KEEP CALM AND LOVE BOOKS: blog

Pages: 562 pages

Publication Date: September 2nd 2014

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

ISBN: 1619630656 (ISBN13: 9781619630659)

She was the heir of ash and fire, and she would bow to no one.

Celaena Sardothien has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak—but at an unspeakable cost. Now she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth...a truth about her heritage that could change her life—and her future—forever.

Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. To defeat them, Celaena must find the strength to not only fight her inner demons but to battle the evil that is about to be unleashed.

The king's assassin takes on an even greater destiny and burns brighter than ever before in this follow-up to the New York Timesbestselling Crown of Midnight.

Now, What I Thought:

This book was crazy wicked!!! Magic is finally used and Chaol now knows that Celaena is not only a fae and has active magic BUT NOW is the rightful Queen Aelin, of the fae! We get introduced to so many characters!! We also get different P.O.V chapters!! We get Manon, Dorian, Chaol and of course, Celaena! If you thought that you guys knew Celaena before, well you're wrong! She did a total 180 on us, and it seems like when she finally took her rightful name, Aelin, she really showed her true ruthless ways, even more so than before...Which is saying something.

It's clear that the other big bad-ass female in this novel is Manon. She is definitely going to meet Celaena at one point in this series and it is going to be awesome! I hope they fight it out and I hope Celaena wins just so she can grow Manon's respect because she's starting to actually grow on me now! Also, dragons are evident in this novel... um EXCUSE ME MAAS!! You brought dragons into this! This book couldn't get any better!

Now, lets talk about Rowan. I've always said that I have no ship or team for Celaena's romance. Well that changed. I adore Rowan! I think he is amazing and yes he is a huge jackass and just makes Aelin look and feel so weak but that soon changes don't you guys worry ;). We get the two best friends of Celaena and Rowan by the end of the book and there is a huge face-off between Celaena and Rowan against Queen Maeve. It was pretty epic and some shit does go down!

I felt like this whole book was just all the male characters getting over Celaena and finding their own path instead of following hers. Dorian comes through some huge changes now that his magic is manifesting on it's own! Chaol has to deal with his rotten father and try to get over the fact that Celaena is the Queen of fae and could potentially kill them all. Aedion Ashryver, Celaena's cousin and childhood best friend, seemed to be a huge asshole at first with all of these smirks and deadly smiles but soon we find out that's not all he really is. He plays a huge role in helping Celaena win back her crown and take over! We get a lot of flashbacks and memories and they are all so sad, I really felt bad for Celaena and what she went through with her dead parents and Arobynn taking her.

The end was amazing! The huge battle in Celaena's chapters were huge!!!! Rowan really showed his intimacy and caring for Celaena when they are together fighting side by side with even Rowan's friends who are like 1000 years old. It was intense and it made a great segway into the next book. This book in general was probably my favourite out of all of them that are out! It was fantastic and amazing well-written!

assassin - 3:02:00 PM

Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J. Maas | Review

Pages: 562 pages Publication Date: September 2nd 2014 Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens ISBN: 1619630656 (ISBN13: 97816196...

Pages: 400 pages

Publication Date: February 25th 2014 by Harlequin Teen

ISBN: 0373211104 (ISBN13: 9780373211104)

One kiss could be the last.

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne… it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

Now, What I Thought:

This was such a cool concept. I'v always had a burning interest in angel/demon books and just adding gargoyles made it even better! I was pretty into this book, I couldn't put it down and had finished it in one go. Poor Layla, can't be kissed because she literally has the kiss of death. It's pretty obvious the desire Zayne holds for her, which just made it 10x more frustrating at how blind Layla was. You know, I'll admit, I think I'm team Zayne, something about him just makes me love him better than Roth! I mean, don't get me wrong, Roth is hella sexy and so raw in power, it's exhilarating to read, but.... Zayne is also powerful and smart and just.. angel like? Definitely more my type -insert heart eyes-!

I liked that Armentrout wasn't afraid to bring in mythology to the story and plot. We heavily get into some hell-related mythology which was great. While, this story was romance-based, I did like the other stuff too. Her friends, the inside Warden drama, and Layla's dilemma. Layla wasn't the typical strong, fearless and ruthless character that I usually prefer but I did like that her ultimate priority and nature was saving the people she cared about and just good-heartedly trying to help everyone and anyone.

Some of the characters weren't my favourite like, Stacey, who was way too portrayed as the 'slut' and the 'wild' one of the friendship between her and Layla. Also, Danika. I mean, Layla doesn't act too nice to her but come on.. being a Zayne lover myself, lets not have Danika in the picture please. I found it weird how I kind of ?liked? Petr and that unnecessary drama. Obviously we find out why he's needed in the series but for spoilers sake, I won't say. Petr was a good distraction from the whole Zayne/Roth love drama. One thing I didn't really understand about the plot was that humans very well knew gargoyles existed but.. how and why? It's almost as if everyone in the world has this, 'so what?' kind of attitude towards it, which I don't get considering usually people would be making it national news and freaking the hell out.

The book was enjoyable but only for a light reading. If you were wanting to read this for an in-depth plot masterpiece, unfortunately you won't find it here. It was still good, and I did read the next one :)

angels - 9:59:00 PM

White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements, #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout | Review

Pages: 400 pages Publication Date: February 25th 2014 by Harlequin Teen ISBN: 0373211104 (ISBN13: 9780373211104 ) One kiss cou...

Pages: 324 pages

Publication Date: May 10th 2011 by Henry Holt

ISBN: 0805092528 (ISBN13: 9780805092523)

Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!

Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

Now What I Thought:

The amount of times I have re-read this book is insane. Most of the time I have a hard time picking out new books to read because it's novels like Ruby Red that just captivate my attention over and over again. The first book is really good, it does a great job at introducing all of the characters and Gwyneth is just such a likeable person. Charlotte, her cousin, on the other hand... I mean, I do feel bad for her A LITTLE, but as for some of her actions and rude remarks towards Gwen, are just ridiculously unnecessary. The novel itself and the content is so funny. Definitely has comedic aspects in it, if not the whole thing. I will be honest, from the first time I read this till now... I never did like Gideon, 'the love interst'. Sure he's her companion and her opposite, if you will, but the guy is seriously such a git.

As for the time-travel part of the book, it was good. I loved Gier's view and representation of time-travel and was definitely enjoyable. Gwen is part of this whole dynasty and family just filled with the unknown and while she thinks she's just on the outskirts of the big whole plan, she's really smack-dab in the centre. I liked the fact that Gwen caught on fast and was a fast learner when it came to time travel, even though Charlotte would disagree. Her family on the other hand, really irked me, down to her mother. Her aunts just never believed in Gwen and her ability to do a good job and fix the problem at hand. I hated how they would make her feel insufficient and inferior to Charlotte and Gideon.

Having read this trilogy so many times, it's difficult to remember what happens in each individual book and not mush everything together, some of you will know what I mean, haha. This series was originally written in German, and even the movies that were made are in German. The translation was totally fine and I didn't notice anything too peculiar about word choice and such. Kerstin Gier has an amazing talent to write YA fantasy and I never once found myself bored, lulled etc. reading these novels.

18th century - 9:15:00 PM

Ruby Red (Precious Stone Trilogy #1) by Kerstin Gier | Review

Pages: 324 pages Publication Date: May 10th 2011 by Henry Holt ISBN: 0805092528 (ISBN13: 9780805092523 ) Gwyneth Shepherd'...

amazing - 11:52:00 PM

United We Spy (Gallagher Girls #6) by Ally Carter | Review

Pages: 296 pages Publication Date: September 17th 2013 by Disney-Hyperion ISBN: 1423165993 (ISBN13: 9781423165996 ) Cammie M...

amazing - 11:30:00 PM

Only the Good Spy Young (Gallagher Girls #4) by Ally Carter | Review

Pages: 265 pages Publication Date: June 29th 2010 by Hyperion Book CH ISBN: 1423128206 (ISBN13: 9781423128205 ) When Cammie ...

assassin - 11:19:00 PM

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You (Gallagher Girls #1) by Ally Carter | Review

Pages: 284 pages Publication Date: April 25th 2006 by Disney-Hyperion ISBN: 1423100034 (ISBN13: 9781423100034 ) Cammie Morgan...

Pages: 308 pages

Publication Date: February 26th 2013 by Walker Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 0802733905 (ISBN13: 9780802733900)

Which is more dangerous: being an international spy... or surviving high school?

Maggie Silver has never minded her unusual life. Cracking safes for the world's premier spy organization and traveling the world with her insanely cool parents definitely beat high school and the accompanying cliques, bad lunches, and frustratingly simple locker combinations. (If it's three digits, why bother locking it at all?)

But when Maggie and her parents are sent to New York City for her first solo assignment, her world is transformed. Suddenly, she's attending a private school with hundreds of "mean girl" wannabes, trying to avoid the temptation to hack the school's elementary security system, and working to befriend the aggravatingly cute son of a potential national security threat... all while trying not to blow her cover.

Now, What I Thought:

This book was surprisingly well written! I didn't think I would ever like a book as much as Ally Carter's, Gallagher Girls. But this definitely shocked me at how much I enjoyed reading this. Just like in the summary, Maggie Silver is a 16 year old safe cracker. One of the bests actually. She's the daughter of 2 infamous spies, that being said, her parents suggest a mission to Maggie that their "boss" gave them. To be a normal 16 year old, attend high school and well.. Befriend a boy ;) This is where the 'romance' part of the story begins. I will admit, I didn't actually read this book because of the romantic part of it.

I love spy books ! Which nowadays is sooooo hard! Wanna know why? Cause I'v practically read all of them :(

Back to the storyline. Basically, she goes to high school for the first time and finally sees the boy she's supposed to befriend, Jessie Oliver. A lot of events that even surprised me happens and the end is a big shock! The one who surprised me the most would have to be Jessie. I expected him to be some hot, jerk that wouldn't give the time of day to Maggie. Which I was wrong! He was sweet and nice and actually connected with Maggie.

bad - 11:13:00 PM

Also Known As (Also Known As #1) by Robin Benway | Review

Pages: 308 pages Publication Date: February 26th 2013 by Walker Books for Young Readers ISBN: 0802733905 (ISBN13: 9780802733900 ...

Pages: 576 pages

Publication Date: December 26th 2006 by Ember

ISBN: 0385733410 (ISBN13: 9780385733410)

Ah, Christmas! Gemma Doyle is looking forward to a holiday from Spence Academy, spending time with her friends in the city, attending ritzy balls, and on a somber note, tending to her ailing father. As she prepares to ring in the New Year, 1896, a handsome young man, Lord Denby, has set his sights on Gemma, or so it seems. Yet amidst the distractions of London, Gemma’s visions intensify–visions of three girls dressed in white, to whom something horrific has happened, something only the realms can explain...

The lure is strong, and before long, Gemma, Felicity, and Ann are turning flowers into butterflies in the enchanted world of the realms that Gemma alone can bring them to. To the girls’ great joy, their beloved Pippa is there as well, eager to complete their circle of friendship.

But all is not well in the realms–or out. The mysterious Kartik has reappeared, telling Gemma she must find the Temple and bind the magic, else great disaster will befall her. Gemma’s willing to do his intrusive bidding, despite the dangers it brings, for it means she will meet up with her mother’s greatest friend–and now her foe, Circe. Until Circe is destroyed, Gemma cannot live out her destiny. But finding Circe proves a most perilous task.

Now, What I Thought:

Just like the first book, the second book was amazing! I really liked the plot of it and where it was going (where I thought it was going). So Gemma is in Spence Academy and she's the last to leave for Christmas break, one night when she's alone, she wanders off and comes across her head mistress and this new teacher that she's been suspicious about for a while. When she's hiding and listening in to their conversation, she gets a 'hunch' and learns something. I think this scene is crucial knowledge to really understand what happens later. After when she's at the train station, she notices a man following her (I would have never noticed haha!) and that's literally where all the drama begins!

I liked this book because Libba Bray had the one main plot and that was enough drama, you would think adding mini little problems would be too much right? well nope. The opposite actually! Gemma meets this man at the train station and by the way he's described, he sounds very handsome, you find out his names Lord Denby and Gemma's brother actually is acquainted wit him. Yeah.. well.. He becomes a bit of an issue for her. Not to mention, her little romance with Kartik is just adding more-- which btw, I absolutely adore Kartik for his mysterious ways ;). ANYWAYS

Surprisingly, Bray did an excellent job, because of all these little dramas, they made me want to read more into the book! And I'm pretty sure thats what she intended to do. Great job, If you loved the first one ( or if you didn't even like it) COME READ THIS! pretty good :)

amazing - 10:47:00 PM

Rebel Angels (Gemma Doyle #2) by Libba Bray | Review

Pages: 576 pages Publication Date: December 26th 2006 by Ember ISBN: 0385733410 (ISBN13: 9780385733410 ) Ah, Christmas! Gemma ...

Pages: 403 pages

Publication Date: December 9th 2003 by Simon and Schuster

ISBN: 0689875347 (ISBN13: 9780689875342)

A Victorian boarding school story, a Gothic mansion mystery, a gossipy romp about a clique of girlfriends, and a dark other-worldly fantasy—jumble them all together and you have this complicated and unusual first novel.

Sixteen-year-old Gemma has had an unconventional upbringing in India, until the day she foresees her mother's death in a black, swirling vision that turns out to be true. Sent back to England, she is enrolled at Spence, a girls' academy with a mysterious burned-out East Wing. There Gemma is snubbed by powerful Felicity, beautiful Pippa, and even her own dumpy roommate Ann, until she blackmails herself and Ann into the treacherous clique. Gemma is distressed to find that she has been followed from India by Kartik, a beautiful young man who warns her to fight off the visions. Nevertheless, they continue, and one night she is led by a child-spirit to find a diary that reveals the secrets of a mystical Order. The clique soon finds a way to accompany Gemma to the other-world realms of her visions "for a bit of fun" and to taste the power they will never have as Victorian wives, but they discover that the delights of the realms are overwhelmed by a menace they cannot control. Gemma is left with the knowledge that her role as the link between worlds leaves her with a mission to seek out the "others" and rebuild the Order. A Great and Terrible Beauty is an impressive first book in what should prove to be a fascinating trilogy.

Now, What I Thought:

This is the first book in Libba Bray's trilogy,Gemma Doyle. It starts off with Gemma in India where her and her mother live. I actually really liked where this was set. Iv actually never read a book based out of India, which is interesting because it should happen more often. I definitely liked that about Bray's book.

Some events play out and Gemma finds herself in London with her brother on their way to a boarding school, due to her mothers sudden death. Its basically like every other school book except based in the Victorian Era. It has the mean girls, then the mean girls open their arms toward the slightly vulnerable protagonist which then creates drama. This all happens except, its slightly more paranormal.

I actually liked this book! As soon as I was done it, I knew that I should probably go and buy the next one haha! Of course the book leaves you off wondering whats going to happen next, so thumbs up to Libba Bray, for her writing skills that made me buy the second book in this trilogy :) I would definitely suggest reading this one

amazing - 10:43:00 PM

A Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle #1) by Libba Bray | Review

Pages: 403 pages Publication Date: December 9th 2003 by Simon and Schuster ISBN: 0689875347 (ISBN13: 9780689875342 ) A Victo...

Pages: 448 pages

Publication Date: January 22nd 2013 by HarperTeen

ISBN: 0061996203 (ISBN13: 9780061996207)

The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.

Now, What I Thought:

You guys don't even understand how much I wanted to write this review!! ~~I cried so much!~~ I bawled my eyes out! Like, the ending was so heartbreaking, either for good reasons or bad reasons I will not say, you will have to read and find out! I wish I could confess everything that happened in this book and rave about every last bit, but unfortunately I can't :( YOU GUYS HAVE TO READ IT And if you haven't even read the series yet and just checking out this review for some reason, READ BOOK 1 AND BOOK 2! I cannot express how much I want you guys to experience this. I have not raved about a book like this in a very long time!

In the book, Cynthia Hand really wraps things up. But still keeps you at the edge of your seats just waiting to see what she'll throw at us! Like I remember reading the very last few pages of the book and thinking.. holy shit. She's still throwing surprises at us! Even the last page was really a shock! THE LAST PAGE! It literally made you want to turn this trilogy into a full blown series and beg her for more. I will never understand how I survived the day I finished this book after knowing it was the last for Unearthly. It was too good of a series to even finish! All I'm saying is that, I wish this were more than a trilogy. But it was a FANTASTIC friggan trilogy. Read it, like now.

amazing - 9:31:00 PM

Boundless (Unearthly #3) by Cynthia Hand | Review

Pages: 448 pages Publication Date: January 22nd 2013 by HarperTeen ISBN: 0061996203 (ISBN13: 9780061996207 ) The past few ...

Type: ebook,

Pages: 94 pages

Publication Date: December 4th 2012 by Epic Reads Impulse

ISBN: 0062258575 (ISBN13: 9780062258571)

From New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Hand comes a riveting original novella (available only as an ebook) set in the world of the Unearthly series.

Clara is desperate to get away—from the memories that haunt her in Wyoming and the visions of a future she isn't ready to face—and spending the summer in Italy with her best friend, Angela, should be the perfect escape. . . .

For as long as she can remember, Angela has been told that love is dangerous, that she must always guard her heart. But when she met a mysterious guy in Italy two years ago she was determined to be with him, no matter the costs. Now she must decide whether she can trust Clara with her secret, or if telling her the truth will risk everything she cares about.

Alternating between Angela and Clara's perspectives, Radiantchronicles the unforgettable summer that will test the bounds of their friendship and change their lives forever.

Now, What I Thought:

For being a short story, this was surprisingly great! This is just Clara and Angela in Italy and we get introduced to a new character who I then realize is important in the next book, which is the real reason I posted a review for this one.

We meet Phen, (I remember him saying he was a messenger) an angel.. and at first I was all like, OH HELLO HOTTIE, but then I realized oh shit, if Clara doesn't like him than I probably shouldn't.. So you find out in the next book if Clara is right or not, but I'm sure you can guess. The thing I liked in this book especially was the alternating between Clara and Angela's POV. I liked this because you really got to see the way Angela thinks for a change, and I was right since the first book. I never liked Angela, I felt like she was too selfish and always jealous of everything if she didn't have it. She always seemed to be jealous of Clara too so that also turned me off. But in this book, you really see Angela's selfishness and such. Anyways, I think if you love this series, read this little short story. No harm in reading it, and you need to know Phen so it can fully make sense in the next book.