Renegade- Elysium Chronicles #1

Rating- 5/5
Summary (Goodreads)- Since the age of three, sixteen-year-old Evelyn Winters has been trained to be Daughter of the People in the underwater utopia known as Elysium. Selected from hundreds of children for her ideal genes, all her life she’s thought that everything was perfect; her world. Her people. The Law.

But when Gavin Hunter, a Surface Dweller, accidentally stumbles into their secluded little world, she’s forced to come to a startling realization: everything she knows is a lie.

Her memories have been altered.

Her mind and body aren’t under her own control.

And the person she knows as Mother is a monster.

Together with Gavin she plans her escape, only to learn that her own mind is a ticking time bomb... and Mother has one last secret that will destroy them all

Wow, I don't even know what to say. It was just so awesome that I'm having trouble to describe it...
So, this is another dystopian novel where there is a secluded society where the people thinks it's perfect, when it actually isn't. The fact that Elysium is underwater was already interesting. Whoa, it's like imagining that Atlantis exists.

I loved the plot, it was just really interesting. The mystery and twists were awesome. They weren't confusing, but there were just enough clues left for me to actually understand everything at the end. I must say from the very start, I knew that there was something horribly unsettling about the laws of Elysium. I mean seriously, Mother kills a person just because he touched Evelyn. No, he didn't hurt her or have sex with her. He just touched her. That is really creepy! And I find the whole idea of Coupling and that people has to have the perfect genes equally unsettling. In a way Mother's view is like that of Hitler. Mother wants to create a perfect society where people has to have pale skin, blue eyes and blonde hair. Sounds familiar to Hitler's views? I guess if I was born in Elysium, I'll be dead instantly huh?

I also loved the characters. Evelyn was interesting. There was always something wrong with her from the very start. Like how she would repeat the phrase over and over again. It's like, sometimes it seems that she's not acting or speaking as herself. I knew that she must've forgotten something about her past, but honestly I didn't expect what her past actually is. At the start, Evelyn did come across as a little selfish and bossy. But then as the book progressed, she was actually very brave. She was still bossy, but she was also very protective. And she's also the type of person to follow her instincts. Anyway, I really liked Evelyn.

Gavin was also quite awesome. He was kind from the very start, like although he didn't trust Evelyn, he didn't act horribly towards her. Although, he did trust her pretty fast. He must be a very trusting person. I love how he's Evelyn's protector, but more in an emotional/mental kind. Most of the time, it's Evelyn that did the saving, not him entirely. However, he seemed to always protect her when she was feeling very emotional. For example when they went to Macie, and when they found out about her past. He was a very loyal and loving person. He didn't even hesitate and stayed with Evelyn 'till the end. I'm not saying that he's weak, because he's not. It's just that the way he's portrayed is not exactly the protector who always saves the girl. Like Evelyn said, "he's her knight in a not-so-shining armor".

I must say Mother was also a very interesting character. I really disliked her from the start, but I still do want to find out more about her. She had developed this idea of 'perfect' people and that the Surface is dangerous. It must've been because of the war at the time, but I wonder what actually made her this way. I mean, it's obvious that she's not even sane. She's quite scary actually. She's like a double faced person. She appears sweet and loving to everyone, but the moment someone betrays her... well yeah. Anyway, I really hope to read more about her.

I also liked the way the book is written. It was simple enough that I don't need a dictionary next to me. It wasn't filled with prose or metaphors, but it still kept me interested.
I just can't believe the ending!! Ugh, I don't really want to give it away though...
I'll tell you one thing though- Evelyn and Gavin did not die. But I was still devastated about the ending! You'll just have to read it to find out what I mean~

I really, really hope that there is going to be another book. It seems like it, since it is a chronicles afterall. I hope that the second book is released soon though! I really want to continue reading and find out what happens with Gavin and Evelyn next! T_T
I also want to know what they're going to do about Elysium. I mean, they can't exactly abandon everyone else right?

Anyway, I really recommend you to read this book. I mean, the fact that I finished it in 2 hours should convince you that I really liked it right? It's a really good dystopian book, that is unique. I know that sometimes people (including me) thinks that all dystopian books are the same. However I assure you that this story is pretty original, and you should really try reading it~
And lastly, since today is the last day of 2012.....I want to wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope everyone have a great 2013, and I hope that there would be a lot of good books published in 2013! ^^

Elemental Reality- Elemental#1

Rating- 3/5
Summary (Goodreads)- When Callie Pierce was ten, her mother disappeared without a trace. On the eve of her disappearance twelve years later, the earth seemingly comes alive. The elements speak to Callie, and that's only the beginning. Everything she has ever known was a twisted fabrication to protect her. Now the truth is set free. Callie and her sister are more powerful than any Faerie ever born. Now they have to use their powers to save their mother and family from the evil hands of fate that threaten to tear them apart. Welcome to her elemental reality.

Well to be honest, I'm not quite sure what to think about what this book. I'm not sure that I really liked it...
The plot itself was interesting at the start. It seemed quite mysterious with how Callie's mother disappeared and it turned out she was protecting her kids from Demons. However, I think it kinda dragged on a little bit, and some things didn't need to be there. I thought that after Callie and Lola found out about her powers, they would pretty much go into battle straight away. I mean, wouldn't you expect most of the story to be some kind of  confrontation with the Demons? Well yeah they did confront Cayden, Apryll, and Mia, but it wasn't really much of a confrontation. I understand that these girls are very powerful, but I found it a bit unbelievable. Maybe it was because of the way it was described? I'm not sure...
And the battle scene? I mean come on~ The battle itself was only for like....2-3 pages! It's like, Callie found out the truth about Cayden, tried to trick him, he hits her, they lost, Callie and Oli were left behind. There wasn't any cool moves, tricks or display of power happening. For someone with extremely powerful abilities, they were definitely beaten very fast. After reading all about them training, finding new powers etc, I expected much more of a fight. So yeah, I was disappointed~

The characters themselves are alright. However, I didn't feel like they developed very much. I liked Ady and Emery as they were very good best friends. Even though they just found out Callie's not human, they stayed with her and supported her. They also believed her when she found out about the Elders, and comforted her. So yeah, I liked them. Callie herself was alright. I think she developed in regard of her powers and knowledge, but not so much in her personality. Honestly, I'm not even sure what to say about her. She's not a bad character, but she's definitely not my favourite heroine either. I also found Lola very confusing. It's just that....well is she good or bad? Although it said that she was possessed by demons, why is it that she's the only one? Why not Callie? Or Oli? Or their Dad? Wouldn't it be much better to possess people that the girls loves? And that thing at the end? Yeah I'm confused.... I think I need more clues to figure out all these puzzles. Cayden was very confusing too! At first he seemed bad, then totally good, then suddenly he's all evil. Uhmm is he the main antagonist? I don't even have the slightest clue about his motives, and it confused me even more. And who is this Keaton? If he really is the evil, Demon leader, shouldn't we see more of him? Yeah maybe the author is saving him for the next book, but I just think he should've appeared more. I mean, it's not exactly clear at the moment who is the leader of the Demons....

And one more thing about Lola. I'm guessing her soul mate is a Demon huh? To be honest, that might be kinda expected... ~sigh~ I just wish there are more clues to who this 'soul mate' is. Perhaps I do have an idea, but... I don't know~

Anyway, overall it wasn't a bad book. There were just things that confused me, and I felt that it wasn't developed very well. Also, I'm annoyed with the fact that the battle scene is so short! When I read a fantasy/adventure book, I expect lots of battle scenes, not merely a few pages. So yeah~
If you like faerie stories then maybe try to read it. Don't have a high expectation though, or you might not enjoy it.. I still want to read the second book, and I hope it will be a much better one~

Finding Casey

Overall rating- 4.5/5

Summary (Goodreads)- Glory Vigil, newly married, unexpectedly pregnant at 41, is nesting in the home she and her husband Joseph have just moved to in Santa Fe, a house that unknown to them is rumored to have a resident ghost. Their adopted daughter Juniper is home from college for Thanksgiving and in love for the very first time, quickly learning how a relationship changes everything. But Juniper has a tiny arrow lodged in her heart, a leftover shard from the day eight years earlier when her sister Casey disappeared-in a time before she'd ever met Glory and Joseph. When a fieldwork course takes Juniper to a pueblo only a few hours away, she finds herself right back in the past she thought she'd finally buried. A love story, a family story, a story of searching and the bond between sisters, Finding Casey is a testament to human resilience. This completely stand-alone novel, featuring beloved characters from Solomon's Oak, will charm Mapson's readers and move her into a larger sphere.

Before I start, I just want to point out that the version that I've read is the 'Uncorrected Proof Copy' which I've received from a giveaway at Goodreads.

I loved Finding Casey, I though it was a wonderful book. I actually haven't read Solomon's Oak yet, but I'll definitely look it up.
Just a warning, there will be spoilers included in this review, so do not read further if you don't want to read them.

It is a story set in Santa Fe of Glory Vigil who had just become pregnant at the age of 40. That is quite an old age to be pregnant, so we see her worries and difficulties. This book changes perspectives, from Glory, Juniper or Laurel to other characters such as Joseph. I did not mind it as I though it was particularly interesting to see things unfolding slowly, and I could see the puzzles piece together one by one. The perspective is mostly from Glory but the most important plot is that of Laurel or as later revealed- Casey.

I loved to way it is written. It's not an overlly descriptive book and it's not filled to the brim with prose and metaphors. I can't quite explain it but the way it was written kept me glued to the book. I loved the different characters too. They all had interesting personalities that are quite funny too at times. I also loved how everything came together at the end. Although I knew Juniper would eventually find Casey, it's just unbelievable how it happened. I mean she just happened to buy a pot that was unknowingly made by her missing sister! Whoa, what a small world huh?

Glory is a kind, gentle and protective mother. I know that she's going to be a good mother to her new baby. However, pregnancy at 40 truly worried her, as it should be. It could be quite dangerous and she did express her worries at times. I loved how she looked after everyone, especially Juniper. She truly is a wonderful woman. I liked her relationship with Joseph too. They are so cute together!! Joseph is such a nice guy! He takes care of his wife very well and I love the gestures he makes such as buying her chickens. It might sound weird but it makes Glory happy so it's so sweet~ And he would go to great lengths to make Glory happy like travelling far even with his injured back. He's just so nice and they're perfect together.

I really felt bad for Laurel. I kinda knew that she was Casey from the start but it was still unclear how she ended up with Seth and having Aspen. She must've been so scared when she had to Outside as it was a very unfamiliar thing for her. I understand why she was so cautious with everyone. She's like a fish that had been taken out of the water. Not to mention she was so worried about Aspen. When she started telling the story, at first I did think that it was just a made up story. However as the story progressed, I realised that it was Casey's personal story. It was quite heartbreaking imagining what happened to her. I was so happy when she met Juniper again at the end.

Juniper was also an interesting character. I was sad when I found out that she got involved in things such as drugs in the past. I loved how close she is to Glory and Joseph even though they aren't her biological parents. It really shows her gratitude and how meeting them is what had changed her to be a better person. When I first 'met' Topher, I instantly did not like him. I don't know why, since it's not like he's described badly. There are just actions he did that made me dislike him. Such as lying, pressuring Juniper to have sex etc. From the very start I truly wished for Juniper to break up with him and find a better guy. I was so happy when I 'met' Chico near the end. He was a guy that's not like what girls would imagine their boyfriend to be like. He's not drop dead gorgeous, rich or play music and even had a slightly hostile attitude. However I liked him from the very start. It's like Topher is a perfect but plastic guy, while Chico is a real guy with faults. I was so~ happy when they ended up together at the end!!

I'm pretty sure that there's going to be another book coming out. There are still things left unfinished like where Seth is and more importantly, Glory's baby. I truly cannot wait to read the next book. I think Jo-Ann Mapson is a wonderful writer, and I'll be looking out for her other books~ ^^

Bitterblue- Graceling Realm #3

Overall rating- 4.5/5

Summary (goodreads)- The long-awaited companion to New York Times bestsellers Graceling and Fire

Eight years after Graceling, Bitterblue is now queen of Monsea. But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisors, who have run things since Leck died, believe in a forward-thinking plan: Pardon all who committed terrible acts under Leck's reign, and forget anything bad ever happened. But when Bitterblue begins sneaking outside the castle--disguised and alone--to walk the streets of her own city, she starts realizing that the kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year spell of a madman, and the only way to move forward is to revisit the past.

Two thieves, who only steal what has already been stolen, change her life forever. They hold a key to the truth of Leck's reign. And one of them, with an extreme skill called a Grace that he hasn't yet identified, holds a key to her heart.

Now, if you've read Graceling and Fire but haven't read Bitterblue, you really should! This book ties together everything from those books, in a way that's simply amazing. And some characters from the other two books appears as well, along with of course, exciting, new characters.

Again, it is another fantastic book by Kristin Cashore. I just love the way she brings all the 3 books together. I must say, my actual rating would be 4.5. That is purely because it took me longer to get into this book. This is because this books talks a lot about politics, and frankly, I find politics very boring. However, it was an amazing book.

I was so happy to find that Katsa and Po also appears in this book. I just loved them from the very start, and even now they are still my favourite characters! Their love are so cute and passionate at the same time, it was awesome. Katsa and Po are both quite stubborn characters who fought a lot. And yet, every single time, they managed to find their way back to each other. Even when they had their biggest fight in the book, they eventually forgave each other. It was such a sweet relationship ^^

I find Bitterblue quite an interesting character. She is quite a strong and independant character, which is good. I also found her relationship with Saf interesting. It's like they're on the very edge of being friends or lovers. It was kinda sad to find out that Saf leaves, but I think that eventually he'll return, and perhaps ends up with her ^^

I was also very excited when Fire appears again. I can't believe that she's an old woman now! I just can't imagine her being old....she must still be quite strong though, to be able to travel far away. I wanted Bridgan to be there too....but oh well~ (I can't imagine him being old either!)

I love how this book brought a lot of twists, like how Bitterblue's advisors were the ones who were responsible for the crimes. I liked Thiel, and I was sad to find out that he died :( I also find the use of codes interesting....and Kristin Cashore found a clever way to weave the Dellians into Bitterblue's life. Because they're from a seperate place entirely, it was clever to create a language for them. And such a clever way of inventing a new alphabet! It was awesome!

Overall, even though this book lacks the many adventures Graceling and Fire has, it was still worth reading! This book has found its way to my favourite list~

Stormdancer - The Lotus War #1

My overall rating would be 4.5 /5.

Summary (Goodreads)- Griffins are supposed to be extinct. So when Yukiko and her warrior father Masaru are sent to capture one for the Shogun, they fear that their lives are over. Everyone knows what happens to those who fail him, no matter how hopeless the task.

But the mission proves far less impossible, and far more deadly, than anyone expects – and soon Yukiko finds herself stranded: a young woman alone in her country's last wilderness, with only a furious, crippled griffin for company. But trapped together in the forest, Yukiko and Buruu soon discover a friendship that neither of them expected.

Meanwhile, the country around them verges on the brink of collapse. A toxic fuel is slowly choking the land; the omnipotent, machine-powered Lotus Guild is publicly burning those they deem Impure; and the Shogun cares about nothing but his own dominion. Yukiko has always been uneasy in the shadow of power, when she learns the awful truth of what the Shogun has done, both to her country and to her own family she's determined to do something about it.

Returning to the city, Yukiko and Buruu plan to make the Shogun pay for his crimes – but what can one girl and a flightless griffin do against the might of an empire?

First of all, I just love the idea of a japanese steampunk novel. This is the first novel I've read of this genre and it didn't disappoint. I loved the overall plot of it with youkai such as storm tigers (griffin) being weaved into the story. There were also a lot of Japanese culture that was put into this book such as their religious beliefs. I also liked the setting of feudal Japan. It made it realistic and possible to add  things such as samurai and emperors, that wouldn't be realistic for a modern setting. Therefore, it also made the story more interesting.

I also liked the main characters Yukiko and the storm tiger Buruu. Yukiko is only 16 years old like me, and yet she's involved in such astounding and dangerous adventure. It's just...today girls of her age would be at school, worrrying about grades and boys, not hunting a mystical creature for a horrible ruler. I liked Yukiko because she's also one of those characters who are not perfect. I've said this many times, that I find characters who are perfect and invincible boring. Let's face it, no one is perfect. I like characters who has a strong personality and yet still has flaws. Yukiko is not physically strong, however she doesn't hide behind Buruu but instead tries to help him to the best of her ability. I didn't mind that she wasn't strong, she was still brave and isn't afraid to risk her own life. She also was not fearless. She agreed to do what seems like impossible things such as killing Yoritomo, but she still showed how she's afraid to do it. It doesn't make her a weak person, but instead a much more admirable character. Becaue I believe a person is not strong because they have no fears, but because they are able to overcome their fears.
I also liked Buruu. He was also an interesting character, especially because being a storm tiger means that he doesn't understand the humans' actions. It makes him able to point out things that Yukiko never actually noticed before such as how the humans are poisoning their environment. It also made him very funny at times. For example when Yukiko was thinking about Hiro. Buruu mocks her, telling her she doesn't understand why humans fusses so much with their "coupling". He obviously doesn't understand the idea of romance, and his comment horrified Yukiko with the term "coupling". Haha I could just imagine how flustered she must've been when Buruu told her that. I suppose that means Buruu doesn't understand romance huh? XD
One character that surprised me greatly was Hiro. I had thought that he was just a guy who had been raised a certain way his whole life. I thought that he sincerely loved Yukiko, but he's just very loyal to Yoritomo. I really thought that he was a kind person, and that he would have a relationship with Yukiko. So imagine my surprise when he betrayed her! It's like his whole personality changed then and he became a character that I disliked. I just couldn't believe that he actually thought of Yukiko as "trash" and that I'm assuming, he actually didn't love her. I'm sure there's more into his personality, reasons to his actions, but I guess we'll never know huh?

I didn't give this book 5/5 because of two things- the use of Japanese and the very detailed descriptions. Sometimes things such as towns are described to a very great detail. I'm not saying that's necessarily a bad thing, but I often found myself lost in the words. I would forget what I had just read, and I had to read it slowly. The second is the use of Japanese terms, especially 'sama' and 'hai'.
In Japanese, 'sama' is a suffix that is used with a person's name (e.g Yukiko-sama) to show respect for someone of a higher status. However, it was often used by itself in this book, which felt weird for me since I've studied Japanese for a few years. 'hai' is also used in Japanese as an agreement or a response to a question (it means yes). However, it cannot be used as a question, as it sometimes appeared in this book. These things didn't bother me too much though, and they still get the point across anyway. Regardless, I still enjoyed this book very much.

So, if you're a fan of anything related to Japan, or is looking for an exciting steampunk novel, you should check out this book. It has interesting magical creatures, an adventure, and a strong but not perfect female protagonist~

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Overall rating- 4/5

Summary (Goodreads)- Narrated as 1991 diary/letters by depressed first-year high-schooler Charlie, counselled for fighting bully and for lost trauma memory, seven when "best friend" Aunt Helen died. Sister has secret abortion, he drives. Girl Sam drives pickup truck through tunnel for restorative screaming, standing like in film Titanic, gently awakens his virginal romantic dreams and body, shares drugs and Rocky Horror Picture Show. After pal Michael suicides, awake but non-responsive Charlie hospitalized, and horrifying memory surfaces for his restoration to health. Now a movie..

I really liked this book. I actually wanted to watch the movie, since Emma Watson is in it. Yeah, I'm a fan 'cause of Harry Potter..lol :P
Anyway, I then realised that it's also a book. I usually don't like reading a book after watching the movie, so I decided to read it first. And yeah, I wasn't disappointed. Being a teenager myself, I can
see some of the issues in this book happening in real life. Although I don't think it was actually said, I think that Charlie has autism. Which explains why he was so oblivious to many things, such as drugs or sex. At first I thought he was like 17 or 18, but then I found out he was 15! Oh wow, he's younger than me! It's kinda scary when I read about things he experienced such as being given drugs, going to parties, smoking etc. I just found myself thinking, does this actually happen to people around my age? Because I just can't imagine it happening to me. But then I guess because I read this book, it kinda warns me that there are many bad things in the world. We have to be careful who we hang out with, where we go etc. Like when Charlie never realised that the brownie given to him at the party was filled with drugs. And I can't believe his sister got pregnant! I know that happened to a lot of teenagers, but really why can't they be careful at the start? They only realise the consequences when it actually happened. I think it's sad, especially since Charlie's sister aborted the baby. I was just....speechless. I guess, I can never imagine taking a life, especially a baby, even though it was only a fetus.

I didn't give the book 5/5 because at parts..I was quite uncomfortable of reading it. Not that it's a bad writing or anything, it's just that the issues addressed are quite intense. It's like all the problem teenagers can have dumped into one book- drugs, pregnancy, parenthood, violence,smoking etc. It can be quite overwhelming all at once. The writing itself was very good. I loved the style of making it entries/letters. It was interesting and I could imagine Charlie writing it down, but I could also imagine the events happening. I don't know how to explain it, but it was just really cool.

I liked the characters too. They were very interesting, and had a lot of depth in their characteristics. Even extra characters had depth, not just randomly existing like in some books/stories. For example, Charlie's grandmother. I could understand how she must've felt being betrayed by the men that sheloves, being abused. I could imagine how her trust slowly wastes away until she gives up on men altogether. I could imagine how that somehows also happens to her daughters, as if it was inherited. It was sad, and I could understand that all from I think it was 1 or 2 entries. It was amazing, how developed all Chbosky's characters are. And of course, I love the main characters too. Charlie was just ....hard to define I guess. He was obviously socially immature, as what would happen with people suffering from autism. And yet, even though he probably doesn't realise it, he was also very mature in some levels. He can understand and notice things that most people probably won't. Although he might've not understand it, even the fact that he noticed these things were amazing. Like for example he noticed that his sister was abused by her boyfriend before their parents did. There were also many things in Charlie's life that would've brought him down, but he endured them and got back up. I really admired that characteristic of his. Especially the secret that was revealed at the end. Can you imagine that happening to a young kid? Someone who doesn't understand how wrong it is? I wasn't surprised that Charlie buried  the memories. If that happened to me.....ugh, I'm just glad it didn't. And yet, Charlie was able to get up again at the end. Even though his life didn't become perfect, and it wasn't happily ever after, I think what's important is that he didn't give up. And well, he has his loving family and friends who would be there for him. Yup, I admired Charlie... ^^

One thing that was in the discussion at the end of the book was whether Charlie actually sent these letters or not. And whether it makes any difference if he didn't. I don't know if he did, there's actually a chance that he didn't. And yet, I don't think there's a difference. The point of it was that Charlie wrote down what he felt. It's like he poured down his feelings in his entries. That's much better than bottling it inside right? Besides that what I, and I'm sure many people, do. And just the fact that he wrote them down, was all that mattered.

Now, I REALLY want to watch the movie. I hope that it'll be really good as well. Although, books are always better than movies don't you agree? I really recommend this book to everyone. And not just teenagers either, even adults should read it I think.

And lastly, I end this review with an awesome quote from Charlie-
"things are good with me and even when they're not, they will be soon enough..."

The Gatekeeper's Challenge- Gatekeeper's Trilogy #2

Overall rating- 4 /5

Summary (Goodreads)- Ten agonizing months have gone by since Therese faced off against her parents’ murderer at Mount Olympus, and she suspects Thanatos’s absence is meant to send her a message: go on with your life. She tries to return Pete’s affections even though her heart aches for the god of death, but when Than shows up to take her hamster’s soul, she becomes infuriated when he says he’s “been busy.” In cahoots with her new friend, who's gotten in with the Demon Druggies at school, Therese takes a drug that simulates a near-death experience, planning to tell Than off so she can have closure and move on, but things go very, very wrong.

Eventually she learns Than has been busy searching for a way to make her a god, and he’s found it, but it requires her to complete a set of impossible challenges designed by Hades, who hopes to see her fail.

So, honestly I enjoyed this book much better than the 1st one. I enjoyed seeing the different gods and goddesses, and how they act in this book. I actually don't like some views that the gods and goddesses have. Like for example how they think Therese's weak for not killing the killer from book 1. Personally, I think that makes her someone with compassion. I mean, I value life and I don't think I could ever kill someone no matter what that person did. And how Aphrodite said that beauty is pretty much better than love. Hey, that's not true! Love goes way~ deeper than beauty. Or it should anyway. Haha but I guess even from the myths, the gods and goddesses aren't very likeable characters anyway~ haha :D
But still, I liked how they were described in this book. I think Eva Pohler had done a good job with that.

Oh, and I understood the character better. (YAY!)
I guess I understand the reasons of their actions. Like Therese and Vicki taking drugs to see their loved ones. I understand that they must've missed their loved ones so much, and just wanted to see them. But, it doesn't mean I agree with their actions!! No, in fact that was kinda annoying. Yup, don't ever take drugs for any reason! See what happened with Vicki? Not such a good result after all huh?
And I was annoyed with Therese for being so angry at Than and trying to love Pete. Yeah, again I understand that she thought Than doesn't love her anymore. She must think that he forgot about her, especially since they had no communication. That must've been pretty devastating for her. But it still annoys me! While Than is doing dangerous things, she's off kissing Pete! How could you! Haha, have you ever had the urge to jump into a book and just smack the character on the head?

I also liked the challenges that were given to Therese. It's interesting that they're challenges that are listen in greek myths. I mean like when she had to give the box to Persephone without opening it. Yup, in the greek myths, that's Psyche's challenge when she wanted to stay with Cupid/Eros. And Therese completed it! Whoa, she must have very strong will! I guess I expected her to fail one way or another though. I mean, since most gods hated her, they wouldn't make it easy for her. They would do everything they could to stop her. And yeah, she failed the last challenge. It was kinda sad though, who knew falling in love can be so hard huh?
But whoa, so they decided to do it...I guess illegally? Oooh~ they're so gonna be in trouble! I liked how Than also burned himself with Therese though. That was so sweet! I mean, he's immortal but it must hurt really bad! 

Anyway, ohh I wonder what's gonna happen in the next book~
So according to the little preview, Persephone and Demeter are in trial. Oh and Therese and Than ended up in the court surrounded by the gods and goddeses! Whoa, intense~

Haha, anyway yeah you should check it out! Especially if you like greek mythology~ :]

Cover reveal- The girl with the Iron Touch

OMG. Yay, it's out!!!!
Wow that's such a beautiful cover! I love how Emily looks there, it totally fits my imagination.
I can't wait to read it now!! Ahhh must have it soon!
It just look so awesome! I wonder what it's about!~ So I'm guessing Emily's kinda the main focus of this book??

So anyway, this is the third book of Kady Cross' Steampunk Chronicles. It's an amazing story set in Victorian London, laced with magic, love and adventure. I truly recommend this series, it's very good!

Here's the summary for this particular book (according to goodreads)-

Finley Jayne, Griffin and their crew are stunned when one of their own is kidnapped. Emily has a way with machines—she can literally talk to them. But the automatons who abducted her aren’t ordinary machines. They’re almost human—and they want Emily to do something as horrifying as it seems possible.

To save Emily, Finley must contact the highly unsettling Jack Dandy and face her feelings for two vastly different men, even as Griffin’s nightmares threaten to turn into a reality that might just end them all..

It's coming out on 21st May 2013. Can't wait!!!! :D

Skylark- Skylark #1

Wohoo I finished it! I'm really happy to say that it was a really good book! Overall I gave it somewhere between 4-4.5/5.

Summary (according to goodreads)- Sixteen-year-old Lark Ainsley has never seen the sky.

Her world ends at the edge of the vast domed barrier of energy enclosing all that’s left of humanity. For two hundred years the city has sustained this barrier by harvesting its children's innate magical energy when they reach adolescence. When it’s Lark’s turn to be harvested, she finds herself trapped in a nightmarish web of experiments and learns she is something out of legend itself: a Renewable, able to regenerate her own power after it’s been stripped.

Forced to flee the only home she knows to avoid life as a human battery, Lark must fight her way through the terrible wilderness beyond the edge of the world. With the city’s clockwork creations close on her heels and a strange wild boy stalking her in the countryside, she must move quickly if she is to have any hope of survival. She’s heard the stories that somewhere to the west are others like her, hidden in secret—but can she stay alive long enough to find them?

When I started reading this book, I was reminded of the book 'City of Amber'. Lark lived in a city that's protected by a Wall. Everyone believed that they were the only humans left and if they leave the city they would die. But, this book is quite different as it revolved around magic. I loved the whole idea of it. At first it was confusing in a good way. It made me want to keep reading, so I would understand. When the Institute kept harvesting Lark, I knew that they're not good guys. I also think that everyone else always forgets what happened during the harvesting. That's why no one ever talked about how painful it was. I loved how the 'outside world' was described in the book. I thought the idea of the shadow people were very scary but clever. And the whole idea of magic turning them back into humans is just awesome. Lark was alone for quite a while, so there were hints here and there that seemed unimportant at the start. The writing was quite descriptive. I liked how Lark's reaction to seeing new things were described. Such as the sky, bees etc. It was believable, like it wasn't too much or too subtle either. The whole use of magic weaved into what I imagined to be the futuristic world, was very creative. So yeah, I quite liked the writing style of this book.

I loved the characters. At the start, Lark seemed to be a kinda weak and needy girl who's very curious. But then you realise that she's also very brave. I mean, if I was in her place, I don't know if I'll be brave enough to escape. I think her adventure outside the city also made her more matured. She learnt how to survive in the wild, which must be very hard. I loved Oren too. He was very mysterious, and he intrigued me. Obviously he had been out in the wild for many years. But how come? How is he still alive, was a mystery. I was very surprised when I learnt the truth. I just never expected THAT. I was saddened when he left without Lark. Well it's more like she told him to leave. I really, really hope that they'll end up together in the next book~
There was also a tiny hint that this could've been a love triangle with Kris. I mean, Lark trusted him at the start, and he did help her. When they met again, I really thought that might happen. Even from the start, I must admit I didn't like Kris. Something about him made me dislike him. But I honestly thought he was a good guy! Apparently not though! I was very surprised when he betrayed Lark. Like....wow what just happened?!

So, overall it was a very good book. I can't wait to read the next book. I really want to know if Lark and Oren are going to meet again, if she finds her brother and many other things!

Clockwork Prince- Infernal Devices #2

Summary (according to Goodreads)- In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart

Wow that's a long summary. Haha anyway, I love this book!! It was a very easy 5/5 rating. I actually read this book at the start of this year. It was a school holiday and I went to Indonesia (I was born there). And I was at the airport, waiting for the plane to go to Bali. So, I decided to go to a bookstore there, and buy a book to read at the plane. When I found this book, I haven't actually read the 1st book, Clockwork Angel. However, the cover looks awesome, and it sounds very interesting. So I bought it, and read it while waiting for the plane. And I just couldn't put it down.
I read it during the flight (about 3 hours), when I got to the hotel for a few hours, and the next morning. And you know what, I finished it in that next morning. Yup, if you count the hours only, it was less than a day! I just couldn't believe how amazing it was.

I love the characters, and my favourite is Will. Oh yeah, I'm totally Team Will by the way. I don't want Jem to die, but I want Tessa to end up with Will!! Will is the kind of guy who you would think is arrogant and rude at first glance. But then if you dig deeper, he's actually just a lonely guy, who's trying to protect everyone. I just couldn't believe how miserable his life must've been. He was cursed by a demon when he was a kid, so that everyone he loved would be killed. How devastating is that?! I nearly cried though when I read the twist at the end...
I was so heartbroken when Will confessed to Tessa, but she told him that she had just accepted Jem's proposal! He seemed so sad, but he didn't want to hurt Jem so he hid his emotions. I just loved how loyal Will is to his friends. He seemed aloof and uncaring, but he just proved how much he loved Jem. He was willing to give up Tessa (whom he loves) so Jem can be happy. Ahhh just where can you find a guy like that in real life?!

Hehe sorry for ranting about Will, but he's my favourite character so yeah~
I loved the other characters too. Jem is very kind, and obviously he loves Tessa dearly too. Tessa was also an interesting character. She was brave, and she's not the kind of girl who needs saving 24/7. Which is good! However, she is also not scared to ask help when she needs it. I also loved the other characters such as Charlotte. I loved the descriptions in this book. It wasn't overly descriptive, but I could picture everything in my mind. I could imagine London, both in the Shadowhunters view and the 'normal' London. I haven't been to London myself, but if I do, I'm sure I'll be imagining the Shadowhunters' world as I explore it. The demons were also well described. Such as the vampires, werewolves, demons etc. They weren't the main plot or anything, but it was still interesting to see them weaved into the story. And hey, I love Magnus Bane!! Haha such an interesting and somehow funny character. He's quite kind too, as he was willing to help Will.

I'm just very annoyed with the love triangle though. Have I mentioned how much I hate love triangles? I'm totally in Team Will, but so far it seems like Tessa's going to end up with Jem. Oh please Cassandra Clare~ Somehow make Tessa end up with Will! He needs something happy in his life!! And Tessa makes him happy so yeah!

I really can't wait for Clockwork Princess to come out!! According to the official website, it's coming out on the 19th March 2013. So long!! Especially since I finished this book on January this year! I really hate waiting 'cause I just want to know what's going to happen~ :(

I'm sorry by the way, it's not a very long review. As I've said, I read this book a while ago, so I can't remember every single detail that happened. But anyway, if you love adventure, magic and heat-wrenching romance, read this book! I'm sure that you won't be disappointed! ^^

The Gatekeeper's Sons

Firstly, I just want to say, it was awesome when I checked my email one morning and found out that Eva Pohler had followed me on twitter. Wow, a published author followed me on twitter!! :O (@EvaPohler)
Unfortunately though, I haven't read any of her books, so I decided to check it out.

Summary (according to goodreads)- Fifteen-year-old Therese watches her parents die. While in a coma, she meets the twin sons of Hades—Hypnos, the god of sleep, and Thanatos, the god of death. She thinks she's manipulating a dream, not kissing the god of death and totally rocking his world. 
Than makes a deal with Hades and goes as a mortal to the Upperworld to try and win Therese's heart, but not all the gods are happy. Some give her gifts. Others try to kill her.
The deal requires Therese to avenge the death of her parents. With the help of Than’s fierce and exotic sisters, the Furies, she finds herself in an arena face to face with the murderer, and only one will survive

Alright, well I gave this book 3/5. It was an interesting idea, linking greek mythology to modern life. I've always been intrigued with greek mythology, that's why I decided to read this book. I liked the whole idea of the girl being able to control her dreams, although it was confusing how and why she was able to do it. I liked how she described the Underworld, and the author did include a lot of other gods and goddesses as well. I don't know why though, but this book just didn't 'grab' me. The way it was written wasn't bad, but unfortunately it wasn't amazing either. I think it needed a bit more descriptions, and there were some mistakes that I found (I think so anyway). The characters were alright, but I didn't think there was enough depth to make them particularly interesting. For example, Therese. Her parents had just died, so I expected some kind of....change in her personality. However, I didn't even think she was sad enough. I just felt that something was missing in her 'grieving'. I also didn't like how she suddenly kissed Hypnos and Than at the start. Okay, she thought it was a dream. But still, I just couldn't understand why she would do that. I mean, they're strangers and Than was taking her parents to Underworld. If I was her, I would try to stop him instead.... I'm sorry but I just didn't understand. There were also a lot of characters, which makes it kinda hard for me to remember. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but I've always find it hard to remember characters' names..

When I first read the summary, I also though that it was going to be a love triangle. I was preparing myself to be annoyed once again...(I hate love triangles). However, surprisingly it wasn't. Well there was a tiny hint that it could be, but it was obvious that Therese chose Than. Which is good. Thank you Eva Pohler for saving me from another love triangle! ^^

Anyway, the whole mythology twist in the book was interesting. I loved how the Furies tortured those bad guys. Scary, disgusting but kinda funny in a way. (Don't ask why, I don't know!)
It was a pretty good book, so check it out~ :]