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!

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: 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!

Review: The Mermaid's Mirror by L.K. Madigan

Lena has lived her whole life near the beach — walking for miles up and down the shore and breathing the salty air, swimming in the cold water, and watching the surfers rule the waves — the problem is, she’s spent her whole life just watching.

As her sixteenth birthday approaches, Lena vows she will no longer watch from the sand: she will learn to surf.

But her father — a former surfer himself — refuses to allow her to take lessons. After his near drowning years ago, he can’t bear to let Lena take up the risky sport.

Yet something keeps drawing Lena to the water . . . an ancient, powerful magic. And one morning Lena catches sight of this magic: a beautiful woman — with a silvery tail.

Now nothing can stop Lena from seeking the mermaid, not even the dangerous waves at Magic Crescent Cove.

And soon . . . what she sees in the mermaid’s mirror will change her life forever.

Description: Goodreads.com 

Paperback: 336 pages

Published:  October 4th 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

REVIEW

The Story: A girl who has felt a deep connection with the sea finds herself restricted by her father's fear over a mysterious accident.
I am a big fan of mermaids, I always found them enthralling so I was very excited when I got this book. 
But I must admit it was very clichéish at times.
The Mermaid's Mirror is a great book for sea lovers and it's about a girls decision. I had great fun reading it, although not a huge fan of how things ended up. 
Complain: I did not believed how fast love developed between the main character and another character, but it was believable enough to make us want to read more. 
Overall, the Mermaid's book was not a great book, but a good one and a quick, nice read. And I sure hope there's a sequel to wrap things up.


 3 stars!

ARC Review: Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton

Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.

Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right.

The goblins are coming.


Description: Goodreads.com
Paperback: 322 pages
Published: November 15th 2010 by Clarion Books


REVIEW


Kersten Hamilton retells the mysteries of Celtic mythology and brings a fantasy tale to life with the help of Celtic hero Fionn mac Cumhaill.

Tyger Tyger was a fantastical read and throughly enjoyable. An amazing start to an amazing new series.

One the many reasons this book made such an increadibe read was because of his main character: Finn. Mysterious and sexy Finn shows up to his cousin's house and with his arrival strange things start happening, not mentioning the weird shadows of legendary creatures. And Teagan's character and obvious initial attachement to Finn is unresistable, that coupled with a bunch of other characters mainly a cute younger brother and a sassy grandmother makes the perfect recipie to add to your to-read list.

My only complain is I wished I had seen more from Abby it was perfectly understandable why she couldn't join them but I await anxiously for it's sequel and a glimpse more of her.

Overall, Tyger Tyger is extremely reccomendable, no strong scenes, but healthy reading for kids.


 - 4stars!

ARC Review: Hunger by Jackie Morse Kessler

“Thou art the Black Rider. Go thee out unto the world.”

Lisabeth Lewis has a black steed, a set of scales, and a new job: she’s been appointed Famine. How will an anorexic seventeen-year-old girl from the suburbs fare as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?

Traveling the world on her steed gives Lisa freedom from her troubles at home: her constant battle with hunger, and her struggle to hide it from the people who care about her. But being Famine forces her to go places where hunger is a painful part of everyday life, and to face the horrifying effects of her phenomenal power. Can Lisa find a way to harness that power — and the courage to battle her own inner demons?

Description: Goodreads.com

Paperback, 180 pages
Published October 18th 2010 by Harcourt Graphia


REVIEW

Jackie Morse Kessler weaves a dramatic YA read about a real subject that in today's world where appearances are everything is killing many people, coated with a bit of fantasy and just enough humour she writes about the 4 Horsemen of Apocalypse and what would happen if an anorexic girl was chosen as Famine, the Dark Rider.

Hunger is an enthralling read that talks about the struggle of a girl with her body, after been caught in a catch-22 situation by Death she finds herself engrossed by her job as Famine where she must look at hunger everyday.

Hunger shows the importance of friendship and how bad relations can trap you and that sometimes appearance are not everything.

Though a bit short in pages the book is large in history and everyone can relate to the character's pain to be thin and with her discomfort with her own body. Fast-passed and captivating Hunger is sure to make you spent a nice time and then ponder over the concept of beauty today.

Altogether, Hunger is definitely recommendable and can't wait to read more of her books.

 - 4stars!