Under The Never Sky (Under The Never Sky, #1)

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So, I have to admit, I read this book solely because of that title. I saw it and was like "Whoa, that is pretty interesting! Under The Never Sky.. Hmm... Wonder what that means?"
I didn't even read the synopsis until right before I started it.

But the book with the interesting title didn't disappoint! This is basically about Aria, who lives in a virtual world and gets kicked out, and Peregrine (Perry), who is a Savage living in the Death Shop (a.k.a. the outside world). They meet, go on a search together, adventure et cetera, et cetera.

Okay, so first I have to say, pretty prose! Rossi really has a nicely flowing writing style. The prose is pretty and poetic, but not in a heavy way. Instead, it is light and very readable.

Then, the overall concept. Although I loved the idea of a virtual world in which humans live with their bodies somewhere safe, the novel lacked some world building. It's never really clear how everything has come to be the way it is. I'm not someone who needs a lot of world building to get into a book, so I didn't really mind, but I can definitely see why it would annoy others. There was one thing that did annoy me: the freakin' Aether storms! It was never explained and we were apparently just supposed to go with it. Now, I now what Aether is in general concept, but it didn't seem to be like that, what with flards in the air and such. The Dutch edition of "Under The Never Sky" says they are electricity storms. I guess that's all the explanation we're going to get.

What I really liked is the way Rossi handles the senses. In Under The Never Sky, Savages sometimes have extraordinary senses, like hear good, see good, etc. But it was extremely awkward when (view spoiler)[Perry could smell Aria was on her period. That's so awkward that I can't even. (hide spoiler)].

The characters were well done, too. I never disliked Aria. I didn't love her, but she was certainly enjoyable to read and she shows iniative! Perry was nice too, never controlling and always sweet. And Roar. Oh, Roar. He was the lighter tone, flirting and joking and very, very loveable.

So, for some reason this sounds quite negative, but I did love this book. I mean, it's not like I give out four star ratings for free!

Stormdancer (The Lotus War, #1)

Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Actual rating: 4.5 stars

I've had Stormdancer sitting on my shelf for quite a while. I glanced at it once in a while, but I always chose some other book to read. Why? I have no idea, because I loved Stormdancer.

The beginning of the book was the hardest part for me, because it felt a bit slow. You're thrown into this world with little explanation. There is a glossary, but I noticed that after I finished, because I have an e-version of the book. So that wasn't really helpul for me, but I'm sure it has helped others a lot. I only wish I'd noticed it right away... But oh, well.

After this first part the action begins. And boy, did I like it! Buruu the griffin was without a doubt the best part of this book. I loved him. I loved him SO HARD. When he and Yukiko first meet, he thinks like a beast, really. He hardly understands human emotions and is all bloodlust. (And did I love it. Especially the STAND ASIDE, I WILL GUT HIM.) HILARIOUS. But as the book progresses, he thinks more coherently and understands humans better.

I did love Yukiko too. She is just pretty badass. What more can I say?

I loved the writing *most* of the time. It usually was very pretty, but at times the book felt a little slow because of all the descriptions. But when there weren't too much descriptions, I loved it. A few quotes I really like:

To be a servant can be a noble thing, but only as noble as the master served.

This is how the rain becomes a flood. One drop at a time.

And that ending! It was so sad and so powerful and so WHOA. Don't you stomp on my heart again, Kristoff! Please do. It makes the book that much more powerful.

In short, where kan I get an ARC of Kinslayer?

Sever (The Chemical Garden, #3)

Sever by Lauren DeStefano
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When I first finished this book, I gave it five stars. After a bit of thought, I decided to make it four, because there were a few things I didn't like. When I first started this series, I enjoyed it. I didn't love Wither, but I definitely enjoyed it. Then I read Fever, which is by far the best book of the series. I absolutely loved that one and you've probably seen me gushing over it. And now I've read Sever. I really enjoyed it, but in the end didn't love it as much as Fever. These are basically my thoughts during Sever:

Pretty prose.. Gimme more.

Hm, so I like this guy. I get the cover now.

Yes, indeed, you're stalling. Don't.

Okay, interesting.

Whoa, really? I like Fever even more now.

God, Vaughn really does everything, doesn't he?

Meh. Don't like this guy, really.

Oh wow. That must suck SO HARD.

Wait wait, what is happening? How? Whut?

NOOOOO! No, no, no. I refuse to believe this. Fuuuuuuuck.

YOU GO, GIRL!

So.. Let me explain.

I have always loved DeStefano's prose and probably always will. I really love her writing still since it's so poetic and fits the story well. I did think her prose was strongest in Fever, not in Sever. But hey, pretty is pretty right?

I really liked Reed, but he was a bit convenient. I mean, we've never heard of him before (or maybe we have, but I've forgotten). But he was great, or so I thought. And oh, Cecily. I didn't like her all that much in Wither, but I absolutely loved her in Sever and she's probably my favourite character now (sorry, Rhine, too bad.). I mean, she really grows up and this girl is a Badass with capital B. Not that she does fight scenes or anything, but she's strong, maybe even stronger than Rhine. (view spoiler)[ Also, that ending? HELL YES. Cecily, I freaking love you. (hide spoiler)]

I like Rhine, but she was a bit passive in this book. I mean, in the first book (spoilers for book 1 and 2 here) she escapes the mansion and in the second book she's going on this journey that's tough as fuck. but in this book she sits a bit too much around instead of kicking some ass. Not that I didn't like her, but it was a little disappointing.

Then there's Vaughn. He might be the best character in this series. Yes, he's the villain, but altough I hated him in the first two books, I just couln't in Sever. In fact, I felt sorry for him. I could understand him and feel for him. It takes some skill to make your readers feel for the villain, so good job!

Unfortunately, I disliked Rowan. He's just way too meh for me (like Gabriel). He believed like everything he was told and I found I couldn't connect with him.

Now, we need to talk about that cover. Wither's cover was stunning. It was absolutely gorgeous. Then, Fever's cover happened. It was awful, but after reading the book made sense. And now Sever, which also doesn't really live up to expectations. I love the original way of presenting the font and cover, but other than that it's not really a pleasure for the eyes. But once again, after reading the book, it makes sense. The apples, the globe, the plane, the bird (probably representing freedom)... So even though I do not like that cover, I say once more good job.

And.. The plot. I loved how some things from Fever made more sense in this book, making me love Fever even more. I thought it was overall well done, but the ending was a bit hasty for me. The whole thing with Hawaii etc. was a bit too fast for me and I still don't really understand what happened there.

In short, a beautiful and often touching conclusion to the prettily written Chemical Garden series.

Teeth

Teeth by Hannah Moskowitz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have never read a novel by Hannah Moskowitz before (I know, shame on me). I kept seeing five-star ratings and glowing reviews for her books, especially Gone, Gone, Gone. I wanted to read her books, but I was hesitant buying one of them. I wanted to read an excerpt or something first, because what if I wouldn't like it? Then I'd have bought a book I hated, spent money on something I don't want. But after seeing like billions of reviews gushing over Hannah Moskowitz, I knew I had to do it. I had to buy a book written by her.

Well, it didn't disappoint. I absolutely loved Teeth. Why? Well, let me tell you...

The writing

Oh God, how I loved her writing. There's something about it that makes the story real, even if it's about magic fish. It's raw and has a way doing some sort of surprise attack. You let your attention falter for a moment.. and BAM there it is, her writing has slammed into your heart and now it's lying on the floor in little pieces.

The characters

This is were Teeth really shined for me. Her characters are so complex and flawed, so real and heartbreaking. Two lonely and broken boys, so different and so the same. I loved all of them. Teeth, oh Teeth. He's really slap-worthy at times, but I loved him. I absolutely loved him. It's a shame he isn't real. *cries*

I would like to talk about the description of the book.

Be careful what you believe in.

Rudy’s life is flipped upside-down when his family moves to a remote island in a last attempt to save his sick younger brother. With nothing to do but worry, Rudy sinks deeper and deeper into loneliness and lies awake at night listening to the screams of the ocean beneath his family’s rickety house.

Okay, so far, this is all right. But then:

Then he meets Diana, who makes him wonder what he even knows about love, and Teeth, who makes him question what he knows about anything.

I might be the only one, but I don't think this is true. He does hook up with Diana, but I didn't have the idea he was wondering about love. At all. Instead, he admits he doesn't really feel anything for her. So, in my opinion, that's not correct.

In short, I loved this. I really loved this. And yes, I am going to buy her other books too. Like soon.

Eona (Eon, #2)

Eona by Alison Goodman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow.

Eona was everything I expected and more.

This book is freaking amazing, like, really. Honestly, I don't even know what to say about it because it's so awesome. Halfway through the book I'd already decided that this was a 5 star book, and then that ending happened. Every doubt I may have had was instantly gone.

I love the character growth! This story is about Eona, but also about what power does to you. It was very crafty. When Eona said she didn't lie much, or that it was for someone else's sake, I agreed with her. I thought, people, give this girl a break, yeah? She's right. And then someone would accuse her of lying or not telling something, I started to think and I realised they were right. But I could never hate her, or even dislike her.

What also adds to the strength of this book is the fact that no-one can really be trusted. It influences everything, including the romance. Speaking of the romance, I LIKE. It was not the main theme of the story, thank God. Lately every Young Adult book is all about twu luurve. But not Eona, and I was very grateful for that.

Also kind of major spoiler:
(view spoiler)[ I really liked the sort of love triangle. I really really hated Ido in the first book, but I loved the dark attraction between him and Eona. And that one scene was HAWT. Really, I wanted it to happen again. But Kygo is also very sweet, and in the end, I am definitely team Kygo. But still.. damn. (hide spoiler)]

This book is over 600 pages, but every page is worth it. I read it so fast, I just couldn't lay it down. And every of those pages was needed. There was never too much, and I can't think of a single page that needn't be there.

In short, I loved Eona and I recommend. Highly.

The Elite (The Selection, #2)

The Elite by Kiera Cass
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

*ARC was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

I really loved The Selection, and I really loved The Elite.

I don't think they are high-quality books like Daughter of Smoke & Bone. This is due to worldbuilding, prose and just the general concept. I don't think they are lacking, but I also don't think they're outstanding.

But you know what? I really don't care. I read these books because they are light and fluffy and enjoyable. They make me happy, I like to read them. And that is what counts in the end. The The Selection series are just plain old fun to read. (Because, c'mon, who didn't or doesn't dream about being a princess? I bet you did.)

I would like to see a little more worldbuilding and information about the rebels. I thought the scene with the rebel girl was a nice touch, but also made me curious for more!

I also thought the plot twist involcing Maxon and his father was surprising and good. I'm curious to see if, and how, this evolves in The One.

Speaking of Maxon, he was incredibly sweet, as always. I really hope America chooses him, because he is just so sweet and giving toward her.
I was in fact a little shocked when there was a little revelation about (view spoiler)[ how he'd never recieved any gift (hide spoiler)] and I hope America will change that.

I did not like Aspen. Yes, he was at times sweet, but he mostly annoyed me. And I still haven't forgiven him for being such a jerk in book one.

All in all, a fun, quick and light read!
And the next book, called The One will be published in 2014. Yes. 2014. How will I survive? I need to know what's going to happen!

View all my reviews

Stolen

Stolen by Lucy Christopher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a beautiful book. I absolutely loved it.

In Stolen, 16-year old Gemma is kidnapped from Bangkok airport and taken to Australia.

This book isn't good because it has lots of action or so many plot twist you never saw coming. It has neither of those things. It's so good because it's a book I feel.

The story takes form of a letter written by Gemma to Ty. I didn't expect to love her, but she just creeps up on you and before you know it, you feel for her. You feel like you know her. Gemma isn't a kick-ass, look-I've-got-a-sword-and-can-fight-with-it herione, but she also isn't a whiny, save-me-and-let-me-love-you girl. She's a real teenage girl. Her feelings are real. Her thoughts are real. Her actions are real.

Then there's Ty. Oh, Ty. In the beginning of the book, I did not like him. He kidnapped Gemma, after all. That's not exactly admirable. But he isn't an evil kidnapper, not really. He's lonely, he loves Gemma, he's broken. And he grows on you. You won't like him in the beginning, but silently he grows on you, and when you realise you love him it's already too late. You can't go back. And I did love him. Just like Gemma, he's real, so real.

The writing is absolutely gorgeous. It's not gorgeous in a Laini Taylor kind of way, or a Lauren DeStefano kind of way. It's beautiful because it's honest. It makes the book all the more real.

As a reader, I'm not really emotional. Something really big has to happen for me to even raise my eyebrow, let alone to make me really feel for a book. I felt for the Unearthly series. I felt for the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series. But I really felt for this.

The biggest pro of the book is just the realness and honesty of it, the way it carefully tears you apart, the way I couldn't help but love it in the end.

If you want a book with a lot of action: this isn't it. But the dynamics of Gemma and Ty's 'relationship', the writing, the landscape (Australia!), everything, it just made me keep reading.

Boundless (Unearthly, #3)

Boundless by Cynthia Hand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Cynthia Hand?


Actual rating: 4,5 stars

I absolutely love this series. I can't believe it's actually over now D:

Boundless is a stunning close to the series. For some reason, it's also extremely difficult to review.

Things I liked:

There was character growth! Clara really grows up in this novel, standing up for herself and her life. I really loved her: she's such a likeable heroine.

We also got to see more of Angela, Jeffrey, Christian and Tucker (yay!).

The plot twists. OH MY. Apart from one plot twist, they were all surprising, i-never-saw-that-coming plot twists, sometimes ripping your heart out, sometimes making you gasp. Oh my. Oh my.

Chapter 18. So sweet. I really loved it!

Things I didn't like that much:

The ending. It all felt too convenient for me, because everything for Clara and the boy she chooses is just so.. convenient. Life is never convenient.

I also didn't like how things ended for the other boy. We have no idea how he is.

And the whole purpose thing was a little vague. So she's got a divine purpose, but actually it's just a possible future? So what the hell was her purpose exactly? And Jeffrey's??

All in all, a worthy close to the Unearthly series. I can't believe it's really over now! *cries*