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.

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

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).

Update: Penryn & the End of Days, Book 3

Susan Ee

– USA Today bestselling author
– Author of ANGELFALL and WORLD AFTER (Penryn & the End of Days 1 & 2)

“I’m super excited! The third book is END OF DAYS. It will be the finale of Penryn’s story! The US/Canada/Philippine version will be published on May 12, 2015. UK/AUS/NZ/Scotland version should come out right around that time as well. For all other countries, please ask your local publisher or bookstore. It’s finally happening! I can’t wait to share END OF DAYS with you.”

This is basically from Susan’s blog. Apparently, the third book for the series Penryn & the End of Days will be entitled End of Days and it will be published 12th of May next year. The thing is, Susan confirmed that this will be the finale of the series, which is in fact surprising because this was initially introduced as a five book series. I didn’t see that coming. That is just so heart breaking. 💔

You see? FIVE BOOK SERIES. What’s happened? I’m really torn about this update. Excited yet disappointed. I’ve been looking for interviews as why this was cut short to three books, but found nothing. I remember, I had a hard time liking the first, but eventually like the second book and really thrilled about the third one. It’s still a long wait until May. Perhaps Susan can still change her mind and go back to its original plan. LOL! Anyway, I’ll watch out for the date when the cover will be revealed.

Here’s my reviews 😀

Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days #1)

World After (Penryn & the End of Days #2)

Teaser Tuesday #12

I’ve decided to join this ’cause I think it’s pretty fun and easy. Plus I really want to quote smart retorts, full blown bullying, words of wisdom, swoon worthy lines and the like without giving much to readers about the entire book. A quote or two won’t hurt I guess. So this is how you do it:

1. Grab your current read.
2. Randomly open a page.
3. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.
4. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
5. Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This is for this week’s Teaser Tuesday:

Gates of Thread and Stone

by Lori M. Lee

“Becoming the Kahl’s dog, especially if this man had lived originally in the East Quarter, was a betrayal of the unspoken code of the Labyrinth.”

“It was impossible to see beyond the flat, dry earth illuminated by the energy stone. Avan checked the map every once in a while to make sure we have not gone off course, but we could have been anywhere and nowhere.”

I’ll be out for three days to get some much needed rest away from work and I’m not sure if I can update my blog, but I’ll be back soon enough to reply to all of you. Yay! Anyway, you could share some teasers on your current read too. Comment the link of your own Teaser Tuesday so I can check it out and have an idea of amazing books that I would want to read.

Teaser Tuesdays (TT) is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Currently Reading #21

Gates of Thread and Stone

In the Labyrinth, we had a saying: keep silent, keep still, keep safe.

In a city of walls and secrets, where only one man is supposed to possess magic, seventeen-year-old Kai struggles to keep hidden her own secret—she can manipulate the threads of time. When Kai was eight, she was found by Reev on the riverbank, and her “brother” has taken care of her ever since. Kai doesn’t know where her ability comes from—or where she came from. All that matters is that she and Reev stay together, and maybe one day move out of the freight container they call home, away from the metal walls of the Labyrinth. Kai’s only friend is Avan, the shopkeeper’s son with the scandalous reputation that both frightens and intrigues her.

Then Reev disappears. When keeping silent and safe means losing him forever, Kai vows to do whatever it takes to find him. She will leave the only home she’s ever known and risk getting caught up in a revolution centuries in the making. But to save Reev, Kai must unravel the threads of her past and face shocking truths about her brother, her friendship with Avan, and her unique power.

I’m so excited that I’m reading this at last. Finally. I’ve started reading it and in fact the book excites me to read more. Love the idea that the main character is a time manipulator. Hmm.. I will just leave all my thoughts for the book review. Anyway, I’ve read so many good reviews and some of the not so good reviews too which really broke my heart.

Let’s have the good reviews first:

Book Review: The Winner’s Curse

Winning what you want may cost you everything you love

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

+++

I really don’t have an idea how I’ll start with this. I’ve read this because of the hype among book lovers and seriously I think something’s wrong with me. I didn’t really enjoy it. I was wondering if they have read the same book. I’ve read reviews that generously rated a five star and were all being intense about the whole thing, but I swear I tried. I really tried to love it. It didn’t work for me. Yeah. I know, usually those first books on a series were all talk or world building, but man I’ve skimmed this.

Newly Owned to Read! #2

.. and my new books kept on coming. I’m such a happy camper! 😀

I’m going to be sooo busy in the next few weeks since I’ve got tons of books line up to read! I swear, I will try to read as fast as I can and post book reviews as soon as possible. Bear with me here.

Happy Reading To Me! 😀

Linking this up with Stacking the Shelves and The Sunday Post