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 #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 #7: The Eternity Cure

Title: The Eternity Cure
Author: Julie Kagawa
Series: The Immortal Rules #2
Released Date: April 23, 2013
Type: Romance, Young Adult, Dystopia, Vampires, Urban Fantasy

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Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.


* * * * *

First, let me just say that this is the best vampire novel I've read yet, until the next book of this series that is. It's like reading instead of watching a movie. The scenes are so...how do I say this...visually stimulating when read that its very easy to picture the place, the sights, sounds and such...as if you were really there.

For starters, it was a another wonderful novel by one of my favorite authors; another masterpiece I would say. What surprised me in this was Jackal's co-role in Allie's quest. Yes, it was hinted back at The Immortal Rules that he'd be making another appearance in the next book, but I just didn't expect him to be the good guy here, obnoxious and irritating, yes, but still after seeing him in Old Chicago? Never saw that one coming. I thought then that Allie would meet with her blood brother, maybe do the slicing and dicing and you-killed-my-friends / you-destroyed-my-city and blah blah blah crap. But I really didn't expect them to team up, even for a little while. I guess that's Ms. Kagawa for you, putting twists here and there when you least expect it.

Anyway, here it seems that a few months has passed, with Allie travelling and meeting with her blood brother. And another familiar character comes back from paradise; though at first, his true purpose for being there was a mystery expect for my speculation that he came back for "the one that got away", but as the story progressed on, his true meaning for being there in the first place became clear, unraveling facts that could make or break their relationship. Would've liked to have a bit more cozy scenes for them without Jackal interrupting at the most crucial moment!!.. Argh!! =)

There was a really great flow to the story; where betrayal, hurt, determination, the will to live and not give up and a bit of convincing one very wary little vampire reigned. Oh, and a good development too with the new type of rabids in the city. Though, I had never thought that crazy, claw-you-eyes-out zombies were scary. It just shows that the author has a very very creative imagination. Obviously. 

The villain, evil mastermind in the story...He can go shit himself to hell for all I care!! Argh!!!.. That guy really gets on my nerves, especially with the way he speaks, laughs and acts even. And the fact that no one can successfully chop his head off. Well, I know that with the end of him, perhaps the story ends as well, but really... He's a scary freakin crazy bastard.

At the same time, I love and hate the most emotional scene here. When there was hope at the end, in sights, only a bit in you grasp, someone takes it away from you so tragically and suddenly, it leaves your head spinning. That's what happened. Allie's light, her "only good thing" in this god forsaken world, was taken away, betrayed by the one who she had thought a friend. Someone who's main purpose was revealed yet still vague to me when he died in the end. (Stupid prick if a bastard!! -_- ) 

When he was tortured by the bat-shit crazy vampire, I cried along with Allie, carried away I guess, by the how well the words flowed with intense emotion. It was so easy to see him, there bleeding and in agony, loyalty holding him, keeping him strong despite the pain being inflicted upon him. The bastard was sick enough to record it all, to leave it as a message for Allie. It just broke my heart, just broke, when she started to cry. 

Being an emotional female right now, I somehow felt the gut-wrenching pain, or maybe a fraction of it, rip through me. Maybe its me right now, being emotional this way, but this part affected me most of all. Curse you hormones!!! Lol @.@

All in all, another vampire/resident-evilly/post-apocalyptic masterpiece!! :) 

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Rate: 5/5

Review #5: Pushing the Limits

Title: Pushing the Limits
Author: Katie McGarry
Series: Pushing the Limits 
Released Date: July 21, 2012
Type: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance

******
No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal.But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.

Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

******

At first the initial synopsis drew me in. I think its a bit near a reality thing because it dealt the typical teenage dillemas like smoking pot, boy problems, peer pressure and the usual things you associate with a typical teen in high school. Here, it showed that there are deeper meanings to what's in the surface, and how people would easily discriminate and make assumptions about people. 

Anyway, I love Echo(nice name, its unique and snappy) and Noah who by the way is a total bad boy and trouble maker. The total opposite of Echo. Well, opposites do attract, that's what I think. Its sweet that they found support in each other while also finding themselves and closure to problems really close to their hearts. 

And also, it showed that everyone--even the anti-social, troubled kids, abused foster kids, etc--needed someone to lift them out of the darkness. They need someone who can show them that not all adults are untrustworthy and that not everyone is out there to get you or have ulterior motives or anything. Some people just needs a friend to shoulder the burden with you, someone who has your back in good and f*cked up times. 

Its great that their story is in one book and not divided into a series. That'd be a series downer. Their story is so good, so close to the heart and simple and complex at the same time. So nice to be able to read a novel as well written as this since I don't usually read this type of book. So a first for me, and it turned out to be time well spent. 

******
Now, I have a bone to pick with those b*itchy girls and the popular kids who made fun of Echo and the other "freaks" in the story. 

People should keep their nasty opinions to themselves if all they want is to hurt or make that person look pathetic in the public's eyes. Some people are just downright cruel to those who just want to fit in and have friends. Kids who want to go through high school according to their plans; on whether to be popular and be remembered or just quietly spending time the best possible way they can. Bullying people labeled as "freaks", "stoners", "wannabes" and whatever terms kids put on other people they consider don't fit with the student body, is just them seeking out attention, peer pressure and any other reason to wreck a person's life so humiliatingly public. 

People like that should have a wider perspective about people and realize that the world doesn't freakin revolve around them and the world is not so perfect outside their circle of self-important-ness. They're just full of themselves and need a smack or two.

*****
With that I rate this book: 5/5

Review #3: A Tale of Two Vampires

Title: A Tale of Two Vampires
Author: Katie MacAlister
Series: Dark Ones - Book 10
Released Date: September 4, 2012
Type: Young Adult, Vampire, Paranormal Romance

Time isn’t always on a vampire’s side....

Iolanthe Tennyson has had a very bad year—due in part to the very bad men in her life. So she’s accepted her cousin’s invitation to spend the summer in Austria to indulge her photography hobby. Rumors of a haunted forest there draw Iolanthe into the dark woods—and into the eighteenth century....

Nikola Czerny is a cursed man, forced by his half brothers to live forever as a Dark One. But his miserable existence takes an intriguing turn when a strange, babbling woman is thrown in his path. Iolanthe claims to know Nikola’s daughter—three hundred years in the future. She also knows what fate—in the form of his murderous half brothers—has in store for him. If only she knew the consequences of changing the past to save one good, impossibly sexy vampire...

The story...its good if you're one of the vampire-loving kind. Its great, as expected of Katie MacAlister. Just like the rest of her past novels, its witty, with a loveable, chauvinist, Dark One, a funny and in this case, mundane Beloved(who turned out to be more as the story progresses) and some the quirky characters you'd expect from the last books.

Here we are in the time where Ben and Fran are happily together for a few months now, Imogen's interesting live-life with a Viking ghost, and other characters from Ben and Fran's story. Nikola, which turns out to be more than a regular guy in the story, is sweet, endearing and has an adorable habit of writing down everything that confuses him, as as his right seeing that he's a self-proclaimed scientist.

When Imogen's lady-in-waiting, or nanny, or whatever you call her, was introduced as an Christian fanatic who calls Io some devil's partner and other rude stuff, at first I laughed at her but as the story progressed, she got more irritating by the second. I'd strangle her if I was there. Thank God, for Io has a patience of a saint. What's funny about the go-back-time situation was the French pink head, the gay guy who ogles his master's behind. I think that's the reason why Nikola took him as his foreman. I mean, all of Nikola's house staff are either different, or has some really odd quirks. I think that's sweet of him, as much as he tries to deny, and blather about how he wasn't the master of his own castle and being his chauvinist self. :P

Iolanthe, bless her, is as good, as courageous and as interesting as the other female leads in the other novels because they were willing to put up with the martyred expressions of their Dark Ones and are as fiercely protective of them as the guys are to the them. Though, it would've been nice if they did get to meet the past characters from the other books, because I just love reunions!!

And for that, I rated it at: 5/5