January Random Reads 2015

This is where we pick a random book from our shelf to read within the month. Feel free to do more than one, but since a lot of people have a lot of books to read, only one is “required” for the meme.

How to join on Random Reads?

You can either use Random.org, eeny, meeny, miny, moe or you can simply close your eyes and point randomly at a book in your shelf. Easy Peasy 😀

Welcome to my first feature for Random Reads this 2015! If you haven’t read or heard about this, I’ve been doing this since October last year and this helped a lot to clear my unread pile without picking my favorites first. I tend to choose my most awaited books so a huge number are left unread on my pile. So for this feature, I’ve chosen to close my eyes and pointed randomly at a book in my shelf. I love that way in choosing (Nah. I’m just lazy! LOL)! Here’s what I got:

Name: The Burning Sky
(The Elemental Trilogy #1)
Author: Sherry Thomas
Number of Pages: 376 pages in Hardcover
Published: September 17th 2013
by Balzer + Bray
Genre: High Fantasy, Young Adult,
Romance, Adventure

It all began with a ruined elixir and a bolt of lightning.
Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she’s been told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of The Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the most powerful tyrant and mage the world has ever known. This would be a suicide task for anyone, let alone a reluctant sixteen-year-old girl with no training.
Guided by his mother’s visions and committed to avenging his family, Prince Titus has sworn to protect Iolanthe even as he prepares her for their battle with the Bane. But he makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the tyrant closing in, Titus must choose between his mission—and her life.

I’ve heard a lot of wonderful stuff about this series and I’m very much excited to read it. I’ll probably read this after Tear You Apart since I got an ARC of it from NetGalley and it will be released on the 27th. So they’re expecting a review of Tear You Apart not later than the end of the month, I think.

I’ll try my best to squeeze the book this month for the sake of this meme. Wish me luck! Hey if you do have a Random Reads post, comment your link. I’ll try to check it out. 😀

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.

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

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.

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

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.”

Teaser Tuesday #23

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.
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!)
4. 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

A Darker Shade of Magic
by V. E. Schwab

“He was young and handsome and kind. Perhaps he played the part of rake too often and too well, but behind the charismatic smile and the flirtatious air was a sharp mind and a good intent, the desire to make everyone around him happy.”

“Pretty wouldn’t serve her well. And Lord knew she didn’t envy the ladies with their cinched corsets and abundant skirts, their falsetto laughs and the ridiculous way they used them. The way they swooned and leaned on men, feigning weakness to savor their strength.”

I initially thought of reading A Thousand Pieces of You first then this, but this book really intrigued me so I started it instead. I’m enjoying it so far. Will post the review as soon as I’m finished. 😉 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.

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.