A Temptation of Angels Review

Overall rating: 6.5/10

I had high hopes for this book, since I’ve only have good experiences from reading a book that has a recommendation by MTV and also Seventeen.  Even the title lured me in; who could resist such an enticing, apparently forbidden promising title? Well, I’ll save all of my issues with this book till the end. 

Summary: This book takes place during the Victorian era, in London, England. Helen’s parents are killed in her home by villainous, mysterious beings; her mother forces her to escape without them. Only leaving her with a necklace with a very interesting pendant on it, and a note that has the address to a stranger’s house. The main plot revolves around solving the mystery of who the killer is, why, and how to stop it from continuing. 

Characters: The beginning, the very first few pages in fact, dives right into the action that’s predominate periodically throughout the story. The story is in the third person, through the perspective of the main character: Helen Cartwright. You are quickly introduced to the next most important characters: brothers Darius and Griffin. Darius is the typical character that seems to posses a mysterious, or tragic, past. Which is true, as you’ll discover early on in the book. As a consequence of his horrific experience, it’s very hard to gain his trust, but he’s protective of the ones who have earned it. Griffin’s outward personality is the complete opposite of his brother’s. He’s very friendly, and I dare say even nurturing. When I was about 1/5th of the way through the book, that song by kevjumba and Nigahiga “Nice Guys Finish Last” popped into my head. However, as I discovered later in the book it should of been “Bad Guys Finish Last” or “Nice Guys Finish First”, which ever you feel is more appealing.

Problems: I found that the book was a bit deceiving. On the back cover it promises a love-triangle; unfortunately, it wasn’t much of one. You don’t even meet the other guy till 1/3rd of the way through the book, and even then it’s not much of one. It only starts getting a bit heated, or conflicted, towards the end. Which is a big disappointment! Another thing, the title, A Temptation of Angels, seems as it would promise something forbidden, something of great, perhaps tragic, desire. Of coarse, this book failed to live up to the title. There was very little to none of such temptation! Now, the biggest problem I had with this book are the characters. None of the characters were dynamic; they lacked that essential depth required to really feel connected to a character, and not once did I feel empathetic of their emotions. It might just be the fact that it is in third person, but I felt like an outsider looking in on them. I subjectively think that only some select writers can effectively pull off 3rd person without leaving out interaction between the characters and the reader. Otherwise, I’d feel left out, in a sense, like I did with this book. For example, I had no idea why Helen was attracted to one of the brothers; he was as boring and static as hell. In addition, you can add the other brother and almost everyone else -though I did like Anna and her father-.

Similar book(s): I thought this book was tremendously similar to The City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. They both posses a new, secret world; which have been kept secret to the public. Both have enemies that must be fought to preserve humanity, or all the beings in the world, and they have strange weapons. It made me think, “Did Michelle Zink (Author of A Temptation…) first read the City of Bones and modeled her book after that one?” 

Conclusion: Nevertheless, it was still a somewhat enjoyable read. I have experienced reading painful books where I’m forced to put the book down, and maybe, if the book is lucky, I’ll try picking it up again in a year or so. However, I can assure you this book is not one of thosebooks, but it came awfully close. The book has its problems, but some may be able to overlook it; if so, then please try reading it and tell me what YOU think!

Catherine Review

Catherine by the fabulous April Lindner is a excellent retelling of the classic Wuthering Heights. After reading Jane by the same author, a retelling of Jane Eyre, I had high expectations for this book to meet, and I can assure you that I was not disappointed.  

Upon discovering a 14 year old hidden letter from her once thought dead mother, Chelsea takes the initiative to go on an adventure to put together the clues of her mother’s disappearance. Hoping that her mother may still be alive, she travels to The Underground, the renowned club and the home where her mother grew up. She comes across the very rude and moody Hence, her mother’s past love, who is now taking care of The Underground, and a cute and helpful employee Cooper.

I thought it was brilliant how the author pieced together the modern retelling of the classic, well loved story. The book is told in two perspectives:the past: her mother back in her youthful years and the present: her daughter’s search for her mother. The present searches to uncover the mystery of the past, and to emerge and grow from the past’s experiences. It kind of gave it a two in one story kind of feel, but they are completely connected and intertwined. 

It was interesting to compare how the characters changed from her mother’s time, the past, and to Chelsea’s, the present. The most dramatic being Hence. When being compared between the two time periods, I couldn't comprehend why he was so very different. Which it only added to the mystery in the book, and the reason will not disappoint. In addition, it’s also interesting to compare mother and daughter to how similar they may be, but also the differences due to conditioning as well.

A center theme to this book is motivation. Why did each character do what they did. Having Catherine, the mother, being the most important in this theme, and Hence in second place. It’s also interesting to see the emotions tied in with these motivations. I would love to give examples, but I swear I will not give away any spoilers to the book, however tempting it may be.

Overall this was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I recommend it to those who like classical literature, especially to those who enjoy the Bronte sisters or maybe even Austin, and to those who are interested in the punk music scene as well-though keep in mind it does play a good role, it isn’t a central theme-. For other similar reads, I suggest Wuthering Heights-of coarse- and Jane by the same author, April Lindner. 

Cruel Beauty Review ☆☆☆☆☆

Rosamund Hodge's debut novel, Cruel Beauty, exceeded my expectations! It was phenomenal! I can most certainly state that Cruel Beauty is with my top 3 favorites. Thus, it's not surprising that I am giving it 5 out of 5 amazing stars! 

In this enchanting retelling of Beauty and the Beast, where Greek mythology is still ever present, Nyx has been raised with the sole purpose of being a tribute and wife to the Gentle Lord. Determined to defeat her future husband, she trains in the magical arts and take up a plan to do so. However, Nyx didn't plan for the Gentle Lord to be so charming. Will she be able to kill him? 

Firstly, I just absolutely loved the general idea and the plot. I was hooked at the beginning and it kept my attention till the conclusion of the novel. I'll admit that Greek mythology in the young adult genre is becoming a bit overused, but don't let that prevent you from reading this masterpiece. It is used in a refreshing way. All of the twists and surprises in this book were amazing; it's another key piece that made this book standout. I'm fairly used to not being surprised, so that should really say something. 

The relationships between Nyx and her 2ish, really one, romantic interest(s) were utterly unique. Their banter is perhaps my favorite part between them! Their dynamics were mysterious at first, and this just ties into my above point as to how it took surprising turns that truly made sense in the end. The love that they have for each other seems realistic, despite it having magical elements, and envious. 

The only issue I had with Cruel Beauty is that it was a little fuzzy when explaining the reasons behind how the final issue is resolved. Perhaps I'm just not intelligent enough, though I was able to kind make sense of it, but still remained pretty uncertain if I assumed correctly or not. 

I first came across this book several months ago when trying to find something to read. I regret having waited so long, but better late than never, right? :D Anyway, some similar reads are: The Bone Season (review here) and The Color of Rain (link here). 

Forget You Review

Forget you by Jennifer Echols is the third book that I have read by this author, and by now I definitely have a ranking of which ones I prefer:

1. Going Too Far
2. Such a Rush
3. Forget You

So, I was not exactly impressed by this book, but it wasn't horrible. 2.5 out of 5 stars. 

Zoey's world is turned upside down when her self-absorbed father gets her twenty-four year-old employee pregnant and her mother attempts suicide, placing her in a mental institution. Having to keep up appearances for her parents' reputations, she pretends everything is fine. Again, her world is shaken up when she wakes up after she's been involved in a car crash with Doug, previously on bad terms, being too intimate with her. She already has her boyfriend Brandon!

What brought this book down are two things: Zoey's annoying trait of showing weakness and the lack of interesting plot when compared to Echols' previous works.

Zoey doesn't remember everything that happened during and shortly after the accident. In addition to the strange string of events (i.e. Doug being all kind and intimate with her). So what does she do to try to figure out what happen? She lies to everyone about not remembering, making excuses and pretending that she remembers, and goes to extents that make her look a little crazy. Her strong reluctance to show weakness and actually ask someone directly involved is beyond annoying! I just wanted to scream at her and tell her to just go ask Doug what happened and that would be it! Just go straight to the source to eliminate all of this insanity! However, if she did do that, about 90% of the book would of been done away with.

Another annoying flaw of Zoey is her misconceptions about other people. Plainly a bad judgement of character. This is most prominent in her perception of her relationship with her "boyfriend" Brandon. It's simply infuriating. She just refuses to acknowledge the reality of their relationship and goes further by lying to herself about it and to others.

Echols' other books are very good, especially Going Too Far, yet this is definitely not up to par. It lacks excitement and originality that they had. It just felt like another mediocre book, really. I expected a lot more from Jennifer Echols, contributing to my negative review because of my disappointment. All I can really say is that she tried. Some other books kind of similar to this is: My Life Next Door (review here) and Anna and the French Kiss (review here). 

The Chosen One Review

The Chosen Ones by Carol Lynch Williams was a interesting tale to say the least. I found it is most fitted for a middle grade audience; however, that did not mean I did not enjoy it. Overall, it's a 3 out of 5 stars.

Kyra comes from a big family: 3 mothers, 1 father, and tons of siblings. They live in a compound, secluded in the middle of the desert where the prophet rules with a heartless, radically rigorous fist. Kyra has obeyed all of the deeply pious rules implemented by the mighty prophet, but it's until he announces that 13 year-old Kyra will have to marry her 60-something year-old uncle!

Kyra's character stays true to her age. She is not unusually bright for her age, she rebels and has noteworthy persistence. As the narrator of this novel, her opinions and perception are not completely skewed by the absurdities of the religion that she follows and the prophet's crimes against humanity. Despite this, she is not overly unique, she sounds like mostly conventional tween.

The whole aspect of polygamy in this book is presented on its negative type of it. The women have no choice if they want to follow polygamy or not; in addition, they have no choice as to who they can marry. Their sole purpose is to serve their husband, have tons of kids and to raise them. Nothing else. Which, of coarse, leads to the misogyny in the book. Luckily, Kyra resists it passively at first, still believing she's committing sins and thus feels guilt over it, and then it leads to her eventual proactive forms of it despite tremendous, lethal dangers.

The romance in the novel is how it should be: puppy love. They meet at dark in secret places to talk, read, or make out. It's all very innocent in its essence. It's what is expected of a tween-teen romance, not some adult version with explicit actions being done. Again, acceptable for a tween, middle grade demographic.

The novel was mildly entertaining enough to keep me reading; I was not glued to the page. It wasn't until the end that I became more intrigued. Similar books include:  The Color Of Rain (link here) and The Registry (link here). 

Some Quiet Place Review

Title: Some Quiet Place

Author: Kelsey Sutton

Publisher: Flux

Pages: 336

Some Quiet Place by Kelsey Sutton is a strange book. Strange in a unique sort of way. It takes a completely original idea and simply runs with it. Because I did have to force myself to read the first 100 pages, I have to give this book a 2.5 out of 5. 

Elizabeth has never been the same since the car accident when she was 4/5. Since then, her family and home life turned abusive and non comforting. Elizabeth simply cannot feel emotions; although, she can see them in their otherworldly humanoid form. This intrigues the emotion Fear. Thus, it makes it a challenge to try to get to the bottom of this circumstance. 

The idea of having a protagonist who doesn't feel anything but physical pain is utterly original and unique. However, this does prove to become utterly boring after the first few scenes. As one can probably imagine, a character that lacks emotion is incredibly boring. The only thing that makes up for it is about mid way through the book is the change of pace that thankfully saves this book from my unfinished pile. 

The love triangle in this book kind of put me off a bit. I just have an issue with it in general, so the who dynamic kind of annoyed me. "Just choose one and stop playing with the other, " is what I wanted to tell Elizabeth for the majority of this book!

The plot was interesting enough to keep me mildly to moderately entertained. Although, I should give it credit for the mild plot twists/surprises at the end. Overall, though, it was just okay. The idea is the only thing that is special. 

So if you have read Some Quiet Place already and disagree with me, then let me suggest The Coldest Girl in Coldtown (Link here) and The Registry (link here). 

Every Day Review

Title: Every Day (Hard Cover)

Author: David Levithan

Publisher: Ember

Pages: 322

Firstly, I must say that this is a phenomenal book that was filled to the brim with lessons and wisdom. When I picked up Every Day by David Levithan, I surely did not expect it to be so absolutely meaningful, so easy to relate to, like seriously! It can connect to all walks of life. Due to the pure awesomeness that Is Every Day, it deserves nothing less than a 4.8 out of 5. 

This is a first person narrative detailing the lives of A during a forty day period. A doesn't have a body of it's own, instead from the day A was born, A enters a body of host for only a day. By midnight, A is ripped from that body and moves on to the next. A has no control over it. So A lives every day by trying not to make a significant impact on the host's lives. However, that's not until he meets Rihannon; she changes everything. 

The thing that stood at the most is most certainly all of the lessons and experiences that are contained within this terrific book. A possesses the body of such diverse people: a suicidal girl, a drug addict, an morbidly obese guy, a transgender teen, and many other kinds of people. Along with these experiences, A gifts the reader with countless wisdom and lessons that is to be received. It's what made this book stand out.

Consequently, this wisdom is what ultimately leads to the conclusion of the book. There is no tragedy, per se, but it's no happily ever after. And I appreciate it for that. Finally a book where the protagonist is realistic, ironically in a very unrealistic book, and is caring enough to let go what it loves the most for the benefit of the loved person.

The only issue I had with this book is the whole love at first sight stuff. I might just be too logical and cold-hearted, but it just doesn't seem right or realistic to me. However, I easily overlooked it as I became intrigued to other parts of this book.

If you haven't gone out and read this book yet, you need to get a copy immediately! It'll stick with you for a while. Here are some similar books: Wanderlove (link here) and Slammed (link here).