Angelfall Review

Angelfall by Susan Ee was a book that I simply picked up on impulse. After spending perhaps about half a hour browsing books, and gradually becoming disheartened as I was not finding anything I liked, I just chose a random book and decided to read it. For an overall rating, I'd rate it as 3 out of 5.

After the angels have descended upon Earth, complete havoc and chaos was unleashed. Destroying the conventional structure of human civilization, humans are now prey for the angels. Penryn, her mentally ill mother, and her disabled younger sister try to merely survive in this dystopian world. Until one night, they witness a fight among the angels, and, unfortunately, are discovered where upon they become their target. It's up to Penryn to save her family with the help of a potentially dangerous, yet otherworldly attractive, angel.

First off, I liked that there was no love at first sight crap! Although, undoubtedly, their sexual attraction cannot be denied, they initially loathed and didn't trust each other. Over time, as they go though mutual experiences together, they begin to learn and trust one another. Subjectively, this gives the notion that  it's more realistic in its nature, since they have to (or should) work through their problems first in order to become anything more. Real couples deal with real problems. Thus, giving more weight to their relationship. With that said, I feel as if I must state that their relationship isn't exactly unique or special, instead, it's comparable to many other relationships from other books. It deviates from the love at first sight crap, but it's certainly no Anna and Etienne (Click Here for my review of Anna and the French Kiss).

The first page hooked me; it took little effort for Susan Ee to capture my attention. It seems that there is a correlation between the more books I read, and the harder it is to start reading a book and being immediately immersed in its unique waters. This book was one of the rare ones. When reading the middle of the book, my interest began to die down a bit. The plot seemed to have simmered down and get a little boring. Despite this, my interest level was peeked again to a whole new level at the conclusion of the book. Oh my, that ending! Never before have I read such a surprising ending with such a sinister twist! I absolutely loved it!

Read this book if you like surprise, sinister endings or dystopian societies. Throughout the book, if you were like me, your feelings toward it will range from interested, bored, surprised and delighted. For similar reads, I suggest The Bone Season (Review Here) or The Immortal Rules (Review Here). 

The Registry Review

The Registry by Shannon Stoker was, admittedly, a somewhat dull story. It's a tale filled with adventure, escape, murder, and among others, so I'd understand if someone were to have a completely opposite opinion. I  generously give it a 1.5 out of 5. 

I just could not connect to the story, particularly Mia. Her ignorance is annoying, though perfectly understandable as she was purposefully raised that way. The book contradicts itself when despite Mia's ignorance (ex. not knowing basic math), she know's words like synapses and their function. Makes no sense. Although the story is what many would consider action packed, edge of your seat entertainment, it was instead just boring. I really had to force myself to read all of it; sometimes, I honestly wonder why I torture myself and waste my time with uninteresting books. I just skimmed the last 40 or so pages, only getting the basic details that confirmed what I already predicted what would happen.

Of coarse the future day, neo-America is a woman's nightmare, a land digressed to past ways before the women's rights movement. The government had programmed nearly every denizen to these radical, misogynistic beliefs, but at least Mia takes charge of her own destiny and attempt to escape by crossing the USA-Mexican border. Along their journey, they encountered a few people that aren't blinded by the stupid beliefs and possess more feminist views instead. In particular, I especially love Frank and Alex! They were one of the very rare decent characters. 

If you're one to detest love triangles, then this could still be an alright book, but be warned: there are multiple potential love interests. However, it's only towards the end. At least I didn't not feel too connected to the first, most obvious choice, so to someone who detests love triangles, it probably won't be much of a turn off. 

This book was painful to read. It lacks great depth, elegance, and rather literal- if that makes sense. I would not recommend this book to anyone, unless they want to easily fall asleep. You can tell the author really did try, but it just did not meet expectations. It had potential.  

The Immortal Rules Review

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa was an amazing read. I’d say this was a mix of action, horror, romance, and unnatural beings. This is the first book in The Blood of Eden series. Overall, I’d give it a 4.5/5.

This book has there main parts to it, or more like story arches, which does match the three official parts that book is split into. I really liked it; it gave background into the main character’s life and the dystopian world that she resides in that sets up the book. Trust me, it is anything but boring. It’s a utter horror to imagine such a world. As one character in book said, God has left the world and all that is left is Hell (my poor paraphrase :P ). I can honestly say, I’ve never read a book like this one. 

The main character, Allison Sekemoto, or Allie, I absolutely adored! She is one kick-butt, bad-ass girl! It was more like a role reversal in the latter of the book. Ignoring traditional archetypes, she was the hero of the book; she undoubtedly held her own and even others. She protected everyone around her, showing how caring and humane she is in a world where almost all of that has left, she even protects her love interest, where in typical, cliche young adult books (scratch that, it’s everywhere) that’s who protects the lady. But nope! It’s all her! I just absolutely loved her! I, at least, don’t see very many characters like her, but when I do I just can’t shut up about it. Fortunately, she is stubborn too; otherwise, she wouldn’t be as wonderful. It was fantastic watching her evolve into an even greater person.

It was very hard for me to put this book down; I wanted to read it all in one sitting, but sleep is inevitable-even for vampires too. There was always something going on, something to keep you reading. Believe me when I say that this book is filled with action and battle scenes. Even if you’re not fond of fighting, I highly suggest reading this anyway as there is way more to the book than just that. 

I know that there are many people out there, like me, who are entirely sick and turned-off by vampires. After a certain movie series, it’s been completely drained out and cliche. Yes, this book does retain the typical vampire traits that are common with almost all vampire, but keep in mind that it’s still unique. Unique in how the dynamics of the dystopian world is new and refreshing. It discusses moral and ethical issues that would arise from such a society. Luckily, Allie is such an awesome character who pulls this off and evolves very nicely. 

The only real issue I had with the book is the romantic connection and “chemistry” between Allie and her love Interest Zeke (Ezekiel). I can only plainly say is that I didn’t like it, though Zeke is not a bad person whatsoever! I just didn’t feel it, if you know what I mean. I so do not want them to end up together, but what I want doesn’t matter. 

Instead of Zeke, I whole heatedly wish for Allie to get together with her Sire, Kanin. I really loved him! He’s also her mentor, teaching her the basics of being a vampire, their history, reading, math, and combat. I just have to say it again, I love Kanin! However, there was no tension between Allie and him, making me sadly think that they won’t ever come together.

This was a terrific read! I high suggest this to those who love horror and dystopian novels. Though I do advise to not read it for the romance, but for everything else. Read it for Allison! Trust me, you’d love her! Another dystopian novel like this one is The Color of Rain by Cori McCarthy. 

The Color of Rain Review

The color of Rain by Cori McCarthy is an intense, thrilling, and exciting read! I could not put this book down, well I was forced to, but still! It wasn’t by choice!Overall I rate this book 4.3/5. 

Warning: Prostitution and violence is a major theme in this book, with an emphasis on the prostitution part. 

Though the plot may seem to an outsider like wtf? or just plain weird, this book was a thoroughly edgy, interesting read. The book begins with Rain, being the only remaining redhead; Lo, her prostitute friend; and her touched, younger brother. On Earthcity, it is almost like a post apocalypse, kind of, setting where the people gradually become touched, or in other words infected with a mysterious, mind numbing disease. Those touched are captured by cops/bounty-like hunters for money, and no one knows where they are taken to. Being reduced to selling herself in order to gain enough money to take her and her brother to the edge, where she’s heard rumors that the edge can cure the touched, she sells herself to the cocky, devilish Johnny. Little does she know what she has fully agreed to.

When I bought this book, I wasn’t expecting all of the fucked up things that are contained within these pages. However, it was all of those things that made it an interesting and an attention stealing book. It makes you appreciate the kind of life you may have, after comparing it to Rain’s. At first I was thinking that this was a love-hate romance between Rain and her buyer, Johnny. That misconception quickly vanished when it was revealed that Johnny was also a pimp, and with a very disturbing, violent, sick, deeply psychotic personality, and to only add to all the power he possesses as being the captain of the space ship. 

This book is filled with so much action and so much thrill that it’s easy to get swept up in the story. The author does a good job at transitioning from event to event, and I, for the most part, liked Rain’s character. She is a very mentally strong and smart girl, even more so having a bunch of disadvantages. 

To conclude, I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy some scifi or something really edgy, but also keep in mind the mature themes. Though there is a lot of prostitution, this book is not really pornographic or soft-core/hard-core erotic. For similar reads, I recommend Grave Mercy by R.L. LaFevers, and Delirium by Lauren Oliver.