ARC Review: Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst

Pearl is a sixteen-year-old vampire... fond of blood, allergic to sunlight, and mostly evil... until the night a sparkly unicorn stabs her through the heart with his horn. Oops.

Her family thinks she was attacked by a vampire hunter (because, obviously, unicorns don't exist), and they're shocked she survived. They're even more shocked when Pearl discovers she can now withstand the sun. But they quickly find a way to make use of her new talent. The Vampire King of New England has chosen Pearl's family to host his feast. If Pearl enrolls in high school, she can make lots of human friends and lure them to the King's feast -- as the entrees.

The only problem? Pearl's starting to feel the twinges of a conscience. How can she serve up her new friends—especially the cute guy who makes her fangs ache—to be slaughtered? Then again, she's definitely dead if she lets down her family. What's a sunlight-loving vamp to do?

Description: Goodreads.com
Hardcover, 320 pages
Published: September 13th 2011 by Margaret K. McElderry

REVIEW
Not gonna lie. For some reason I just couldn't get into this book, even when I was half-way through I just wasn't feeling it. And for someone who was anticipating this book this is kinda frustrating. I hope someday I think differently & I can finish it, but right now I just couldn't.

That said, I did not think this book was bad. As someone who had previously read a book by Sarah Beth Durst, I was familiarized with her awesome writing. I think my main problem was the characters. I just could not sympathize with the characters and I felt the conversations were a bit shallow.

Nevertheless, I look forward to any of Sarah's future writing.




-- it was okay!

Review: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: No Future For You (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season 8 #2)

 
Eisner award-winning writer Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina) tackles Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight with "No Future for You." When a rogue debutant Slayer begins to use her power for evil, Giles is forced to recruit the rebellious Faith, who isn't exactly known for her good deeds. Giles offers Faith a clean slate if she can stop this snooty Slayer from wreaking total havoc - that is, if Buffy doesn't beat her to it. Georges Jeanty (The American Way) remains at the top of his game as series artist, and Whedon stays on as "Executive Producer" in this direct follow-up to Season Seven of the smash-hit TV series.

Trade Paperback, 120 pages
Published June 11th 2008 by Dark Horse
Description: Goodreads.com
Provided through: Netgalley


REVIEW

No Future For You, the fantastic sequel to The Long Way Home does not disapppoint. It's another return to the brilliant characters brought to life by Joss Whedon. The wittiness of the storyline & hilarity keeps you entertained. While the fast-paced action filled with magic is not bad either.

No Future For You is the return to Faith, a character to the series who is also a Slayer & has a frenemies relatioship with Buffy. Faith is a strong character that struggles with her past & bad decisions she made during her younger years. And we also see a darker side of Buffy when she struggles with her belief of Faith's recovery from the dark side.

No Future For You is a great story because we see not only external struggle for the characters, but internal as well. They are so many stories going on, Buffy's, Faith's, Dawns' & all interwoven into a magnificient story.

No Future For You should not be let pass, but read immediately, just like all of Buffy's comic.

Review: The Long Way Home (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season 8, Vol. 1) by Joss Whedon

Since the destruction of the Hellmouth, the Slayers - newly legion - have gotten organized and are kicking some serious undead butt. But not everything's fun and firearms, as an old enemy reappears and Dawn experiences some serious growing pains. Meanwhile, one of the "Buffy" decoy slayers is going through major pain of her own. Buffy creator Joss Whedon brings Buffy back to Dark Horse in this direct follow-up to season seven of the smash-hit TV series. The bestselling and critically acclaimed issues #1-5 are collected here for the first time, as are their covers by Jo Chen and Georges Jeanty.


Trade Paperback, 136 pages

Published: October 31st 2007 by Dark Horse (first published May 2007)

Description: Goodreads.com

Provided through: Netgalley

REVIEW


I never watched Buffy when I was younger. And not because of lack of interest, but because I was not allowed to watch the show. I remember begging to grow up faster & for the show not to stop airing when I did. But eventually Buffy ended & I forgot about it. 

So when I heard about the graphic novel I was instantly excited to read it because it would be my chance to discover the amazingness of the fandom.

Firstly, in my opinion, you do NOT need to have watched the series to understand this. Yes, it's tehcnically season 8, but it's not necessary. If you know what a Slayer(demon killer, ALWAYS a woman) & a watcher(slayer's guide) is, then you are set.

The Long Way Home is the perfect combination of writing with mind-blowing graphics. Buffy is a strong girl & her sarcastic remarks & badassness makes her instantly our idol(if you are a girl) & coveting material(if you are a guy).

I spent half the time laughing my head off & the other half in awe of the drawings. The Long Way Home is not another marketing strategy to keep fans interested, it has soul and submerges you into the world and refuses to let go of you.

If you were fan of Buffy back in the day & never read it because you thought it would ruin your memories of the show, read it because it will give you new memories of the characters.

And if you, like me, never saw the series, read it too because it will make you wish you did.

Buffy had never been more alive than in the pages of this graphic novels.

ARC Review: We'll Always Have Summer (Summer #3) by Jenny Han

It's been two years since Conrad told Belly to go with Jeremiah. She and Jeremiah have been inseparable ever since, even attending the same college-- only, their relationship hasn't exactly been the happily ever after Belly had hoped it would be. And when Jeremiah makes the worst mistake a boy can make, Belly is forced to question what she thought was true love. Does she really have a future with Jeremiah? Has she ever gotten over Conrad? It's time for Belly to decide, once and for all, who has her heart forever.


Description: Goodreads.com

Hardcover, 288 pages

Published April 26th 2011 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

REVIEW

Perfection. 

That one word could be my whole review. 

I know I've mentioned this before, but I don't like Contemporary novels. Even now, every time I read/hear about a contemporary novel, I cringe & stop hearing/reading because truth is: I'm scared of them. 

I'm scared of the hard truth: that there's a world out there WITHOUT magic & dream & cute vampires/werewolves/angels/demons (I think that covers all tastes & colors). 

I roll my eyes & at their synopsis, the clichéish storyline jumping at me not to read. But thing is ALL genres have books like that. There will ALWAYS be books we don't like. 

Nevertheless, I decided to start reading this series, why? I'm not sure. Maybe because everyone said great things about. I thought I would be disappointed. And two books l am not. 

Now for the real review: 

What I love about Jenny Han is the feeling of belonging. When you read this book I think it must be similar to what Belly feels in the Summer House, that everything will be okay. 

It's light, funny & just the kind of quick read to make you swoon with every page. 

It is tough like life, Jenny Han's characters don't have it easy (Oh boy do they not!), but they strive through the hard times. One of the reasons I dislike contemporary is because sometimes it doesn't feel real, it feels awkward to read about, to know about the characters story, but like I've said before, with Jenny Han's writing it all makes sense. 

Even when Conrad is been an jerk we can help, but love him. She makes us be in the character's mind & understand their actions. 
I absolutely LOVED that there were chapters with Conrad's pov, they were short, but they totally changed the perspective of the book. 

And even though as you read you can feel the story unraveling bit by bit, going farther apart from what you think SHOULD happen, it all comes together in the end. 

Overall, I effing love Jenny Han, her books are perfect. They reflect the HARD, COLD true, with real characters who have to struggle to get what they want. Read it! 

Read it if..... 

.... if you only have read the first two books. 

.... if you only have read the first one (but read the second one before.) 

..... if you never read any because you are afraid it will suck or because you don't like contemporary. 

ARC Review: Red Glove (Curse Workers #2) by Holly Black

Curses and cons. Magic and the mob. In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth—he’s the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything—or anyone—into something else. 

That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she's human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila's been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion worker mom. And if Lila's love is as phony as Cassel's made-up memories, then he can't believe anything she says or does. 

When Cassel's oldest brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue—crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too—they know how valuable he could be to them. Cassel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can't trust anyone—least of all, himself? 

Love is a curse and the con is the only answer in a game too dangerous to lose.

Description: Goodreads.com
Hardcover, 320 pages
Published April 5th 2011 by Margaret K. McElderry

Thanks to: Simon & Schuester

REVIEW 

Having just finish reading this book, I am a mess. And to think I must wait a whole year for it's sequel, a WHOLE year. Oh Ms. Black, you are evil! 

I really LOVED White Cat, but I LOVED Red Glove even more(as unbelievable as it sounds). 

Oh btw, this has spoilers of the first book. 

The story pretty much starts where it left off, Cassel with his two screw up brothers & mom, & Lila worked into loving him. 

Unlike some sequels, Red Glove doesn't hesitate into reintroducing us into the crazy con world. From the start I found myself wanting to know more & reconnect with the story. 

We see Cassel struggling because of his mom's curse toward Lila, the recent death of his brother & new mysteries. 

The story goes smoothly & in no moment I had any trouble identifying with the characters. Although Cassel is a guy, we can easily relate to his struggles & sympathize with him. Sometimes his family relationship seem a bit far-fetched, but when you think about the ambient they grew up in, it's perfectly understandable. 

Overall, Red Glove keeps you on your toes the whole time. It is a magical tale of crime & romance. 

If I have an issue, is the long wait, a YEAR! 

I wish I had more words to relate how amazing this book truly is. But if you don't believe or have doubts, read the book & find out for yourself! 

 --  5 stars! 

ARC Review: Kat, Incorrigible (The Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stephenson #1) by Stephanie Burgis

Twelve-year-old Kat Stephenson may be the despair of her social-climbing Step-Mama, but she was born to be a magical Guardian and protector of Society--if she can ever find true acceptance in the secret Order that expelled her own mother. She’s ready to turn the hidebound Order of the Guardians inside-out, whether the older members like it or not. And in a society where magic is the greatest scandal of all, Kat is determined to use all her powers to help her three older siblings--saintly Elissa, practicing-witch Angeline, and hopelessly foolish Charles--find their own true loves, even if she has to turn highwayman, battle wild magic, and confront real ghosts along the way!

Description: Goodreads.com
Hardcover, 304 pages

Expected publication: April 5th 2011 by Atheneum



Review

Firstly, Kat is a 12 year old. A TWELVE YEAR OLD girl & she's a freaking awesome!

When I read the synopsis I thought I had a clear idea of what the book was going to be about, but I didn't. No matter what you expect of this book, I bet it would not be what you encounter, it would be MILLION times better.

Kat is definitely the center of the story, her imaginative 12 year old mind, innocence & braveness is what keeps the story going. She's straightforward & is not afraid of anything and sees it upon herself to save her family.

Although sometimes unbelievable feats for someone of her age she keeps the story going with tears in your eyes because you are laughing so hard.

Kat, along with her two sisters are the heroines of the story, they are all willing to give their life for the other two. Full of magic, action & comedy the story is a thrilling read.

Overall, I loved every second of the story. The characters were entertaining, even the bad guy & the story was original and comical!

 --  5 stars!

ARC Review: Angelfire (Angelfire, #1) by Courtney Allison Moulton

This debut, the first novel in a trilogy, is achingly romantic, terrifying, and filled with blistering action.

When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.

A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.

While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember.

Description: Goodreads.com
Published February 15th 2011 by HarperCollins
Hardcover, 464 pages

REVIEW

Ellie is a normal girl until she meets hottie Will who reveals she is an ancient warrior that kills demonic monsters from eating people's souls. 

I didn't knew what to expect from Angelfire & I must admit I was slightly disappointed at first. I felt I was reading something I have read before and although there were a little too many clichès for many taste, it had it's good parts. 

I liked Will, but there were parts in which I didn't understood him & it formed certain apathy toward him. Sometimes I felt he was great & sometimes I just didn't care him. 

But besides the book was great! It consists mostly of heart stopping fights & smoking hot kisses. 

I loved especially the ending & can't wait for the second book!

 3 STARS!

ARC Review: Delirium (Delirium #1) by Lauren Oliver

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love - the deliria - blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy. 

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

Hardcover, 440 pages
Expected publication: February 1st 2011 by HarperTeen
Description: Goodreads.com


REVIEW

I'm still stunned over the ending.

If you have read Before I fall you already know about Lauren Oliver's brilliancy, if you have not then you should read it immediately.

From the start I knew Delirium would be just as good or better than Before I fall. It turned out better. Imagine a world without love, a world were even the slightest filial show of affection is frown upon. Thats' where Lena lives, a world full of cold people who see Love, or Amor Deliria Nervosa, as a disease.

And even if it seems unbelievable for such a place, Lauren Oliver pulls it off. You truly believe people don't love, that they see it as a disease.

At first, I saw Lena a little cowardly, but then as the story goes by we understand, she is terrified of the disease for it was the death of her mom who never stopped loving Lena's father.

I loved Lena, she is the kind of character you sympathize from the start and you just like her more and more as the book goes by and who by the end you just adore.

Delirium is full of sentiments, good ones and bad ones, but as the book itself portrays we can't enjoy the good stuff if you don't bear the bad stuff.

Overall, I suffered a strong case of Amor Deliria Nervosa toward this book and EVERYONE should read it because as sweet and amazing as it is, it can also teach you a lot, like don't trust regulators!

Anyway, can someone give me the sequel? I need to read it pronto.

5 STARS!!!!

ARC Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

Hardcover: 435 pages

Published: January 4th 2011 by HarperTeen

Description: Goodreads.com


REVIEW


Wow.


First impression: Oh no! No another angel book! I've read books about angels before but they're always awkward and I never really loved them.


What is different about this book is that Clara knows she is an angel and what it entails, there's no finding about being an angel or a hot fallen angel she falls in love with! She IS the angel and she knows it!


Unearthly made me swoon with th its amazing characters and I fell in love with them and can't believe I have to wait for its sequel!


Its a bit confusing, especially by the ending, but it's the characters same confusion by adapting to the situation, but its the first in he series so we can wait for it to be resolved in future books.


Clara, although she has known she is an angel for a while, is still adapting and her mother is not very forthcoming with answers about her new identity, so she still learning. But I did believe her as a character, Clara's actions are what a normal person would do in her situation.


Overall, Unearthly is amazing, it surprised me and everyone should read it! It has cute angels, swoony guys and you won't be disappointed. 


 4 stars!

Review: The Iron Queen (Iron Fey #3) by Julie Kagawa

My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

Description: Goodreads.com

Paperback: 384 pages

Expected publication: February 1st 2011 by Harlequin Teen

REVIEW

Julie Kagawa brings once more the fey to books with another thrilling installment of the Iron Fey.

I've always liked fairy books, but with so many of them out there it's nice to read one with a twist specially as Kagawa has done. The same fascinating characters return once more. I was dubious at first,and I had to admit I got bored in the first pages, but it all changed once I got into the story and I was hooked.

One of my favorite things about the book is the development in characters, Meghan is no ore the soft girl and she is now more independent, even of Ash who struggles with this new side of her. Ash, also slips off his icy facade and even Puck returns a bit more to the same he was in the first book.

One of my least favorite things is Meghan's continuous disregard toward Ash, who fights with the feelings toward her.

The ending is crushing and I can't wait for the next book to be out and know how this story unfolds. Overall, the series is highly recommendable, addictive and awesome

 4 STARS!