KEEP CALM AND LOVE BOOKS: bad

Pages: 648 pages

Publication Date: September 1st 2015

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

ISBN: 1619636042 (ISBN13: 9781619636040)

The queen has returned.

Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she’s at last returned to the empire—for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past…

She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen’s triumphant return.

Now, What I Thought:

This book felt so long! It was action packed and I couldn't even describe how amazing it was! SO much crap went down in this novel and it was incredible!!! Celaena is now Aelin and I love it!!! We finally get to meet Arobynn and he was very different from what I imagined. I couldn't quite tell if he loved Aelin as a brother, father or lover? I honestly couldn't say for sure because of all the mixed signals and hinted words. BASICALLY that scene was just very uncomfortable for Aelin and me included. Yikes. I can 100% say that Maas has turned us all around on the whole Aelin and Chaol ship and it has officially sunk! He has someone else and she may have someone else, it just wasn't bound to happen so SORRY Team Chaol people out there. But now we can talk about Rowan! He finally appears in the book later on -too late for my liking- and the instant connection is everything!!!! You could feel it yourself as a reader that the time spent apart between the two had changed them. You could literally feel the sexual attention and how much they missed each other and it even surprised them that they could feel this strongly when they didn't before!

Just as I suspected, Manon and Aelin did have a face off and it. was. epic. Definitely one of the most memorable scenes in the whole series. We get a lot of reunions that are way over due, Aelin and Chaol for example... Damn, and especially reading it from Chaol's P.O.V was tough because they used to be so close but now the threat that Aelin has is she's going to have to kill Dorian, who is Chaol's best friend still. It is no secret that Chaol will die trying to stop that. Who knows if he does or doesn't, but there was definitely a shocker AGAIN that Maas threw at us. I could probably rant on and on about how petty Chaol was being towards Aelin about Rowan, her 'fae prince' as he put it. I honestly thought Aelin was either going to maim or kill him. Both would've been fine HAHA.

Dorian is now grown up a lot and is under some trance at court with the king :( It was seriously sad that the usually strong Dorian was actually weak in this book and he didn't really get to contribute till the ending, which really made up for it because it was the battle of the century!

There are so many things to talk about with what happened concerning Rowan, Aelin, Aedion, Arobynn especially but all I'm dying to do is rant about the big final battle! IT WAS AMAZING! I find myself even now just re-reading the end because it was so descriptive and detailed I missed a lot of stuff the first time reading just out of excitement. Lots of things happen and lots of changes are going to happen for Terrasen and the whole kingdom. A huge change happens to one of the characters and a huge sacrifice is made but I think in the next book we'll have to be on the journey to fix 'it'. I honestly can't spoil anything and therefore I can't really talk about the epicness in the final battle. EXCEPT I will say, just to read this amazing freaking book! It was amazing and you should take the time to enjoy and spend the time to actually read it and understand what is happening. When I first read it I literally couldn't put it down and I read it so fast that I then had to RE-read it just to comprehend what was happening.

READ IT, IT WAS AMAZING AND SO WORTH IT!!!

assassin - 5:22:00 PM

Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4) by Sarah J. Maas | Review

Pages: 648 pages Publication Date: September 1st 2015 Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens ISBN: 1619636042 (ISBN13: 978161...

Pages: 404 pages

Publication Date: August 7th 2012

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's

ISBN: 1599906953 (ISBN13: 9781599906959)

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.

Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for four years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Now, What I Thought:

This is such a great series, I cannot stress enough! Celaena isn't just bad-ass, she's a 18 year old assassin and kills whomever she wants. I like her. After being set up, the series-long mystery, by a mystery person, she gets caught trying to take revenge on the man who killed her love, Sam. Safe to say the government put her in jail, or in Maas's world, Endovier. After a year of being treated like a slave, Celaena gets an offer of compete in a royal competition to become the King's personal assassin. Obviously, with her background and reputation from being trained by the most deadliest assassin there is known, the King's son, Dorian, thinks Celaena is the perfect winner. He's not wrong, she'd probably be my first pick as well. At first, when I started reading this book, I automatically thought this was going to be a love-sick triangle and romance book. I mean, it is a love triangle, but romance book? Not even close. Maas pulls out all of her cards in this one and delivers an amazing story about how love, desperation and death can all coincide with each other and it was bloody fantastic!

As cringey as love triangles are, this was done in moderation thank god. I felt like it would be an insult towards Celaena if this series turned into a 'romantic fight for love' type of book. I can fully say that it is not, having read all 4 books that are out currently. Celaena is true to her description and is indeed an assassin at heart, obviously out of practice from her year at Endovier, the captain of the guard, Chaol, helps her out and makes a connection with her. Even though she's already spending time with the infamous Prince Dorian, Chaol's bestfriend, Celaena finds herself in a pickle that doesn't concern life or death for once. She even makes a friend that was totally unexpected, Nehemia, the Eyllwe princess. They actually get on great and she even helps Celaena open up a bit about her past, which helps us as readers to connect with our main protagonist.

Lots of teasing happens in this book where multiple times I'd wish I was Celaena. Yet other times, so much gruesome stuff happens to her and you really feel for her because yes, she may be a killer but when we find out what happens in her past.... She really doesn't deserve half the bad crap that's done to her. The ending had a huge shock, 2 actually. The first was heartbreaking and I could feel the tears coming to my eyes just reading it and the second, the final battle. No need to say that there was an epic scene and so brilliantly described, it was a pleasure to read it.

In conclusion, the first novel in the Throne of Glass series was amazing and the perfect intro to the rest of what happens to Celaena, Chaol, Dorian and other new characters we meet on the way!

assassin - 2:17:00 PM

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J. Maas | Review

Pages: 404 pages Publication Date: August 7th 2012 Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's ISBN: 1599906953 (ISBN13: 978159...

Pages: 344 pages

Publication Date: December 27th 2013 by Createspace

ISBN: 1493626655 (ISBN13: 9781493626656)

Sam's first day at Fallen Crest Public doesn't go well. Some girls want to be her. Some girls want to destroy her. And some just don't like her. All in all, despite being protected by Mason and Logan, it's still only the strong survive. Sam will not only have to survive, she needs to learn how to conquer too, but there's another battle growing. Things are about to come to a disastrous end between the towns, Roussou and Fallen Crest. Sam's other main dilemma? Keeping Mason and Logan from getting arrested or hospitalized.

Now, What I Thought:

WOW, this book was drama-filled. I loved every damn moment of it! Sam really kicked ass, literally and figuratively, she was awesome. Tijan never ceases to amaze me with her writing skills and how developed this plot can be. The schools Fallen Crest Public is definitely different then Fallen Crest Academy, that's for sure. At the Academy, all the girl's would stab you behind your back while at Public, they just go up in front of you and make sure you know you're hated. Yikes. I really did feel for Sam in this one because she basically was a repeat of what happened to Marissa years back. Which can I just say how nice it is to finally hear the whole story of what happened and who was involved! We also get to meet Tate's old best friend, Heather, who is just awesome!!! I loved Heather so much she really made the book. Also, one word- Tate. Herself.

We actually get to see and get to know more about other characters like, Budd and Brett Broudou. Clearly one of them has a soft spot for the new waitress at Heather's family bar, yet little do they know it's Mason Kade's very own girlfriend ;) -DRAMA-

Some intense things happen in this book where Sam's own life in endangered towards the end, which is just scary. I mean, the high school drama literally got turned into physically life threatening and it's just an abundance of craziness. Mason and Sam stay strong together for the most part and they do have equally romantic and sexy scenes, which is much appreciated Tijan, so thank you for that!

This book, all in all, was very unpredictable because Tijan will go to any extreme no matter the case! This was a very good book and so drama filled, every page had something important happening. AMAZING!!!

amazing - 1:50:00 AM

Fallen Crest Public (Fallen Crest High #3) by Tijan | Review

Pages: 344 pages Publication Date: December 27th 2013 by Createspace ISBN: 1493626655 (ISBN13: 9781493626656 ) Sam's first...

Pages: 286 pages

Publication Date: July 1st 2013 by Createspace

ISBN: 1491001011 (ISBN13: 9781491001011)

Samantha and Mason are together. Everyone knows it. Not everyone is dealing with it. While Mason's ready to give them the middle finger, there's one not going away. Her mother. Threats are issued. Ultimatums are given. Even blackmail is used, but only Samantha can put a stop to Analise. However, when a trauma from her past is triggered, she may not have the courage or strength to do what's needed. If she doesn't, Mason's future could be destroyed

Now, What I Thought:

So the truth is out, Sam and Mason are a thing and practically inseparable. Considering Sam and Mason also happen to be step-brother and sister, her mother does not bode well with this news. As well with none of the vicious popular girls at Public who are after Mason 24/7. But the reason why we all love Sam? She doesn't care. She gives no shits and she's ready to take on all of the hate with 2 middle fingers. I LOVE HER. I LOVE MASON. I LOVE LOGAN. I JUST LOVE TIJAN! This was a masterpiece on its own and I'm counting my blessings that I found this series.

So this novel basically outlines that her mother is... well.. crazy. Like bat-shit crazy! Some of the things that woman has done are just horrible and I feel so bad for Sam but now she has Mason, Logan and even Nate! So there's been a lot of hate towards Sam in this book because she seems 'weaker' UM NO SHE IS NOT. EXCUSE ME. The amount of shit Sam has to go through is impeccable and the fact she is still facing the haters at Private and Public is amazing. Her mother basically turned on her and she's even starting to have problems with her loved dad, no wonder she cries and no wonder she has down moments. She's HUMAN. It happens, the main point is that by the end of the book she still grew stronger and made an amazing character. SO PLEASE, stop. She is not weak, she is not whiny, she is however beautiful, strong, and crazy kind. Sorry for the rant but that is how strongly I feel towards this beautiful series.

Anyways, Sam and Mason really get at it in this one LOL. I don't really know how else to say it without getting flagged but it's true, and Tijan is not shy with her writing those scenes, at all. I am definitely not complaining but it's just a warning and disclaimer. This book was amazing, and we finally got to see more of Nate and how close he really is with Mason. I love this series to death and I can't believe I'm still currently reading the 5th book! Also, there are 7 confirmed books in the series, with 2 novellas after it so, just to let you guys know!

amazing - 1:36:00 AM

Fallen Crest Family (Fallen Crest High #2) by Tijan | Review

Pages: 286 pages Publication Date: July 1st 2013 by Createspace ISBN: 1491001011 (ISBN13: 9781491001011 ) Samantha and Maso...

Pages: 374 pages

Publication Date: November 18th 2012 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform

ISBN: 1480225649 (ISBN13: 9781480225640)

Mason and Logan Kade are two brothers who did their own thing. They were rich and expected to attend her school, Fallen Crest Academy. They chose public school and now Samantha has to live with them. The problem is that she doesn't care at all: about them, about her friends, about her cheating boyfriend, or even about her parent's divorce. But maybe that's a good thing. Maybe change is a good thing.

Now, What I Thought:

This was amazing. This series was written by the one and only, my favourite author to this day, Tijan. Damn, I wish I knew how she comes up with these brilliant ideas for novels. All of her books have been amazing and very well-written, there are no faults! This is probably one of my favourite series of all times, I can't even stress and count how many times I've re-read these, or even their alternate versions- because we all know Tijan is nice enough to even publish the first editions of her novels.

This story was amazing, the plot was pure genius and I loved every minute of it. I first found this novel on Wattpad as a sample and immediately loved it. I bought it on kindle that same minute I finished the sample. The story goes: Sam, a kind of popular girl with 2 'best friends' and smoking hot footballer boyfriend, goes to Fallen Crest Academy, which is the rich and posh school. She wasn't a snob though, the only reason she went there was because her father is the football coach at Public. Her mother on the other hand... She leaves her husband for the rich, famous and very handsome Kade family, where she marries in. Yeah, Sam isn't so happy with that considering she's daddy's girl to the max. It also doesn't help that the same Kade family has Mason and Logan as her step-brothers, the ultimate infamous & famous football hotties that chose Public over the Academy just so they can prove they don't give any shits. Yeah, it's pretty serious how many shits they do not give. Sam goes through some hard times adjusting to the 'rich' lifestyle and the fact that her cheating boyfriend of 3 years is now an ex-cheating boyfriend and her two best friends are now her ex-two best friends. Yep. A lot of change happens for poor old Sam.

But the difference between Sam and any other girl is that, she doesn't give any shits either, like NONE! She is the ultimate girl protagonist! She is total bad-ass and does not care what anyone thinks of her, especially Mason and Logan Kade. She basically tells everyone, including her own mother, to shove it, which is awesome!!! Lots of drama happens and the Kade brothers finally start to see that Sam is different and that she doesn't care who they are and that she won't tell the whole world that their her new found brothers... quite the opposite actually, she refuses to tell anyone. Sam is amazing and should deserve a metal for the shit she puts up with! I could talk about her all day long but I'm afraid I'll spoil something thats vital to the story and plot. SO for now, just know that this book will make you happy, angry, sad and fierce because Samantha is awesome and Mason and Logan are two hot pieces of meat.

Yum.

amazing - 1:17:00 AM

Fallen Crest High (Fallen Crest High #1) by Tijan | Review

Pages: 374 pages Publication Date: November 18th 2012 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform ISBN: 1 480225649 (ISBN13: ...

Pages: 401 pages

Publication Date: February 12th 2013 by Razorbill / Penguin Group

ISBN: 159514319X (ISBN13: 9781595143198)

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. Alchemists protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she struggles to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do.

Then she finally tracks down the elusive, enigmatic Marcus Finch - a former Alchemist who the organization denies exists, and who lives in shadows, on the run. With Marcus's help, Sydney realizes that the group she's been loyal to her whole life has been hiding the truth from her. Is it possible that her golden lily tattoo might have more power over her than she thinks?

As she struggles to come to terms with what that might mean, Sydney is compelled to use her magical powers to track down an evil magic user who is targeting powerful young witches. Using magic goes against everything she always thought she believed, but she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her special blood - or else she might be next.

Forging her own way is harder than Sydney ever dreamed. Maybe by turning off her brain - and following her heart - she'll be able to finally figure out where she belongs.

Now, What I Thought:

This book was hot hot hot! The connection between Sydney and Adrian is just inevitable. I do feel for Sydney though, she has to go against all of her instincts that have been drilled into her head since childhood. Besides the romance in this book, we get a lot of action! Sydney finally finds the infamous Marcus Finch who managed to escape the Alchemists and do something spectacular to his tattoo. I liked that we got to learn a lot about the golden lily tattoo's in this novel and their history, Mead really focused on the implications if the tattoo was to used on you. It's almost like brainwash in a way and I have a suspicious feeling that is what is going to happen to Sydney's sister, Zoe.

This book really is just about the struggle Sydney has mentally about whether to follow her instinct, that may be wrong, or her heart. The problem is that she has so much other crap to deal with, her newfound magic, protecting Jill, dealing with Angeline, and especially the lies that the Alchemists have been telling her. She doesn't know who to trust expect the Moroi, whom she had been brainwashed into not trusting... basically it's a huge mess in Sydney's life and she's close to exploding. I honestly wouldn't blame her if she did.

The big 'bad' in this book is some person tracking and killing young witches across the US. So, of course Sydney and Adrian go on little, adorable trips to all of these places to figure out who and why this is happening. Unfortunately, they do lose some witches but the culprit is revealed and Sydney finds herself fighting to the death with them. It's an amazing scene and an amazing way to end the book. I still have so many questions that need to be answered but I guess I can wait till the next book :(.

This was a pretty good novel and it seems to be going in the same direction as Vampire Academy, which is nice because that series was awesome!

alchemists - 5:04:00 PM

The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) by Richelle Mead | Review

Pages: 401 pages Publication Date: February 12th 2013 by Razorbill / Penguin Group ISBN: 159514319X (ISBN13: 9781595143198 ) ...

Pages: 435

Publication Date: May 12th 2015 by Hodder & Stoughton

ISBN: 1444778552 (ISBN13: 9781444778557)

End of Days is the explosive conclusion to Susan Ee’s bestselling Penryn & the End of Days trilogy. After a daring escape from the angels, Penryn and Raffe are on the run. They’re both desperate to find a doctor who can reverse the twisted changes inflicted by the angels on Raffe and Penryn’s sister. As they set off in search of answers, a startling revelation about Raffe’s past unleashes dark forces that threaten them all.

When the angels release an apocalyptic nightmare onto humans, both sides are set on a path toward war. As unlikely alliances form and strategies shift, who will emerge victorious? Forced to pick sides in the fight for control of the earthly realm, Raffe and Penryn must choose: Their own kind, or each other?

Now, What I Thought:

The conclusion to this wonderful series was just..amazing. Honestly, Penryn & the End of Days, was the best series I had read in 2015, by far. This was such a thrilling explosion of action and romance all together and just squashed in 3 books, it was fantastic. I am so glad I read these books, I couldn't imagine not ever reading them because I find myself comparing a lot of new books to these. Susan Ee did an amazing and impeccable job writing this series and she definitely needs way more praise for it. Even though conclusions suck and are the most horrible thing in the world, it was time to say goodbye to Penryn and Raffe and that wonderful post-apocalyptic world.

The last book was definitely literal to the title. The end of days were coming and it was coming fast to Penryn and her group. Sacrifices were made and we really divulged into the life-threatening fights. Seriously, I though a couple of the main characters were going to die at multiple points of the novel. We had a crushing, thrilling and explosive battle at the end and it was so adrenaline-rushing to read. I was feeling worried yet proud of Penryn and Paige, and what they've accomplished and how much they've both been through!

We even get a change of setting! Penryn goes someplace where she finally gets to learn about the angels and even Raffe. It was so damn cool how smoothly the transition between the two worlds were. Ee described it beautifully and there were some pretty close calls for Penryn and Raffe's old angel friends. Yes, expect to see his old pals from long ago in this book, whether they help them or not, you'll have to read and find out ;). The romance escalated as the situations became more life-threatening and I loved every shared moment they had. I will leave you with one, very teasing quote because I just can't help it:

“So am I?” I whisper. “Your Daughter of Man?”

This was such an exiting and so satisfying way to closing the series and I will 100% miss the thrill I got from reading it the first time around. Rest assured I shall be re-reading these books a lot more in the future! Goodbye Penryn. Goodbye Raffe. Goodbye Paige. Goodbye Mom. Goodbye Watchers. Goodbye Pooky Bear and finally, Goodbye Penryn & the End of Days. It has been a pleasure reading Susan Ee's thrilling trilogy.

angel - 2:54:00 AM

End of Days (Penryn & the End of Days #3) by Susan Ee | Review

Pages: 435 Publication Date: May 12th 2015 by Hodder & Stoughton ISBN: 1444778552 (ISBN13: 9781444778557 ) End of Days i...

Pages: 438 pages

Publication Date: November 21st 2013 by Hodder & Stoughton

ISBN: 1444778536 (ISBN13: 9781444778533)

In this sequel to the bestselling fantasy thriller, Angelfall, the survivors of the angel apocalypse begin to scrape back together what's left of the modern world.

When a group of people capture Penryn's sister Paige, thinking she's a monster, the situation ends in a massacre. Paige disappears. Humans are terrified. Mom is heartbroken.

Penryn drives through the streets of San Francisco looking for Paige. Why are the streets so empty? Where is everybody? Her search leads her into the heart of the angels' secret plans where she catches a glimpse of their motivations, and learns the horrifying extent to which the angels are willing to go.

Meanwhile, Raffe hunts for his wings. Without them, he can't rejoin the angels, can't take his rightful place as one of their leaders. When faced with recapturing his wings or helping Penryn survive, which will he choose?

Now, What I Thought:

This is a perfect example of a great sequel to an amazing series. Ee did it again and made a hella great book! Penryn is so bad-ass that she can't even die! Ok, ok I know there were special circumstances and it was just luck but come on! I'm convinced Penryn will and can survive anything. After the whole dying thing, people are still pretty weary of Penryn because it's not everyday you see someone waking up from the dead, no matter the circumstances.

We learn a lot in this book, we learn more about Raffe and his brothers and past, which is nice because he feels more trustworthy and it seems like we really know his motives concerning Penryn are true and meaningful. It's pretty clear when the last book ended, that Raffe feels something for Penryn. Of course, the most anticipated thing in this book, for me at least, was the big reveal to Raffe that Penryn is alive. Which by the way guys, did not disappoint. It was very well written and even though the little love-sick girl in me wanted the reunion faster, it did happen at the perfect time and was well-paced for the plot line to thicken.

Now, the big question of the book is will the need for Raffe's wings overcome the love he has for Penryn? As usual, our protagonist finds herself in a tough and life threatening situation and Raffe's decision is critical. Aside from that, Penryn, as usual, was amazing and bad-ass. She kicked many butts and conquered many accomplishments. I liked her dynamic relationship with Obi. They respect each other which made me in turn respect Obi a lot more than in the first book. He ultimately wants to help his race, his people and it does shows. He trusts Penryn, which is good because he can clearly tell that if anyone can stop the apocalypse it's Penryn or at least her influence on Raffe.

Paige, Penryn's sister, really shone in this book! She came out of her shell, even after the horrific things that had been done to her. I really liked her lines and how empowering she was to everyone, almost like a beacon of hope and light, no matter how she looks. Of course we have problems with the other people who don't agree with keeping her alive, solely because she looks like a monster. That was just so heartbreaking to read and sad to see that her confidence would deflate just a little. But rest assured Paige rises stronger than ever and she really is a huge player in the storyline.

To end this review, I'm just going to share a quote Raffe said to Penryn after finding out his sword's name is called... Pooky Bear..., enjoy:

“He glares at me as if he already hates it. “What is it?” I consider lying but what’s the point? I clear my throat. “Pooky Bear"He’s silent for so long I’m beginning to think he didn’t hear me when he finally says, “Pooky. Bear.” “It was just a little joke. I didn’t know.” “I’ve mentioned that names have power, right? Do you realize that when she fights battles, she’s going to have to announce herself to the opposing sword? She’ll be forced to say something ridiculous like, ‘I am Pooky Bear, from an ancient line of archangel swords.’ Or, ‘Bow down to me, Pooky Bear, who has only two other equals in all the worlds.’ ” He shakes his head."

HAHAHAHAHAHAH GUYS, just read it, please.

angel - 2:32:00 AM

World After (Penryn & the End of Days #2) by Susan Ee | Review

Pages: 438 pages Publication Date: November 21st 2013 by Hodder & Stoughton ISBN: 1444778536 (ISBN13: 9781444778533) In ...

Pages: 368 pages

Publication Date: April 3rd 2012 by Penguin Group

ISBN: 1595145060 (ISBN13: 9781595145062)

Jackson Godspeed is the hottest Angel in a city that revolves around idolizing Immortals like him. He grew up in the spotlight, and in less than a week he'll become the youngest full-fledged Guardian ever. People around the world are lining up to pay for him to keep them safe. His lifelong dream of becoming a hero is finally within his grasp - and he can't afford to let the parties, paparazzi, or red carpets distract him.

But Jackson's high-profile life takes an unexpected turn when he meets seventeen-year-old Maddy. She's smart and down-to-earth, and sees Jackson for who he is and not for his celebrity. They forge an instant - and electric - connection. Their vastly different backgrounds seem like the only obstacle in their path to being together... until something much more dangerous threatens to destroy their chance at love.

Because not everyone worships the Angels: a bitter killer is murdering the Guardians one by one. And it's up Maddy to save Jackson - he's next in the killer's sights.

Set in a reimagined Los Angeles that sparkles with glamour and celebrity worship, Scott Speer's Immortal City is charged with passion and haunted by themes of power and idolatry.

Now, What I Thought:

Ugh. I really hate reviewing the books I wasn't impressed by but I figured it must be done. I can't always be giving out 4 or 5 star ratings you know? This unfortunately did not impress me. I know the ratings for this series are impeccably good but for me, it just didn't do it. I found this version of the 'Angel genre' to be kind of cheap and way too fantasy like. Writing wise, it was great, Scott Spear did a great job writing it, grammatically, but the whole concept was just bogus. It didn't sell me, it made Angels seem cheap and almost laughed at. Sure, for a light reading this could've been alright for a stand-alone but for a series, I'm sure that Spear wants, it was just too dragged out and the fact that Angel's make you pay for their services... yikes, no thank you. I definitely did not finish this. I read up to just after half-way and couldn't find myself to care about how it ended.

I didn't like the whole thing about how popular and celebrity-like these Angels were. They even have endorsements and I'm sure if I read on I'd probably learn that they even act or some crazy concept. I just didn't like the whole idea and the plot line, which is a shame because I'm sure I'd like Spear's other novels and I always feel mean writing a bad review but people want to know what I think so...

That's really all I have to say, just a reminder that this is solely my opinion. You may like it, heck, you may love it and it could be your favourite book and I just insulted you. I'm sorry but these are my opinions.

I hope Spear comes out with another novel because I would like to read what he can offer.

angels - 1:20:00 AM

Immortal City (Immortal City #1) by Scott Speer | Review

Pages: 368 pages Publication Date: April 3rd 2012 by Penguin Group ISBN: 1595145060 (ISBN13: 9781595145062 ) Jackson Godspee...

Pages: 418 pages

Publication Date: June 12th 2012 by Penguin Group

ISBN: 1595143181 (ISBN13: 9781595143181)

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. Alchemists protect vampire secrets - and human lives.

Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she's been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California - tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formorly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.

But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age-old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and her sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi - the fiercest vampires, the ones who don't die. But it's her fear of being just that - special, magical, powerful - that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Braydon, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else - someone forbidden to her.

When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney's loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.

Should she trust the Alchemists - or her heart?

Now, What I Thought:

So it seems like the Bloodlines series it going to go the same way as Vampire Academy, in a way. It was pretty predictable but not in a way that I disliked it. It was still super juicy and addicting as always. I LOVED reading this story and the world of Moroi, Dhampir, and Strigoi from Sydney's P.O.V. Something about her inner thoughts and the way she spoke was just such a refreshing start from Rose's in the Vampire Academy. Of course, it was a little annoying how restricted Sydney could be and that she's not that comfortable with herself, let alone others like Adrian.

I liked how they made Sydney more than just a boring Alchemist. Now that she's pretty sure she has this unexplainable magic, she starts to open up, yet she knows the danger if anyone were to find out. I really liked how they incorporated Braydon, a sort of distraction for Sydney. It was cute and sweet and also funny to see how Adrian reacted. The pacing for everything was pretty darn good- the romance, danger, self-realization etc. I was so hooked on how likeable the characters were. Obviously I know Eddie, Jill and Adrian from before but Angeline and Tray were pretty likeable, despite their faults. What made this book even better was definitely Sonya and Dimitri!! Those two are both hilarious and just a great reminder where this whole storyline and world came from.

Adrian was fantastic. Since Vampire Academy, I've been in love with Adrian. I think he has definitely grown and gone through some shit and deserves so much more, a.k.a Sydney :). Now, I don't know where Mead is going with this but it seems that Adrian finally gets to have some happiness in his life. I like that we get to see Sydney change, for the better. Her prejudices from the years and years of being brainwashed are finally breaking down and she's, again, slowly allowing herself to open up and be vulnerable in front of the Moroi and Dhampir.

All in all, this was the perfect sequel and I couldn't ask for a better book! Can't wait for the next one, The Indigo Spell!!! Yay!

alchemists - 12:46:00 AM

The Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2) by Richelle Mead | Review

Pages: 418 pages Publication Date: June 12th 2012 by Penguin Group ISBN: 1595143181 (ISBN13: 9781595143181 ) Sydney Sage is ...

Pages: 643 pages

Publication Date: May 27th 2014 by Penguin Books

ISBN: 0143126687 (ISBN13: 9780143126683)

August 30, 1975: the day fifteen-year-old Nola Kellergan is glimpsed fleeing through the woods, never to be heard from again; the day Somerset, New Hampshire, lost its innocence.

Thirty-three years later, Marcus Goldman, a successful young novelist, visits Somerset to see his mentor, Harry Quebert, one of the country’s most respected writers, and to find a cure for his writer’s block as his publisher’s deadline looms. But Marcus’s plans are violently upended when Harry is suddenly and sensationally implicated in the cold-case murder of Nola Kellergan—whom, he admits, he had an affair with. As the national media convicts Harry, Marcus launches his own investigation, following a trail of clues through his mentor’s books, the backwoods and isolated beaches of New Hampshire, and the hidden history of Somerset’s citizens and the man they hold most dear. To save Harry, his own writing career, and eventually even himself, Marcus must answer three questions, all of which are mysteriously connected: Who killed Nola Kellergan? What happened one misty morning in Somerset in the summer of 1975? And how do you write a book to save someone’s life?

Now, What I Thought:

WOW. That was an incredible ride. Seriously, I just finished that 2 min. ago and I knew I had to just rant about it! I was not expecting it to be that great! After all the reviews I had read, and there were plenty of mixed ones, I honestly thought I'd get bored but boy was I wrong.

This wonderful story is told by Marcus Goldman, the famous writer, a one hit wonder type of guy. He found his 5 min. of fame and he wanted to make it 10. The plot and story is told by switching from past and present, flash backs to the current events. I found this pretty cool and interesting. Thinking I'd for sure get confused, I was surprised that I didn't. It all made perfect sense, right down to the fast switching dates and years. Very well written in that sense.

The whole concept was so cool! It was a murder mystery yet it also indulged into Goldman's life and his mentor, Harry Quebert. The whole story definitely had this creepy factor about it, I mean the murder of a 15 year old beautiful, coveted girl, just screams creepy. Add a mysterious disappearance and that the famous master and friend of our main character, isn't all that innocent either. Hence the title. As the plot thickens, you really only see it through Goldman's eyes and well, since he's the reporter/writer of the story, not everyone is telling him the truth nor giving him the full backstory. SO we can't really rely on the information we're given, to be correct. Which, obviously having said that, is EXACTLY what happened.

The ending was a bunch of confusingness, I definitely didn't know what was going on haha but, literally the last 2 pages.. everything clicked. I WAS SO SHOCKED GUYS. I couldn't believe it. Definitely, VERY unexpected.

This book brought a whole new level of shocking endings. Definitely did not see any of that coming. Great job, Joel Dicker! I loved it!!