Alienated Review

Alienated by Melissa Landers is a spectacular novel that thoroughly entertained me. It is a enjoyable read, especially if you are looking for something a little different from the cliche teenage high school plot. On a scale of 1 to 5, I'd rate it 3.75 out of 5. 

The title of this book has a double meaning when connecting it to the events in this book. Cara, is selected to be the hostess of the very first ever exchange student from L'eihr: Aelyx. Despite being almost completely genetically identical to humans, there are some few key differences and a whole lot of  cultural ones as well. Aelyx has secret plans that could threaten everything on Earth and key relations with his home plant. And let's not forget about the growing tension between him and Cara.

I liked that this was a duel perspective novel; it allowed us to truly understand the mentality and thought process behind the two main characters: Cara and Aelyx. In turn, you actually believe perhaps a little more than a singular perspective in the actual chemistry between the romantic interests.

The sci-fi element made it deviate from the traditional sort of high school drama book; in turn, it spiced it up by formulating different, yet complex conflicts within the plot. Maybe I'm just not too familiar with young adult sci-fi books, but I have to say there are not many with human and alien relations. And it's not some bizarre reptilian alien, or grey alien, however, that could be quite interesting too.... yeah, I'd probably read that >.< haha

Cara's parents and family relationships are not neglectful or just non-existent! Her parents are actually in her life and they have a good, healthy relationship! Although, to me, her mom seemed like a bit of a weak character (no, not because of the crying), while her dad was more of a proactive and useful character (even a couple of times humorous).

I absolutely adored how the author forces you to change your perspective on certain characters. It's really surprising! First you love them, then you are shocked and despise them, and then you love them again!

Some similar reads to this one would be The Color of Rain (link here) or Across the Universe (link here).

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). 

Chosen At Nightfall Review

Chosen at Nightfall is the fifth and final installment to the Shadow Falls series by C.C. Hunter. Over the pass two and a half years, I have enjoyed reading the series and being in despair while waiting for the release date. To my dismay, however, this final conclusion seemed to be rather disappointing and somewhat of a let down. It's not necessarily bad, but it just did not live up to expectations. I guess I shall give it a 3 out of 5. 

Unfortunately, the plot of the book is not really too interesting, with the exception of a chapter or two in the middle and a couple of chapters towards the end, so I had to really be dedicated and made myself read the majority of this book. In fact, after reading the first page, I just wanted to close my eyes and go to sleep. The climax was a bit anticlimactic, especially since entire climax that has been built up the entire series is only a brief chapter that get's quickly taken care of. It seemed as though the author didn't put too much thought into it and just wanted to get it over with. The resolution was dull, which I suppose is to be expected, but still. Perhaps my distaste for the plot is caused from my evolving tastes and opinions, thus don't cloud your judgement with my opinions. I want to know your thoughts.

Throughout this whole series, there is a big freaking, annoying love-triangle between Kylie, Lucas, and Derek. If you're like me, and not exactly a fan of love-triangles or even the gasp! maddening love-polygon, then this book will at least give you closure to Kylie's infuriating indecisiveness. She has been caught between the hot, passionate, werewolf Lucas and the caring, lovable fairy Derek. If I had it my way, I'd have Kylie just pick both, have a open or mutually consensual two-way relationship. However, if I had to choose, I would pick Derek because he seems to truly care for her holistic well being. He understands and accepts her for who she is; what's more, he doesn't experience turmoil for it! On the other hand, Lucas is the all hot and passionate love who is required to have intense loyalty to his werewolf pack... a pack that excludes Kylie. Therefore, it's annoying as he tries to have both without thinking of Kylie. 

Though in this new installment, he has made his decision: Kylie. Thus Lucas suffers the consequences and he's been shunned from the majority of the werewolf community. Kylie suffers the same turmoil that she is the reason for Lucas' decision; in addition, continually grieves over Lucas' betrayal. She spends the majority of the book grieving and just being sad over Lucas. That is pretty much all she feels: sadness over Lucas, Lucas, and... guess who? Lucas. As a reader, it is immensely annoying having to constantly read about her whining. Make a decision, take action, just freaking DO something! 

The chemistry between Kylie and Lucas seemed fake, or just that there is a big gap that's missing. I could kind of understand why they wanted to be together, main reason perhaps being lust, though I feel as though lust is definitely insufficient to justify devoted love and commitment. It simply did not seem real. 

What I loved the most about this novel is Holiday and Burnett! They are the most adorable characters within the book! They both provide to be role models and idols, though they become human when their flaws are shown. However, isn't that also what make them role models, acknowledging their mistakes/flaws and trying to do something about it. I had an easier time believing in their relationship as opposed to almost every other!

1.  Does Chosen at Nightfall live up to the previous prequels? 
2. What are your thoughts on the resolution of Kylie's indecisiveness regarding her love interests?
3. Are you looking forward towards the new spin-off series featuring Della as the protagonist? 

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.  

Wanderlove Review

Wanderlove by Kirsten Hubbard was not merely a random book that I picked off the shelf, rather after reading Just One Day I was hit with the longing to travel. Dismally, at the moment, I don't have the means to do so. In order to temporarily suppress the urge, I did the next best thing: vicariously live through a story that's saturated with it. This book irrevocably deserves a 4 out of 5. 

The sketches and the lists/rules in this book is what seriously set it apart from most other books. They were cute and complimented it as a whole nicely. It kind of helped me get inside the heroine Bria's head and allowed further insight into her character. Nevertheless, I must reiterate, they were entirely cute. Provided some comic relief in certain sections of the book. 

To be honest, I was slightly disappointed for the first 60ish pages. I didn't initially like Bria; she displayed annoying qualities that I plainly loathed: lying, sticking to the ugly past... However, I eventually became enlightened, this was old, transformed Bria. It was necessary to have her annoying and loathsome like this in order to have her transformed into a way more agreeable, enlightened heroine. I grew to love her. The further you were invested into the story, the more you discovered about Bria's character and her past. Personally, I eventually uncovered the reasoning behind her lies and even sympathized with her. (Note: lying is only a minor subject, it's not a primarily immoral book, it's the opposite actually. I mostly guarantee, this book will likely stick with you for awhile.)

I am sooo envious (not jealous, mind you) of Bria! Before reading this, I've never really been too interest in the backpacking lifestyle, perhaps due to my ignorance of it. But now, I am remarkably ready to begin my own backpacking adventure somewhere outside North America. Hostels, Mayan ruins, lakes, islands, and festivals, I want to experience it all! However, like I stated earlier, travel stories will have to satiate me for now.

The relationship between Bria and Rowan (travel-brother? love interest? -will try not to spoil- ) was initially a complicated one. Certainly, the topics concerning their past that were off limits was a definite obstacle in having an honest and healthy relationship. And again, making their transformation even more meaningful. There was more to this than simply a "common romance"; it stood out. The complexity allowed them to grow and seem multidimensional. Let me say, there really isn't any "instantaneous love at first sight crap".  

Those hit with the travel bug and cannot actually travel, read this. 

Those who enjoy a good coming of age, growing up story, read this.

Finally, those who are looking for something potentially a bit different, must I repeat? Read this. 

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown Review

Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black is a vampire paranormal young adult read. It possesses action, violence, a dystopian society, and an accompanying element of a small romance. Overall, I would determine that it's a 4 out of 5 book. 

Firstly, I applaud the heroine Tana for caring about more than just her love interest. Thank you Holly Black. Tana cares about the vampire boy that she was raised to hate and fear, but instead she actually saved him from other vampires that purse to kill him. One may blame that she was not mentally stable after discovering that all of the kids at the party she was at were viciously murdered. However, this proved that she could be trusted by the vampire and in turn the vampire helped save her life. Thus on goes their short journey to Coldtown, an quarantined area dedicated to keeping all the vampires and humans inside in, allowing no escape-of coarse, unless you have a marker from turning in a vampire. 

I absolutely loved all of the action within this book! There was not a long, boring dull moment that would have tainted the book. Granted there were some small somewhat dull moments, though only minute. The surprises I honestly did not see coming! They kept coming and coming all the way until the conclusion of the story. In hindsight, it's interesting to see what instigated what, figuring out all the turning points and connections. 

The book offers another look or dimension to the well filled vampire literature that have flooded the young adult section of the book industry in recent years. However, this story has a unique setting and fabulous characters that will continue to shock you. Nothing is exactly as it seems. So even if you've read a shitload of vampire books, give this a try anyway. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. 

The relationship between Tana and Gavriel is great but rather twisted at the same time. It's not exactly your conventional kind of relationship. Though I do love it for that reason, but also that it seems equal. Tana is no damsel in distress, instead she takes on the more heroic persona who rescues others, including her strong, male love interest. This serves as foundation for the equal relationship where Tana doesn't completely, and unreasonably, obsess over Gavriel. They're a great killing duo! 

Just One Day

Just One Day by Gayle Forman is a contemporary, travel, coming of age, heartbreak filled story. I found it to be moderately good, so overall I'd say it's a 3.75 out of 5.

Allyson, Lulu, starts out as the straight A perfect student who obeys everything her Mom dictates, whom lives vicariously through her daughter. So when she's offered the opportunity to escape those shackles, while on her European group tour with her friend Melanie, and to live as Lulu, for just one day, she changes it up and agrees to have a mere stranger Willhelm (who's Dutch!) accompany her to a secret excursion to Paris! 

Her day trip, I found, was absolutely enviable! In fact, I openly admit to the internet that I'm jealous of dear Lulu! Will serves as a great tour guide, his looks adds heartily to it too, and you can feel the romantic tension between the two rather well, with it only being intensified that in 24 hours, they'll be heading in two very different ways, on another continent! When it begins to wind down the desperation is very noticeable! Though I'm sorry to inform you that this "desperation" is not graphic, it merely skims over it a bit... so if you're into that sort of literature, you definitely won't find it in this young adult book. 

I undoubtedly want to discuss the relationship between Lulu and will, but I fear it may spoil a big part of the book for you. So, I'll keep my mouth mostly shut. A on the surface understanding is formed that creates heartbreak and depression. However, it is this that instigates, along with the single day trip, Allyson to unchain those shackles and to search for who she truly is, self-discovery... introspection. The people that she meets along the way will guide her through her long transformation process. A few of them I really admire, there are some very interesting yet unique characters! All of the struggles that she goes through and eventually overcome can be very relatable to a wide variety of people, opening up its demographic and appealing to an array of creatures. Depression, heartbreak, over-controlling parents, travel, self-discovery: it's all very relatable. You will not be left untouched.

The descriptions in this book of the scenery is phenomenal! It'll transport you to the actually scenery, mainly the city of Paris and the country of the Netherlands. You'll be there with the characters in the field of Tulips, laying on the ground, in a boat, in a fancy French restaurant, running for your life, in a squat, and many other places. It'll make you truly believe that time really is fluid. It's beautiful. This is a terrific read for those who love international travel, though be warned: you are at risk of being infected with wanderlust. I caught it, therefore, you have the potential to catch it too. Especially for those who have been repressed from traveling or having an adventure for a long duration. I repeat, you have been forewarned. 

This will appeal to those who are a fan of Shakespeare!