* ). Just wishing happy endings for everyone, especially a certain lonely child of Hades. Hang in there, man. You'll get your own beloved, soon. Really hope Riordan would NOT keep them apart for long, or I would not be responsible if I suddenly pull an empousai on unsuspecting mortals.

 

Sigh. Now the grueling, agonizing, depressingly, LONG wait for Blood of Olympus. For the time being, KEEP CALM and JUST KEEP FANGIRLING!!! >o<

* * * *
Rate: 5/5

Review #11: The Lord of the Dark Sun

Title: The Lord of the Dark Sun
Author: Stobie Piel
Series: Valenwood #4
Released Date: December 1, 2002
Type: Romance, Futuristic, Adventure

* * * *

Her ship disabled, Ariana is taken captive after braving the outskirts of space containing the uncontrolled areas beyond her father's rule. Now in chains, she's transported to a planet and made a slave. Among the other male slaves, tall, muscular, and ruled by animal instinct, one rises above the others. Ariana sees nobility in him--he is a prince in a barbarian's body, one who can teach her how to survive and to be wild. Original.

* * * * 
Actually refreshing and eye-opening book. The first futuristic novel that I've read and it fortunately it did not disappoint. 

Pretty epic for the last book of the series. And this is entertaining for a futuristic novel of complex proportions. Its many twists and turns made unable to predict what would usually happen next and I ended up barely putting it down and finishing anything. It has a depth to it that I find rarely in other books about life, love and other trivial things that others confound over. And I kind of like the idea of a love lasting through pains and obstacles, and finding trust and respect for each other.  

Like the other books before this in the series, its makes one think and laugh and just fly across the stars with the characters. I especially like the twists here in the plans of the Damen, how it was vague a bit yet seem to reveal enough to make you want to the turn the page until you get to the answers. 

* * * * 

Rate of 5/5

Review #10: Valenwood Series1-3 Combo

  

Title: The Dawn Star(1), The Midnight Moon(2), The White Sun(3)
Author: Stobie Piel
Series: Valenwood Series #1-3
Released Date: 1996, 1998, 1999
Type: Romance, Futuristic, Adventure

Its an oldie, but definitely a goodie. 

I'm usually wary in reading these books with these types of covers(some are way too much assuming), but these series definitely surprised me with its depth of story and how it tackles the delicate situations in life. 

* * * * *

Goodreads review

Wow. Just wow. 

I started this series from reading the last, Lord of the Dark Sun, and it was a long, long , while before I found out that its part of a series. Anyway, I loved how all of the main characters of the series found their lovies, despite the circumstances and the spontaneousity of how they found each other. The humor which I rarely find in futuristic novels, were hilarious, well jaw-dropping mostly(as did Arnoth for most of the story) :D

I sense a theme here!... The "rival" of the guy bursting inside their room, sometimes while naked, and having a casual conversation like there was nothing wrong with the situation. And of course, the lingbats torturing "poor" Dane.

It was a fun, eye-opening, thrilling, DEEP, series. And one who offers perhaps a glimpse in the life of every person's demons. 

Rate of a supernova of 5/5

Review #9: The Scarlet Spy

Title: The Scarlet Spy
Author: Andrea Pickens
Series: Merlin's Maidens #3
Released Date: October 1, 2008
Type: Romance, Historical Romance, Regency, Spy Thriller

* * * *
They were once orphans from London's roughest slums. Now they are stuidents of Mrs. Merlin's Academy for Select Young Ladies, learning the techniques of spying and seduction. Bold, beautiful, and oh-so-dangerous, they are England's ultimate secret weapons...

The most ladylike of "Merlin's Maidens," Sofia possesses a natural grace and grandeur to go along with her deadly arsenal of martial skills--which makes her the perfect choice for a dangerous assignment to investigate rumors of government corruption. She must spin through the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair and the sinister back alleys of the city in search of the truth. One misstep on her part could prove fatal as she works to unravel the tangled web of deceit...but keeping the sinfully sexy Deverill Osborne at arm's length is a real test of her mettle. 

Handsome, witty and charming, Osborne is the darling of the ton. So when he is asked by the Marquess of Lynsley to introduce a lovely young Italian Contessa into Society, he is only too happy to oblige...however he soon has suspicions about the Contessa. W hen he catches her stealing valuables from a gentleman's study, should he believe the worst? Or should he trust the tantalizing murmur of her words...and the sultry, sensuous whispers of her body. To unmask the conspirators, Sofia and Osborne will overcome hidden dangers, including their own growing passion...which may be the most dangerous force of all.

* * * * * 

Under all the rich glamorous and sometimes fickle lifestyle of the High Society, there are those who hide much more sinister personalities than the Society would dare to know. Here, it follows the story of the past Merlin's sisters-in-arms. One who has a strict view of her given mission. One who puts duty and loyalty above all others. And here comes a rather rakish rogue, determined to disrupt all her carefully laid plans. 

It's an amusing story about a very determined, and yet tenacious to a fault, gentleman and his high-flying Merlin. This particular lady, unlike her sisters in arms, have a past that needs to be discovered. Their mission--actually it was mainly hers but the gentleman stubbornly wants to help(really, he's like a blood hound when he gets wind of something)--much to this lady's frustration. It's kind of amusing how Lady Sofia rebuffs every effort made by Dev for creating some sort of easy rapport. And yet, I pity her for her tough upbringing even if that made her a strong woman now, but had yet to feel the softer emotions that a lady should feel at least once in her lifetime. Anyway, their efforts made for an intriguing discovery of a very sinister plot that could make or break London's victory against Napoleon. 

Like the two books before, this one is another book I'd willingly read over and over with pleasure. The concept of "highborn" ladies acting like men, perhaps exceeding in things that men have usually are incapable of accomplishing made me consider deeply. For women then were highly oppressed and considered as second citizens, but women can always hide their true potential from the public's eye, as featured splendidly in this book. All in all, a great historical romance during London's struggle in an epic war. 

A wonderful, adventurous story showing women's veracity and showing poise in the face of danger.

* * * * * 

Rate: 5/5