Review: The Demon Catchers of Milan by Kat Beyer

3.5 stars

If I have to describe this book in one work, I’d say that it is strange.

The Demon Catchers of Milan has one of the most original storylines I’ve ever encountered. I really like the fact that the story is set in Italy too because it’s such a beautiful place. Because of the phrases and the different culture, sometimes I feel like reading a historical story. Given that the characters in the story lead a traditional, peaceful life, it’s easy to think that the story is set in different period. Another thing that makes it easy to forget about 21st century is the main character of this story, Mia, who doesn’t go to school anymore after living with her grandparents.

Mia, the main character of this story, is possessed by a very powerful demon. She is then saved by her grandfather from her father’s side and her distant cousin, Emilio. It turns out that the demon has been haunting the family since a very long time. It’s very dangerous for Mia to stay in the US, so she moves in to Italy to live with her father’s family. The rest of the story takes place in Italy, and Mia’s struggle to fight her demon.

I personally think that the chapters in this book seem dragged. I feel like we are given a chunk of Mia’s life and we have to be satisfied with it. As much as I adore the details about Italian culture, I would have liked to have my questions answered too. The character development is too slow for my taste, but I really how genuine it is. It would be great if the pace of this book can be quicker.

Mia is a character I can’t help but sympathize with. Away in a foreign land with family she has never met, it’s not hard to understand her loneliness. Mia is innocent in such a way that somehow doesn’t bug me. As for Emilio, the kind-of love interest in this story, I don’t feel very much attached to him. He’s too beautiful, too perfect. His perfection makes him feel distanced and I can’t work out any strong emotion toward him. I’d like to see more flaws and secrets about Emilio, because it seems like he’s good in everything. I’m sure no one, not even fictional character, is supposed to be that perfect.

Although The Demon Catchers of Milan can’t be said as one of my favorite reads this year, I still hope that there would be a sequel because there are too many loose ties in the story. This is a very strange story and I’d recommend you to read this while curling up in a blanket in cool, windy autumn night. The demon part of the story can be a bit scary, so it’s best to have warm fireplace near you and a hot chocolate to calm down the nerves!

Eventually we started bouncing over cobblestones, and I will always remember the first time I heard that sound, the sound of a foreign street. Then I was led up into a dark apartment walled with books. Somebody steered me into a small room, filled with more books, and pointed me to a soft, white bed.

I tried to remember what to say. At last it came. “Grazie mille,” I said to the blurry face, and fell down and went to sleep.

 Website * Goodreads * Amazon * Book Depository

I rate this book:

 Three cups of tea. I like it.  Recommended to read in spare time.

Review: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Two people who seem very different outside.

Echo craves for ‘normal’ sense in her life. After the attack that ruins her life, everyone in the school thinks that she’s a freak. Echo is ready to give out anything to remember the night she was attacked. The night she went from popular into outcast. If she can get her memory of the night back, everything will turn back to normal. Normal.

After the beating in his first foster house, Noah is labeled unstable by the system. The only thing that keeps Noah’s head barely out of the water is his younger brothers. He has to get custody of them. If only he can get hold of the private file about his brothers’ foster parents, he can prove to the system that he’s supposed to be the one who raises his brothers.

When Noah brings Echo to a plot get into their file in their guidance counselor office, that’s what their relationships should be. Partner-in-crime. Friends, maybe. But not lovers. Sparks fly, but surely they are not meant to be?

Two wrongs don’t make a right.

And yet, they do.

Pushing the Limits is sexy, crazy, and realistic. It deals with heavy issues and sometimes, it can be very depressing. If I hadn’t braced my heart for the blows coming, I would have been a mess right now. The characters are very realistic, and the plots are so carefully written that I felt like flowing through the story.

Echo and Noah might be the most defensive characters I’ve ever read. I didn’t warm up to them instantly, but in the end I cared for them like a good friend. They are definitely not perfect, but together, they are strong enough to face whatever in front of them. Echo and Noah… they mend each other’s broken heart. It’s very strange and ironic that both of them think that the other one is too good for them.

Sexual tension between Echo and Noah is so palpable, like blazing fire. As if the air gets electrocuted just by having the two of them near. Trust me, it’s practically impossible not to fall for the romance in the story.

He shifted so that his body rested beside mine, his leg and arm still draped over me. I felt small under his warmth and strength. His chocolate-brown eyes softened. “Being with you feels good. Touching you—” he tucked a curl behind my ear “—feels good. I have never wanted anyone like I want you. There’s nothing you can do wrong when just breathing makes everything right.”

I love the POV in Pushing the Limits. Since this book has dual POV, we have privilege to get inside Echo and Noah’s head. I love discovering shocking things, like Echo’s scars, from Noah’s POV. Noah’s thoughts about his brothers got me a bit teary, because there’s no doubt how much he loves them and how he puts his brother as top priority. Echo’s dark moments felt even more realistic because we experienced them with her. I also really enjoyed the bits of mystery of the night Echo got attacked because we are as much in dark as the characters in the story.

Pushing the Limits is a wonderful read and although some may be put off because of the drama in the story, I really like the character development in this book. Watching them grow up is my pleasure, and I just want to give a big hug to Echo and Noah in the end. They were faced with problems that no teenagers should have ever faced, but after all, they survive.

Because growing up means making tough choices, and doing the right thing doesn’t necessarily mean doing the thing that feels good.

Website * Goodreads * Amazon * Book Depository

I rate this book:

Four cups of tea. Amazing! Love the book, it’s simply awesome. I love the tea flavor!  A strong recommendation.

Review: Dark Star by Bethany Frenette

3.5 stars

Wow, this book is absolutely not your normal definition of superhero book.

Audrey has always been idolizing her mother, the superhero Morning Star. It’s bad enough that her mother doesn’t seem very keen to have Audrey following her path, but it’s even worse when her mother’s sidekick, Leon, keep tugging her patience. Strange things are happening in the city with high school girls gone missing, but Audrey’s mother refuses to give out any information to her. When Audrey’s friend is falling victim and almost dead, Audrey decides to take matters into her own hands and uncovers what her mother and Leon has been fighting all this time. But like Gram said, there are some places it’s best not to look…

The writing in Dark Star is great and very easy to follow. I also like the relationship between Audrey and her mother. Although they fight at times because Audrey’s mother tends to keep her in dark, it’s clear that both of them love each other very much. I like how Audrey keeps first aid kit everywhere in their house because her mother doesn’t want to get Audrey worry when she comes home injured. Leon, with her cookies smell, flour in his hair, and ironed shirt also get some pieces of my heart too.

However, I felt like the characters in this book are not used wisely. They have just the right characteristics to make them even more awesome: a bit reckless and justice-must-be-served heroine, a vigilante superhero as her mother, a mysterious sidekick, stern grandmother, and supporting best friends, but I feel like I didn’t know them much better in the end. I also wished for more romance in air because really, Audrey needs more time to talk to Leon without getting into banter and later, fight.

In overall, Dark Star is a good read but it’s not something that I expected. Although this book gives sense of comic-like superhero, it’s nothing near. It’s a great book but with the superhero thing stamped in the synopsis, I think I raised my expectation bar too high. I think devoted fans of paranormal stories (who can endure slow pacing in their books) would fall in love with this book. I hope there would be a sequel because for me, Dark Star felt more like an opening for an enjoyable series.

But that night I lay awake thinking of girls lured out into the sweet night air, the darkness that awaited them, vanishing lights and a rising wind. Tricia and Kelly and those other nameless girls, bound to me by a shared ancestry and by the cuts above our heels. And when I slept, my dreams were filled with blood.

 Website * Goodreads * Amazon * Book Depository

 

I rate this book: 

Three cups of tea. I like it.  Recommended to read in spare time.

Review: The White Lilac by Christina J. Adams

3.5 stars

Love the opening of this book! This is the kind of book that starts with a bang. Caryn, the heroine of this book, has to win a competition to become The White Lilac. In general, The White Lilac’s job is to gather the cure to save humanity and they will sacrifice themselves in the process. When Caryn wins the competition, she is offered to have three free days out in the city. Caryn has been living in laboratory all her life, so she’s very excited to go see things. She’s allowed to spend these three days in any way she likes with a companion, and she chooses Kai.

Kai isn’t supposed to be in the same room with Caryn when she chooses him. He has to get Beta-Earth’s ruby in few days or he may never see the sun anymore. Caryn promises him a ruby if he agrees to accompany her exploring the city. Both are soon to uncover the conspiracy behind the cure and the lab Caryn has always trusted before.

I think the setting of this book is very fascinating. I haven’t read many science fictions so I’m really glad that I read this book. I like the relationship between Caryn and Kai and how easy conversations flowing between them. Their friendship seems very genuine and it’s wonderful to see Caryn and Kai care for each other as friends first. I was surprised by how little romance in the story, reminded me of the kind I usually see in Middle Grade books. Thankfully, the little portion of romance works for this book.

Some grammar errors and typos dampened my reading experience a bit. Run-on sentences annoyed me and I think an editor would help a lot in this case. The first few chapters of this book are flawless so I was disappointed to see more and more spelling and grammar errors as I flipped through the pages. This book has promise and thorough editing would polish this book into something brighter. In overall, The White Lilac is a fun read and I think Sci-fi lovers would have great time reading this book!

For the first time I begin to doubt that I can win. How can I make it a second longer? The ceiling lights dance on the surface above and want to pull me up to them. I have to think of something, anything to distract myself. Anderson’s last words to me come back.

“You were born for this.”

Website * Goodreads * Amazon

I rate this book: 

 Four cups of tea. Amazing! Love the book, it’s simply awesome. I love the tea flavor!  A strong recommendation

Review: Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

3.5 stars


It has been two months since Zoel started glitching. Whenever she glitches, her senses become sharper. She can see colors in things, tastes food, and feel emotion she doesn’t know what to call. Zoel knows that she has to report herself, but she keeps delaying it. She doesn’t want to be deactivated yet. She will hide her glitching, although it means that she has to betray her community.

When an aquamarine-eyed boy, Adrien, saves her from deactivation, Zoel follows him to his home and learns the truth about her community. Adrien told her that he has vision of Zoel leading the rebellion, but will his vision come true? Will she still remember her mission when her memory is wiped again?

Without the Link and its constant instruction, I was completely lost. This boy had offered me escape, but I had no idea what came next. He did.

I like the science-fiction aspects in this book. It’s kind of cool reading about the arm panel and access port in the back of the neck. These people are half cyborg, and it’s very interesting to know that they actually have heart pumping blood to every part of the body. Children are made in laboratories, carefully selected features from compatible mates. People in Zoel’s world are treated like slaves, incapable of any human emotions like love or beauty, and they don’t even have choice. When they’re old and not in the ‘productive’ age anymore, they’re simply deactivated. It’s impossible not to feel any pity toward this community.

Zoel, or as she prefers to be called Zoe, is a very interesting character. I think it’s clear that this book is intended for younger audience. She has overwhelming urge to save the day, and she wants to save everyone, even the villains, in the process. I expected to see more ruthless side of Zoe, but I like her naïve and kind side too. She’s the kind of heroine you would love if you’re more into strong yet compassionate heroine.

The love triangle is very strange and a bit messy. I don’t think that Max ever has any chance to get into Zoe’s heart. I usually feel sad for the guy whom the heroine doesn’t choose but in this case, it’s very hard to feel sympathetic toward Max. He’s possessive, selfish, and forceful. Zoe doesn’t feel the same way Max wants him, but it’s not the reason for him to shout at her or act like a child. Max does have some positive points, but most of the time these qualities are overshadowed by his dark side.

Glitch might not offer you something provoking, but you may want to read this book in your spare time. I did quite enjoy this book and look forward to read the continuation of this series. I hope I would get more attached to Zoe and learn more about their powers in the second book.

“Fell in love?” I frowned. “Love makes you fall?”

He laughed a little. He paused, looking up toward his brain, something I noticed he did when he was thinking. “It’s just a saying. It means that two people start loving each other. I guess because it can feel really sudden and because it’s powerful. Like gravity— an unstoppable force.”

“Love is like gravity?” I was still puzzling out the concept. “It sounds violent.”

He laughed and nodded. “But in a good way.”

Website * Goodreads * Amazon * Book Depository

I rate this book:

Four cups of tea. Amazing! Love the book, it’s simply awesome. I love the tea flavor!  A strong recommendation.

Review: The Glimpse by Claire Merle

I was confused when I first read it. I’m still confused now that I’ve finished it. The Glimpse is a very different take on dystopian genre. Sanity has never been deeply questioned, and people in dystopian worlds usually struggle with physical enemy like war, famine, or lack of natural resources. The Glimpse shows a frightening possibility of economic collapse and how government discriminates people by their DNA tests. I have to say that the idea is very original and it held such amazing premise.

However, there are parts in this book that bugged me. I didn’t understand the world. I had to restart reading it after forty pages because I couldn’t understand the story. Is it just me or the dialogues are really complicated? Sometimes I just hope that the characters would say the reason or fact out loud so I could understand what they mean. The answers in this book are implied, not stated. Sometimes I like it, but most of the time, I was simply lost.

With all the adventures and troubles Ana faced, I should have felt some kind of connection toward her. However, I wasn’t deeply emotionally invested with her. I know she’s smart, but most of the time she has a knack of not thinking ahead. Ana was instantly drawn to Cole, the main interest of this story, and I found their instant romance hard to believe. Maybe they’re meant to be, just like ‘the glimpse’, some sort of prophecy that Cole had seen in his dream, showed. However, I think the time is too short for Ana to hopelessly fall in love with Cole. I also think it very strange that the title of this book is ‘The Glimpse’, since in my opinion we are given very little information about the glimpse. It wouldn’t hurt if Jasper could have a bigger part in this book too.

I usually avoid books which involve mental institution since I always feel sorry for the patients. The mental institution in this book is horrible. I hate the absurd, crazy, and ridiculous treatment they give to the patients. The doctors and nurses are supposed to help, not making the patients worse. It’s impossible to lead a normal life after you’ve experienced living there, just like Ana discovered later.

For me, The Glimpse is a take it-or-leave it book. I like it but there are some flaws I just can’t ignore. If you’re interested in psychology, then you may want to give this book a go. I like reading Ana’s deep thinking, and she’s certainly a very interesting character to watch!

She wondered if what she was doing proved more than any suicidal mother or DNA tests that she belonged among the Crazies. The deceit, the danger, her curiosity – surely a normal Pure girl would be running for her life right now? But Ana was still there. Because, beneath her determination to help Jasper, there was also the fact that she’d been waiting years to take control of her future. Because like a wooden puppet in a fairy tale, when she’d ventured into the City, the strange, dark place had brought her to life.
 

 Website * Goodreads * Amazon * Book Depository

 

I rate this book:
                                   Three cups of tea. I like it.  Recommended to read in spare time.

Review: The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges

Young duchess Katerina Alexandrovna has a wonderful gift of necromancy which she regards as a curse. The gift/curse makes her wanted by both dark and light powers. The Tsar’s second son, Grand Duke George, deduces Katerina’s power and reminds her ‘nicely’ not to ever use her dark power. The crown prince of Montenegro, the gorgeous Prince Danilo, wants Katerina for his own agenda, which is suspiciously involved with blood sucking. Katerina has to learn how to waltz among the dark and light faerie court, old vampire clans who want to take revenge on the Tsar, and unconsciously-raised living dead… all without falling for the charm of the charming Prince Danilo or off-limits Grand Duke George.

First of all, this book is set in Russia in 1888. Can’t go wrong with that beautiful time, right? There are so many balls and gowns mentioned to satisfy my obsession. I love the vivid and beautiful description of the setting. It’s very easy to imagine myself taking a walk in the woods, breathing the frosty air and savoring the cold beauty of winter in Russia.

There is something fascinating about historical fiction. Although I tend to get headache in desperate attempts of remembering their strange names and deciphering the unfamiliar words, I always have pleasure in reading historical fiction. Maybe it’s the complicated yet mesmerizing protocol, the way the characters speak in perfect manner and veiled words. I’m a lover of words, so I always appreciate a play of words. But maybe another cause of my fascination is the perfect gentlemen’s acts in historical fiction. Call me weird, but I melt whenever the hero takes the heroine’s hand and kisses it. There’s a reason I adore Mr. Darcy.

The Gathering Storm is a book that I wished there would have been more romance inside. It’s more focused on Katerina’s power, her fear for her family and friends’ safety, and her detective work on finding the main threat of the Tsar. Aside from the lack of romance, I really like the paranormal aspect of the book. It’s very interesting to see how the author, Robin Bridges, mingles history with Russian legends.

I like Katerina. She’s lovely, smart, and very nice. She wants to be a doctor and I feel bad for her that woman at that time in Russia is not permitted to. However, sometimes I’m exasperated by her pessimistic view of life. She refuses to ask help to people around her because she’s afraid of endangering their life, even when she’s stuck in a very difficult situation. Her romance with Prince Danilo is a sort of enchantment, while the relationship she has with Grand Duke George is more natural. George is very stubborn yet I can’t help falling for him. There is no insta-love in their relationship. Mon dieu. Not with George keep catching Katerina in shady states.

In overall, I did enjoy The Gathering Storm immensely. There are so many things to love in this book, yet I finished it feeling like there’s something missing. The story could be something… more. More action, more developing characters, more surprising twists, and a conclusion! The first book of this trilogy feels like the promise of the storm ahead. Well, definitely the gathering of storm. However, I hope you would give this book a shot, because it’s full of amazing premises and likeable characters. I definitely can’t wait to read the second book of this trilogy, The Unfailing Light!

I shivered, feeling nothing but the bitter cold. I was certain that, witch or no witch, Elena would not do anything foolish. But as I looked back across the line of sleighs, full of excited young girls, I had a terrible vision. A brilliant bluish-white light illuminated each girl’s face.

This vision was, unfortunately, very familiar.

Death would be dancing with us at the ball that night.

I crossed myself and prayed it would touch no one I loved.

Website * Goodreads * Amazon * Book Depository

I rate this book: 

Four cups of tea. Amazing! Love the book, it’s simply awesome. I love the tea flavor!  A strong recommendation.

Review: Cat Girl's Day Off by Kimberly Pauley

Natalie can speak to cat. It sounds like a cool ability, but compared to her family’s ability, hers sounds like a ‘party trick’ talent. Her older sister has three super cool Talents, including being a human lie detector. Her younger sister can ‘disappear’ like a chameleon. Her mother has really high IQ and laser vision. Her father’s nose is hypersensitive and he can tell each bit of chemical component in things.

When Natalie’s friend Oscar shows her a funny video of a crazy cat attacking her famous owner, Natalie understands instantly what the cat’s problem. The pink cat in the video screams for help, and Nat is the only person in the world who understands him. Some people’s lives are in danger, and it all depends to Cat Girl and her spunky friends to save the day…

If there were a ‘lovely book award’, Cat Girl’s Day Off would be one of the biggest candidates. With brilliant dialogues between a snobby pink cat and a girl with purple streak in her hair, this book delivers tons of fun and laughter scenes. I almost feel sympathetic to see Natalie dragged by her celebrity-obsessed best friends to movie sets. It’s her unwillingness to get caught up in the mystery that made me want to smile. But Natalie has real sense of justice and in the end you can expect her to be the superhero.

Cat Girl’s Day Off has enough mystery, light romance, and craziness to keep you engaged in the story. Plus, lots of cats! As a cat person, the whole cat-talking thing earns extra brownie point from me. Who doesn’t want to exchange snarky remarks with this furry creature? The pink cat in this story, Rufus Brutus the Third (or you can call him Tiddlywinks), certainly has attitude, but he’s so fabulous that I’m willing to adopt him as my pet.

I hope that someday I could see this book adapted into a movie or TV series. There are so many things-gone-wrong scenes in this book that makes me wish to watch it played by real actors. Cat Girl’s Day Off makes a remarkable story for teenage readers, and I think I would enjoy this story even more if I were younger. However, if you’re generally a cat whisperer like me and in need of something light and easy to read, then this book should be your first choice! Natalie and her friends (including a number of exceptional cats) will bring you along in their crazy and hilarious adventure.

Oscar snorted but then turned serious. “You have to do something,” he said. “It’s your duty.”

“It’s my duty? What are you talking about?” I turned away from the window to look at him.

Oscar tapped the seat in front of him for emphasis. “You’ve seen Spider-Man,” he said. “‘With great power comes great responsibility.’ It’s your duty to do something about Easton. You’re the only one on the planet who could’ve seen that video and known something was wrong. That’s kismet.”

Website * Goodreads * Amazon * Book Depository

 I rate this book:

Three cups of tea. I like it.  Recommended to read in spare time.

Review: Spectral by Shannon Duffy

3.5 stars

Spectral starts off with Jewel’s family moving in to other town. Jewel’s family moves a lot and she gets tired with all the new schools, new friends, and new names. She is convinced that her family is in some kind of witness protection program so she never asks much question about the whole moving thing.

In this new town, Jewel’s false name is True. She quickly makes friends with a very bubbly girl named Taylor and Chase, the guy who seems interested to her. Jewel tries not to get her hopes up, but maybe her family will stop moving and settle down in this new town. However, strange things start happening. Her encounter with Roman, a new guy who surprisingly knows her true name, makes her questioning everything her family has told her. Roman claims to be her guardian, but which one she should trust: the parents who raised her or the guy who is ready to give her answers to everything her family has kept from her?

I enjoyed Spectral despite some flaws in this book. The story keeps me engaged and the writing is very easy to follow. I can understand Jewel’s shock upon her discovery. I found myself putting the puzzles in Jewel’s mystery too. The story gets even more interesting once Jewel is in Russian. And later, Italy! I love that she’s brave enough to explore the truth about herself.

Like so many other readers, I am swooned over the love interest in this story, Roman. Roman, with his gentle, protective, and somehow sexy ways, manages to capture my heart. Her relationship with Jewel is very lovely. I think I would fall over heels if someone ever calls me his butterfly. I guess Roman is supposed to be the bad boy while Chase is the safe, good ol’ guy, but I can hardly find any bad guy aspect in Roman. Sure, he has a fair amount of mystery required for a bad boy, but other than that, I think he’s a good guy with cute grin and funny lines.

Spectral is a great book that is worth a shot, especially for those who enjoy stories about witchcraft. I’m really hoping that Shannon Duffy would make this a series because I’d love to see Jewel explores more about her new power. Plus, more Roman, please!

A multi-colored butterfly suddenly fluttered down from the ceiling landing on my fingers laced around the coffee cup. I gasped, but didn’t move. Glancing up at the ceiling, I whispered in awe, “Where did that come from?”

Roman’s lips twisted into a grin as he gazed down at it, and then back into my eyes. He raised one shoulder. “One butterfly always knows another.”

 Website * Goodreads * Amazon

I rate this book: 

Four cups of tea. Amazing! Love the book, it’s simply awesome. I love the tea flavor!  A strong recommendation.

Many thanks to Tribute Books and Shannon Duffy who have kindly provided me a copy of this book! :)

Review: Want by Stephanie Lawton

If you want vampires and werewolves, faeries, fallen angels or zombies, you won’t find them here. I know a real-life monster.

Julianne (Juli)’s only wish is to get into New England Conservatory. When her old piano teacher has stroke and his job is transferred to his nephew, Juli thinks that this is a sign. Her new piano teacher, Isaac, is graduated from New England Conservatory. Isaac doesn’t show any emotional feeling at first, but as they spend more time together, he starts to smile and talk more about his past to Juli. But they can’t ever be couple because Isaac is ten years older than her, thus their environment won’t ever accept them. Especially Juli’s mother.

I constantly feel bad for Juli. She is broken, almost beyond repair. Because of her mother, Juli has low self-respect and she is defensive with everyone. And her involvement with Isaac doesn’t help. At first, I thought Isaac would be the one who saved Juli. But then I realize that Isaac is just as broken as his student. Their relationship… it’s not the healthy kind. It’s I-want-you-I-need-you-let’s-die-together-to-escape kind. Somehow their relationship keeps remind me of Wuthering Heights. Fury, possessiveness, fierce love, artistic needs, and things flying. Not a good combination.

I’m not a fan of Isaac. He’s hot one moment and cold the next second. Sometimes he yelled at Juli and he has tendency to run away when things get uncomfortable. I think Juli and Isaac fall in love because they are similar. Way too similar. Together, they shatter each other to bits and pieces.

I like this book because the characters are very real. I was not smitten with Isaac but his friend Dave definitely earned a special place in my heart. Dave is amazing and I love how much he cares for Isaac and Juli. I’m so glad that there is someone who deeply cares about Juli, because seems like everyone else in the story is busy with their own problem. Dave is the light and hope for Juli. It makes me think that sometimes, what you want and what you really need is different.

Want is recommended to fans of mature YA. The story is very emotional and I found myself crying in some parts. The ending, though not perfect, is great and believable. If you’re ever in need of something emotional, heart-wrenching, and realistic, then this is the book for you!

He says much, much more through the piano than he ever does with his spare words. Perhaps this is why he never wants to play for me; he knows I’ll sense whatever it is he doesn’t want to let out. It’s true—there’s something he’s hiding behind the teacher’s critiques and praise.

I leave my body then, transported into the world of heartbreak he creates with his fingertips. I’m suspended in air just like the dust motes, not even aware of breath or heartbeat. For once, I feel…whole? Whatever this is, I want to hold onto it as long as I can.

 Website * Goodreads * Inkspell Publishing * Barnes and Noble

I rate this book: 

Four cups of tea. Amazing! Love the book, it’s simply awesome. I love the tea flavor!  A strong recommendation.

Many thanks to Stephanie and Enchanted book tour! :)

Review: Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe by Shelley Coriell

4.5 stars

 

Need a friend? Call Chloe. How about a laugh? Enter Chloe with joke book in hand.

Chloe was the queen of her universe. She has family that adores her, crazy grandma that is always up for Brad Pitt movies day, and two best friends that have been her friend for such a long time. Then everything crashes. Her older brother leaves her for college, her mother and grandma are in third world war, and Chloe’s best friends dump her because they consider her fail as a friend. In addition, there is a new school counselor who wants Chloe to change her topic on Junior Independent Study Project (JISP). JISP is a project when a junior is required to contribute something useful to community. It is all about passion and Chloe is determined to have topic concerning about her number one passion: shoes. However, there is a twist of event and suddenly, she is required to help promoting her school radio station for her JISP project.

Chloe knows nothing about radio, but she knows about promotion. At first, she wanted to help the dying radio station because of her duty as promo manager, but as time progresses by, Chloe finds herself having a new home in the radio station. She becomes friends with people whom her old best friend called ‘outsiders’. Chloe also learns that in radio, sometimes it is very crucial to shut up and just listen.

Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe is a very brilliant debut and I love every minute reading this book. With her cheerful attitude and happy-go-lucky motto, you can’t help but liking Chloe. She is bubbly and she does talk too much, but along the story, her character is greatly improved and she becomes more mature. Chloe’s grandmother is suffering from Parkinson disease and Chloe had hard time struggling to accept that this time she is the one who takes care of her grandma, but I really like the way she handles the family problem. Chloe is a strong a character and one I wouldn’t mind being friends with.

Another thing I like about this book is Duncan, the fix-all guy who is responsible for technical stuff in the radio station. Duncan works in two places and he hardly has time to sleep or do his homework. Duncan didn’t have much fun in his life so I really like it that the coming of Chloe to his life has brightened his days. Duncan definitely needs more fun in his life and Chloe always successfully makes him crack a smile or laugh at her lines.

This book is definitely a keeper. Chloe is different from most main characters. She’s confident and she knows how to make the best of her talents. One thing I like most about Chloe is she tries to befriend with everyone. She has moments of imperfection when she’s so full of herself, but she is not afraid to evaluate herself and always tries to make up for her faults.

I think this book can do even better with more details. There should be a passage about other workers in the radio station. I want to find out about the fate of Haley’s baby or whether Clementine has some private stuff going on in her life too. Some characters, like Chloe’s older brothers, are only mentioned in the book. It would be much better if they show up or even a phone call would be perfect.

In overall, I really like the book. This book deserves an addition of half star because I really like Chloe’s character. Her problems are real and I can completely relate to her. Her former best friend Brie did many horrible things to her despite their long time friendship, and I can understand how hurtful and confused Chloe must be. What makes Chloe admirable is her power to always stay positive. This is such a brilliant debut and I can wait to read more amazing book from Shelley Coriell!

Because when you cared about people, you handed them a little piece of your heart, and with those hands, they had the power to cause pain.

 

 

 Website * Goodreads * Amazon * Book Depository

 

 

 I rate this book: 

 

 Four cups of tea. Amazing! Love the book, it’s simply awesome. I love the tea flavor!  A strong recommendation.

Review: Revamped by Ada Adams

 Fast-paced and well written, ReVamped takes a new twist in Vampire story.

ReVamped set in time when humans have accepted vampires in their daily life and vampires have became some kind of idol. Imagine One Direction with fangs or Hugh Grant who bites. There are even shows like Next Vamp Idol or a charitable organization named Vamps Without Borders.

Dawn is the daughter of current vampire president. She is smart, beautiful, and determined. She wants to prove her father that she is capable of being his second-in-command. When her father told her that she will be sent to a small, peaceful town where she’s going to train vampires into guardians of the town, Dawn was beyond excited. This is small mission, but maybe this small mission can lead her to bigger, deadly assignment.

Be careful what you wish for cause you just might get it.

Little did Dawn knows that her desire would come true… in the form of human girl abduction, new drugs that involve vampire blood, and mysterious guy that saves her when she least expect it.

ReVamped is a brilliant story and I love its originality. Vampires are all out and it’s simply awesome that they have become some kind of Hollywood stars. There are werewolves in this book and they are not hot-blooded creatures with desire for conflict anymore. Werewolves live their peaceful, hippie life away from human’s observation. It’s certainly a refreshing idea after reading so many bloodsheds between vampire and werewolf.

The characters in ReVamped are a little too stereotype for my taste, or maybe it’s just me who read too much YA books. I can predict their action easily so I didn’t have pleasure of getting flabbergasted by the characters. However, the mystery is good and I think that is what I like most about this book aside from the originality. It puzzles me enough to flip the pages and continue reading.

ReVamped is a great, fun read. If you like vampire stories with twists and humor thrown in the package, then this is the book for you! I can’t wait to read ReAwakened, hopefully we get more romance and action in the book!

Not wanting to panic the recruits, I casually made my way to one of the dining room windows. Wiping away layers of dust that clouded the glass pane, I pressed my forehead against its cool surface, scanning the horizon for the origin of the activity. It was hard to make out through the thick sheets of rain, but right at the edge of the forest, concealed by the shadowy trees, stood a tall, dark silhouette. From its frame alone, I could not tell if it belonged to a human, a vampire, or some other being altogether. I was only sure of one thing—it was watching us. I rushed outside to investigate, but by the time I had reached its hiding spot, the stranger had vanished into the darkness.

  Website * Goodreads * Amazon (paperback) * Amazon (Kindle)

I rate this book: 

 Four cups of tea. Amazing! Love the book, it’s simply awesome. I love the tea flavor!  A strong recommendation.

 A little note about ReVamped!

Tomorrow there will be author interview and GIVEAWAY of Revamped on my blog! I'm going to post some interesting facts about Ada (did you know that she's a model and an actress aside from being an incredibly talented author??). Win a copy of Revamped and some beautiful bookmarks! :)

Author Interview with Jessica Therrien and Review: Oppression

I'm super excited to have Jessica on my blog today! She's super amazing and her debut, Oppression, came out on February! It's awesome and I really enjoyed reading it! I'm really glad that I also get the chance to interview Jessica

 The interview

Oppression is your debut novel (WOOHO!). Tell us, how did it feel when someone informed you that Oppression was going to be a book? 

When I got THE email, if felt like my heart shot into my throat…followed by lots of jumping, flailing and screaming (I accidently smashed a snail…poor snail). It was very surreal. I didn’t really know what to do with myself.

Where and how did you get the muse to write Oppression? Surely you didn’t make a visit to Hades, right? ;) 

My husband was my muse. He is my William. It was fun to write about love when I was actually falling in love myself. The Greek myths were also an inspiration, although they were only used as a basis for my story. 

I know that some authors say they give a piece of their soul to every character. Which character gets the most of your soul? 

Elyse. No question. I feel like she is a part of me. A lot of the emotions she feels throughout the book are my emotions. It was hard to write my first novel without giving my main character a big part of my soul. I really couldn’t help it.  

When you were a kid, what did you want to do when you grew up? 

I wanted to be a doctor. Then, when I was a teenager I wanted to be on Broadway. I’ve always loved musical theater. I would still love to act. 

Broadway is so cool! Maybe we can see Jessica act someday! What book has made you wish you were the one who wrote it? 

Divergent by Veronica Roth. As I was reading it, I was so enthralled, but I was also really jealous, lol. I couldn’t believe how good it was. Everyone who likes YA should read it.

 Imagination-escape round!

If you were a Greek Goddess, who do you think you would be? 

I would be Aphrodite, goddess of love, of course!

If you could ask for one thing in life, and it’s ANYTHING, what would you like to ask for? 

This is the hardest question so I’m going to be vague…love & happiness forever. 

It’s a beautiful and pleasant day like every day. Suddenly, your parents tell you that you’re not human (surprise!). What creature would you be? 

I’d be a descendant…you’ll have to read Oppression to know more about what that means ;) 

If you could live in a different time in the history, what time would you pick? 

I’d live amongst the Native American Indians before America was discovered. That time in American history is my favorite. Plus, maybe I’d meet some of my ancestors!

What has been your best moment being an author so far? :) 

The reactions from readers have been the best part. One advanced reader said she read Oppression in four hours, and another emailed me after she finished RE-READING it! It was the best feeling.

Thank you for answering the questions, Jessica! You're incredibly awesome and your answers are epic! 

Wait... there's more before I end this post! Yes, my review of Oppression! :)

Review: Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

Welcome to this massive review post of:

About The Book:

My girl,

Happy 17th birthday. I wish I could be there with you, but I think if you ar reading this...I am not. For that, I am sorry. The day your dad and I found out we were going to have a baby was the happiest day of my long life. I know the only day that will exceed that joy will be the day you are born - no matter how that day ends.

A big decision lies ahead. The burden of the covenant is a heavy one to bear. Choose with your heart, for I already know that you, my girl, must let your heart guide the way.

I love you. Please forgive me.

Mom

Pre-Order Embrace NOW!

Embrace Cover Shoot from Sourcebooks Inc on Vimeo.