Review: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Eighteen-year-old Celaena Sardothien is bold, daring and beautiful – the perfect seductress and the greatest assassin her world has ever known. But though she won the King’s contest and became his champion, Celaena has been granted neither her liberty nor the freedom to follow her heart. The slavery of the suffocating salt mines of Endovier that scarred her past is nothing compared to a life bound to her darkest enemy, a king whose rule is so dark and evil it is near impossible to defy. Celaena faces a choice that is tearing her heart to pieces: kill in cold blood for a man she hates, or risk sentencing those she loves to death. Celaena must decide what she will fight for: survival, love or the future of a kingdom. Because an assassin cannot have it all . . . And trying to may just destroy her.

Title: Crown of Midnight
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #2
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: August 15th 2013

Rating: 5 unquestionable stars

Thoughts:

If they wanted Adarlan's assassin, they'd get her. And Wyrd help them when she arrived.

I really wish I didn't have to review this book, because how can I put the utter brilliance and masterful plotting into words? If you haven't read this yet, fix that now. Seriously. You shall not be disappointed.

Because I can't put everything into elaborate words, I'm just going to give you a list of all the things I loved:

The characters. They were so tangible and real, so complex and flawed: it was fantastic. I couldn't help but love Celaena in all her arrogance and adore Chaol - oh, Chaol- in all his sweetness. I've always preferred Chaol over Dorian, but YOU GUYS. He was made of awesome in this book. And I actually kind of liked Dorian as well. I don't know why, but I just disliked him in Throne of Glass. His character really comes into power in this book, and of course, there were plot twists and surprises and losses that made him a much stronger character - actually, it made every character much stronger.

The plotting. Magnificent. Maas really went crazy with the plot and I love it. The twists were well placed and had me gasping. I guess I should have seen some of them coming, but I never did. I always figured out what was going on at the exact same time Celaena did, so props for that! And oh, guys, there was a certain twist that I did NOT see coming at all and I was gasping and going omg, omg, nonono. You'll recognize it when you get there. Pure brilliance, and Maas has guts. The plot was absolutely insane and big and awesome.

The writing. Maas' writing fits the book incredibly well. It has a certain regal flare to it, which is extremely appropiate as the book revolves around the events that take place in the castle. I gobbled it up.

The romance. The romance had the exact right pace: not too slow, not too quick. It was completely believable. And whenever they had an argument or anything, it wasn't just to fill the book with angst (in fact, you'll find very little of that, if not none at all), but for a real, plausible reason.

The plot. Just because it was so good that I had to mention it again.

The eerie feel to the book. Okay, it's not all that eerie, but I read a certain scene that takes place in a certain tomb on my own in the dark and I was immensely creeped out. I do not recommend doing that, as you'll probably have trouble sleeping afterward.

In all, this book was just perfection. Per-fect. Absolutely and utterly perfect. The plot was insanely good and the twists had me guessing and gasping over and over again. The characters were very real in their thoughts, flaws, and actions, and I really just want to eat this book. It was so good.

Review: Pivot Point by Kasie West

Title: Pivot Point

Author: Kasie West

Series: Pivot Point, #1

Publisher: Harper Teen

Publication Date: February 12th 2013

Source: Bought

Description: Knowing the outcome doesn’t always make a choice easier . . .

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.

Review: Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Poison Study

Author: Maria V. Snyder

Series: Study #1

Publisher: Mira

Publication Date: March 1st 2007

Format: ebook

Description:

Choose: A quick death…Or slow poison...

About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace—and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.

And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust—and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.

As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear...

Review: Requiem by Lauren Oliver

Title: Requiem

Author: Lauren Oliver

Series: Delirium

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: March 5^th 2013

Source: Bought

Description: They have tried to squeeze us out, to stamp us into the past.

But we are still here.

And there are more of us every day.

Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight.

After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven—pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids. Regulators now infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels, and as Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor.

Maybe we are driven crazy by our feelings.

Maybe love is a disease, and we would be better off without it.

But we have chosen a different road.

And in the end, that is the point of escaping the cure: We are free to choose.

We are even free to choose the wrong thing.

Requiem is told from both Lena’s and Hana’s points of view. The two girls live side by side in a world that divides them until, at last, their stories converge.

Outcast

Outcast by Adrienne Kress
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thank you, Diversion Books, for gifting me an ARC. No money or favours were exchanged to alter this review.

4.5 stars

So, I went into this with pretty low expectations. I don't know why, but I did. Maybe because of the cover, which isn't really my style. Maybe because this was 'just another angel book' (in my opinion). Well, I was wrong. Because I loved this. Loved loved loved this. Oh yeah, and I shall explain why too.

So, there's this little town in which every year, angels come down from the sky and take people. Almost everyone in this town thinks, especially thanks to Pastor Warren, that this is a blessing and it's great and special and wow. Not Riley. Her best friend/boyfriend Chris was taken, and the next year she shoots an angel in the face.

Yup. That makes for a pretty strong start, doesn't it? So, she shoots this angel thing, but instead of dying it transforms into a very naked boy. Unsure what to do, she ties him up and tries to question him, but there's a little problem: he thinks it's 1956.

I'll start of with the only thing I didn't love: the writing. Now, it wasn't bad. Not at all. But I felt like it was a Diesel. It needed to warm up first. In the beginning of the book the prose is a bit scraped together, sometimes even a bit stream-of-consciousness like. However, later on it got it's act together and became steady and enjoyable.

The characters were great. Riley isn't a Mary Sue; she's not the ooh-I'm-little-miss-perfect-but-I-don't-realise-it character. Or the character that's basically perfect except she's CLUMSY. Woo (Bella Swan, anyone?). Nope, she's a real person, flawed too, but she realises her mistakes and tries to better them. Yes! I loved her since the first page, since she shot an angel and kept loving her until the book ended.

The other characters were real persons too. And I LOVED LOVED LOVED how Riley and "mean cheerleadergirl" Lacy actually became good friends. Yes!! I can't really explain how happy I am about that. Yes, yes, yes! Mean girls with depth!

And the plot. Oh, the plot. It's so refreshing to read a book again that has an actual plot, and a good one at that. Yeah! So much win. And I loved how the little things were there too, how they actually had to do with the plot, and how it wasn't predictable. Refreshing, good, and I want more. There was a little hint that I immediately picked up on, but stupid me with low expectations thought: "Oh, this must be an usual ARC mistake. *snort*" It wasn't. I should have seen that coming and I didn't. What have you done to me? What have you done to me??

Then there's the romance. Once again I say, well done. I absolutely loathe insta-love and that wasn't present. It was slow-burning and not too fast and realistic. Bravo, Adrienne Kress!

And THAT ENDING. Oh shit. I'm not someone who cries over books (my emotions all stay in my head while reading), but if I was, I definitely would have. Kick-ass and so sad and NOOOOOOOOO WHY??? WHY???? I repeat, what have you done to me?

Would I recommend this? Hell yes. Put this on your to-read list. Now.

----------
Initial reaction:
Shiiiiiiiit! That was intense!

Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X, #1)

Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

When I first saw this on Goodreads, I cheered. A new novel from one of my favourite authors!



Then, I saw I could request an ARC of it. I went crazy.



Then, I got approved to read it.



I cozied up and started reading.

And oh, I wanted to love this. I really, really did. But sadly, this just wasn't for me. But, on the bright side, it did inspire me to create a shelf named 'it's not you, it's me'. Because that's how I feel about this. Because there are going to be lots of people who will devour this, cry because it's over, give it five stars and gush about Mastermind Mead.

I am just not one of those people.

So, Gameboard of the Gods is this sci-fi/urban fantasy/dystopian about Justin March, who was exiled but now called back to the RUNA, a futuristic American country. He's supposed to solve a murder mystery, gets a gorgeous guardian named Mae Koskinen and gets involved with gods. Sounds good, no?

Unfortunately, it was boring. And like, really boring. I only kept reading because I was hoping that it would be less boring, that there would be a major surprise, or a mindblowing ending that would earn the book five stars no matter what. I try to always finish a book, but damn, I was close to DNF'ing this.

That doesn't mean there was no action. Oh no, there were plenty of fighting scenes. But still, it was really hard to keep my attention to it. I'd be reading it and then go...
"... Ooh, nice song on the radio!" *starts humming*
"... God, my dog is so cute."
"... Is there food anywhere? I'm getting hungry."
"... Why did it suddenly start raining?"

... Yeah. I had to say to myself "You ARE going to finish it, and NOW at that!" to finish this. And even then, I read it reluctantly. *sigh* I'm just so disappointed, because this should have been my new favourite book of 2013.

One thing that didn't help was the worldbuilding - or rather the lack thereof. At first, I had no idea what was what, which country did what, etc. Don't get me wrong - I like it when an author has guts and throws you into a world with no hand-holding, but I would have liked more information there. I finished this and I still don't know how everything happened.

This doesn't mean that this was an awful book, though. Like I said, many people are going to love this. One thing I really love is how Mead creates real, flawed characters in every book she writes. Justin and Mae were both very readable and and very flawed. That's good, because really, who isn't flawed?

NOBODY.

And while at times Mae reminded me of Rose with her mad fighting skills and battlelust, and Justin reminded me of Adrian, with his drinking and women-addiction, they were also very distinct of the Vampire Academy cast. This shows Mead's skills, because it can be very hard to create a character that is a little like some other character, but is a whole other person (if that makes sense).

Also, Mead's prose is as always steady and very loveable.

Basically, I can some this review up in four words:

Unfortunately, not for me.

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!

What's Left Of Me (Hybrid Chronicles, #1)

What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang


Oh, I loved this book!

All the things I loved:

- That cover. It's freaking gorgeous. I have the paperback and I don't think this picture really does the cover justice. It's way too blue here! Still, I love it and it really captures Eva and Addie. To me, the person who's eye is visible is Eva and the other Addie. Don't ask why, it just is that way for me.

- The originality. I really loved the idea of two souls in one body, with the recessive soul fading away and all that. One thing I didn't get was why the government was afraid of hybrids, but maybe this will be explained in the next book.

- The characters. Zhang did such a good job with giving Eva and Addie distinct voices and personalities. I was never confused, never got the feeling they were too alike. The other characters in the book were displayed very well too. When Eva said one of the hybrids 'shifted', I really noticed a change. Very well done!

- The writing. It was lush and lovely and great. For some reason, it felt really calm to me. There are books that always make me a bit nervous, like I can't sit still and concentrate. This book did the opposite. I felt really calm, even during the action scenes. That doesn't mean I didn't feel them, I did, but I still felt really calm. It was really nice and relaxing, and I read the book in one sitting.

- The plot. It was good and at times pretty action-packed. If you expect this to be a book with a lot of action, though, don't. It isn't.

The romance fell a little short on me, but I didn't dislike it at all. It was there, but only barely. Recently, YA books (not all of them of course) are pretty much turned toward romance. Girl meets guy, they fall in insta-love, yada yada yada. I'm used to books with a lot of romance, so What's Left Of Me surprised me. I actually think it's good to have a book where the plot comes first. Learn from this, other YA books!

One other thing I slightly - but only slightly- disliked (or not even that, I just raised my eyebrows, y'know) was Eva's sudden progress. In teh beginning, she can't take over Addie's-her-their-whatever body, and later on she can only just move her fingers. But later, SPOILER, she suddenly takes over the whole body, is able to walk and talk and all that? I get that she was in danger - or thought she was-, but I would have liked to see Eva taking small steps, like first moving an arm, one leg, her head... But this was my only, minor issue with this book.
END OF SPOILER

On the whole, I loved it. What's Left Of Me takes great characters, lovely writing and an original concept, pushes it into one book, and tops it with a cover to die for.

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.

If I Should Die (Die For Me, #3)

If I Should Die by Amy Plum
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

SPOILER ALERT!


There it is, at last, the last book of the Revenants series. I've read and loved the first two books in the series and now I've read and loved the last one. Since the first book I've thought Plum's ideas about bardia and numa are very original, and I still think so.

I definitely thought this was the strongest book in the series because Kate really grows a pair in this one. She kicks ass.

The first chapter in this book was very sweet. If you're an emotional reader (which I am not), keep tissues at hand.

I think the whole thing with Vincent being allowed to stay three days with the bardia was a bit too convenient. I just can't believe any villain would allow that.

The two plot twists involving Kate (her being the Champion and her becoming a revenant) were really obvious, but well done.

I thought it was very realistic how Kate reacted to being a revenant. She didn't go all

1: Bella, "YES I am finally a monster! Life is so much better now! Yay me!"
or
2: Skye, "Oh boy, I am so special and two hot boys fawn over me, fuck my life!"

Instead, her reaction is very realistic: she's disgusted. She can't think of herself being undead, because she's disgusted. Yes! Now this is the appropiate reaction to finding out you're undead! God, I'm really glad Plum pulled it off that well.

I also feel like Plum's prose has developed over the course of the series. It doesn't make it to my "gorgeous prose" shelf, but I definitely see improvement, and that's a good thing. I really liked this passage, for example (spoiler for those who haven't read book 2!):

But I am suddenly unafraid, knowing I will face Violette with a powerful weapon: love. The complete and unconditional love of another being. That is something Violette does not have. It won't win me the battle against her. But it has already made me the victor over my fear.

I really loved that passage, and I do think Plum has talent.

The way redemption was woven into the story surprised me and made me happy. It's good to see the message that all hope is never lost, and you can be good and true if you really want to.

The ending - the epic battle- was a bit unsatisfying for me, but I can't name what exactly I missed in it.

I disliked how Jules was written out of the story. I get that friendship doesn't always last forever, but it was a bit too sudden for me. I wish the book took more time slowly buiding to his department.

All in all, I really liked this book. I think this is definitely the strongest book of the three, and it is a nicely woven tale of friendship, redemption and ass-kicking!

The Pledge (The Pledge, #1)

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Pff, I have no idea what to say about this one. It's just one of those books that's.. just a book. I don't really have an opinion on this. I didn't take any notes, which means I didn't hate it but also didn't think it was amazing. So, middle of the road three stars.

I liked the concept of the different languages for different ranks and a girl who understands them all. I don't really know what to think of Charlaina (a.k.a. Charlie). She seems nice, but I can't really see growth in her. I couldn't tell you what the changes in her are, except that she now knows a couple of (pretty big) secrets.

The reason why Charlaina could understand all languages was very obvious, but there were also a few plot twists that I didn't see coming.

The writing is nice. Not oh-my-freaking-god-this-is-so-beautiful nice, but also not awful. It makes the story flow easily and can be pretty at times, so bonus points there.

One thing I feel a little torn about is the romance. The romance isn't the lead of the story, which I liked. All to often there are novels hinting at a plot, but said plot is suddenly gone when the love interest appears. But there are also quotes like this one in the book:

He frightened me just as much as he intrigued me.

This isn't a good sign. if someone frightens you, get the heel away. If someone frightens you, you do not love him. This is NOT a good message to send out to all the teenagers who read this. Dear everyone who reads this, if someone frightens you, stay away from him/her. It's not love. Seriously.


I liked the ending. It was predictable what would happen, of course, but still nicely done. The novel could be a stand-alone, but there is also hinted at a series (which it is). But I really like novels that are stand-alones within a series, instead of three blubbery no-plot books because the author or the publisher or whoever demanded a trilogy, resulting in crappy books.

So, not sure what to think about this one, but it's a nice read.

Grave Mercy (His Fair Assassin, #1)

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Hmmm... Not really sure what to think about this one.

From the description of this book you probably got that this is an awesome book about assassin nuns. I mean, assassin nuns. How cool is that?

I expected this to be quite bloody and full of murder. Unfortunately, that's not really what this is about. This book is mostly about political games and treason, not about murder. Sure, Ismae does kill sometimes, but for me, those times were too few and far between.

I did like Ismae, however. She knows how to use her brain, something most YA heriones don't. She held a lot of prejudices against men, but due to her story, this is understandable. And her attitude changes (in other words: character growth! Yay!).

I liked most of the characters, now that I think of it. Duval was nice, and no insta-love! I really appreciated that.

The ending was a little bit rushed, but good. I liked how (view spoiler)[ Mortain appeared to Ismae, and how she stands up to the convent (hide spoiler)]. However, I did not like how (view spoiler)[ Ismae had to have sex with Duval to get all the poison out of his system. I wish LaFevers had done that differently. (hide spoiler)]

So.. I don't really have to say much about this book. For me it is 2.5/3 stars.

I'll read the sequels, but I'm not exactly in a hurry to get my hands on them.

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!

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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*

Silver (Bandia, #1)

Silver by Talia Vance
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Actual rating: 1.5 stars

*sigh*

Oh, Silver, what to do with you?
First, let's get this out of the way: if you want a good book, this is not it.

The Characters

Ugh. All the women in this book are portrayed as slutty sex toys, except of course for our lovely, stunning, beautiful, great-looking, did I mention beautiful? protagonist Brianna. I was really disturbed by this. This book was written by a woman. And yet every single girl is displayed as a slut? No. Not just no, but hell no.



Brianna's "friends" are only there to make Brianna look good. She has two friends, who are both quite slutty and all over the boyzzz. Why are these three friends? Don't ask me.

The boys in this book are all total pervs. Everyone, and I mean everyone, is making remarks about how good-lookin' Brianna is and vaguely implying sexual things. The love interest is supposed to stand out by not being pervy (or so I think), but is miserably failing. At one point he says he's happy he's learned to control himself, because otherwise he didn't know what he would have done to Brianna the first time he saw her. That's just creepy. Again I say, hell no.

The slut-shaming

Yes, it deserves its own department. Because God, there is a lot of slut shaming going on. A few quotes to illustrate my point:

"Did your date with the Boobsie Twins fall through?"

"Fishnet leans against Blake's SUV in a too-short skirt and too-low top. A second girl with round, fake boobs whispers in her ear as they watch Blake approach."

Who are you to judge them, Brianna, just because they hang out with your one true love? Who the hell are you?

Ugh.

It's just.. ugh. This whole book is ugh. I mean, we've got a stalker. We've got slut-shaming. We've got the-whole-world-is-slutty-except-for-me. We've got instalove. We've got quotes like this:

""Pardon me for saying so, but you don't seem like his type." what is that supposed to mean? So I'm not dumb, snobby or slutty... Oh."

Excuse me? Excuse me? Ugh. Ugh ugh ugh.

Also, apparently girls only like bad boys. Loving and caring boyfriends are absolutely out of the question. This is a scene of Brianna talking to a boy who likes one of her slutty friends:

" "I don't know. Could you try being more of an asshole?" "Why would I do that?" "I'm trying to help you out here." I don't know how to explain it. (...) "Wait. Are you saying that Christy would like me better if I wasn't so-" "Nice." "

And this works.

This is just wrong on so many levels, I can't even.




And the worst thing about this?
I want to read the sequel.


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Fever (The Chemical Garden, #2)

Fever by Lauren DeStefano
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars



I have to start off with saying that DeStefano's writing is truly beautiful. It's very poetic and flows through the book like a river. Her writing style is very elegant and rich, and never too much.

Altough reluctantly, I like the cover. It's not a pretty one, BUT the cover designer did such a good job. Literally everything on the cover has to do with the book. The color of the dress, the drugged expression, the tarot cards.. Everything. So while I still don't like it, I do want to congratulate the cover designer because it's such a fitting cover.

Rhine (I still absolutely love her name) just didn't get a break in this book and I found the story to be very sad. Especially the last third, because damn. I really felt for Rhine and all the horrors she got through. I think she's very admirable, strong and stubborn. She doesn't give up, even though she has every reason to.

I also loved the new characters. I really liked Lilac and Maddie, the not-speaking malformed child!

And of course, the 'old' characters too! Cecily and Deirdre, I thought it was nice we got to see them again, because I was curious how their stories would end..


I still don't have any strong feelings about Gabriel. It's not like he's bad or anything, he was in fact very sweet and loving toward Rhine. But I just couldn't connect with him. He seems rather bland and I just don't care for him.

The ending - cliffhanger! How could you do this to me, Lauren? I really want to know what's going to happen now!


So in the end I really liked this book! It was very sad, but very good.

Days of Blood and Starlight (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #2)

Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"What are we fighting for? What are we killing for?

I'm just.. God, this book. This book.


Laini Taylor's writing is absolutely gorgeous. It's beautiful. It's the kind of writing that I gobble up and then I scream for more. It makes the book all the more beautiful, heartbreaking and real.

This book is fiction, but it's the first book that has made me feel war so intense. Because it's real, everything is real: the hate, the hopelessness, the smiles, the slogans.

This is the kind of book where do you do not want to be in the situation of the main character. I really felt for Karou, because she's going through a damn lot. Speaking of the characters, Zuzana is great. She's the much needed lighter note in the book, and I love Taylor for keeping her in the story. She and Mik togheter were really sweet!

I really loved all of the characters. Karou is admireable for her strength, Akiva for his hope . I also loved Liraz and Hazael.

If you do not like depressing stories, this book is not for you. Because this is one of the most depressing stories I've ever read. Laini Taylor had me rooting for the characters, made me depressed, gave me hope, shattered all of it, made me eat my heart and made me like it.

And now I have to wait until 2014 until the next book comes out?



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