Currently Reading│Book Beginning : Princess of Thorns by Stacey Jay

Currently Reading #39

Name: Princess of Thorns
Author: Stacey Jay
Number of Pages: 400 pages in Hardcover
Published: December 9th 2014
by DelaCorte Press
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Retellings, Romance

Game of Thrones meets the Grimm’s fairy tales in this twisted, fast-paced romantic fantasy-adventure about Sleeping Beauty’s daughter, a warrior princess who must fight to reclaim her throne. Though she looks like a mere mortal, Princess Aurora is a fairy blessed with enhanced strength, bravery, and mercy yet cursed to destroy the free will of any male who kisses her. Disguised as a boy, she enlists the help of the handsome but also cursed Prince Niklaas to fight legions of evil and free her brother from the ogre queen who stole Aurora’s throne ten years ago. Will Aurora triumph over evil and reach her brother before it’s too late? Can Aurora and Niklaas break the curses that will otherwise forever keep them from finding their one true love?

Hopefully, I’ll post two reviews (Imitation & Deviation. Finally.) before Sunday so I’ve decided to start reading this since I can’t wait any longer. I really love retellings so this would be a treat indeed. A lot of my friends have already read the book and they’ve found it so good. Anyway, here’s a five star, three star and one star review respectively. Got them from book lovers on Goodreads.

PRINCESS OF THORNS is a compelling read for any fairytale fan. It stitches several together (including Little Red Riding Hood) while still managing to do its own thing. Jay isn’t so devoted to nodding to tales that she forgets the story she wants to tell. It helps that her characters are not the half-sketched things of fairytales. Aurora, Niklaas, and the Ogre Queen are all forceful characters.
— Liviania of In Bed with Books

Currently Reading│Book Beginning : Deviation (Clone Chronicles #2) by Heather Hildenbrand

Currently Reading #38

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.

Haven’t actually finished Imitation and haven’t really had time to read, but I’m definitely excited to read this too. I just hope it will live up with the good reviews I’ve read from friends and fellow bloggers. I’ve requested this ARC from NetGalley and I’m so glad I was approved. Anyway, here’s a five star, three star and one star review respectively. Got them from book lovers on Goodreads.

This installment of the Clone Chronicles is filled with action and breath-holding moments that make you wanna scream! But if you’ve read Imitation then you should already expect your anxiety levels to rise anytime Titus Rogen is involved! Plan to spend a few consecutive hours on this one – you won’t be able to put it down!!
— Jackie of Sated Faery

Currently Reading│Book Beginning : Imitation (Clone Chronicles #1) by Heather Hildenbrand

Currently Reading #37

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?

I’ve planned to read this early next year, but then I was approved for an ARC for the second book on the series so I have to moved this ahead of schedule. Who read the second book before the first one huh? Lol. I’m reading this alongside A Thousand Pieces of You because the second book on this series will be released on the 30th of December. I really think I need to post the review before that right? 😀 This book caught me by the cover and the blurb. I can’t help thinking about this movie when I’ve read the blurb. Sounds very similar. Do tell. 😉

*THE ISLAND (2005 Film)
In 2019 a mercenary (Djimon Hounsou) pursues two clones (Ewan McGregor, Scarlett Johansson) who escaped from a research facility after learning their true fate.
The film’s plot revolves around the struggle of Ewan McGregor’s character to fit into the highly structured world he lives in, isolated in a compound, and the series of events that unfold when he questions how truthful that world really is. After he learns that the compound inhabitants are clones who are used for organ harvesting and surrogate motherhood for wealthy people in the outside world, he escapes.

What do you think? Sounds similar with a twist right? Hehe! Anyway, here’s a five star, three star and one star review respectively. Got them from book lovers on Goodreads.

Wow. Totally caught me by surprise. I was so into this story I didn’t realize it was about to end. Can’t wait for the next one. Ven is an imitation, a clone. Designed to stand in for her authentic when she’s needed. She was created to serve. Once on the outside everything she’s been told to believe is quickly turned upside down.
— Jamie of Confessions of a Book Whore

Currently Reading│Book Beginning : A Thousand Pieces of You & Sample: A Darker Shade of Magic

Currently Reading #35

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.

Finally. Reading this. If you’re a regular reader of my blog, perhaps you would remember me posting a blog about Claudia visiting the Philippines for a book signing tour and unfortunately, I’ve missed it. Imagine the frustration I felt when Claudia is just a couple of blocks away signing books and I’m sitting in my office so unaware. I’ve read it in an article a day after only to learn that Claudia’s already in Cebu and that’s far from where I am. As in you need to take an airplane far. How in world could I missed it? Anyway, I moved on. I just want to share it for those who missed that blog I posted about it. Here’s a five star, three star and one star review respectively. Got them from book lovers on Goodreads.

One of the most interesting, unique stories I have had the privilege to read in quite some time. I can’t even begin to capture a picture of the basic story for you, all that would do is serve an injustice. Just trust me, you need to go pick this book up and me as captivated as I am now. I can def see this being made into a major motion picture. Why can’t all stories take you on a journey such as this one?!  Now, I’m going to need Claudia Gray to hurry up and finish the 2nd book in this series so I can finish it in a day. 🙂  MUST READ!
— Jessica of My Kaleidoscope Heart 

Currently Reading│Book Beginning : Midnight Thief by Livia Blackburne

Currently Reading #34

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 feature for my December Random Reads and I’m quite proud of myself for consistently keeping up with the meme. It’s hard to squeeze books when you had them scheduled, but I’m so keeping up with this. I can’t remember when I’ve received this book so I’m excited. Here’s a five star, three star and one star review respectively. Got them from book lovers on Goodreads.

There are several reasons why I am in such a tizzy over this book and why others should be too. I rarely encounter two strong main characters, a fleshed-out world, a true threat, and a surprising plot in one book. Yet Blackburne managed all of them, and from the semi-cliff-hanger ending, I predict at least two more books. Now that she’s put all that good foundation work in, the rest of her series is her playground. And if Amazon’s labeling of Midnight Thief as “Grades 7 and up” gives you doubts about its maturity, ignore it. Pierce’s books are also tagged as “Grades 7 and up,” and I just reread it last week.
— Andrea of The Jukebox Muse

Currently Reading│Teaser Tuesday : The Young Elites by Marie Lu

Currently Reading #33

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’m so excited to read this since a lot of my friends told me that this is so good. Of course, I can’t read it right away when I’ve received it. Maturity. It takes maturity. First in, read first. My own mature rule. Lol. Anyway, I’m so excited. Did I just say that? 🙂 Let’s move on to the reviews I’ve read from all over the blogosphere. Got a five star, three star and a star review respectively:

There are so many things I loved about The Young Elites. The writing is stunning. The characters are broken and dark. The plot is exciting and surprising and scary at times. This book is just all kinds of amazing. And I’m so glad that I finally got to read it. I need you all to read this book as well. Because it is different and just so good. I loved reading about Adelina. Though she is so dark inside. I just hope she’s able to change. Sigh. Yet I love her darkness as well. Though, maybe a little less of it, hih. ❤
—Carina of Carina’s Books

Currently Reading│Book Beginning : Under My Skin (Immortality Strain #1) by Shawntelle Madison

Currently Reading #32

Name: Under My Skin (Immortality Strain #1)
Author: Shawntelle Madison
Number of Pages: 240 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’ve stumbled upon this on Goodreads and I’m intrigued by the book’s premise right away. Though I felt so skeptical in requesting an ARC from NetGalley, I did. If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you would know why (wink). To my surprise, I received an email that it was approved (YES!) along with four other books. I am so glad! 😀 Since it will be published on the 9th of December, the following reviews came from ARCs too. Got a five star, a three star and a two star review (Didn’t find any one star reviews, that’s why):

THAT WAS SO DAMN REFRESHING. Hands down, best Dystopian SciFi I’ve read all year. Ignore that cover. Ignore that blurb. This book has like 4 pages of sweet Romance, the rest is just juicy awesomeness of body snatching, political intrigue, manipulation, warfare, power, friendship, and sacrifice.
— Kat of NotYetRead

Currently Reading│Teaser Tuesday : Under Different Stars (Kricket #1) by Amy Bartol

Currently Reading #31

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?”

After a lot of heartache from declined requests on NetGalley, I’ve been approved! YES! Not only for one, but four books and this gorgeous is one of them. I’ll include them on the Sunday post this weekend okay? Anyway, I’ve long for this since last year, but eventually forgot about it. Lol. I’ve stumbled upon it on Netgalley yesterday, requested for it and received an approval today. Yay! A lot of fantasy readers love this. I’ve included a five star, three star and one star rating reviews..

OMG this book was so captivating! I couldn’t put it down, I was hooked from the first chapter! I am so in love with all the characters, this book has it all. Lots of action, romance, humor,and dystopian! Under Different Stars takes place on both Earth and an alternate planet called Ethar which lends to the sci-fi feeling. I love the world Amy creates, it’s so interesting. Her descriptions of the people and places, especially on Ethar, help you picture this world. I really felt like I was there!
—Paulina of ReadMoreSleepLess

Book Beginning│Currently Reading : City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett

Currently Reading #30

Name: City of Stairs
Author: Robert Jackson Bennett
Number of Pages: 464 in Paperback
Published: September 9th 2014
by Broadway Books
Genre: Fantasy, Adult, Science Fiction, Mystery,

“Years ago, the city of Bulikov wielded the powers of the Gods to conquer the world. But after its divine protectors were mysteriously killed, the conqueror has become the conquered; the city’s proud history has been erased and censored, progress has left it behind, and it is just another colonial outpost of the world’s new geopolitical power. Into this musty, backward city steps Shara Divani. Officially, the quiet mousy woman is just another lowly diplomat sent by Bulikov’s oppressors. Unofficially, Shara is one of her country’s most accomplished spymasters-dispatched to investigate the brutal murder of a seemingly harmless historian. As Shara pursues the mystery through the ever-shifting physical and political geography of the city, she begins to suspect that the beings who once protected Bulikov may not be as dead as they seem-and that her own abilities might be touched by the divine as well.”

I’m not really certain if this falls under Young Adult so I’ve researched and found out that this inclines more to the Adult genre. A bit hesitant in reading this since I don’t really enjoy adult books (I don’t want to feel an adult really. I want to stay young. LOL), but then again when I’ve read its blurb it triggered my curiosity to get the book. I’ve also checked reviews:

There is a lot of fantasy fiction out there and unfortunately, much of it is just a rehashing of the tired old tropes of wizards and elves and swords and onwards. City of Stairs was like nothing I have ever read before. I could praise Robert Jackson Bennett on his world building alone. I could read a history about the lands and cultures he created in this book and be incredibly entertained. And yet, despite all these new foreign locations and strange sounding character names, the whole fantastical story felt incredibly grounded in real human characters. They were tortured and lovable and funny. Overall, the book definitely lived up to the hype.
— Amanda Steinhoff, author of Lily and the Golden Lute

Book Beginning│Currently Reading : Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch

Currently Reading #29

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

“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’ve started reading this while struggling to finish Illusions of Fate. I’m sorry, but it got me jaded and I’ve resisted reading Snow Like Ashes for weeks now because of my TBR file. I can’t take it anymore. Lol! So I dug up reviews to set my expectations for this book since a lot is talking about it. I’m feeling so left behind. I got a five star, three star and a one star review so it will be fair.

Brilliant debut. Sarah Raasch gave fans of YA medieval fantasy exactly what they wanted. This book had a lot of action without being too bogged down in details and there was never a dull moment. I found the protagonist believable and I really enjoyed her love interest, Theron. He is exactly my kind of prince:) I am looking forward to the sequel -especially if it involves a lot of rivalry between Mather & Theron. Not huge on love triangles but love to see them acting jealous ;P
— Rachel of The Black Mage Author