Book Review: Deviation (Clone Chronicles #2)

Name: Deviation (Clone Chronicles #2)
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
Number of Pages: 173 pages in eBook
Published: December 30th 2014
by Alloy Powered by Amazon
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance

Until a month ago, eighteen-year-old Ven had never set foot outside the windowless warehouse where she was created. An Imitation of Raven Rogen, Ven spent her days confined in the lab, studying videos of her Authentic, all so she could step into Raven’s life at a moment’s notice.
Now, Ven lives in Raven’s penthouse apartment, kisses Raven’s boyfriend, and obeys every order from Raven’s dad, Titus Rogen—the very man who created her. But Ven has a secret plan. She doesn’t want Raven’s life. She wants her own.

I’ve tried to finish the book before it was actually released 30th of December, but failed. Since I was busy during the holiday season then, I’ve only finished the book Friday. This is a bit short than the first book so I’ve decided to post the review for both of them this week. Anyway, thanks for NetGalley for approving me an ARC. It will be frustrating for me not to read this after Imitation since Imitation ended without further resolution and answers for a ton of questions in my head.

The writing of this book is as easy as the first one. Both gripping and thrilling. There were a lot of parts that I’ve stopped breathing for a second because of the excitement. I’ve mentioned from my review of the Imitation that there are a lot going on around the characters and I can say that in Deviation, there are bigger things at stake. Like everything is much more complicated since the characters are learning that what they’ve known about Titus’ plan is only the tip of the iceberg. To be honest, Deviation is indeed a book that’s so unpredictable. It never fails to surprise me with every page I’ve turned. I’m so surprised by the truth with Obadiah, Josephine and a lot more. Truly a book that would make you feel in the verge of a heart attack. Titus’ plan is getting far more cunning and desperate. Pushing for the replacement of almost all the people in the government so he can be unstoppable. Ven and her friends would need to get their counter plans check so they can stop him or delay him at least. Well, basically that’s where everything went downhill. I was expecting that things will get ugly, but not what the book has presented and I like it. Death. Betrayal. And possibly death again. The million dollar question of this year, I think is..

Book Review: Imitation (Clone Chronicles #1)

Name: Imitation (Clone Chronicles #1)
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
Number of Pages: 272 pages in eBook
Published: July 29th 2014
by Alloy Powered by Amazon
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance

Everyone is exactly like me. There is no one like me. Ven wrestles with these contradicting truths every day. A clone of wealthy eighteen-year-old Raven Rogen, Ven knows everything about the girl she was created to serve: the clothes she wears, the boys she loves, the friends she loves to hate. Yet she’s never met the Authentic Raven face-to-face. Imitations like Ven only get to leave the lab when they’re needed—to replace a dead Authentic, donate an organ, or complete a specific mission. And Raven has never needed Ven . . . until now. When there is an attack on Raven’s life, Ven is thrust into the real world, posing as Raven to draw out the people who tried to harm her. But as Ven dives deeper into Raven’s world, she begins to question everything she was ever told. She exists for Raven, but is she prepared to sacrifice herself for a girl she’s never met?

This book review is long overdue. This should have been posted last week, but I didn’t get to pick up a book to read during the Christmas celebration so here’s for my friends who have waited for this book review to be posted. 😀 A few already sent me a private message on Twitter. Asking where in the heck is my Imitation and Deviation book review. Lol! Sorry, I’m almost done with Deviation too. 😀

The writing is quite easy. Nothing really spectacular, but I like it. Actually, the book’s premise alone is appealing. The book cover is equally intriguing as the plot. Don’t you think? It is striking and I love it. Remember when I’ve thought that this is somehow the same as the movie The Island? Well, it is. Sort of, but the twist on the book is in fact new. Since I’ve watched The Island, I’ve pretty much got the idea of how things work or the general idea of the plot. Apart from the fact that Imitations are created for “organ harvesting” (Eww.) when they’re Authentics need them, they also go on missions. Let’s say your Authentic has assailants and they want to ensnare them. You’ll be thrown out in the open to lure them in. Pretty disturbing right? Like your some kind of a dummy devoid of feelings. Basically, that’s where the story spun.

Book Review: A Thousand Pieces of You (Firebird #1) by Claudia Gray

Name: A Thousand Pieces of You (Firebird #1)
Author: Claudia Gray
Number of Pages: 368 pages in Hardcover
Published: November 4th 2014 by Harper Teen
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance

Marguerite Caine’s physicist parents are known for their radical scientific achievements. Their most astonishing invention: the Firebird, which allows users to jump into parallel universes, some vastly altered from our own. But when Marguerite’s father is murdered, the killer—her parent’s handsome and enigmatic assistant Paul—escapes into another dimension before the law can touch him. Marguerite can’t let the man who destroyed her family go free, and she races after Paul through different universes, where their lives entangle in increasingly familiar ways. With each encounter she begins to question Paul’s guilt—and her own heart. Soon she discovers the truth behind her father’s death is more sinister than she ever could have imagined.

I’ve waited long enough before I’ve had the book to read and I’m so freaking excited the moment I had it. I so love the book cover. Felt love at first sight. Even voted it somewhere for The Most Beautiful Covers of 2014. I’ve noted the rundown as appealing too. Though I’ve read negative reviews, I was so certain that I would love this, but then I think I’m mistaken. I want to love the book or like it at least. Unfortunately, my feelings for the book only included “I’m bored!”, “Does it have to be that complicated?” and “I don’t care anymore.” moments. I recalled a friend commenting on one of my post (Last Teaser Tuesday) about me ranting that I’ve only read up until Chapter Four of this because I can’t find time to read due to the Christmas preparations and stuff and I quote:

Is it because you’re busy or because you’re not enjoying the book
that you’ve only read to the fourth chapter?
– Jan of Notes of A Readaholic

 

 

When I’m halfway done reading the book, I come to realized that she’s kind of spot-on. Now. Let’s get to the specifics because I can’t wait to spill thoughts out of my head and to probably rant more. 😀

The writing is somehow ordinary, but confusing at the same time. I’m bombarded with jargons from the first couple of chapters about science and stuff I’m really not familiar with. Do I have to be some kind of a science genius so I would be interested or I’m just stupid to not know what multiverse and dimensional resonance are? Do tell. Perhaps “These dimensions aren’t off in faraway outer space.” would be a simpler explanation. NO.

Book Review: A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

Name: SNEAK PEEK:
A Darker Shade of Magic SAMPLE
Author: V.E. Schwab
Number of Pages: 150 pages in Ebook Sample
Published: November 2014 by Tor Books
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Science Fiction

Kell is one of the last Travelers—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel universes—as such, he can choose where he lands.
There’s Grey London, dirty and boring, without any magic, ruled by a mad King George. Then there’s Red London, where life and magic are revered, and the Maresh Dynasty presides over a flourishing empire. White London, ruled by whoever has murdered their way to the throne—a place where people fight to control magic, and the magic fights back, draining the city to its very bones. And once upon a time, there was Black London…but no one speaks of that now.
Officially, Kell is the Red Traveler, personal ambassador and adopted Prince of Red London, carrying the monthly correspondences between the royals of each London. Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they’ll never see—a dangerous hobby, and one that has set him up for accidental treason. Fleeing into Grey London, Kell runs afoul of Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations, who first robs him, then saves him from a dangerous enemy, and then forces him to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure.
But perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, Kell and Lila will first need to stay alive—and that is proving trickier than they hoped.

I’m so thankful that Tor/Forge approved my request of this book from NetGalley since I’m pretty sure I’d love it. I have a problem though. Not quite sure if there’s a mixed up or something. Sent a request for the Sneak Peek for 150 pages and got an uncorrected ARC instead. As in the full book. Not that I’m complaining. To make sure, I sent the book to my Kindle again and got the Sneak Peek this time. I’m so guilty since I’ve already finished reading it. I can’t sleep thinking about it last night so I’ve sent them an email first thing today. They haven’t replied yet. I really think it was a mistake since the book will be published February next year. What do you think? Is it really intended for me?

So in lieu of that incident, I won’t be discussing the book as a whole. As much as I want to talk about it, I can’t ’cause the first email they sent me indicated this.

“PLEASE do refrain from posting your review on a publicly-available website until no more than 2 WEEKS before the on-sale date. (Exceptions can be made in the case of preview excerpts, which we invite you to discuss via posts as early as you like.)”

Okay. So this should be short, but sweet. I’ll be very careful as to not give out spoilers and only talk about the book until the end of the Sneak Peek. To start with, I really really love the book. I believe the book is for me specifically because this is exactly how the book begun..

“FOR THE ONES WHO DREAM OF STRANGER WORLDS.”

Book Review: The Witch Must Burn by Danielle Paige

Name: The Witch Must Burn
(Dorothy Must Die 0.2)
Author: Danielle Paige
Number of Pages: 100 pages in EBook
Published: November 11th 2014
by HarperCollins
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult,
Retellings, Short Stories

There’s a new Wicked Witch in Oz—and her name is Dorothy. This digital original novella is the second installment in the prequel arc to the edgy and exciting New York Times bestseller Dorothy Must Die. Dorothy Gale is back . . . and she’s not the sweet little heroine of Oz anymore. She’s power-hungry and vicious, and she leaves a trail of destruction beneath her spike-heeled, magical shoes. But behind the scenes, there’s someone else pulling the strings. Someone who doesn’t want fame or glory—just control. Glinda of the North brought Dorothy back to Oz for a reason. And in The Witch Must Burn, a young maid is about to discover that a witch who says she’s Good might be the most dangerous kind of Wicked.

I love this series so I can’t really wait for the second book which will be released March next  year. When I’ve learned that this book has come out, I decided to get this right away. I assumed that this will be from a different character’s perspective and I still can’t believe I’m right.

The POV is from Jellia. The head maid of Dorothy’s palace aka the Emerald City. I love her witty personality and how she protected others from Dorothy’s tantrums. This is just a hundred pages and it’s all about the backstory of how Jellia has joined the Order. Of course, she also shared a horrifying experience of how evil Glinda is, the supposedly good witch. How she discovered that Jellia is part fairy and she can use her for her evil plots or so she thought.

Book Review: Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne

Name: Midnight Thief (Midnight Thief #1)
Author: Livia Blackburne
Number of Pages: 376 pages in Hardcover
Published: July 8th 2014 by Disney-Hyperion
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy

Growing up on Forge’s streets has taught Kyra how to stretch a coin. And when that’s not enough, her uncanny ability to scale walls and bypass guards helps her take what she needs. But when the leader of the Assassins Guild offers Kyra a lucrative job, she hesitates. She knows how to get by on her own, and she’s not sure she wants to play by his rules. But he’s persistent—and darkly attractive—and Kyra can’t quite resist his pull. Tristam of Brancel is a young Palace knight on a mission. After his best friend is brutally murdered by Demon Riders, a clan of vicious warriors who ride bloodthirsty wildcats, Tristam vows to take them down. But as his investigation deepens, he finds his efforts thwarted by a talented thief, one who sneaks past Palace defenses with uncanny ease.When a fateful raid throws Kyra and Tristam together, the two enemies realize that their best chance at survival—and vengeance—might be to join forces. And as their loyalties are tested to the breaking point, they learn a startling secret about Kyra’s past that threatens to reshape both their lives.

This is my December feature for the meme Random Reads. I’m getting great in keeping up with this meme. Hihi! So I got this book because the book cover is amazingly mysterious. Yeah. Call it judging the book by its cover. You got me there. I forgot all about this though. Given that I’ve acquired tons of books for the past weeks. This meme helped me a lot so far in reading books I’ve already forgotten. Though I’ve read awesome reviews, I’ve also stumbled upon not so good reviews about the book and I must admit I’ve got of issues myself which is sad since I want to like this at the very least.

This is an easy read. The writing is pretty much straightforward. Nothing out of the ordinary which is somehow, for me, not good. Though it’s an easy read, I can’t connect with the first couple of chapters or let’s say four to five chapters, that is. I kept on reading since the premise of the book has a lot of potential. In the middle of the book, I’ve come to realized that the ending could somehow be good or trash. The world building is no great shakes. It’s in an archaic town on a monarchy type of government with corruption and poverty as main issues. BTW, the King and Queen were never mentioned. Just the councilmen, knights and Red Shields aka soldiers. As you can see, everything is quite stereotyped so far. Nothing really remarkable. I have a lot of unanswered questions from how the plot goes. Not even a conclusion on why things were like this and that. So the main protagonist is a thief that cannot defend herself. Go figure.

Book Review: The Young Elites by Marie Lu

Name: The Young Elites
Author: Marie Lu
Number of Pages: 355 pages in Hardcover
Published: October 7th 2014 by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia

“Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites. Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.
Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen.
Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her.
It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.”

I have longed to read this book for quite some time now and I’m very much excited about this. Read some awesome reviews and got recommendations from fellow book bloggers and friends. They’re surprised that I haven’t actually read some of Marie Lu’s books. I also wonder why. Lol. So when I finally posted a blog that I was about to read this, I’ve received a couple of comments that I’ll surely enjoy this and they’re absolutely right. I did. I so did. 😀

The writing is truly enthralling. From the very first page up to the last. I really thought that this is a dystopian book at first, but it’s a mystifying fantasy novel. I was hooked the moment I opened it. I must admit that there were books that bored me from the first couple of chapters, but this one was far from those. This book has so much FEELS on it. It was written for readers to take to heart every emotion the pages has to offer. Brilliantly written. Just brilliant (Slow clapping included). It made me really happy that I got to read this awesome book.

The world building is intriguingly dark and sinister. So many deaths. Blood being spilled here and there. Killing and being killed. Not what I expected and I loved it. Full of magical people and dark forces. I am fascinated how Marie has created a world where you can either make a stand for what you believe and fight to live or fade in the background and just die. You can’t be anywhere in between. Especially if you’re a malfetto.

ARC Book Review: Under My Skin by Shawntelle Madison

Name: Under My Skin (Immortality Strain #1)
Author: Shawntelle Madison
Number of Pages: 240 pages in eBook
Published: December 9th 2014
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia

Everyone wants to either be a member of the Guild or work for them. Little does the populace know that the Guild hides sinister secrets… For Tate Sullivan, life in her small, coastal town is far from glamorous. The affluent lives of the Guild members and their servants isn’t something she has ever wanted. But all sixteen year-olds must take a simple test, and Tate’s result thrusts her into the Guild’s world, one where they hide horrible plans for those they select. Tate must fight the relentless General Dagon for control of her mind, body, and soul to keep the one precious thing she has always taken for granted: herself. Her only ally is the same handsome boy she is pitted against in General Dagon’s deadly game. Quinn desires nothing more than to end the life of General Dagon who has taken over Tate’s mind. While romance blooms between Tate and Quinn, General Dagon plots to eventually take over Tate’s body, and love might end before it even begins.

I am so glad that CrushStar Multimedia LLC approved my request for an ARC of this book through NetGalley. Really kept my fingers crossed since I truly want to have this, though I don’t want to keep my hopes high. I fell in love with the book cover when I’ve stumbled upon it and the blurb really pulled me in. So I can’t contained my happiness when I received an email saying I was approved. That’s a first on NetGalley by the way ’cause I just recently created my account there. 🙂

I don’t usually find dystopia interesting since it’s depressing for me, but I’ve read a couple of dystopia books before that I really enjoyed. This book is actually quite striking. The writing is remarkable. Not difficult to grasp and really appealing. It will pull you in a world that’s so frightening, you would definitely want to wish it was a dream and you would eventually wake up. The feeling of being on the edge tickled my curiosity to continue reading. Like everything is unsure. So much to unravel. The whole plot is a riot of suspense. I can feel my heart thumping fast on my chest while I was reading it. Lol. The mere thought of having somebody else inside you that would sooner or later take over is both revolting and terrifying. Waking up without an idea of what had happened, ate steak while you’re a freaking vegetarian, why you’re wearing what you’re wearing and realizing a day has already passed without you being aware is so disturbing. Really disturbing is an understatement.

Book Review: Under Different Stars

Name: Under Different Stars (Kricket #1)
Author: Amy Bartol
Number of Pages: 297 in Kindle Edition
Published: December 19th 2013
by Amy A. Bartol
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance, Paranormal

“Kricket Hollowell is normally not one to wish upon stars; she believes they’re rarely in her favor. Well versed at dodging caseworkers from Chicago’s foster care system, the past few years on her own have made Kricket an expert at the art of survival and blending in. With her 18th birthday fast approaching, she dreams of the day when she can stop running and find what her heart needs most: a home.
Trey Allairis hates Earth and doubts that anyone from his world can thrive here. What he’s learning of Kricket and her existence away from her true home only confirms his theory. But, when he and Kricket lie together under the stars of Ethar, counting them all may be easier than letting her go. Kyon Ensin’s secrets number the stars; he knows more about Kricket’s gifts than anyone and plans to possess her because of them. He also knows she’s more valuable than any fire in the night sky. He’ll move the heavens and align them all in order to make her his own. When everything in their world can be broken, will Kricket rely upon love to save her under different stars?”

I forgot about this book last year and just recently stumbled upon it on NetGalley. Braved myself to request it and got approved the following day. Sweet. I love the book cover. Elegantly beautiful. I think that’s how the cover should be described. I’m a sucker for beautiful covers really. I’m also excited since I’ve learned that this book is self-published. That’s extra amazing points I think, ’cause self-published books mostly turned out amazing (That’s by experience BTW) 🙂

This is an easy read. The writing is not confusing and you could truly enjoy every bit of it. I’ve read this in just a day since I can’t afford to put it down. I’m hooked from the very first chapter up to the last. The book was actually funny in a cute way. The humor is quite entertaining. I can’t even count the times I grinned or giggled while reading this.

“His eyes narrow as he gives me a sidelong glance. “What’s nail polish?” “Paint.. for your toes,” I murmur, grinning. “Why?” he wonders, looking intrigued. “Uh,” I shrug, “I don’t know.. because it’s pretty?” He glances back at my feet again, his brow wrinkling in thought.”

How can you not find this funny? 🙂

Book Review: Snow Like Ashes

Name: Snow Like Ashes Author: Sara Raasch Number of Pages: 422 in Hardcover Published: October 14th 2014 by Balzer + Bray Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Adventure, Romance, Dystopia

“A heartbroken girl. A fierce warrior. A hero in the making. Sixteen years ago the Kingdom of Winter was conquered and its citizens enslaved, leaving them without magic or a monarch. Now, the Winterians’ only hope for freedom is the eight survivors who managed to escape, and who have been waiting for the opportunity to steal back Winter’s magic and rebuild the kingdom ever since. Orphaned as an infant during Winter’s defeat, Meira has lived her whole life as a refugee, raised by the Winterians’ general, Sir. Training to be a warrior—and desperately in love with her best friend, and future king, Mather — she would do anything to help her kingdom rise to power again. So when scouts discover the location of the ancient locket that can restore Winter’s magic, Meira decides to go after it herself. Finally, she’s scaling towers, fighting enemy soldiers, and serving her kingdom just as she’s always dreamed she would. But the mission doesn’t go as planned, and Meira soon finds herself thrust into a world of evil magic and dangerous politics – and ultimately comes to realize that her destiny is not, never has been, her own. ”

I have set this aside though I really want to read it as soon as I’ve received the book. That’s being mature really ’cause I’ve sworn to read what I received first then so on. Unfortunately, I have a lot of books lined up to read so I needed to wait before I could devour this and I’m telling you, the wait is so worth it. I did enjoy the book. Though there are a couple of parts that got me doing my signature “WTF! face”. That involves eye rolling and sighing that blows my hair out of my face. Now, let’s get to the specifics before you assume that I didn’t like this at all. You’re wrong! 😀

The writing is so good. Kudos to Sara for giving her readers something out of Angels vs Demons and the like. This is a combination of a little of dystopia (I’ve added that on the genre part at the top) and high fantasy. I’ve expected a lot of world building since this is the series’ debut and I guess I am quite right. The world building was so wonderful and really exceptional though. The Season and Rhythm kingdoms were so originally depicted, I had so much fun imagining each (I think I like Autumn and Winter best).