The False Prince - Ascendance Trilogy #1

I'm back!!! OMG it's been so long~  I'm so sorry but my internet was down for pretty much a month...so yeah~ I want to thank my followers who haven't given up hope on me. Thank you so much!! I'm going to start posting again as usual!! ^^

Overall rating- 4.5-5/5

Summary (goodreads)- THE FALSE PRINCE is the thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger and deceit and hidden identities that will have readers rushing breathlessly to the end.

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point -- he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage's rivals have their own agendas as well.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.

An extraordinary adventure filled with danger and action, lies and deadly truths that will have readers clinging to the edge of their seats.

Well, this book was just way better than I expected. I've been reading a lot of dystopian novels lately, so I just needed a break from it. What better genre is there to read other than fantasy?
I just love this story so much. There are twists and surprises in this story so I'll try not to reveal too much in this review...

I love the characters, they were really unpredictable. At the start, Sage seems arrogant, a little selfish and was pretty much a rebel. It seemed like he doesn't care about the plan at all, and that he's not even trying. However as the story went on, he totally surprised me. Sage actually has incredible secrets of his own, that personally I did not expect. He also turned out to be a smart (not so much in a knowledgeable kind) and very cunning. I don't want to spoil his secret, but I'll just point out that there are clues dropped throughout the book about this secret. When I finished the book, I looked back to this clues and was like... 'Oh~that makes sense now!' :P
Roden and Tobias were kinda like different sides of a coin. Tobias started out being the selfish, annoying character and Roden was the loyal, kind friend. However, that completely changed, and I was genuinely surprised. I can't wait to read more about them in the next book.
Conner was also...hard to figure out. I knew he wasn't a good guy, but I also didn't think he was necessarily evil. This is why I like the characters in this book. You read it halfway and thinks you understand the characters. But then the story flipped and everything changes. It was very surprising and exciting. A lot of things in this book was very unexpected. I also liked the minor characters such as Imogen and Mott. Imogen was a nice and kind girl, but to be honest I don't really know much about her yet. I hope this means that I'll be seeing more of her in the next book. Mott was also a nice character as he was some sort of a protector/guardian for Sage. He was strict, ruthless but kind and incredibly loyal. I just look forward to seeing how much more these characters are going to grow.

The story plot was also exciting and mysterious. There were a lot of blanks at the start so it kept me going. It also made me guess things, and want to find out the answer. It was really fun to read. I was most curious about Conner's plan. Is he really evil? Is he a nice guy that just wants the best for his country? Or is he a mix of both? Yeah it was kinda hard to determine that...
There were also interesting things that were taught to the orphans. Such as, table manners, dancing, horse-riding, sword fights etc. Did you know that when nobles ate soup, they scoop the food away from them not towrds them so that it wouldn't spill. Interesting huh?
At around halfway, I was considering 4 stars but then everything flipped and I went to about 4.5-5 stars. So yeah, I loved it. I'm really looking forward to the next one!! I hope it comes out soon!!
I think that if you enjoy some fantasy/mystery/adventure story then give it a try. There is only a very subtle romance, but the story is definitely worth reading. I hope that you'll give it a try! :]

The Iron Legends

Overall rating- 4/5

Summaries (Goodreads)- Winter's Passage

Never make a promise to a faery. They always come to collect. Now Meghan Chase must fulfill her promise to Prince Ash of the Winter Court and embark upon a dangerous journey into the heart of enemy territory—while being pursued by a relentless new foe and guarding her own foolish heart.

Summer's Crossing

What can turn enemies into reluctant allies? A call from the Exile Queen, Leanansidhe, ties legendary prankster Puck to his archenemy, Prince Ash, on a journey that may end in betrayal and will set them both on an irreversible path.

Iron's Prophecy

Before she ever knew what she might become, Iron Queen Meghan Chase was warned by the oracle that her firstborn child would bring nothing but grief. And even as Meghan and Ash celebrate their long-awaited union, the prophecy stirs

Okay well since this book has 3 different novellas...I guess I'll do 3 seperate reviews in one post~
First one is for Winter's Passage:
Omg it's Ash! And Meghan! Haha I missed reading about them! I still remember how Meghan went with Ash to the Unseelie Court. That is such an interesting, little side adventure. I liked how they both struggled with their feelings, and also their oath. Especially Ash. He doesn't overdo it, if you get what I mean. Because if he was too expressive, it wouldn't suit his personality. And it also added the mystery and thrill of trying to find out his feelings. I also liked how the Wolf came out. Now I completely understand how they met before Iron Knight. Kinda wish I read this before reading that book... :P It's interesting how the Wolf said he would kill them next time, but he ended up helping Ash in Iron Knight. I feel sorry for Ash... choosing between his love and his cold mother~ Anyway, it was a good side story.

Summer's Crossing- Yay! It's Ash and Puck! Hehe I always love scenes where they came out together! They're so funny! And this time, it's from Puck's perspective. It's interesting, because we never really know how Puck feels in the actual series. But now we do. Aww poor Puck, I'm sorry but I like Ash to be with Meghan!! I like this one better than the previous story, because it really shows how Puck chose Meghan's happiness over his own. I mean, it's obvious that he had a chance to get rid of Ash, so he can get Meghan, and probably save his life in the process. But he didn't! I was so~ glad! Puck is really a kind person...
I was really scared that he was going to hand Ash to Titania..but it turned out to be a trick! Phew~ Julie Kagawa managed to trick me there.... :D

Iron's Prophecy- Whoa~ they're married! Haha, I've been wanting to read their 'after-story' for ages! The first thing I noticed is how much Ash changed. He really became kinder huh? It kinda feels strange at the start, but then it makes sense that he would change... Well Meghan haven't changed that much really, but she certainly shows more responsibility now. She's really a good character :] Ehh I don't know what to say about this one. Some things in the Lost Prince does make more sense, now that I've read this one. How Keirran was prophecied to be either a saviour or a destroyer. And it makes more sense why Meghan hid Keirran from her family. Oh, and Grim is back!! Haha I love that cat! Anyway, yup, it was a nice story~
I'm glad Meghan didn't decide to kill Keirran!

So, overall it was a nice special stories I suppose. There were other stuff in it too which was very interesting, such as a guide to the Fey world, of the characters etc. Oh and I love Julie Kagawa's little drawings of Ash, Puck and Grim! Haha very cute~ ^^

Black City- Black City#1

Rating- 3/5

Summary(Goodreads)-  A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war.

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable—they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash’s long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they’re caught, they’ll be executed—but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.

It is with a heavy heart that I gave this book a 3/5 rating. I really wanted to rate it higher, since it's the type of book that I usually like. However, there were just some things that were lacking in this book.

It wasn't a bad book, not at all. The idea was in a way original, and interesting. I liked the idea of Darklings, although they are kinda similar to a vampire. But they had different abilities too such as giving out Haze from their venom. I also liked the idea of the Wrath disease, it was quite interesting finding out where the disease came from. But I have to say, it still didn't deliver a good enough story for me to give a higher rating.

The first thing is the characters. Natalie was a rich and important girl who secretly doesn't agree with her mother's ways. I liked how she was brave, and she knew what was right despite her mother's teachings. However, it is strange how she doesn't really have many guards. Okay, she has Sebastian. But really? One or two guards only? For someone who is such an improtant person, she wasn't guarded very heavily. I mean, she could still easily hang out with Ash and the others without being found out. Especially with the fact that her mother knew she was in danger. Shouldn't she be protected more? And also I was a bit annoyed with how she dismissed her friend. Alright, her friend didn't approve of Natalie's relationship with Ash and made her choose between the two of them, which was unfair. But Natalie straight away chose Ash! Without even thinking! Wait, what happened with not liking Darklings, and having a really good friend? She shouldn't have chosen Ash so quickly!

That's the other thing that I found a bit unrealistic- Natalie and Ash's relationship. At the start, they both hated each other (or at least they were wary of each other). But then, suddenly it's all lovey-dovey. How did that happen? Especially for Ash. Ash was described to be a cold guy, a bad boy and someone who despise the Sentry. Shouldn't he hate Natalie then? Okay, he fell in love with her, fair enough. However, I felt that his love should've been shown in more subtle ways. Does it really make sense for a guy with his personality to flat out send a note that says he loves her? Personally, I think it would make more sense if he kept it secret. He can still show it in small but obvious ways. Things like saving her was good, but I don't think he should've straight away declared his love to Natalie. It just made me confused to what his personality is really like. And the whole thing with Evangeline? Ugh, annoying. Usually with love triangles, I at least respect the other character. But Evangeline? I just didn't get her at all. I think that Natalie and Ash got together way too fast. It just felt a bit unrealitstic.

And yet, I still liked this book. (I don't love it though)
That's because I think it has the potential of becoming a really good series. The plot can become really interesting, and I hope that it will be. Therefore, I'm still looking forward to reading the next book- Phoenix. I hope that the characters would be developed better, and I would enjoy it more.
Nonetheless, maybe give it a try, and tell me what you think about it??

My Life Next Door

Overall rating- 4/5

Summary (Goodreads)- A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another

“One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.”

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over

I truly enjoyed reading this book. It was a sweet story about I guess...a typical teenage life? Well in some way it is~ For example, falling in love, friends, family problems etc. Sam is a 17 year old girl whose mother is a politician. Her mother has an obsession with perfection, for example overly concerned about the state of their house. I suppose it is due to her being left by Sam's father~
Anyway, her mother disapproves of the Garrets who are their neighbour. That is because they are a big family with 8 kids. Now personally, I don't see any problem with this. I mean, it's not like I want that many kids, but I'm Asian and many Asian families has a lot of children. Even my Grandfather has 12 siblings! (I think. I never met them) So, I don't really know why people there had so much problem about it. I guess yeah, it would make their money situation tight and cause some problems. But the Garrets are totally fine with it, and they love their children. I was pretty annoyed with the people who always commented on the Garrets' life. Come on, mind your own business! And what's wrong with breast-feeding? I always thought that it is much healthier for a baby to be breast-fed anyway than being fed by bottled milk. Well everyone has their own opinions, but it's not right to judge other people because of it~

Anyway, so Sam met Jase and they fell in love. I found their love story quite sweet and not rushed. Which is good. Jase was a nice guy, who was loyal both to his girlfriend and his family. Especially after the accident happened. I mean, if you had to choose between your bestest friend/your love and your family, which one would you choose? Both Jase and Sam were faced with a big decision, especially Sam. I was a bit disappointed when she hid the truth at the start, but I'm glad she finally told Jase. Because, what's important there is the truth. It's true that her mother might get in a huge trouble, but will hiding the truth be worth it? It could somehow come back to haunt them one day, and the consequences might be even bigger. So, I was glad that Sam's mother did the right thing and told Jase's family the truth. And, she didn't go to jail afterall did she? Yes her life changed, which is expected afterall. How can someone's life not change after something like that?

I also liked how the Garrets decided things as a whole family. I think that's very important, as it also shows the tight bond between them. They are really a crazy but sweet family.
Another thing was Sam's mother's relationship with Clay. I did have a feeling that it was somehow a bit....strange I guess? Like Sam said, it's like her mother was controlled or hyptonised. She did things that she normally wouldn't, and it's just a bit weird. I was very shocked though when Clay made his speech. I truly didn't expect him to be so shallow! I thought he was an okay guy, not a complete jerk! Anyway....uhh I guess you should find out why yourself~

I'm not really sure what else to say about this book. The characters were pretty interesting I suppose, and they did develop at the end of the book. I think the one character who made the biggest development is Sam's mother. She's not the main character, but she truly changed. For example she accepted (in a way) the Garretts family, when she repulsed them at the beginning. And she's doing more things as a mother and less as a politician. I know that it is hard to be with her kids all the time as she is only a single parent, but she's finally becoming closer to them. So yeah, that's what I think anyway/ The plot was also interesting, though it did focus on Sam and Jace's relationship most of the time. But the book is about them afterall. Overall, I liked it, and if you like teen fiction, you probably will too. So if you haven't read it, give it a go! And if you have, what did you think of it?

Top To-Read Books in 2013

Hey guys! So, it's finally 2013 huh? What are your New Year's resolutions?
Well one of mine is to read as many books as possible. It is kinda simple actually~ :P
Anyway, these are some of awesome books which I can't wait to read!! (in no particular order)

1. Divergent #3 - well there isn't a cover yet, so unfortunately there are no pictures or summary. But, if you've read Divergent and Insurgent, you must know that it is an absolutely amazing series! I love this series and I truly cannot wait for the third book! Honestly, the cliffhanger at the end of the second book killed me. Anyway, so this is the book that I want to read the most~


2. Clockwork Princess- I am totally in love with the Infernal Devices series. I'm not a fan of the Mortal Instruments, but for some reason I love this series. Anyway, again the end of Clockwork Prince totally killed me. Oh poor Will!!! Oh yeah, by the way..I'm totally in Team Will :P
I really hope that Tessa will choose him in this book. Please~

3. Asunder- This is the second book of Jodi Meadows' awesome series- Newsoul (The 1st book is called Incarmate). It's a lovely, original story which had me hooked from the very start. I love the characters, the world, the plot etc. I can't wait to see the development of Ana and Sam's realtionship, and find out if there are going to be more new souls. And, isn't the cover just absolutely beautiful?

4. Spirit - This is the third book of the Elemental series by Brigid Kemmerer. I've just recently got to know this series, but I really liked it. I loved Spark and I hope that Spirit will be even better than the previous books. This time it's going to be from Hunter's perspective! I can't wait!

5. Tiger's Dream- This is the 5th book of the Tiger Saga. The ending of Tiger's Destiny totally convinced me that it was the end. But nope, it turns out that there's another book! I wonder if it's from teh same characters or the next generation? But please don't change the pairing anymore, they're good the way they are now! I really can't go through the agony of wanting Ren to end up with Kesley anymore! They're together and it should stay that way! Anyway, if there's anothe book, well I'll love to read it! I hope it's going to be better than the previous books! Actually, I'm not even sure if it's going to be released this year..






6. The Girl with the Iron Touch- This is the 3rd book of the Steampunk Chronicles. I love Griffin the most, and I really want him and Finley to finally end up together! But Jack is going to come back? NO!! Finley must stay with Griffin, please~ I hate love triangles.. T_T
Oh but this one's going to be about Emily, and I love her. She's so different but awesome! Yup, totally can't wait to read it!




So yup, those are a few of books that I want to read this year. There are many more, but I'm not going to list them all~
What books are on your To-Read list?