Review: Delirium: Lauren Oliver **** 4 ****

Delirium: Lauren Oliver

Synopsis: Goodreads

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy. 

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

My Review:

This book was a mixture of books that I have read, yet unique in its own way. When this book began it reminded me of the Book Uglies where Tally was so excited and wanted nothing more than to have her surgery and be pretty, yet she had kind of rebellious friend Shane that wanted to experience more aka Hana.  Then it reminded me of Matched in its way that controlled the pairing situation with its people. I definitely enjoyed the romance way more in Delirium than in Matched. It also gave me reminders of Enclave, where they completely controlled everything and lied about the world they lived in just to maintain order. I guess it expected since all those books mentioned are in the dystopian genre, but nonetheless amazing.

 I love the premise of the book which was love. I really enjoy books that make me question my own beliefs or even my logical reasoning. Example: Blood Promise: Richelle Mead, I really wanted to Rose to do the unthinkable in that book, something that is completely opposed to who she is and what she represents. I won’t what it is for those who haven’t read it, but for those who have you know what I mean. This book had me considering and if Love really is a disease. I love all the quotes and text above the chapters, it really tied the story nicely. As well as the symptoms of Amor Deliria Nervosa. The book so realistic in its own way.

The characters were really great. I loved that Lena had a bff in Hana and she was her confidant. I loved that Alex and Lena didn’t just fall head over heels in love after just one meeting; as well as Lena’s gradual acceptance in the reality of her world. The world building was really great; it wasn’t done in a way that seemed boring or lengthy. The book had it’s own way of building suspense while still being slow. I was left wondering what would come of Alex and Lena throughout the whole book; as well enjoy the tie back story of the mother.

I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to Pandemonium. Delirium ended in a nice cliffhanger kind of way that makes me ache for more.

**********************************4*********************************************

Review: Torment: Lauren Kate ***3 STARS***

Torment: Lauren Kate

Synopsis: Goodreads

Hell on earth.

That’s what it’s like for Luce to be apart from her fallen angel boyfriend, Daniel.
It took them an eternity to find one another, but now he has told her he must go away. Just long enough to hunt down the Outcasts—immortals who want to kill Luce. Daniel hides Luce at Shoreline, a school on the rocky California coast with unusually gifted students: Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans.

My Review:

                So many of you who have read my review on Fallen or who have seen my IMM on Torment know my beef with these books. I think they are wonderful and full of so much potential but I am not a fan of writing and the development in the stories. It so frustrating to me, when the authors like to string along the reader just for a little piece of info at the end of the book. I ended up listening to this book on audio, which I am so glad I did. The reader was good even though I thought her voice was funny. I think if I would have read the book I wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much.

                I don’t think the hopes I had for this book was too much to ask for. One explain what the hell happened in Fallen, two what is everyone fighting for, three tell Luce what the hell is going on, and four stop trying to create more stuff for me to ask questions about. Maybe that might sound like much for some people but not for me. I don’t mind while reading a book having 1-3 questions, but not knowing what is really going on in the book is quite annoying. And so I begin my review.

                Luce…. She is how can I say it, I don’t think she will ever be that strong capable character I wanted her to be. She’s so frail all the time. If it’s not that she’s absolutely in love with Daniel and believing every word he says, than it’s that she’s doing the complete opposite and questioning everything and going back and forth. My problem with Luce is that she doesn’t act or have a mind at times. The whole let me color my hair and cut it for a new start. REALLLY???? I don’t know.  I mean not once did she really seek out the truth from Roland. She could have found something out. It was like Roland appears to sign up for this school and she mentions him very few times in the book.

The only thing that I was happy I saw her doing was actively looking at the shadows. Finally she has the balls to do something that she made a decision about without caring really what everyone thinks. I am glad they explained finally explained into depths about the shadow, because I was still left confused after fallen. But I still feel cheated in a way. It’s like in Fallen, scary shadows following Luce. They could cause depth uuuuu scary shadows. At the end of Fallen, don’t worry shadows are just messengers………………………………..  Okay what the hell does that mean??? Now the entire book of Torment let’s explain everything there is to know about shadows. I mean, I understand it was pivotal to the story I get it. But I just feel this book could be so much better. It doesn’t take advantage of different parts where it should.

  Daniel was annoying me a lot in this book also. I mean all she wanted to know is what was going on. Is that too much to ask? If he knows her like he claims to know her than he should have known better than to continually hide stuff. I mean he didn’t have to get into specifics, but just a general idea. I mean the way he would just pop in and out it was so frustrating. Why couldn’t he just speak something besides I love you and don’t leave the school? I get it he’s afraid if he tells her what’s going on she will combust. Got it, but this has just gotten ridiculous. The lack of communication in this whole book/series is the thing that makes me not want to read it. I think if Lauren Kate didn’t give that snippet from the beginning in the book I would have been going just as crazy as Luce. I really thought when I first read that snippet after Fallen that the author was going to really get into this world but I was disappointed.

I really enjoyed the boarding school. The whole Francesca and Stephen being together but one is evil and the other is good was pretty interesting. I felt like the school was like Percy’s Jackson’s camp. Where all the Nephilim, learn about their world. I really like Shelby. She was funny and straight up. Even though she was mean to Luce in the beginning I had a feeling I was going to like her. Miles was nice; of course he was going to fall for Luce. Why else would he be nice? Just kidding.. I really enjoyed their personalities and how they were good friends to Luce. It’s funny that I mention that, because in Fallen I enjoyed the side characters as well much more than Luce.

BTW, the ending was retarded!!! Really she needed time for herself. She couldn’t stick around a bit longer to figure out what was going on. It’s just maddening!!!

I think the story line was slow paced, just like Fallen. This is why I didn’t mind listening to it, because if I would have read it than I would have gone crazy. All in all, the book was okay. I think I might have had too many complaints. It’s just that it frustrates me so much when I invest so many hours of my life either listening to or reading a book and not have the book deliver. These books have a lot of potential. But I have come to realized after this book, that all the books in the series will be written like this. That is just the author’s style of writing. I doubt I will read the third book Passion. If the book is on audio at the library I will borrow it though. The book is maddening but still enjoyable in its own way.

I will say this….. If you did not like Fallen, do not get this book!!! If you really enjoyed Fallen, then go for it, you will enjoy it. I think this book is just one of those books that will just forever be just an okay book. I am not going to go crazy trying to figure out what’s going on anymore. I believe I wrote this in my review of Fallen. I had said that I would give Lauren Kate a chance to redeem herself from Fallen, so I would invest in this series. But I think Fallen & Torment are a good measure at how the pacing, character development, story lines are for this series. They are very much the same. If I would have known that then I probably wouldn’t have read it! Either way though it wasn’t horrible it was enjoyable.

                 ************** 3****************

Review: The Iron Knight: Julie Kagawa ***5 STARS***

The Iron Knight: Julie Kagawa (The Iron Fey 4)

Synopsis: Goodreads


My name—my True Name—is Ashallayn'darkmyr Tallyn.

I am the last remaining son of Mab, Queen of the Unseelie Court. And I am dead to her.

My fall began, as many stories do, with a girl…. 

My Review:

First off let me say how amazing this book was. I am so happy and feel very lucky to have been able to read this galley! Thank you netgalley and Harlequin for approving my request. I originally felt the Iron Fey series ended just okay by the end of the Iron Queen. But man oh man am I happy that Julie Kagawa decided to do this book. I mean this book was a great experience and had so much emotion.  Buy this book asap as soon as it comes out because you will not want to miss this. This book was a great journey; it had so much growth and a great plot. The story was always going with no slow parts. There were some great twist and turns and some great thought provoking moments. There are spoilers, please don’t continue reading unless you have read THE IRON KNIGHT.

Wow wow wow. I loved Ash’s POV. He is so closed off and it was interesting to go inside his head. To begin with Ash is just beyond amazing. He has changed so much from that evil ice prince at the beginning of Iron King, to this honorable guy searching for a soul. The trials and tests that Ash faces are so realistic in a way. I really felt his worry and felt what he would need to give up. The mortality, conscious, loss of strength, is it really worth giving up for Meghan? The trial, showing his potential future with Meghan was beyond. I mean it was so sweet, wonderful and sad. The whole testing grounds experience was such a journey on its own. Without the group of friends he brought with him, I doubt he would have gotten as far as he did.

I really enjoyed Ash & Pucks relationship. It literally was a love hate relationship. Almost every chance Ash got, he would say I am going to kill you puck, and he meant it even though he didn’t want to do it. The way he was bound by that oath, I think was literally killing Ash. Even though Ash might not say it, Puck is his best friend. They are a team.

Puck was hilarious, with his quick humor. I mean he is just hilarious. No matter how dangerous or inappropriate the situation, you count on Puck to say something ridiculous and sarcastic. There were times that group wanted to kill him, and I wouldn’t blame them. Puck, I believe is my favorite character, aside from the all knowing cait sith Grimalkin. Who by the way you can also count on disappearing when times are dangerous, leading the way, smart comments, and having so much intelligence. He just has a way of making everyone feel so dumb, I can’t help but laugh. The amount of knowledge he has is remarkable. Grimalkin, had his own love hate relationship with “The Big Bad Wolf”. I guess Cats and Dogs will never get along.  He plays a very interesting and important part in this journey, and I am so happy he was a part of this story.

Ariella….. What a surprise!!! I mean I had a feeling she was alive, I would have never guessed she was the seer.

 The major and important role she played in this book, as well as the others was OMG amazing. The twist in her story, was incredible. I had a moment, where I questioned her loyalty and if she was up to something. She is just beyond amazing, and I am saddened that Ash and her couldn’t be happy. I definitely wanted Ash with Meghan, but I definitely felt the love for Ariella. Their history, is very intense and amazing.

This book was amazing ending to this great series. I loved this book so much. It literally is my favorite book in the series. I will probably have to read all over again so I can remember my favorite parts, because there were so many. You need to get this book.  Once you read it, you will see how much of a treasure this is. Thanks Julie Kagawa for this great adventure!

                      ************* 5****************

Review: Clockwork Angel: Cassandra Clare ***4 STARS***

Clockwork Angel: Cassandra Clare (The Infernal Devices 1)

Synopsis: Goodreads


Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own. 

My Review:

I was very excited to finally get my hands on this book. I really didn’t know what to expect. I know that I am a fan of TMI, and of Cassandra’s writing but I had no clue of the story line at all. I would like to say the book was really good and I enjoyed it so much. This book took me forever to read, just for the simple fact every time I picked it up, there was always someone with the need to bother me and keep me from reading. I believe in one day I attempted to read the book 10 times and was pulled away from it all 10 times. I usually don’t like books that are written in the past, but this one was awesome. So you will not hear any complaints from me.

                I love the characters that Cassandra created. They were so likable and enjoyable to read about. I love how she didn’t make Tessa a badass or a wimp. She had that Claryness about. Strong, driven, brave and yet didn’t know how to fight. Tessa loved her brother so much and was willing to suffer just to keep him alive. I really enjoyed the few times she put Will in his place and didn’t let herself get talked down too. She didn’t cower either. She was just so sweet, and yet it would be interesting to see her thoughts. She felt women should only do certain things and shouldn’t be warriors but as she said it, it was as if she would be questioning herself on it. I think Tessa was just a very relatable character that I doubt anyone would not like her.

               Now let’s talk about the boys…… Will, Will, Will, Will, Will he is so frustrating to read. I enjoy his snarkiness and even his hard exterior. It was very Jace but not nearly as sexy… I could understand that he came from a trouble past..But man I wanted to slap him a number of times. I know he’s the main guy lead and I am supposed to be fawning for him, which I kind of am. Like when he took her glove off OMG OMG OMG that scene matter fact just the action right there was like climatic momemt of Will and Tessa’s relationship right there. I was so I don’t even know. But happy! Anyways but he is so cruel sometimes with the things he says. I get it he does it on purpose to protect himself, and in a way protect others from caring about him. But man I wanted smash something right across his head on that last scene with Tessa and him in the Attic. I cannot believe the things he said to her. I really was hoping and expecting a romantic moment, maybe Will even opening up, but did I get that NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                Jem, and he really is a gem. He is so super sweet. He always says the right things and aww just beyond sweet. I really like him. I loved how much he really cared about Will and vice versa. There whole relationship just complemented each other so well. He was especially nice to Tessa. I know there’s going to be a love triangle, I know big surprise there. But Jem is just awesome. I know I am totally gushing about Jem, but I know will and Tessa are meant to be together. Oh and Jem back story that was just so horrible. It made me so sad and I felt it was so unfair to him..

                The other characters, Charlotte, Henry, Sophie, Thomas, Jessamine, Mortamir, Magnus, and Nate they were all awesome. Charlottes sweetness, Henry’s wacky inventions, Sophie smart remarks to Will, Thomas respectfulness, Jessamine better than everyone else attitude, Mortamir ***** I couldn’t think of one lol, Magnus being Magnus, and Nate being that oh so dependable brother well they were all created so well. I really can’t say I didn’t like a character which is pretty great.

                The plot was pretty fast moving and interesting. I mean Tessa’s power is beyond creepy and cool. I would have never guessed such a weird ability. Just the mystery behind what she is has me craving for the next book. The whole twist ending on who’s ***** was unexpected. I really couldn’t guess, which is one of the things I like most about reading. I want to find out more about Will’s darkness and what exactly he went to Magnus Bane for. Oh and that whole rivalry between Will and Gabriel had me literally laughing out loud. The banter was hilarious. I don’t want to say much because I don’t want to ruin or spoil the story.

                Overall I think Cassandra is a great writer and has a way of building a semi complicated world and telling it in not so complicated way. I really enjoyed this book, and am really excited about this series!! Definitely pick up this book if you haven’t.

IM BACK!

HELLLO ALLL,

It's been a while since I have blogged. I have had one hectic summer. I was working as a full time intern and school and I really had no time to dedicate to my blog. I felt really bad. I could barely read my  RSS feeds let alone follow my usual memes or even read. So I decided to stop blogging for a while until I had some real time. So I am hoping that I waited long enough and I concentrate on talking to this awesome community!!!!

I have 3 book reviews that will be posted soon. Books that I read months ago...

I also want to redessign my blog.. get a new header new color scheme everything. If you have any ideas I would love to hear it!

Glad to be back!!!!

Richelle Mead Interview & Adrian's Lost Chapter POV

I guess everything I have been posting lately has had to do with Richelle Mead's books, because I love them so much!!!!


So incase you didn't read my previos post, Richelle had a challenge for us VA lovers. If she recieved 10,00 pre-orders for bloodlines last week she would post a lost chapter of Bloodlines. It's Adrian's POV when she originally had to make the book in 3rd person POV. This by no means is a spoiler for Bloodlines, and is not included in the book bloodlines. But it definitely is a treat and I loved reading the chapter, because my favorite couple Rose & Dimitri are mentioned!!!


Here's the link: The original beginning of Bloodlines, as told by Adrian


Now even more fun, Richelle recently did an interview on Goodreads. I love reading her interviews because they are always so interesting!!! I will give you a bit. Here is the full interview!!!!

Interview with Richelle Mead

August, 2011

Fantasy writer Richelle Mead understands the allure of a bad boy. Honorable, duty-bound Dmitri may be the hero of her best-selling young adult series Vampire Academy, but readers have always had a weakness for Adrian, the impudent scamp. Now her fans may get their wishes answered with Bloodlines, the first book of a new young adult series featuring minor characters from Vampire Academy. Adrian is back (although Mead isn't revealing exactly how), and the new heroine is Sydney Sage, an alchemist trained to conceal the supernatural world and protect ordinary humans. Known for her robust and resilient female leads, the prolific writer (18 books in six years) also helms the adult fantasy seriesGeorgina Kincaid and Dark Swan. Mead reveals to Goodreads her thoughts on vampire popularity and feminine characters with oomph. 

Goodreads: Bloodlines picks up the stories of characters we met in the Vampire Academy series. Do you think Bloodlines will be accessible to readers not familiar with Vampire Academy?

Richelle Mead: It is, actually, and it's kind of refreshing to start hearing reviews come in from people who didn't read the first series. For those who know it, it's a great continuation, and those who don't know it can follow along and catch up.

GR: With teen alchemist Sydney Sage now front and center (she played a supporting role to Vampire Academy's tough heroine Rose Hathaway), Bloodlines delves further into the arcane world of alchemy. What were your sources of inspiration or topics of research for the centuries-old tradition of alchemy in Sydney's family?

RM: It's pretty loosely based on history. It's my own interpretation, so I'm sure there are purists who will say, "Hey, I've read about medieval alchemists, and I don't remember them doing anything with vampires!" I liked the idea of a "Men in Black" society of people trying to keep vampires secret from the world. So that was part of the inspiration. And then at the same time, because I do like tying everything to mythology and folklore if I can, the alchemist idea came in—people dabbling in half magic, half science. They were particularly fascinated with magical substances—that was where the whole lead-into-gold idea came from. So I thought if ever there was a substance you could do wild things with, vampire blood was it. So I borrowed from that history and mixed it back into the "Men in Black" idea, and they sort of spawned from there.

GR: Goodreads member Alana writes, "Sydney struggled with body issues inBloodlines, and while we seldom think of reality entering paranormal story lines, it was great to see a real teen issue come into play. Perhaps this is just a small indication of controlling behavior to come?"

RM: The Moroi [full-blooded vampires] have runway-model figures, which aren't necessarily the ideal female figure, which tends to be a little curvier. Even still, if you're around that all the time it would probably mess with your head a little bit, and everyone, I think, who grows up in the U.S. and is female is bombarded with images about "What should I look like?"—especially at that age. Also, it's an interesting side to Sydney's nature, because she is very controlling and she keeps her world very orderly. She's always asked to keep things working smoothly, and so there's this idea of, "Why can't I make myself work with that same efficiency?"

It's an interesting, very vulnerable part to have to her. Sydney knows five languages, she's well traveled, and she seems like someone who should not be fazed by anything. Yet there's this little tiny thing that nags at her. I think that's an interesting piece—to have that flaw in someone who we would otherwise think is so "with it" and well-rounded.

TO READ MORE CLICK HERE!

IMPORTANT NEWS FROM RICHELLE MEAD: NEED SUPPORT!!

I have not been posting very often these past monthsbecause I am on a blog break because I don't have the time to dedicate to my blog. Hopefully thoug I will be in full swing  by September, making regular posts! But I have been making random posts that I feel I need to mention.. this one is a good one! I love Richelle's Mead's work and she has given us a challenge please read  a recent post she made!

Bloodlines Challenge

Bloodlines has been quite a rollercoaster, and it's hard to believe we're now less than a month away! I'm getting excited for everyone to read it. I'm also impatient because I'm already working on the sequel, and there are times I want to say something about it and then have to remind myself, "Oh, yeah. The first book's not out yet. No one will know what I'm talking about."

I believe without a doubt that people who loved the first VA series will love Bloodlines. I've talked to a lot of readers, in person and online, and I'm continually floored by the passion and dedication you've shown for the books. That passion wasn't just for Rose alone--it was for all the things that make the VA world so awesome, like the romance, action, and humor. All those things are still in Bloodlines (even Rose is a bit), and I've already been amazed and humbled at all those fans who have told me from day one how excited they are to readBloodlines and find out what happens in this next stage of the VA world. You guys rock.

Still, there are always nay-sayers out there who try to tell me VA readers aren't going to stick with me and read Bloodlines. I don't believe that at all. Like I said, I see the passion for the VA world every day. And after reading the excited reactions to Bloodlines' first chapter, I'm more confident than ever that you'll love Sydney's take on Moroi and Strigoi life. Nonetheless, some people have thrown a challenge down before me--a challenge I intend to accept.

The challenge: Can Bloodlines get 10,000 pre-orders in a week?

I say: yup.

Plenty of you have pre-ordered already, and from all the enthusiasm I've heard from readers, I know more are coming. I think this challenge is totally doable. To show my faith in this, I'm actually going to wager something that makes me nervous. People always ask me for cut scenes from past books, and I always decline. There's a part of me that thinks, "Well, if it's not in the book, maybe it's not meant to be seen." But if you guys can come through on this challenge, I'll deliver for you. If we get our 10,000 this week, I'll swallow my fear and release the original cut first chapter of Bloodlines--which is very, very different from what you saw in the official chapter last week. Originally, Bloodlines was going to be written in third POV, from every main character's perspective. And who was originally going to kick the book off? Adrian, of course. Now, there's a lot of Adrian wit and wisdom in Bloodlines as it is, but this "lost" first chapter was in his point of view, putting us right inside his thoughts (scary...but kind of enticing too, huh?). This chapter also covers things that were cut from Bloodlines, so it really is new material--not just a rehashing of what Sydney's told us. It bridges the gap between the two series.

So those are the stakes! If 10,000 people pre-order Bloodlines this week, we'll get to see the world through Adrian Ivashkov's eyes. When does the challenge kick off? Well...today! It'll run one week. If we can make our numbers, Adrian's lost chapter will be posted online the first week of August--before the "real" Bloodlines release.

If you've already pre-ordered Bloodlines, then I am super grateful and happy that you're ready for the next ride. Thank you so much for your support! If you've been thinking about pre-ordering but just haven't gotten around to it (I'm a procrastination queen, so I totally understand this), then this is the week to do it! Pre-ordering from any store counts. So does Kindle, Nook, etc. Here are some links to help:

Penguin's Official Bloodlines Page - Click on "Book Info" to be a shown a list of major retailers, indies, and e-book sellers with direct links to ordering Bloodlines. 

Autographed Books from University Bookstore - Here are the instructions to order from the Seattle bookstore I autograph and personalize books for. You can get the book made out to you, and they'll ship internationally.

And speaking of international stuff...I mentioned in The Bloodlines Q&A that at the moment, only English speaking countries have confirmed Bloodlines release dates. So, those in non-English speaking countries can cheer on the other pre-ordering countries until we know more. But, for those in the UK, Australia, and Canada, you can take the challenge and pre-order from any of your own major bookstores and indies. For the big retailers, I'm guessing Amazon and Waterstone's in the UK; Dymock's in Australia; and Amazon and Chapters/Indigo for Canada. You guys know better than me. I know all three countries also have really awesome indie bookstores too, so definitely support those if you love them.

I'll close with a little more info for those still curious about Bloodlines. The links to the Q&A and first chapter I posted above will definitely give you the most background on the book. However, there are also some awesome reviews from readers who got to look at the book early that'll give you some insight as well:

Eleusian Mysteries Review - From a fan of the first series, who now adores Sydney as a narrator

Bibliopunkk - Reviewer who thinks Bloodlines has its own unique feel yet still perfectly continues the VA series

Teenage Bibliophile - This reviewer never actually read the first set of VA books - but had no trouble getting hooked on Bloodlines
Makshift Bookmark - A reviewer who was unsure about spin-offs and ended up loving Bloodlines. Best quote: "My fear of venturing outside Rose Hathaway's POV was unwarranted. FEAR NOT, SKEPTICS."

Exhausting post! Thank you again to those who have pre-ordered already, and thank you in advance to those who jump on the challenge this week. I'm so excited to see what unfolds! I don't write much in third or a male POV, so I'm also going to be excited and nervous when I post Adrian's chapter and get reactions. (Did you notice my use of "when I post"? Like I said, I'm pretty confident we can meet this challenge).