Book Review: Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

I've put off writing this review for a while, and I just can't place my finger on why. After crossing off busyness (I lolled about watching TV when I had free time this week), sickness (a little runny nose never hindered writing), and laziness (I really did want to write about something, anything), I've come to the conclusion that I didn't really feel like there was much to say about this book. "Into the Still Blue" is the finale to Veronica Rossi's "Under the Never Sky" trilogy, bringing Aria and Perry's journey to an end. But was it as fresh and exciting as its two predecessors? I can't say I know for sure.

The race to the Still Blue has come to an uneasy stalemate. Sable and Hess have taken Cinder, the only person who can control the deadly Aether storms, but to no avail. The Dwellers and Outsiders, who are united only in their fear of their desperate situation, are confined within a cave they are using as their makeshift refuge. With Roar blinded by grief and loss, Perry and Aria know that it's up to them to do something. Out of options, they assemble an unlikely team for an impossible rescue mission, one that will test their loyalties, courage and love. With time running out, can Perry and Aria help those they love--and keep their love for each other intact?

Let me start off with the characters. The entire novel alternates between Aria and Perry's points of view, which I think was a good decision since it gives us a more holistic perspective of what's going on in the story and allows us to make connections as readers. Not to mention it provides ample excitement with lots of potential for dramatic irony! To me, both Aria and Perry are fairly interesting and engaging protagonists to follow throughout the entire trilogy. They come from two very different backgrounds, have different personalities and face different responsibilities. They're both mature at this point in the story, and I really liked the way they worked together as a couple in the face of such enormous responsibilities to lead the Dwellers and Outsiders to a safe haven. But what kept me from becoming really invested in these two characters was that they didn't entirely stand out to me. They kind of lost the "spark" that made them unique individuals in the first two books, though I guess given the great deal of character development in the previous books, it's understandable. This is not to say that they were flat, boring characters--they just weren't as exciting as they were before.

One of the characters I did find exciting, though, was, as always, Roar. What happened in the last book in the trilogy obviously has a huge impact on Roar, and the way he struggled with these feelings of loss and grief was really believable and saddening to read about. Yet what makes Roar, well, Roar, is his ability to still be himself, even if he's lost in anger and thoughts of revenge. Take, for example, his interactions with Sable's son (I can't for the life of me remember what his name is--sorry!). There's some humorous banter going on between the two, which reminds us of Roar's wit and dry humour. And that's what I love about Roar--he's such a three-dimensional character, with layers and layers of thought and emotion to him. I'm sure if you were to read this trilogy, you'd fall for him, too.

What I think ultimately let me down when I was reading "Into the Still Blue" was the plot. I just don't think it's all that memorable. Admittedly, Ms. Rossi does a great job with tying up loose ends and giving us a satisfying ending, but the storyline itself wasn't as compelling as it could've been. Sure, quite a few things happen, but they just didn't excite me as much as they could have. The climax, for example, wasn't as great of a climax as it could've been. From my recollection of the story, it was a lot of running around and shooting people. Don't get me wrong, the story was most definitely not boring nor did it induce yawns out of me--it just wasn't as scintillating, and didn't get me hooked.

Overall, "Into the Still Blue" is a fairly good ending to the "Under the Never Sky" trilogy, though I wouldn't say that it was the most memorable way to end it. I would still give it a read, especially if you've read the first two books, since you may find it more exciting!

Rating: 3/5

Book Review: Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

I'm still reeling. After an hour of reaching the final page of this book, I'm still feeling the remnants of the sensation of being completely blown away. I swear, I've just been sitting here dumbstruck by what I just read. My heart is still palpitating, and my mind has been firmly immersed in Sector 45 for the past hour. Reading "Ignite Me," the heart-stopping finale to Tahereh Mafi's "Shatter Me" trilogy, was like riding a roller coaster while wrestling a boa constrictor...on fire. It was that absurdly thrilling. Ignite me? Heck yeah, it did.

Juliette's been shot in the chest. Anderson, the cold, calculating leader of the Reestablishment, is still alive. And, even worse, Omega Point--and all of her friends, as far as she knows--has been destroyed. But Juliette won't be stopped. Now she knows that she may be the only one who can stop the Reestablishment, even if it means turning to the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew--about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam--were wrong.

One of my favourite aspects of the entire "Shatter Me" trilogy is Ms. Mafi's phenomenally evocative writing style. Every single word and phrase and sentence are used with meaning, packing deliberate punches both emotionally and physically to the reader. It's clear that Ms. Mafi is incredibly tuned to her reader's potential reactions, using her writing to play to those emotions and really capture his or her attention in a personal manner. And what's all the more astonishing about this is that all that intense, emotionally-charged writing never, ever feels over the top. In fact, it fuses seamlessly with Juliette's character and the events of the story, and enhances the plot rather than bogs it down. And because I have just fallen completely head over heels in love with the writing and want so desperately for you to understand what I'm blathering on about, I'll give you one of my favourite quotes from the novel:

And we are quotation marks, inverted and upside down, clinging to one another at the end of this life sentence. Trapped by lives we did not choose.

It's time, I think, to break free.

There's nothing overtly fancy about the language, but the images and the language used are so, so powerful, conjuring up the bittersweet, tragic, yet liberating undertone to the story.

The characters of "Ignite Me" are just as equally spectacular, and I guess the best place to start would be with, of course, Juliette. The transformation that she undergoes throughout this final book in the series is done remarkably and realistically, and to see her character develop into a strong, courageous and, above all, self-aware heroine was a thriller in and of itself. And let me tell you, she's one butt-kicking protagonist. What really had me squealing, though, was her relationship with Warner. Call the fire engines. Seriously. The tension between the two was so palpable and so freaking sexy in so many ways, I just wanted to crawl into the book and never come back out. What makes their relationship so real lies in the fact that you don't just get volatile passion, but also unbearably sweet and sincere moments that solidify their intense romance as more than physical attraction. On a side note: if you love Warner just as much as I do, you must read the novella "Destroy Me," which was told from his point of view. That was the moment I fell in love with him. Uh huh. 

Of course, the other characters in "Ignite Me" cannot go unmentioned. Kenji, the flirty smartass who is also Juliette's best friend, was, as always, so lovable. The banter between him and Juliette, as well as his one-liners, lent so much humour to the entire story, balancing out the intensity that permeates the novel. We also see a more vulnerable side to Kenji, one that's hidden behind a jocular, devil-may-care mask, and this is what makes him such a three-dimensional and believable character. Adam, too, is more complex than I thought him to be in the first two books of the trilogy. The change in his character was done very cleverly, and allowed Ms. Mafi to stray away from the cliches and conventions of YA love triangles, which I love, love, love!

And, finally, for the plot. As I mentioned endlessly before, the storyline of "Ignite Me" is so intense and charged that I could not put it down. The tension remains up and running throughout the entire novel, creating a fast pace that had me flipping through the pages in a speed that would make the Road Runner jealous. As the conclusion to the trilogy, the novel also wraps things up in a way that leaves the readers more than satisfied, leaving us with that inexplicable sensation of hope and contentment. One small criticism that I have with the plot, however, is that the climax was a little too short, too easy. The final confrontation with Anderson, the villain of the entire trilogy, ended just a bit too quickly, though this might be because I was reading that rapidly since I was so caught up in everything. Nonetheless, I think if we saw more of Anderson in the novel, it would've given the climax and the ending a lot more oomph, but, other than that, I've no complaints.

Overall, "Ignite Me" is the breathtaking finale to a riveting trilogy, one that is complete with beautifully evocative writing, an amazing cast of characters, intense romance that'll have your heart palpitating, and a fast-paced plot that won't let you go. I highly, highly recommend the "Shatter Me" trilogy to every single reader--it's seriously an adventure you do not want to miss.

Rating: 5/5

Book Review: Angel Fever by L.A. Weatherly

Vampires and werewolves are so last year. Nowadays, angels and demons appear to have dominated YA bookshelves, from Laini Taylor's "Daughter of Smoke and Bone" to Susan Ee's "Penryn and the End of Days" series. One of the most thrilling paranormal series I've read in a while is L.A. Weatherly's "Angel" trilogy, which is chock full of romance, action and excitement--what more could you ask for? "Angel Fever" is the climactic finale to the series, whisking us away for one last angel-butt-kicking adventure.

Things don't seem good for the Angel Killers. Millions of people live in Edens, "refugee" camps set up by the angels who use them as feeding grounds. Raziel is more powerful than ever, tightening his hold on angels and humans alike. Yet in the face of these hellish odds, Willow and Alex aren't giving up, recruiting and training new Angel Killers for the perfect moment to strike the angels and rid humanity of the parasitic creatures forever. But when a game-changing revelation sends Alex on a separate journey, one that leaves Willow bereft and confused, each of them must face the consequences of their own choices. With the end of the celestial battle drawing near, the stakes are higher than ever--but will love and humanity survive?

Clearly one of the most important things an author must do when writing the final book of a series is wrap things up, tie loose ends and leave nothing dangling--yet, at the same time, keep things fresh and exciting, so it's not all about checking off the things that had been built up in the previous books. I think Ms. Weatherly does a great job with this in the storyline of "Angel Fever," giving her readers a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy while maintaining the excitement until the very end. She does this by introducing new challenges and revelations for Alex and Willow, allowing for the developments of both the plot and the characters. I especially loved seeing more of Willow's mom, since she'd kind of been a rather quite character in the first two books. That being said, however, I do think that the middle parts of the novel were a little too static in terms of the storyline, but luckily not enough to make me lose interest completely and yawn and stuff my Kindle under the covers. Another thing that strikes me in retrospect was that the storyline was a tad bit predictable. I mean, it's quite obvious that Alex won't die--it was just a matter of when he was going to pop back up. Another example is how Willow saved the world (again, this much is obvious). Okay, maybe it wasn't predictable, but it wasn't as dramatic as it could be. Other than that, though, a definitely satisfying conclusion!

Moving on to the characters in "Angel Fever." Let's start off with Willow. As the heroine of the novel, I think Willow's a pretty good protagonist in that she's not the whiny, annoying type. Instead, she takes matters into her own hands, and, on a more personal level, finally completely accepts her identity as a half-angel. What's more, I found that I kind of respected Willow in the novel. Even when she's dealing with confusion and heartbreak in the aftermath of Alex's supposed death, Willow remains honest with herself for the most part, and I found myself going "you go girl" with the way she handled Alex's reappearance. As for Alex, I had pretty conflicting feelings for him. Sure, his love for Willow is clear and sweet without being overly cloying, but he was kind of a coward, breaking a pretty important promise to Willow, which made me question just how much he trusted her as an equal in their relationship. But I suppose the plot wouldn't have been as exciting or emotionally driven if it hadn't been for his jerk move. So I guess you're off the hook, Alex.

The rest of the characters were fairly great as well. Seb is a pretty likable guy, and his unrequited love for Willow makes him a sympathetic character. I'm glad Ms. Weatherly gave him a happy ending though, because, I mean, it's about time! Raziel, in my opinion, was just an okay bad guy. Yeah, he's undeniably evil and cruel and all that, but I felt like he was just that--evil and cruel. Nothing more. He does seem to show some kind of longing or nostalgia for Miranda, Willow's mom, but not enough to make him become one of those bad guys you sort of empathize with. All I'm saying is that he could've been a much more interesting antagonist had be had more dimension to him. Speaking of Miranda, I really found her character interesting to read about, as I'd said before, since she'd been a side character for the first two books. I just wish we had seen more of her, maybe through more interaction with Willow.

All in all, Ms. Weatherly fulfills her readers' expectations for a good conclusion to her "Angel" trilogy, giving us an exciting storyline and dynamic protagonists. I'd recommend this series for anyone looking for a fun, celestial read--it's worth it!

Rating: 3.5/5

Book Review: These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

The most incredible thing about books, I think, is their ability to transport you to places far, far away--even if it's through hyperdimensional time and space. "These Broken Stars" takes us aboard the Icarus, a vast spaceship traveling across galaxies, bedecked with holograms and pods and all that fancy pants space stuff. I have to admit that I'm a little skeptical of sci-fi novels based in space, since they tend to veer toward the same generic storyline, but trust me when I say that Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner whisks you away in a galactically thrilling adventure that'll leave you starbound.

The Icarus was never meant to fall. Built by the powerful LaRoux Industries, the massive luxury spaceship is equipped with the most advanced technology available. No one expected that the Icarus would be yanked out of hyperspace and sent plummeting toward a planet, leaving only two known survivors. Lilac LaRoux is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver Merendsen comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they're worth. The two are loath to work together, but when they find themselves haunted by chilling whispers, Lilac and Tarver know that their only hope of survival is each other.

I don't know if I've made it very clear in my little synopsis, but let me tell you now that the storyline in "These Broken Stars" is creepily awesome. Sure, at first you get the Titanic-esque fall of the spaceliner, leaving two survivors stranded on a seemingly deserted planet, but as the story progresses, the tension creeps higher and higher until you get perpetual shivers running down your spine. Nonstop. Seriously, the plot of the novel is one heckuva thriller, complete with strange, indecipherable whispers and illusions taken from your memories. Not to mention rotting corpses and freaking ghosts pointing toward some place. How creepy can that get? Ms. Kaufman and Ms. Spooner definitely do an excellent job in weaving together a compelling storyline, one that propels you from start to finish. There are lots of elements that create both physical and emotional tension in the storyline, from the development of Lilac and Tarver's relationship to the two's trek across the strange planet. You'll be getting your fair share of the heebie jeebies with this one.

Speaking of Lilac and Tarver, the two main characters of the novel were really great characters to follow throughout the novel. Lilac is a rich heiress, but one with a backbone and little care for the false niceties of societal life. Tarver, on the other hand, is a soldier from an ordinary family, one who's relied on instincts and wits to get to where he is now. I thought that the portrayal of the two protagonists was not only believable but also exciting, especially with the way the two's differences played against one another in a way that ultimately leads to the best sort of dynamic and symbiotic relationship. The development of their romance was especially done very well, beginning with natural attraction, then barely contained disgust, to reluctant tolerance, and...well, the rest is history!

It seems like "These Broken Stars" is the first novel in a trilogy, with three different worlds and three different love stories (which means no more Lilac and Tarver?). I think this is probably a pretty good move, as it'll give readers a glimpse into different lives and make it all the more exciting. I do have to admit that while I found Lilac and Tarver really interesting to read about throughout the novel, I don't think I ever reached that point of "oh my goodness I love these people, let me be with them forever and ever" like I have with some other characters in other novels. Maybe there could've been a little more oomph to their characters and back stories, to make them more captivating to read about.

Overall, "These Broken Stars" is an intergalactic thriller of a novel, with an exciting storyline and a pair of characters who are enjoyable to follow throughout. I definitely recommend this novel for anyone looking for a good adventure, you won't regret it!

Rating: 4/5

Book Review: Pawn by Aimee Carter

There's always something thrilling about dystopian stories. The authors give us a glimpse into the possible futures of our world, highlighting things about the society we live in today that are, on second glance, more disturbing that they seem on the surface. Aimee Carter's "Pawn", the first book of "The Blackcoat Rebellion" series, takes us into a world of twisted family politics, a confining hierarchy system, and a dangerous game of lies and secrets--the perfect combination of a killer dystopian novel (and literally at that, too!).

For Kitty Doe, the choice seems simple at first: spend the rest of her life as a III, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or become a VII as a member of the most powerful family in the country. What she doesn't expect is that her decision sends her tumbling into a world of deceit and secrets, and strips her of who she used to be--for good. Kitty is now Masked as Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece who died under mysterious circumstances. The price for a life of luxury: her identity, and her freedom. Kitty is forced to stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed and one Kitty finds herself believing in. Caught in this twisted game of manipulation, Kitty must consider her moves carefully--or she'll lose everything she's ever held dear to her heart.

First off, how thrilling does that plot sound? I was hooked from the blurb of "Pawn," and I knew I had to get my greedy, grubby hands on a copy--and I sure as heck wasn't disappointed! Ms. Carter weaves a story full of intrigue and surprise, one that grabs hold of you from the first page and never lets go. The storyline is, without a doubt, fast-paced throughout the entire novel, with tensions escalating as the story progresses and buried secrets are exposed. The entire idea of being Masked--surgically altered to look like someone--may not be entirely novel, but the real focus remains on the messed up family politics. The Harts are the governing family of the District of Columbia, but they are far from the kind of family who'll dress up in matching ugly sweaters during Christmas and pose for a geeky photo. Instead, they're cutthroat, and will do anything--even murder their own family members--to retain power. The extents to which the Harts go to really help to up the ante, building up the tension and engendering readers' disgust at the society the people are forced to live in.

This, of course, also helps to make Kitty, the heroine of "Pawn," all the more likable. Kitty is an undeniably strong protagonist, one who has her priorities straight and will do anything to protect those she loves. She's also compassionate and clever, and the way she deals with all the obstacles thrown in front of her is admirable. I especially liked her relationship with Benjy--it's clear as day how much she cares for him, and will do whatever it takes to make sure that he's safe, even if it means letting herself become a pawn for the Harts' ruthless games. Really the only thing I can say about Kitty is that she is definitely a great character to follow throughout the book, one we become invested in and root for.

The other characters also help to create a thrilling and engaging story. Augusta and Daxton make the perfect villainous duo, and can I just say here that I am so grateful I don't have a cutthroat grandma. No apple pies and warm cookies baked out of grandmotherly love here. Daxton is also an evil, manipulative sleaze with no redeeming qualities to him whatsoever--which, of course, is perfect in a villain. On the other side of the good-vs-evil battle (though admittedly some of these so-called good guys aren't very good themselves either), are Knox, Grayson and Celia. Celia, Lila's mother, was definitely one of those people you can't classify as entirely good, since she's forced to become just as ruthless as the other Harts to secure her own safety and power. It was interesting, though, to see how she dealt with Kitty as her 'replacement daughter.' Knox, Lila's fiance, is one of those charming fellows every girl swoons over, but what made him more of a dynamic and exciting character was his seriousness in the cause. I do want to mention Benjy, who's just sweet and cute and a good match for Kitty! Love their relationship.

Overall, "Pawn" is a riveting first installment to what promises to be an exciting series, packed with gripping events in the storyline, a great heroine and a dynamic cast of characters. I actually might want to check out Ms. Carter's other series, "The Goddess Test," because I so enjoyed this book! I highly recommend this book--it's an adventure you don't want to miss!

Rating: 5/5

Book Review: World After by Susan Ee

The end of the world isn't something that anyone really looks forward to (at least, I sure hope not). Yet it seems like many creative minds are entertaining the idea, crafting different ways in which the apocalypse comes crashing down on us puny, fragile mortals. Susan Ee's "Penryn & the End of Days" series gives us a glimpse into a world where Earth is used as the battleground for a war between angels, and humans are collateral damage. The second book in the series, "World After," was released last month--and holy moly (pun intended), it's one heckuva adventure!

Penryn should be dead. At least, that's what everyone--her mom, her sister Paige, and Raffe, the angel with demon wings--thinks. After being stung by a monstrous scorpion creature, Penryn wakes up from her paralysis, and is ready to continue surviving in a world overrun by angels. But when Paige is captured by a group of people thinking she's a monster and disappears, Penryn scours the streets of San Francisco to find her. Her search brings her deeper and deeper into the angels' secrets as she discovers that their plans might be even more malicious--if that's possible--than they were led to believe. Entangled in a complex net of angel politics, survival and longing for a certain angel, Penryn knows she has to act fast, and make the most impossible of choices.

I think I'll start off by talking about "World After"'s thriller of a plot. The storyline of this sequel is fast-paced and exciting throughout, with hardly a dull moment. There's always something happening, whether it's escaping the inescapable Alcatraz or penetrating the angels' twisted, decadent parties at the aerie. There's a lot that happens emotionally too, especially between Penryn and Paige as Penryn learns to truly see her little sister as the girl she is, trapped in the body of a monster thanks to the angels' experiments. I also feel like the plot in the sequel has escalated since the first book. To be honest, I don't really recall the storyline of "Angelfall" very clearly, maybe because it wasn't too memorable, but I definitely feel like Ms. Ee stepped it up in "World After," concocting shocking revelations about the angels' plans and upping the stakes in their deadly and dangerous war.

Penryn as a main character is a pretty butt-whooping heroine, one who's clever, brave and undoubtedly has a good head on her shoulders. What I especially like about her is that, despite the fact that she's dealing with a freaking angel apocalypse, unwarranted feelings for an angel, and a little sister who is thirsty for blood, she keeps her calm. Penryn's the type of girl who knows what she needs to do, and understands that no amount of whining or melodrama can change her situation. At the same time, though, she isn't 100% stoic and invincible--Penryn is still a seventeen-year old girl, young and vulnerable, and that's what makes her relatable as a main character. What made me roll my eyes a little, however, was how she expressed her undeniable attraction to Raffe. Sure, he's beautiful and all--he's an angel, for heaven's sake--but the amount of times she described him as "Adonis-like" was a little too much for me.

Speaking of Raffe, his and Penryn's romance in "World After" kind of left me wanting more! Their relationship definitely underwent a lot of development throughout the sequel, with quite a bit of carrying-in-the-arms and blush-worthy moments between the two. I also thoroughly enjoyed their witty banter, which helps to define their relationship in subtle and amusing ways. I do wish that there was a little more of Penryn and Raffe together, though, and I can't wait to see how their romance develops in the next book!

All in all, "World After" is an exciting sequel to "Angelfall," with a fast-paced storyline, likable heroine, and an enticing romance. If you're looking for an apocalyptic adventure, or, for some reason, like angels and the like, I'd recommend checking this series out for a good read!

Rating: 4/5

Book Review: Champion by Marie Lu

I don't think there's a way around it: dystopian is the new black. Ever since the trilogy about a certain girl sporting a braid and a bow and arrow hit the shelves, the number of dystopian books have skyrocketed--and aren't we lucky! Marie Lu's "Legend" series garnered its own diehard fans with the story of June and Day that began two years ago, and, just last month, came to a close with "Champion." Luckily enough, the finale for this dystopian trilogy ended with a bang, keeping the stakes high and the tensions even higher.

Day is the legend, the hero and voice of the Republic's people. June is the prodigy, the strongest and smartest soldier who gained the Elector's trust from a young age. Both June and Day have sacrificed much for the Republic--including, perhaps, each other--and now their nation is on the brink of change and new development. The Colonies and the Republic are finally about to sign a peace treaty, reuniting what had once been America and relieving the tensions that had held reign for years. But when a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, war threatens the Republic cities. The only way to resolve the conflict is for June to ask the boy she loves to give up his own brother, to give up everything. Difficult choices have to be made: peace or love? Who will be the champion?

I imagine it must be pretty tough to juggle two different perspectives in a single book, jumping to and fro from each characters' voice, personality and thoughts. Yet Ms. Lu does a terrific job with June and Day's points of view, with alternating chapters from the two protagonists' perspectives. By giving us an in-depth look into the two main characters' thoughts and actions, she's not only able to make her readers invested in both of them equally, but also create tension and what a lot of people call the 'feeeeels.' And feels there were! Seeing the other person through the other characters' eyes really helped to develop June and Day's relationship in nuanced and complex ways, while at the same time making it incredibly believable and exciting to read about. In fact, their romance took leaps and bounds in "Champion," maturing in ways that allow them to grow as individuals as well.

Which, naturally, brings me to June and Day as characters. In the previous two books in the trilogy, June, to me, has always been a sort of foil character for Day, someone who kind of exists to make things more exciting for the 'real' main hero of the novel. But as I read "Champion," I felt like June definitely became more of a protagonist of equal standing. This is not to say that she used to be a faded side character. She has always been a kick-ass soldier, but she felt a little too stiff to me. In this novel, though, I definitely think that June develops a great deal emotionally, embracing her love for Day and her deceased brother, while struggling with not only the politics of being a Princeps-Elect, but also Anden's unrequited feelings for her. As for Day, he remains a dynamic and interesting character to follow throughout the novel, especially now that he has to deal with the possibility of his own death. Things have undeniably changed for both characters, forcing them to grow in ways that wouldn't have been possible without the pressing circumstances they face as important figures in the Republic.

The plot of "Champion" definitely does the trilogy justice, never letting the stakes drop and the story fall flat. Unlike a lot of dystopian series, where the finale ends up boring and stale, "Champion" remains exciting throughout the novel. When there isn't some punchy action going on, whether it's fighting enemy soldiers or jumping off of ridiculously tall buildings, there's always some emotional tension with June and Day's thoughts and the decisions that they have to make. The ending, especially, was original and fresh, and the epilogue kind of left things a tad bit hazy in a way that wasn't frustrating, but rather left things to the readers' hopeful imagination.

Overall, "Champion" is a thrilling finale to a great dystopian trilogy, with a pair of compelling main characters and an exciting storyline that remains that way until the final page. There's a reason the "Legend" series is so popular--I would definitely recommend the trilogy to anyone looking for an adventure!

Rating: 4.5/5

Book Review: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

I've come to the conclusion that there's something about dystopian trilogies that inevitably leads to the same conclusion: The existing government is overthrown by the rebel-led insurrection, but something always is amiss. Maybe it's just me, but the finales for a lot of dystopian trilogies tend to fall flat (Ally Condie's "Matched" series comes to mind here), and leave you feeling a little disappointed at how an exciting beginning can end almost lifelessly. "Allegiant", the third and final book to Veronica Roth's riveting "Divergent" trilogy, left me feeling that way, bringing what could've been an unputdownable series to close.

The world as Tris knows it has disappeared. The factions have been abolished, fractured by betrayal and violence and replaced instead by a new, problematic society led by Tobias' mother, Evelyn. So when she is offered a chance to explore the world beyond the fence, a world in which she and Tobias can find a simple new life together, Tris is more than ready to go. But when she discovers that her new reality is even more disturbing than the one she's left behind, with secrets that force her to examine her loyalties and discoveries that change the hearts of those she loves. Once again, Tris must fight to comprehend the complexities of human nature--and of herself--while facing impossible choices of courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

I know my introductory paragraph up there hardly left any room for optimism, but trust me when I say that "Allegiant" isn't a crappy book. In fact, Tris and Tobias' character developments were interesting to read about as the book progressed, especially since it is the final book in the trilogy, which means that they will soon reach the crux of their character journeys before the last page. Tris, to me, is an awesome heroine. Not only is she a brave, butt-kicking and stubborn protagonist, but she is also compassionate and thoughtful, which, I guess, is the whole point of her role as a Divergent: Tris is an amalgamation of all these different characteristics which make each and every one of us human, from erudition, dauntlessness, abnegation, candor and amity (see what I did there). Watching her as she deals with conflicting problems and new, life-changing discoveries, as well as with her relationships with her family, friends, and Tobias, reveals the huge amount of change she's gone through since the beginning of the series. Tris is, without a doubt, a great heroine you can't help but become invested in and root for from the start, and I'd even go so far as to say one that you can look up to as a sort of role model.

The same, unfortunately, can't really be said about Tobias. If Tris is the epitome of a teenaged heroine, then Tobias is more of a gritty, 'real' character, with possibly more faults than admirable traits. I understand that growing up, Tobias had to deal with a butt ton of issues that left a lot of emotional, mental and physical scars, but there were times when I just felt like he was kind of annoying. This might be because of the comparison between his perspective and Tris', since the chapters alternated between their two points of view. There was definitely a sort of emotional journey that he goes through, what with his mother and abusive father and Tris and so on, but I still felt like he ended up as a character I lost interest in. On the other hand, he and Tris were generally pretty sweet as a couple, with a strong and believable dynamic between them that allowed them to mature both individually and as a pair. I just wish Tobias himself was a little more likable and strong as a character, especially since he was pretty great in the first two books!

The real disappointment I felt toward "Allegiant" was about its plot. It seemed as if the real action was over in the second book, and "Allegiant" just dragged it on for the sake of having a third book in the trilogy. Like I said before, the storyline is pretty generic for a dystopian finale, where there are post-insurrection problems that make the characters realize that everything is not as they seem. The pace was pretty plodding throughout the entire novel, and there wasn't much of a climax either. In a way, it's kind of like the storyline meanders this way and that, and never skyrocketed in tension or excitement. This may be due to the fact that Ms. Roth was trying to tie up all of the loose ends from previous books, in terms of Tobias' family and Tris' struggles with Caleb and being Divergent, but it ultimately fell flat.

All in all, "Allegiant" is a pretty disappointing finale to what had been an exciting and refreshing dystopian trilogy. It's unfortunate to see such great world-building, strong characters and riveting storylines decline to a dull end, as much as I (really, really, really!) don't want to say it.

Rating: 2/5

Book Review: Horde by Ann Aguirre

I imagine that there's a crazy amount of pressure on a writer when it comes around to writing the final book in a series. You've built up a new and exciting world, created characters your readers fell in love with, and woven a compelling plot throughout the series--now what? You're left facing the enormous task of wrapping things up in a way that not only satisfies yourself but also satisfies your readers! Talk about pressure. "Horde" was released toward the end of October, signaling the conclusion of Ann Aguirre's "Razorland" trilogy--and of Deuce and Fade's journey from the enclaves.

Salvation is doomed. The monsters have surrounded the town, and there's no escape from the death and destruction the horde brings with them. But the odds have always been stacked against Deuce, and the Huntress in her won't let them get in the way of beating the Freaks, no matter what the cost. With her knives in her hand and her companions by her side, Deuce is determined to secure peace, even if it means pushing aside the nagging feeling that the monsters are somewhat human. This time, however, more than the fate of a single enclave or outpost is at stake. This time, Deuce carries the banner for the survival of all humanity.

What I really enjoyed reading about in "Horde" was the character development of Deuce as the story progressed. Sure, she was always pretty badass from the start, but in "Outpost", the second book of the trilogy, you saw her get in touch with her more vulnerable side, the one that finds comfort and love in family. In "Horde", you see her grow as a leader as she faces the responsibilities of saving humanity. Despite the fact that she's only a mere sixteen-years old or so, Deuce has always been a mature heroine who has her feet firmly planted on the ground (except when she's swinging kicks at enemies, of course). Being a leader of an army, no matter how small at first, is no easy task, yet Deuce deals with it in a clever and levelheaded manner, and it's really admirable to see someone so young become someone that strong. In a similar thread, I also, of course, loved the development of Deuce and Fade's relationship in "Horde". Despite the whole issue with Fade having been kidnapped by the Freaks and stuff in "Outpost", their relationship grows in a way that only such hard circumstances can bring about. No matter what happens, they'll always find their way to each other. I just about died whenever they looked at each other and promise that they'll always be together. Just. Died.

The other characters in "Horde" were interesting to read about as well, especially Stalker and Tegan, both of whom were part of Deuce and Fade's original group in the previous book. Stalker's unrequited love for Deuce was a little bit of a bummer, but what was more engaging was his struggle with his past actions when he was part of the gangs. Without giving too much away, I just feel like Stalker's the perfect tragic hero, and it was really interesting to see how his character developed throughout the novel. As for Tegan, what I found most exciting with her was how she strengthened both physically and emotionally, and through that shed the insecurities from her past and took on new responsibilities as a doctor to help others. Of course, you have Momma Oaks, Edmund and Rex, who adopted Deuce and showed her what being part of a family is, and their familial bond grows even stronger in "Horde", which was undeniably sweet to read about. A special mention also has to go out to Morrow, who I really enjoyed reading about! He's such an interesting and exciting character, and I really liked his role throughout the novel.

Having said all of this, I do have to admit that I was pretty disappointed with the storyline of "Horde". This isn't to say that the events in the plot itself were boring--they were actually significant and allowed the characters to develop in new and engaging ways. Instead, it was the way that the storyline was conveyed to the readers that didn't really do it for me. I don't recall feeling the same way while reading the previous books, but I just felt like Ms. Aguirre's writing style was too passive and too descriptive to really capture the great action and emotion going on in the plot. It just seemed to downplay the sheer excitement of the battles and even the climax of the entire trilogy--it was over really quickly, and I felt like I'd missed out on something big. It made it kind of slow to read at times, as well, which is a huge shame considering how great the characters and the actual events of the storyline are!

Overall, "Horde" is a fairly exciting finale to the "Razorland" trilogy, with a truly kickass heroine, an engaging cast of characters and a storyline that does a great job in tying everything together. What dimmed it down a little, however, was its overly passive and slow narrative. Nonetheless, it's definitely worth a read--it's an adventure that's both exciting and beautiful.

Rating: 3.5/5

Book Review: Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

I think it's no big secret that I am absolutely in love with Brandon Sanderson's books. Ever since I read the first book of the "Mistborn Trilogy", "The Final Empire", I knew that the most beautiful fangirl love was blossoming within me (yes, my love knows no bounds, even if it calls for flowery language). I eagerly lapped up "The Rithmatist" and "The Way of Kings", and nearly fell out of my seat when I discovered that Mr. Sanderson was releasing a new YA book last month! I might have even kissed the floor and cried a little. But I digress.

It is now 10 A.C., a whole decade after Calamity came. When a huge burst in the sky erupted and gave select men and women extraordinary powers, the people were in awe. What they didn't know was that these Epics are no friend of man. With incredible powers comes the incredible urge to dominate, even if it means oppression and murder--including that of David's father. David is out for vengeance ever since he saw Steelheart, the most powerful of all Epics, ruthlessly massacre everyone in a bank--everyone but him. But nobody fights the Epics, nobody except for the Reckoners, a shadowy group of ordinary humans bent on assassinating Epics. David wants in. He has something they need, knowledge no one else has. He's seen the invincible Steelheart bleed. And he wants revenge.

One of the (many) things I love about Mr. Sanderson's novels is the incredible world-building that goes on in each and every one of them. Every series has its own unique universe, whether it's the mysterious world of Allomancy or the magical, almost Harry Potter-esque world of Rithmatics. In "Steelheart", Mr. Sanderson concocts a dystopian period in which Epics maintain a tight control over their domains. To me, Epics are kind of like superheroes. Or I guess they're more like supervillains. Their powers are pretty awesome, like moving the earth and creating illusions. But what makes Mr. Sanderson's worlds that amazing is that they involve a certain degree of complexity in them, like in the way every Epic's powers can be organized into categories. It seems like Mr. Sanderson definitely likes organization--looking back, there are always hierarchies and sub-levels and such in all of the worlds he builds! It adds extra oomph and dimension into the story, and it's just mind-blowing how such intricate worlds can pop out from someone's head like that.

The same can be said about Mr. Sanderson's characters, and especially about his protagonists! His main characters always go through some intense and believable development throughout the course of the story, and it's always so interesting to see them grow with each obstacle they encounter. David, to me, is a pretty exciting character to follow in "Steelheart", but I think I'm going to have to say that I didn't love him as much as I did his other protagonists. Don't get me wrong, David's incredibly clever (just don't call him a nerd), determined and brave--all qualities any great hero should have. But I just felt as if I never reached that point of true connection with him, like I did with Vin from the "Mistborn Trilogy". I think this feeling arises from the impression I got while reading the book that Mr. Sanderson was trying a little too hard to make him into a goofy, yet likable and strong character. For instance, there were many times when David would use a really bad metaphor then go on to talk about how bad he was at making metaphors. It's a definite quirk, but I felt like it was a little too forced and too awkward. The same can be said about his crush on Megan. Having said all this, I may be being a little bit too harsh, since I'm probably comparing him to Mr. Sanderson's other characters from his other novels.

The other characters in "Steelheart" were pretty awesome, and definitely added to the story's dynamics and relationships. Prof is an especially interesting character to me. He's that kind of leader who's aloof yet passionate in the inside, with dark pasts that he's reluctant to share with others. Plus he has a cool black lab coat and science goggles--can you spell super cool superhero? The other Reckoners in the team, like Tia, Abraham and Cody, really helped to create that group vibe within their team, each bringing their own personalities and styles to add to the family. And, of course, the apple of David's eye, Megan. I quite liked her character as well. She's tough and passionate, and she definitely has some serious issues going on in her life, but there's also a vulnerability in her. After all, she's just a teenager. And the twist at the end--let me just say here that I knew it! But of course, no spoilers!

Overall, "Steelheart" is a fun read that's almost like a comic book, filled with action and super cool pew pew powers and all that. I wouldn't say that it's the greatest of Mr. Sanderson's books, but it's still worth checking out--it's a fun ride!

Rating: 4/5

Book Review: The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

Stumbling upon new books by authors you've already read is always exciting. There's that glimmer of hope that arises from expectations of how great the last book you've read was. But there's also that tiny speck of wariness--what if this book just sends my high regard of the author crashing down? What if I end up disappointed? I remember reading Holly Black's "The Spiderwick Chronicles" when I was a wee ten-year-old and becoming utterly enchanted by its darkly magical world. Fast forward a few years, and I discover that the very same author had released "The Coldest Girl in Coldtown" just this month! And gee, things were just as darkly magical as I remembered.

When seventeen-year-old Tana wakes up one morning after a perfectly ordinary party, everyone around her is dead. The only other survivors are her exasperatingly charming ex-boyfriend, infected and thirsting for blood, and a chained-up, mysterious, red-eyed vampire. Shaken but determined, Tana knows what she has to do to ensure their survival and that of her loved ones: by going straight into the wickedly opulent heart of Coldtown, where quarantined monsters and humans mingle in bloodlust and terror. The only problem is, once you pass through Coldtown's gates, there's no leaving. But Tana is bent on having a way out, no matter what the cost.

Okay, I'll come right out and say that I only figured out that the book was about vampires a couple of chapters into it. In my defense, the blurb didn't say anything about vampires! When I did get around to this revelation, I kind of rolled my eyes a little. I mean, another vampire book? Aren't vampires kind of a dying YA sub-genre by now? Luckily for me, Ms. Black most certainly proved me wrong. The vampires in Coldtown are cunning and bloodthirsty, but what sets them apart from a lot of the vampires I've encountered in other books is that there are shades of humanity coloured into their predatory nature. That is to say, they're undoubtedly twisted and ruthless, but they exist in their own working society. They're sophisticated. The macabre grandeur of Lucien's balls clearly exemplify this, and what's all the more interesting is that vampires are regarded as sophisticated and awesome enough that a whole bunch of humans actually want to become one. In the world Ms. Black has created, vampires are such a norm that there's nothing too shocking about seeing one down the street. It most certainly is a richly dark and enchanting world, and that's one of the things I love about the book! If anything, read this for its amazing world-building. It's tantalizing.

Having said this, I was a little on the fence about the characters, particularly Tana. Now don't get me wrong, there's nothing really dislikable about her. She's tough and has a good head on her shoulders, and she doesn't whine about all the misfortune that's fallen onto her. But there were times when I felt like she was a little too strong, like having to leave her sister and dad and venturing into a vampire-infested town aren't such big deals. She just kind of numbs herself, picks herself up and keeps on going. It's like she ends up becoming a little bit twisted as a result of all the poop thrown at her in life--and maybe that's what makes her a more interesting heroine to read about. I just didn't feel like I could empathize with her, not completely at least. That could be because I'm not kick-ass enough, too. I'd be terrified if I found myself in Coldtown, not to mention with an ex-boyfriend who wants to suck my blood (in a deathly way, not a sexy one), or psychopathic vampires who chain people up as living bloodbags. So I've come to the conclusion that Tana is desensitized. And it's up to you, readers, to choose whether you like that or not!

The other characters in the novel are juicily complex as well, adding to the manic darkness of the entire story. There's Aidan, Tana's charming douchebag of an ex-boyfriend, who I disliked all the way until the very end, where he does something that sort of redeems himself. He's alright, I suppose. Sniff. And then there's Gavriel, the vampire Tana finds at the party. I really liked reading about his history through the alternating chapters of current plot-other plot (I apologize if that doesn't make much sense, but you'll see if you read the book!). Gavriel is definitely one of my favourite characters in the entire novel--he's dark and twisted and completely mad, but there's a sort of messed up sweetness in him that endears him to you. I'm pretty sure a lot of female readers, maybe even some male ones, end up swooning over him and want him to bite them and everything. Yeah, he's like Cullen 2.0! There are so many other characters, like Lucien, Valentina, Jameson, Midnight and Pearl, all of whom add to the story in different ways. Just trust me, the cast of characters is strangely delicious!

Overall, "The Coldest Girl in Coldtown" is a darkly tantalizing novel with great world-building, a complex heroine, and a wonderfully twisted cast of characters. Ms. Black certainly didn't let me down with this one, and it's worth checking out!

Rating: 4/5

Book Review: The Defiance by A.G. Henley

I remember reading "The Scourge" last year and completely falling for its believable, unique characters and its thrilling storyline. It felt like I was in the forest with Fenn and Peree as they uncovered secrets long hidden, listening to the sound of animals and inhaling the scent of summer. Long story short, I loved it! (You can find the review here!) So when I read on A.G. Henley's blog that the sequel, "The Defiance", in the "Brilliant Darkness" series was being released just last week, I knew I had to get my grubby little hands on it. Of course, I squealed a little in excitement when I got to the cover page, and squealed a little more when I reached the ending! But lemme just start from the beginning.

Not long ago, Fennel and Peree have discovered the impossible truth: the much feared Scourge, and their world, are not what they seem. Now, the Sightless Groundling and the Lofty Keeper are determined to guide their people to the safety of the village of Koolkuna, even if it means exposing the lies their lives were built on--a task more difficult than they'd imagined. And when someone nails animal corpses to Fennel's wall, Fenn and Peree know that not everyone will accept change so easily, even if it means living in constant fear and danger. With the fragile peace between the Groundlings and the Lofties unraveling, Fenn must decide how much she's willing to sacrifice for the happiness of her people--and herself.

I loved Fenn's character in "The Scourge", and I continued to do so in "The Defiance". She's an undeniably strong, compassionate heroine who dedicates so much to her people, even if they were the reason she is Sightless. Her unwavering loyalty is also present in her relationships with her family and friends--her love and protectiveness over her little brother Eland is sweet and understandable, and evokes a lot of emotion as you see their relationship throughout the book. On top of all that, Fenn also possesses some killer wit, which makes her all the more endearing! Who doesn't like a funny protagonist? Despite her strengths, however, Fenn also struggles with her weaknesses, from her inner battle between staying behind as the water bearer for her people and leaving to Koolkuna with Peree for a life of happiness, to her dormant terror of the Scourge, whom she learned to fear ever since she was born. These shortcomings are what make Fenn a truly realistic and engaging main character, and you just cannot help but like her.

Of course, Peree can't go unmentioned here! If I liked Peree in the first book, I absolutely loved him in the second. While in "The Scourge" you saw the development of Peree and Fenn's feelings for each other, in "The Defiance", you see just how strong their relationship is in the face of obstacles as they search for a way to find happiness together. Peree is unfailingly understanding and supportive of Fenn as she struggles with her losses and questions the worth of leaving her home, and knows when to be there for her, or when to let her have some breathing space. I do have to admit, I was a little surprised by how quickly the whole 'intended' thing went, especially toward the end of the novel--they're just teens! But maybe that's just how the Groundlings and Lofties do it...

The plot of "The Defiance" was fairly compelling throughout the length of the novel. There's definitely tension woven into the storyline, like when Moray and Fenn have their little spats, or when Fenn discovers more truths that lead her to question the Council of Three. However, I felt like there was too much time spent on the lead-up to the actual crux of the plot, with the whole preparations for the journey and whatnot. The pace might've been a little quicker and the plot even more engaging if Ms. Henley had condensed the first half or so of the novel, but other than that, the storyline was interesting and exciting--especially at the end! I knew something like that would happen, I just knew it!

Overall, "The Defiance" is a great second installment to the "Brilliant Darkness" series, with incredibly likable and engaging characters, a believable, strong romance, and a pretty exciting plot. Fans of "The Scourge" will definitely love this book, and I cannot wait for the next book!

Rating: 4/5

Book Review: Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay

I loved fairytales when I was a kid--and still do! I remember watching the Disney movies of singing animal helpers and big-nosed, blue genies, and, as a grew older, reading the classic versions of those very same fairytales. One of my favourite tales of all time is "Beauty and the Beast", and when I saw that Stacey Jay's "Of Beast and Beauty" was released just a few days ago, I just knew that I had to get my hands on it. Good thing I did, because I found myself completely immersed in an incredible, unique retelling on the classic fairytale that everyone knows and loves.

In the domed city of Yuan, Isra, the blind princess of the Smooth Skins, has grown up with the knowledge that one day, she will be sacrificed to the roses, her blood sustaining the city's vitality. In the desert outside Yuan, Gem, a warrior of the Monstrous, fights to save his people from starvation. When Gem finds himself trapped in Yuan after a failed attempt at stealing the royal gardens' enchanted roses, neither he nor Isra suspects that together, they can return balance to both of their worlds.

Something I found especially striking in "Of Beast and Beauty" was the ingenuity of the retelling of such a classic tale. Quite a few retellings often take the original story and simply transcribe them into different settings and times, and so tend to fall short in innovation. However, Ms. Jay took the overarching message of true love prevailing over all, as well as the concepts of beauty and ugliness, and used them to weave an entirely different story. Not only is the setting completely different from olden-day France, but the story itself has sci-fi and dystopian elements woven into it. There's the idea of prejudice, which is present in the different social groups both inside and outside the dome, leading to ignorance and suffering. But what I loved above all about the story was that while it was clear who was the beauty and who was the beast in the traditional tale, in "Of Beast and Beauty", the line between 'beast' and 'beauty' was blurred, suggesting that these two ideals may not be as clear-cut as they seem, and that oftentimes people possess both traits inside of them.

The two protagonists of "Of Beast and Beauty" are charming and intriguing in their own ways. First, you have Isra, who's lived most of her life blind and locked up in a tower, yet possessing an insatiable desire for freedom and independence. Isra is undeniably a strong heroine, full of compassion and determination, but at the same time, struggles with uncertainties about her ability to rule as queen of Yuan, as well as with the lies that she's been fed her whole life by people she thought she could trust. It is this kind of weakness that makes her such a three-dimensional and relatable character, one that you become invested in as you read about her growth as the book progresses. Then, there's Gem, the wild 'mutant' who has dealt with the troubles inflicting his people, who have been barred access from civilization and sustenance inside the domes. What I found particularly interesting whenever I read the chapters from his point of view was how he slowly shifted from being bent on manipulating Isra to finding himself falling for her, while at the same time maintaining his loyalties toward his people. There's certainly nothing flat or cliched about the two protagonists of the novel. The same can be said of Bo--I have mixed feelings about his character, though reading some chapters from his perspective did help establish some empathy with his thoughts and feelings.

The plot of "Of Beast and Beauty" remained compelling throughout the novel, allowing ample time to portray a believable development in Isra and Gem's feelings toward one another--something which is important in YA romance books. Outside of the lovey dovey stuff, the tensions of the storyline were strong, especially as Isra discovered more about the history of her ancestry and dealt with increasing pressures of sacrificing herself to the roses as situations inside the dome worsened. However, I did find that there were times when certain things could've been explored a little deeper, like that ancestry and political pressure, since I felt like some of those things happened pretty quickly.

All in all, Stacey Jay's "Of Beast and Beauty" is a refreshingly imaginative retelling of a classic fairytale, complete with great characters you can't help but become invested in and an engaging storyline. I swear, I had shivers down my back as I read the final couple of chapters from how perfect the ending was! I highly recommend this to any fairytale and sci-fi lovers out there--you're in for a good one.

Rating: 4/5

Book Review: Dance of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Disappointment is a bitter, bitter feeling. It's kind of like a sinking ship, where your hopes are all buoyant and untouched, and it slowly but surely begins to slip under the surface of the sea. I remember reading Bethany Griffin's "Masque of the Red Death" a while back, and, while I didn't love it, it was still a decent enough read. So when I found out that its sequel "Dance of the Red Death" was finally being released last week, I eagerly picked up a copy...and ended up feeling like maybe a plague couldn't be that bad after all.

The life of comfort and wealth that seventeen-year-old Araby Worth has disappeared, replaced by a world of betrayal, death and disease. Now onboard a flying ship, Araby, along with the headstrong Elliot, her best friend April, and Will--the boy she loved but was betrayed by--seek to take revenge on Prospero, the cruel and twisted king who allowed the Red Death to spread amongst his people. Araby is determined to save the people she love, even if it means fighting until the very end and partaking in a dance of games in which no one can be trusted.

"How could this be so dang boring?" was pretty much the only thought that crossed through my mind while I was reading "Dance of the Red Death". I think I ended up skimming the first twenty chapters, which sums up to about a good four-fifths of the entire book. What the heck happened? I remember finding the dark and grotesque atmosphere in "Masque of the Red Death" almost captivating, but none of that was really present in the sequel. Literally nothing happens in those twenty chapters. All I remember is some ship-sailing and occasional gun-shooting. The bulk of the book probably serves as some space-filler between the first book and the last four chapters, which was pretty much where the whole point of the book was. Those last few chapters were definitely exciting and twisted, and I feel like if Ms. Griffin had written the entire book based on those last few chapters, it would be way more exciting than it is now. This was just quite a snoozer.

One of the other reasons I probably found "Dance of the Red Death" disappointing was the heroine. Araby is about as interesting as a piece of chalk. Sure, she's definitely a little more...alive in the sequel and has a little more backbone, but she's still such a passive, dull character. I couldn't really get into her mind and empathize with her, despite the fact that I could follow along with her thoughts and emotions, since, you know, you're forced to read about them in the first three-quarters of the entire novel. She's way too caught up in the same emotions of guilt and betrayal that she never really develops smoothly and realistically. And don't get me started on her little love triangle. She's kissing Elliot and Will like there's no tomorrow, without any sort of reflection in it. The fact that made it even worse was the fact that she knew she didn't even like Elliot, since he's twisted and just not the guy for her. My goodness.

I think the saving grace of the novel was, as mentioned before, the last set of chapters, where Araby finally enters the palace and is forced to play Prospero's twisted game. There, the tantalizing darkness we saw in the first book really came to life, with corpses swinging from the ceiling and partygoers glazed in the oblivion of drugs and lust. That was when I really began to pay attention to what was happening and stopped skimming over everything. The tensions were undoubtedly high, and you really became invested in what was happening. It's just too bad that it only happened in the last four chapters of the entire novel.

Overall, "Dance of the Red Death" really fell flat, with a dull heroine and an even duller storyline. Skimming over a chapter is bad enough; skimming over the first twenty chapters is just a definite no-no. Just thank goodness this series ends here--I probably wouldn't pick up the next book if there was one.

Rating: 1.5/5

Book Review: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

Nowadays, it's a little hard to find a really original dystopian novel. Sure, there are tons of ways that humankind can possibly die, but after a while, you find that a lot of books of the dystopian genre generally follow a trend: World about to end/has ended, protagonist has to survive, survives. But when you throw in some supernatural elements into it, it certainly does spice things up! Rick Yancey's "The 5th Wave" was released earlier this week, and, I, despite my growing jadedness with the typical dystopian book, decided to give it a go... and found myself thoroughly enjoying it!

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one. Now, it's the dawn of the 5th wave, and Cassie, alone in the woods, runs from the Others. The beings who only look human, who roam the country to kill any survivors. Cassie's mantra, to stay alone is to stay alive, has kept her going, until she meets Evan Walker. Evan may be the only hope for rescuing her younger brother Sam, but Cassie faces the ultimate choice: between trust and despair, defiance and surrender, and life and death.

One thing that immediately jumped out at me after reading the first few pages was the incredible narrative voice. Cassie's first-person point of view is witty and conversational, and makes it such a refreshing voice to follow throughout the novel. How she can remain so wry and spunky even when she's facing evil aliens bent on destroying the world is so telling of her strength and character, but at the same time, you get clear hints of how vulnerable she really feels, and that's when you really bond with Cassie and remember that she's just a teenager too. Cassie is unfailingly honest with herself, and it's like you're in her head right there and then as she deals with the dangerous yet thrilling situation she's in. When she meets Evan for the first time and struggles with her warring emotions of attraction and distrust, for example, you actually see her thought process and feel those emotions, and that's what makes her such a real character. If I were stuck in an alien invasion, I'd want Cassie by my side.

Another great thing I liked about "The 5th Wave" was how Mr. Yancey wove together the different points of view of the various characters to create a story that's jam-packed with some intense dramatic irony and tension. The book is separated into several parts, each told from different perspectives. For instance, from Cassie's point of view in the first part, you're transported into the perspective of Ben Parish, aka Cassie's crush back in the normal high school days. I was a little bit confused at first--like, why was Cassie suddenly a 'he'?--until the puzzle pieces fell in place and I went, "oooh". As you follow the seemingly separate journeys of each of the characters, you realize that Mr. Yancey has woven in little discoveries and threads in them, and then when you put two and two together, it hits you all at once. You know that feeling you get when you suspect something about the plot or the characters earlier in the novel, and when it's revealed later on, you feel super accomplished and clever? It's such a gratifying feeling, and there's a lot of that as you read the novel.

The storyline itself of the book is intense from page one, compelling you through the novel in amazing speed. There's so much going on in "The 5th Wave", both physically and emotionally, and you find yourself hooked on what's happening to the characters. I did feel, however, that some parts dragged on a little too much, like things that could've been said in a paragraph were expressed in a couple of pages. I think that if these longer parts were tightened up a bit, it'd only up the tension and make things even more fast-paced, but either way, you're in for a high-speed adventure ride.

Overall, "The 5th Wave" is a gripping dystopian novel with a unique take on an alien invasion, not to mention a refreshing narrative voice and a very cleverly woven storyline. I would definitely recommend this novel to any thrill seekers out there--it's an adventure not to be missed!

Rating: 4.5/5

Book Review: The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

Okay, so I know the whole vampire fad is a thing of the past now, but trust me when I say that this is one that you can't dismiss. I read "The Immortal Rules" when it first came out, eager to read anything by Julie Kagawa after practically devouring "The Iron Fey" series--in-between novellas included. At first, I was a little skeptical. I mean, vampires? Didn't that trend begin and end with "Twilight"? ... Five chapters in, and I was hooked. A kick-ass heroine, unique take on paranormal bloodsuckers and a seriously creepy bad guy? Yes, please. The second installment of the "Blood of Eden" series, "The Eternity Cure", was released earlier this week, which, of course, meant that I had to get my hands on it and finish it ASAP.

Only a few months have passed since Allison Sekemoto chose between death or a new life as a vampire. And only a few weeks ago, Allie turned away a chance at a peaceful life in Eden with the group of survivors she'd grown to care for, including Zeke, the strong and compassionate human she still can't get out of her head. But she has vowed to rescue her sire, Kanin, who is being tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of his blood leads her back to her past--New Covington and the Fringe, as well as her brother vampire prince who may become her wary ally. Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she's never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is threatening humans and vampires alike.

I have, without fail, loved every single one of Ms. Kagawa's main characters, and Allie and her friends are no exception. Allie is an incredibly strong, determined heroine who is just so likable and believable, especially as she struggles with her thirst for blood and the humanity she's fought to keep. Plus, she fights with a katana. I've always wanted to learn how to fight with a sword of sorts, and being able to experience that vicariously through Allie as she slices her way through rabids and evil mole men is just plain thrilling (pathetic of me, I know). And I don't know whether it's because I'm Asian, but having an Asian main character just makes her extra unique, since it's not often that you see a lot of them in YA novels! Asian ramblings aside, I also loved reading about her romance with Zeke. Ms. Kagawa develops their relationship in a way that's not cliched or tiresome to read about, and that final chapter literally brought tears to my eyes! That's how invested I am in Zeke and Allie's relationship--I love the way he helps her keep her humanity in check, and how their romance isn't overbearing or sappy, and the main focus really remains on the plot at hand.

I don't think this review would be complete if I don't mention Jackal. My goodness, I completely fell in love with his character! Sure, Zeke's kind and strong and lovable, but Jackal is just as endearing in his own way. Despite the fact that he was a callous, cruel vampire raider king in "The Immortal Rules", Jackal is portrayed in the sequel as someone who's quick-witted, even funny, and does harbour emotions, albeit buried deep, deep down inside. I absolutely love his wit and dry humour, and his sarcasm had me laughing at some places. Not to mention, he's perfect for bantering with Allie. While he might not be an all together 'good' person, he's definitely more complex than a simply cold-hearted vampire. But really, his devil-may-care attitude was what really did it for me. I cannot wait to see more of him especially in the next book!

The storyline of "The Eternity Cure" was just as, if not more, exciting and compelling as that of its preceding novel. The tensions were up-there from page one, and escalated as the story progressed. I just couldn't put the book down; my heart was racing as I sped from one chapter to the next! There are a lot of twists and turns and revelations revealed throughout the novel, and learning more about the disease and the cure and the characters is so, unbelievably exciting. There's never a moment when I wanted to skim over parts of the book because it was boring. Needless to say, I was hooked. Especially by the way it ended! It's such a jaw-dropping, I-knew-it cliffhanger, and I just cannot wait for the next book... Cannot.

Overall, "The Eternity Cure" is a gripping, exciting second installment in the "Blood of Eden" series, with a wonderful cast of characters and a thrilling storyline. I highly, highly recommend this series, and any of Ms. Kagawa's novels, to anyone looking for compelling and well-written YA novels. Now only if the third book will be released soon...as in, tomorrow. But I know the wait will be well worth it!

Rating: 5/5

Book Review: Daynight by Megan Thomason

I'm just going to come right out and say it. This book isn't one of my favourites. And it just sucks to not be able to get into a book that's received so many great reviews; it's like I'm missing out on something that every other reader was privy to! I picked up Megan Thomason's debut novel "Daynight", intrigued by the whole idea of a second chance at life and the supposed great cast of characters... But I'm getting ahead of myself. To the beginning we go!

When Kira Donovan, an average seventeen-year-old in her junior year, signs the Second Chance Institute (SCI) Recruit contract to escape memories of a bombing that left her boyfriend and friends dead, she has no idea what she's in for. Her Recruit partner is the snarky, brooding Blake Sundry, who's determined to infiltrate and destroy the organization that sent his family to Exile...as well as the boy the SCI wants to Cleave Kira to. But Kira's mind is ensnared by memories of Ethan, a gorgeous, mysterious boy she met at the fateful party, not to mention the son of one of the Ten--the presiding powers of the SCI. With the totalitarian government watching their every move, can Kira, Blake, and Ethan survive the brutalities and threats thrown at them?

The one thing that really drew me to "Daynight" in the first place was its intriguing, unique plot. I mean, an institute that resurrects people to give them a second chance at life on an alternate planet? Count me in. I'd never encountered such an exciting concept in the YA dystopian world before, and needless to say, I was reeled in even before the book began. There's also some great world building going on in "Daynight", where everything is the opposite of Earth. The novel mostly takes place in Thera, a carefully monitored world accessible from Earth via a series of portals--if you enter by land on Earth, you arrive at sea on Thera, and vice versa. The sunlight on Thera is too harsh for human skin, so the inhabitants of the world live by a nocturnal schedule. And, of course, the rigid lifestyle imposed upon the people on Thera by the SCI only serve to complete the whole dystopian element of the novel.

But then comes the bad. What really turned me off of "Daynight" was the characters. The entire novel alternates between the points of view of Kira, Blake, and Ethan. While there was some distinction between the voices of each of the protagonists, they all pretty much said the same thing: "Wow he/she is so hot, oh gads almighty I'm so attracted to him/her." Seriously. Sure, I get that a YA novel unavoidably has some steamy romance between the characters, but literally all the characters would talk about was how much they wanted to maul one another. It's like they were teenagers amped up on ten times the amount of hormones. Gosh.

Another thing about the characters was that their reactions to all the things happening to them in such a messed up world were so tempered. Take, for example, Kira. The SCI shoots some people really, really close to her (won't say who to avoid spoilers), and she accepts it as cool as a cucumber. What?! If I saw people I didn't even like get shot in the head, I would be on the floor bawling my eyes out. And then when Blake and Ethan discover something about their respective bloodlines and families, they pass it by with a "whoah, what?" and then joking around about it with Kira. I mean, are you serious? So many things that would floor normal teenagers are accepted and handled with such calm that it's like they're not even human. And that's what really put me off the novel and prevented me from becoming truly engaged and invested in the characters: their sheer unbelievability.

Overall, "Daynight" is probably a big miss for me. There's some incredible potential with the unique concept of a shot at a second life on a totalitarian alternate world, but the characters need a lot of work before the novel can be truly engaging.

Rating: 1.5/5

Book Review: The Elite by Kiera Cass

You know you have a good book in your hands when it just sticks to your fingers like glue. I started reading "The Elite", the sequel to Kiera Cass's riveting "The Selection", only a couple nights ago, and finished it last night! I read "The Selection" when it came out last year, and, much to my surprise, my sister devoured it on her own Kindle as well--and that's when you know you have an exceptionally interesting read in your hands.

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection, to win over Prince Maxon's heart. Just six remain. And only one will be chosen as the crown princess of Illea. Seventeen-year-old America still isn't sure where her heart lies. Her new and exciting romance with Maxon sweeps her off her feet, but when she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, she can't help but be overcome with memories of her childhood sweetheart and the future they planned together. But the stakes are higher than before. The rebels' attacks are growing more frequent and destructive, and a devastating loss makes America question whether this is what she really wants. And with the clock ticking, America knows that a happy ending might be harder to achieve than she thought.

One of the most significant aspects in "The Elite" is the romance--that swoon-worthy, heart-stopping romance. I finished "The Selection" in a state of indecision like America. Sure, Maxon's the handsome, charming prince, but Aspen's her ever-loyal childhood sweetheart! What's even more interesting in "The Elite" is that Ms. Cass never makes it obvious who America's going to end up with, something that a lot of YA novels tend to do from the beginning. As the story progresses, however, we're most definitely left to our own judgments of the characters, since every single one of them has their individual flaws and personalities. I don't want to taint your own judgment about Maxon, Aspen and America with my own, but let me just say that I'm definitely leaning towards one of the boys now! Another thing is that there's some great potential danger in having your heroine fence-sit so much over two boys, but I think Ms. Cass did a good job in not letting me hate on America for being a bit of a player.

As for America herself, I definitely grow to like her even more in "The Elite". There's some great character development going on throughout the novel, and at the end of it, I got the picture of a strong, passionate heroine who still retains her seventeen-year-old-ness. What I mean by that is that while America is determined and well-meaning, she still makes rash mistakes and has a lot to learn about the world around her, especially since Illea is in a state of war. I also love the fact that she's just an overall kind person, who's compassionate and loyal to her family and friends, no matter what caste they're in. I especially loved her relationship with her dad--they're more like friends than anything, and that kind of reminded me of my own relationship with my dad.

The plot of "The Elite" was no less intense than that of "The Selection", and it had me flipping through the pages like a madman. When I wrote in the synopsis earlier that the stakes are higher than before, I wasn't kidding. The tension is really up there throughout the novel, not only with the rebellion and the war, but also emotionally with the whole Selection and the pressure it puts on you as a contender. There are so many twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat, and it just makes me all the more excited to see how everything ends in the final book of the trilogy.

Overall, "The Elite" is an exciting, engaging sequel with wonderfully dreamy romances, a strong and believable heroine and a gripping storyline. I highly recommend "The Selection Trilogy" for anyone who loves exciting stories--I've seen so many statements and reviews of the book making similarities with reality TV shows. Definitely worth a read!

Rating: 4.5/5

Book Review: Light by Michael Grant

Finishing a series is like finishing a long hike. It's without a doubt a journey of great length, and, looking back, there were so many ups and downs and adventures, and you can't help but think, "Wow, that was crazy." That's how I felt when I reached the final page of "Light", the final book in the "Gone" series by Michael Grant. After six action-packed installments, Mr. Grant finally reveals to his readers the fate of the inhabitants of the FAYZ.

It's been over a year since all the adults disappeared. Gone. In the time since the strange, impenetrable barrier appeared around the town of Perdido Beach, California, countless battles have been fought: battles against hunger and lies and plague, the battle against good versus evil. But with Gaia, the gaiaphage incarnate, hungry for destruction and massacre, Sam and his friends know that the end is near. The only question is, will the endgame see them out alive, or will Gaia succeed in her mission to slaughter everyone in the FAYZ?

At this point in the series, the characters have gone through most of their character development, but that's not to say that there aren't any emotional or mental changes within them. The two characters I saw most of that in were Caine and Diana. Despite the fact that they were the callous and cruel antagonists throughout most of the "Gone" series, the two really grow on you. You see their vulnerabilities and their struggles with doing the right thing, and how their twisted pasts haunt them. You especially see this in the relationship between the two. They're both so messed up, for lack of a better term, but they find in each other their saving grace. Step aside, Romeo and Juliet. This is one tragic love story that I really felt for, and Mr. Grant's done a great job with crafting the relationships in his stories.

The plot itself of "Light" is so intense throughout the entire book, my heart jackhammered in so many places it's a surprise I didn't have a seizure or something. There's definitely a lot of things going on, and it was interesting to see all of these different events from different perspectives as the points of view jumped from character to character. This also allowed for some serious buildup of dramatic irony and tension, things that were only enhanced by the gory, gruesome scenes of kids younger than me dying with holes burned through their necks or arms ripped off for supper. It's this gore that lends an incredibly dark undertone to the entire "Gone" series, and left me feeling slightly disturbed, even at the end of the final book.

One thing that I felt sort of detracted from the story was the constant use of references to pop culture. I understand that the reason behind this is to lighten the mood a little and also remind us that the survivors stuck in such a gruesome place are just fourteen-year old kids, and, to a certain extent, I think it's great! But when you add on a whole bunch of names of pop songs that no one really listens to anymore, for example, it's kind of pushing it a little too far. That being said, it's nothing drastic or anything, just a little too overdone.

Overall, "Light" is an intense final installment to a grisly dystopian series, with some complex character development and a gripping storyline, specifically tailored to teen readers. If you haven't read the "Gone" series yet, I'd recommend that you check it out and see if it's your thing, especially if you like gory details and dramatic scenes.

Rating: 4/5