Book Review: Tiger's Voyage by Colleen Houck

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: November 1, 2011
Pages: 560
Publisher: Sterling, Splinter.
Source: Bought
Age Group: Young Adult
Format: Hardcover
Buy: Barnes and Noble

"With the head-to-head battle against the villainous Lokesh behind her, Kelsey confronts a new heartbreak: in the wake of his traumatic experience, her beloved Ren no longer remembers who she is. As the trio continues their quest by challenging five cunning and duplicitous dragons, Ren and Kishan once more vie for her affections--leaving Kelsey more confused than ever. Fraught with danger, filled with magic, and packed with romance, TIger's Voyage brings Kelsey and her two tiger princes one step closer to breaking the curse."

As promised, here's a review. :) I read this around the middle of last month, October. So forgive me if my memory is a little weak lol.

There are spoilers ahead!

Let me begin by saying this book is the best out of the three books in the Tiger Saga so far. I've been a hardcore fan since the first book came out, and it just keeps getting better and better. ;) I could picture each detail as if it were right in front of me. It was that vivid. I could picture the scenery perfectly, especially when they went to the dragons lairs. That was a fun ride all by itself, even though that was the main thing lol. There were other little fun things in there as well that made it all the more better. <3

I thought it was pretty clever to bring in another guy. That was pure gold. Wesley just cracked me up each time he opened his Texan mouth. I loved it. ;P It was cute watching Ren and Kishan fume over him too. It was sweet LOL.

Also, when Ren got his memory back, I'm glad he was back to himself. Not just the deal where it's like "Oh I've got my memories back, but I'm still the same as I was. Not the old me. I'm still the new me." I was afraid that would happen. If that happened, I couldn't take that. I would've definitely threw the book across the room lol.

I think my most favorite though would have to be when they visited the green dragon's lair. I knowwwww. Anyone who has read it would probably be like, "Wtf is wrong with you?!" And I don't know lol. I think it's because that Ren and Kishan basically had to battle their way through the green dragon's obstacles just to prove that they both love Kelsey. As if they needed to do that in the first place. Or it might be just because that Ren and Kishan were dressed as fairy-tale princes. That was something to imagine~ <3

As to the question, am I team Kishan or Ren? .....That is a hard thing to answer. "fans self* Lol, I have no idea. I love Ren, I've loved him since book one. I mean, who wouldn't? But Kishan has my heart. Not only do I feel incredibly sorry for the guy, but I do love him. He's sweet as can be, and he's just plain adorable. <333 He just needs a big ole hug. He also needs a happy ending, and it doesn't look like he's going to get one. But what do I know? I could be totally wrong. I hope I am! Colleen said he would on a video Q&A she did. So I hope she keeps her word!

The ending wasn't as bad as the second book. I know some people might disagree with me. But I was okay with the ending for this one. I'm definitely going to read book four, and cry my eyes out. Lokesh just needs to go. Like to another planet and stay there. I'm trying not to go to drastic measures on that one.

Also, I did read the exclusive content they had put in the back of the book. (I got mine at B&N.) ...Wasn't that some crap? I would say it was cruel, to make Kelsey fall in love with Kishan, then...that? I guess you gotta do what you gotta do with your story to make it 'better.'

This books is definitely one of my top-ten favorite books this year. I loved every minute of it and everything about it! 2012 just can't get here fast enough! :P

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Book Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: September 27, 2011
Age Group: Young Adult
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 418
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Source: Bought
Buy: Barnes and Noble

"Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky. In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low. And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war. 

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out. When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?"

First off. I'd just like to say that I reeeeally want to dye my hair blue now. I mean, even more so than I did before. I did have my bangs dyed blue, but now...as you can see...they're blonde lol. But you can thank Karou/Laini for that. ;)

This...masterpiece...has got to be one of the best books I've read this year. Absolutely gorgeous. The story line was definitely original, or at least original enough for me. I haven't read anything like it. It kept me flipping through the pages as if my life depended on it. No joke. I would have finished this within a couple days...but I wanted to savor it. I kept flipping back and rereading things, that's how good they were.

The scenery was also awesome. I could picture myself in the streets of Prague plain as day. It was so vivid. I think I'll add that to the places that I'd like to go to when I get older. :)

The characters were definitely well developed. I love the idea that Karou is an artist. I, too, like to draw. Nowhere near as much, or creative for that matter. So it was nice to actually have stuff in common with her. I really liked her personality too. It's rare that I find the lead female in books okay to deal with. But I really liked Karou, she's definitely stronger than most. And Akiva. Oh, Akiva. You melt my heart. <3 I love you so~ And also, I don't think I like Brimstone all that much. After he threw Karou out of his shop, as brutal as he was, I think that done me in on him. I mean, I get it. I really do. But he didn't have to be that damn rough about it. Sheesh. Cut Karou some slack. D:

The ending. It...killed me. I actually CRIED. Sweet Lawd have mercy on my soul, when everything came together, when all the puzzle pieces fit, I couldn't believe it to be honest. I was just as surprised as Karou. I could feel the emotion. It was truly beautiful.

This is the kind of book that would broaden your imagination. This one, is definitely on my top-ten...possibly even five...best books of 2011. :) Five out of five stars all the way! Can't wait for book two.

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Book Review: Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: May 31, 2011
Age Group: Young Adult
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 496
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Source: Bought
Buy: Barnes and Noble

How do you defy destiny? Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history. As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

You know that feeling you get when all of a sudden you want to go back in time and relive history? Or at least watch it all happen before your eyes? This is the feeling I got when I read this. I really, really loved this book. A lot. It had all kinds of twists and turns concerning Greek Gods and Demigods. I've been waiting on a book like this, to actually have romance and action in it. Even though there wasn't a kiss in it until over half way into the book. Which ticked me off to high heaven. I think that's the only thing I didn't like about it lol.

This isn't like the Percy Jackson and the Olympians deal. It's a whole new level of awesome. And I liked the idea of naming Helen Hamilton after Helen of Troy, or that's the thought that came to my head. (And yes, they mentioned Helen of Troy in this. No worries.)

I also liked the fact that Helen and Lucas could fly. That was definitely a new twist on Demigods in general. There might be some out there who could actually defy gravity, but I haven't heard of any. Or I'm just a dumbass. But it was pretty unique. :)

This is one of those books where you pretty much like all the characters, except a couple. But my favorite character would have to be Hector. I really liked that one scene where Hector absolutely beat the living shit out of Helen, and she just took it.. Don't really know why though, lol. I guess it's because all the books I've read, the guys are always soft (in any way) to the girls. It gets old quick.

All in all, this is a very epic book for a debut author. I so can't wait for the second one, which comes out in May of 2012! :)

I love Greek Mythology. Okay I'm done.

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Book Review: Twisted by Gena Showalter

Rating: ★★★
Release Date: August 30, 2011
Age Group: Young Adult
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 304
Publisher: Harlequin
Source: Bought
Buy: Barnes and Noble

Sixteen-year-old Aden Stone has had a hell of a week. He's been: Tortured by angry witches. Hypnotized by a vengeful fairy. Spied on by the most powerful vampire in existence. And, oh, yeah, killed—twice. His vampire girlfriend might have brought him back to life, but he's never felt more out of control. There's a darkness within him, something taking over…changing him. Worse, because he was meant to die, death now stalks him at every turn. Any day could be his last. Once upon a time, the three souls trapped inside his head could have helped him. He could have protected himself. But as the darkness grows stronger, the souls grow weaker—just like his girlfriend. The more vampire Aden becomes, the more human Victoria becomes, until everything they know and love is threatened. Life couldn't get any worse. Could it?

This was an alright book. I wasn't too excited about it when I finished it. It seemed like everything was rushed in it. Like Sorin. He came up out of the blue. He should have been in the first book. There's nothing much to say about this, just that I wasn't really impressed with it. I mean, I was really liking it until the middle of the book. Everything sort of went downhill. But if you've read the first two books, then you need to read this. I can't guarantee what you'll be satisfied, but a few things happen that you need to know lol.

Hopefully the fourth book will be better, and tie everything up. Unless there's a fifth one.



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Books Review: Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz

Rating: ★★★
Release Date: March 27, 2007
Age Group: Young Adult
Format: Paperback
Pages: 336
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Source: Bought
Buy: Barnes and Noble

Schuyler Van Alen is confused about what is happening to her. Her veins are starting to turn blue, and she’s starting to crave raw meat. Soon, her world is thrust into an intricate maze of secret societies and bitter intrigue. Schuyler has never been a part of the trendy crowd at her prestigious New York private school. Now, all of a sudden, Jack Force, the most popular guy in school, is showing an interest in her. And when one of the popular girls is found dead, Schuyler and Jack are determined to get to the bottom of it. Schuyler wants to find out the secrets of the mysterious Blue Bloods. But is she putting herself in danger? Melissa de la Cruz’s vampire mythology, set against the glitzy backdrop of New York City, is a juicy and intoxicating read.

I started reading this books two years ago, and I'm just now finishing it. Like, what the fudge? But I don't know why I stopped. Maybe it's because I had too much to read?! Or maybe it was because that was the time when I actually got into reading, and maybe didn't understand it.

Thanks Twilight.

Anyway. I really liked this book. I should have read this series when I first got it. (Which was the first three books.) I liked the fact of the Silver Bloods. That was nice twist. But since I'm late on reading this series, and I've heard a lot about it, I take it vampires aren't the only supernatural/paranormal being in this series. And that's why I'm definitely going to read the series. I mean, I have all of the books except for the last one. :D

Okay. About the characters; I hate Mimi, I'm okay with Jack, I like Bliss, I love Oliver, and Schuyler is alright. And exactly how to you pronounce her name? Is it Sky-ler? Because Oliver's nickname for her is 'Sky'. Or is it Shoo-ler? So confusing! D:


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Book Review: Forever (Wolves of Mercy Falls #3) by Maggie Stiefvater

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: July 12, 2011
Age Group: Young Adult
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 400
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Source: Bought
Buy: Barnes and Noble

The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie Stievater In Maggie Stiefvater's SHIVER, Grace and Sam found each other. In LINGER, they fought to be together. Now, in FOREVER, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in. 

Spoilers ahead! Do not read if you haven't read Shiver and Linger.

This book. This book was very emotional in my opinion. Especially when it came to Cole and Grace as individuals. They both were going through the first crucial part of the shifting process, and it was hard to get through. In my eyes, I found it hard to read without cringing. It was that emotional. Maybe it's because I've stuck to this series since Shiver came out, and I've gotten that into it. I don't know. But that's how it was.

It was fascinating to watch Grace transform from a innocent, love ridden girl, to a new kind of species on her behalf. She seemed stronger than before. Still a bit stubborn, but strong. Confident even. I loved that part about her. Despite the pain on her part, I think becoming a wolf was best for her.

Sam and Grace is an example of true love, from day 1, he loved her when she was attacked by those wolves. You could tell it. They stuck by each other through all of this. It's a different kind of love. But you can sense the ferocity of it.

I loved how Maggie ended the series. It wasn't quite a cliffhanger, but it left you guessing, "What happens to Sam and Grace now that they're both wolves?" or, "What happens to Cole and Isabel relationship? Will it blossom into something?" And among other questions that would give away too much. ;)

Cole has to be my favorite character. Not because he seems like the bad-boy type. But because of what he's been through. He's a tormented person trying to set himself free. Which is quite literal in a sense. I feel for him, I really do. Plus Isabel just needs to loosen up and give into him. Seriously lol.

This is the last book of the series, and it's a damn good and painful way to end it. I approve.

Now. Time to go to bed and cry myself to sleep and be depressed.

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Book Review: City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments #4) by Cassandra Clare

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: April 5, 2011
Age Group: Young Adult
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 432
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Source: Bought
Buy: Barnes and Noble

The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And—most importantly of all—she can finally call Jace her boyfriend. But nothing comes without a price. Someone is murdering Shadowhunters, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second, bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side—along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. Not to mention that he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls—neither of whom knows about the other one. When Jace begins to pull away from her without explaining why, Clary is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: she herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace. Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels. 

I found my review of CoFA. :) It's kinda old, about a week before it came out is when I read it.

Firstly, it was way better than I expected it to be. Definitely. But it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be emotionally. Although I did wince at the ending. That was totally and completely unexpected. I actually tore a page of the book (not too badly!) because of the suspense. Either it was suspense or I just didn’t want it to happen. But it did, and sadly, I can’t change it. :C

And I do believe I laughed more in this book than the last three. :) Things Jace and Isabelle say are just pure gold. Simon too. I’m easily amused… But this had me laughing out loud with my mom asking, “Why are you crying?” Me: “Oh nothing. Just these fictional characters always get to my funny bone, mom. You know how it is. No biggy.”

I was actually surprised how far Cassie went with the….”smut”. (nothing major) But I loved it, of course. And no, no one went to South Carolina…..unfortunately. (sadfaceeeee) I was reading a couple parts between Jace and Clary with my own head spinning. I was most likely to pass out faster than Clary if she were too! Let me tell you the DSAS is….*shivers*….

I’m pretty relieved that nothing too drastic happened in this book, seeing as how I’m a hardcore fan of Cassandra’s books. A pretty good bit of action, those was utterly my favorite parts. I’m a big action/comic book reader myself, Simon Lewis. ;P Hit me up. Eh, don’t want to get you into any more trouble than you’re already in…relationship wise.

Also, the new characters are a fascination of mine. Especially one in particular. Very nice, Cassie, I must say. Very nice. Just add to it.

ANYWAY.

All in all, Cassie, YOU DUN GOOD….. YOU DUN GOOD. City of Fallen Angels has to be the best book I’ve read so far this year. I am impressed thoroughly! A++ for you~ :D

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So. My first book review. (On here)

It might be a little...slow. Because I just got done with Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer last week, and it usually takes me for freaking ever to start a new one. So, if anyone, my followers... I'm sorry for my tardiness. :(

If anything, I'll do a review for Wolfsbane. C: