Monday, October 29, 2012

Review #2: The Lost Prince

Title: The Lost Prince
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: Call of the Forgotten - Book 1
Released Date: October 23, 2012
Type: Young Adult, Faery, Romance


After waiting for three months, Julie Kagawa's new installment, The Lost Prince, comes out with a bang.

It was thrilling knowing about the prophecy from the Iron Prophecy about Ethan and Keirran fighting to the death and Ethan dying(not sure about that...) and that Ethan, being all broody and suspicious as he was, knew right away that Meghan and later Puck was hiding something that could possibly involve him.

First off, I like the introduction of Ethan Chase as a troubled, broody, anti-social teenager. He comes off the last book as a few years older than a four-year old, serious and like he had a lot a trauma after the kidnapping incident. Too much for an innocent little boy to experience. Later, its revealed that he trained Kali, a type of Filipino martial arts, using sticks as a substitute for knives or swords.


As a Filipino myself, I was really ecstatic that Ms. Kagawa used my country's martial art, showing that Filipino culture and influence interest foreigners no matter how simple and ordinary it may be locals.


Mackenzie St. James. She has one depressingly sad story. Being ignored by her father, who thought probably reminded him of his dead wife, and having cancer... Despite that, I like her spunky attitude, quick wit and her smartness. What I don't like about her is being freakishly nosy. And pushy. Man, that girl is one dog with a bone, and  a pain in the ass. Well, after all she went through, I kinda admire Kenzie for her determination to live life to the fullest even if there is danger lurking everywhere.

Now for that cat...I liked Grimalkin at the past series; his witty remarks, air of superiority, and doesn't-care-for-shit aura. But now, Ethan's reaction to him kind of affected me too. I think. Because now, I'm also irritated with that stupid cat and sometimes want to strangle him for his annoying come backs. But maybe that wouldn't last, maybe he'll change a little in the next book.

I thought Kierran was a nice guy...kind of like Ash with a dash of humanity from Meghan. At least now I know what would probably lead to the foretold event. Why, oh freaking why, would he team up with the enemy? Yes, I could understand that he feels sorry for them, knowing they were only trying to survive...but what the hell?!...These twists of events are really riling me up, which is exactly what Ms. Kagawa wanted(I think). I'm not complaining though, because it keeps readers like myself wanting more of her books. (Awesome!!)

Kenzie and Ethan's story kinda reminds of the novel, then later a movie, A Walk to Remember, where Jamie has leukemia, and the guy, Logan I thinks, kept her happy and make her dream come true. Makes me wonder now, that if Kenzie is nearing her end, what would Ethan do for her? Would he find a way to be with the girl he loves(just like Ash), or would he just treasure each remaining moment with her??

And despite the bleak future ahead for our heroes--and heroines--I'm not giving up hope, so maybe in the end everything would work out for the better. Hopefully.

So, for this book, I rate it at: 4.5/5




Saturday, October 27, 2012

Review #1: The Mark of Athena




The Mark of Athena
Rick Riordan
Pages: (including the glossary) 586
Release Date: October 2, 2012
Type: Young Adult, Romance, Adventure, Greek, Roman Mythology
Rating: 4.5




After waiting, and waiting, and waiting for this to come out--a whole year even!! I almost wished that it would come out faster but after reading this, I guess the best novels only comes out after a long time--meaning all that work and waiting was totally worth it.. WORTH IT!!!

Anyway, it really excelled my expectations on this series. I've read some fan-made Chapter ones of this book but not one of them came near to what really happened. Love the cover( Rocco is the BEST!!) and I have to admit, like the boys thought, I wonder who was really stronger, Percy or Jason?

*SPOILERS*

The scene where they worked together--a son of Poseidon and a son of Jupiter--to fight off those Romans..Man, that was awesome. I mean, yeah they were the sons of two of the most powerful Gods--Greek and Roman--why did I think otherwise? If they could control that much power, I can't wait to see what would happen next.

I'm seriously pissed off at that Octavian--all talk and no act--he's just a wimp, a coward, who hides behind others instead of fighting like a real Roman should. He deserves what's coming at him. Another guy I don't like, Bacchus, the God of winos. That guy is so close to Mr. D. than I thought. He's lazy, and full of himself. Well, I guess I can't fault him for that, he is a God after all.

I'm kinda sad about Leo being a seventh wheel. Now that I think of it, he's just like Grover in some ways; sweet, funny, wants to impress everybody(mainly girls), and sometimes feels alone despite having great friends around him. I really wish that by the 4th or 5th book, he'll have someone special who'll appreciate him and see him as more than a friend, who see him as someone who's special in his own way.

I love the way the book ended with a cliff-hanger. As much as I hate those, I still love it because made me want to want more, to know what would happen in Tartarus--was it really beyond horrible as Nico described it? Would there be super hard obstacles that Percy and Annabeth wouldn't be able to pass? Would they succeed in closing the Doors without tragedy following them? Guess I just have to wait it out.

I truly hope that PercyxAnnabeth & PiperxJason would survive this. Frank, Leo and Hazel better get over this love triangle their in; I don't know who would end up with who and I'm not siding until I know who's better because both Leo and Frank are great guys and Hazel deserves one of them. Who will she pick, I wonder.

Not to be mean but the Gods deserve those headaches--after playing with mortals just because they wanted to...its been a long time coming. But since they are powerful and all, they should be able to straighten themselves out by the time the Great battle between Romans and Greeks and eventually against the giants since its already told in the prophecy. Another battle to look forward to.

Overall, this is one of Rick Riordan's great masterpieces. A great book that deserves to be read over and over and I just can't wait for the next books!!!!