Review: The Ghost and the Goth

The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade
My rating: 5 of 5 genies
Genre: YA, Ghost, Paranormal Fiction, Fantasy, Humour
Published: June 29, 2010
Pages: 281
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH
Source: Library Loan
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

Alona Dare–Senior in high school, co-captain of the cheerleading squad, Homecoming Queen three years in a row, voted most likely to marry a movie star… and newly dead.

I’m the girl you hated in high school. Is it my fault I was born with it all-good looks, silky blond hair, a hot bod, and a keen sense of what everyone else should not be wearing? But my life isn’t perfect, especially since I died. Run over by a bus of band geeks—is there anything more humiliating? As it turns out, yes—watching your boyfriend and friends move on with life, only days after your funeral. And you wouldn’t believe what they’re saying about me now that they think I can’t hear them. To top it off, I’m starting to disappear, flickering in and out of existence. I don’t know where I go when I’m gone, but it’s not good. Where is that freaking white light already?

Will Killian–Senior in high school, outcast, dubbed “Will Kill” by the popular crowd for the unearthly aura around him, voted most likely to rob a bank…and a ghost-talker.

I can see, hear, and touch the dead. Unfortunately, they can also see, hear and touch me. Yeah, because surviving high school isn’t hard enough already. I’ve done my best to hide my “gift.” After all, my dad, who shared my ability, killed himself because of it when I was fifteen. But lately, pretending to be normal has gotten a lot harder. A new ghost—an anonymous, seething cloud of negative energy with the capacity to throw me around—is pursuing me with a vengeance. My mom, who knows nothing about what I can do, is worrying about the increase in odd incidents, my shrink is tossing around terms like “temporary confinement for psychiatric evaluation,” and my principal, who thinks I’m a disruption and a faker, is searching for every way possible to get rid of me. How many weeks until graduation?

My Thoughts

Stacey Kade impresses with The Ghost and the Goth, a thriller debut with loads of laughs to spare. This book was overall just a lot of fun for me! It is pretty decent in terms of pages and perfect in my opinion because the book is short and very sweet. Kade introduces Alona Dare, the un-typical cheerleader and newly dead ex-high school student who hasn't quite managed to, ahem, "pass on." Alona is in need of help, and the only place it seems that she can get it from is Will Killian, the resident weirdo/goth kid with a twist. Will sees ghosts...everyone thinks that he has some weird schizophrenia because of the voices he hears and seizures he slips into now and again, but Will hears the undead and they can get pretty annoying. He keeps to himself, taking into account Alona's death but not really caring until she seeks him out...Alona needs help moving on, because you know, death gets drab pretty fast, and Will is the guy for the job. Only, she has a lot of convincing to do, Will isn't 100% certain that he wants to help her.

The book starts with a kick and one of the most exciting scenes being when the reader watches Alona die; I think that with a starting like that, you could wake anyone up. From then on, the Action never slows down and as more interesting information about both Will and Alona is divulged, it becomes apparent that this book is not your typical YA ghost story. The story is told from both Alona and Will's perspective and constantly alternating, perfect because you get to experience both their point of views and the information feels fuller because it isn't limited.
In terms of characters, they really impressed me. I liked that Will was a sweetheart and that Alona is a bit of one too. Their emotions were well-thought out and authentic and I could sympathize with the situations they went through.

I laughed a lot while reading this, The Ghost and the Goth provides a welcomed shot of humour, wit and enough mystery to keep the pages turning. Readers should keep an eye out for Kade, I have a feeling that this author has more brilliance up her sleeve. I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel!

Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
My rating: 5 of 5 genies
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Fiction, Romance
Published: December 2, 2010
Publisher: Dutton
Pages: 372
Source: Library Loan
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home. As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited?

My Thoughts

Before I read Anna and the French Kiss I thought most British men looked this way:


Ok, kidding, but I was for sure certain that almost all French men resembled this person:




(Actually I was going to post the image of Pepe the Predator skunk from Loony Toons on here, but that puppy is more protected than the Pentagon! Literally, the copyright laws are insane.)

But the point is, Etienne St. Clair didn't look like that at all and yet he was this wonderful mix of both nationalities, how cool is that? Man, he was sweet, funny, reliable, trustworthy, loyal, passionate, handsome and very kind. He is essentially the perfect man, ladies and he was like the next big character after the protagonist - Anna - for me. Which I think is what Perkins was going for so it's great that it worked out that way, and oh, did I happen to mention that I officially love her?

Because I so do, she's the new Meg Cabot for me and I'll explain what I mean by that later. First off though, let me get into this review!

Setting: The story takes place predominantly in Paris, France and because it does I admit I was skeptical. Why? Because so many people over-exaggerate France and I thought I'd read every cliched description of the, "City of Lights," and, "Home of Romance," before. I didn't believe that anyone could make it seem exciting or fresh again.

Boy, was I wrong! Slap that misconception all the way out to Utah, right now! Perkins is a wiz at description, she has magic synonyms and dialogue dripping off her pores. Girl could go to Hogwarts and beat Harry Potter's behind backwards with her eyes shut, she has impressed me that much. Not that I read Harry Potter or anything...I just thought I'd try my hand at being pop culture saavy. Are you feeling me my Wizards!

Yeahdidn'treallythinkso, WELL I'm still buck,Yo!

Inner voice: "No you're not. These people can tell you're as lame as that Sheen fellow."

Me: "Don't mess with me, Powerless! You are in my head and you will live by my rules. *Sighs* You always bring me down.

Inner voice: "See what I have to live with? Moving on..."

Paris was the perfect backdrop to "...The French Kiss" because it really fit well with the characters, and for once the female protagonist wasn't there on holiday! Who would have believed it possible?! She's actually shipped there against her will for this exchange-type school, remarkable! I think at that point I was already in love with this book, the beautifully described scenery, sweets and buildings just hooked me further. That I didn't have to suffer through another read about a love-sick tourist was my greatest relief.

Plot: Well I'll say this for Anna, she speaks her mind. She can't hold much back and her honesty is what I like most, making her one of the most laid-back female protagonists I have ever read about. Anna's like this mix of girl and boy - she freaks like a girl but acts like a dude - which is cool because the entire book is told from her perspective. I positively hate picking up a novel and having it sit on my "currently-reading" shelf for months simply because I discover that the main heroine is either lily-livered or an idiot.
It. Slays. Me. Every. Time.

I'm thankful that this was not the case with "Anna," I really enjoyed devouring the pages and had the worst case of withdrawal following its completion. I can't wait for Lola! And from now on I'll buy all of Perkins's books if I can help it, because her plot's in my opinion are golden. She's a writer to watch and I can see this debut climbing quickly to the tops of all the Bestseller lists.

I never felt like the pace was dragging and everything flowed. It wasn't formulaic and yet every move made by the characters was purposeful, am I making sense? Anna dealt with some teen issues as well as some very atypical ones with the same sense of maturity. Her thoughts were also written deeply reflective and I very much enjoyed that, she was like my best friend for the two days I read about her.

Characters: So I fear that If I begin talking again about Etienne I will swoon and pass out on my keyboard - again, kidding - but it may be wise not to begin there suddenly. Let me start with:

Anna: Was this teen on the verge of change and while she did have her bad moments she had even more redeeming qualities. She is smart and picks up on the details - which makes sense since she wants to be a film-critic - she has the personality that is wholly infectious.

She cracked me up with her sharp remarks and witticism, making this gondola ride of a read just a breeze. It wasn't nearly as tacky as a diary but very personal in a way that made you feel as though you were experiencing that time with her, Perkins took you closer to the character. She had a lot to deal with, what with a dad almost the mirror image of Ken Barbie, (can you believe the doll isn't man enough to keep his own surname), dressing in polos and dinner shirts with an unbelievable tan. Did I mention that he makes his living off of cheesy cancer novels? And the douche-bag of the year award goes to upstanding citizen of the year award goes to...Douche Barbie James Oliphant-Elephant Ashley. He really does deserve it.

Like I said, girl has a lot to deal with, not to mention a traitorous best friend and being away in a foreign land. My respects to Anna!

Rashmi,Meredith,Josh,Isla: When visiting foreign places, finding good friends is essential, friends who make you forget your home-sickness, invite you out to dinner and take you in as one of their own. These four were that! I loved how accepting they were of Anna's joining their group, (except Isla, she comes in later), and think they are the best supporting cast of characters ever. Rashmi and Isla grew on me and so did Josh, not sure I'm much of a fan of Meredith's, but I want those three in the next books to come!

Etienne: Gorgeous French/British/American boy extraordinaire, I am truly and deeply in love. If you are reading this Perkins, know that I want to marry him. Give me your blessing? He wasn't perfect and his unwillingness to leave Ellie made me a little mad, but that is the beauty of him. He didn't need to be perfect - he still (adorably) bit his thumbs and pinkies and he's a little passive (which isn't all bad) and I liked him that way. Yes, I do want to steal him!

Overall these were the characters that made this whole journey worthwhile, and I would read them again and again and again.

P.A.(problem areas:( Remain largely non-existent.

H.M. (honorary mention:( Goes to Stephanie Perkins, my new author crush. Who would have thunk that it wouldn't be someone in the book, but the one who wrote it?

As for what I was referring to earlier when I said she was the "new" Meg Cabot, allow me to elaborate: from the time I was 13 I have flung myself at everything Cabot, but recently I think I'm outgrowing her writing (no offense, Meg!) The problem may lie with me, but I find that her books do not connect with me the same way that they used to, and it makes me sad. Everything must come to and end, and the fact that I could find an author similar, but with a fresh new style, reassures me and I am overjoyed once again.

This is not meant as a dig to Mrs. Cabot, and honestly it happens with everyone at some point that they cannot read much of what they used to, and I believe it is normal. I still adore The Mediator series as well as Pants on Fire, but at this time, finding Perkins has been the best surprise.

And if you couldn't guess by now, this book got five flaming kisses from me. I think I may even visit Paris now...

Review: Hourglass by Myra McEntire

Hourglass by Myra McEntire
My rating: .5 of 5 genies
Published: June 14, 2011
Publisher: Egmont USA
Pages: 387
Source: Library Loan
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: The BookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary  

One hour to rewrite the past . . . 
For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn't there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents' death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She's tried everything, but the visions keep coming back. So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson's willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he's around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

WARNING: This review will not be coherent and most definitely a rage as I am pissed. That is all.

Emerson: A short poem I have composed and to be sung to the tune of ‘Georie Peorgie,’ the first half and at the second half, to ‘Humpty Dumpty’ lies below. The rest of the verse is purely improvised. Mostly.

“Emerson, Emerson, barely foot five
Tried to be spunky and made the kids cry
She terrorized the readers and made them beg, “Emerson, be gone, fowl beast! Stay away!”
Until one day she fell was pushed off the Great Wall of China
And all the King’s horses and all the King’s men…Wait, who was Emerson again?
I can’t hear you over the party.”


Meaning the party for my completion of this novel. Who wouldda thunk I'd finish?

Rating: .5 genies

As you might have gathered, Emerson is a very special person. Throughout the novel this is all I got: 'OOOH… Emerson is so athletic, Emerson is so gorgeous, Emerson is so thoughtful...' Emerson is so freaking perfect. Get me a hand gun, I wanna hunt her down. How I hate Emerson! I never did understand when people raged about Bella, nor had issues with her because at the time I read Twilight I hadn’t yet found a problem with the essentially 'perfect' heroine who gets love, money and everything she wants in the end.

Until I met the pygmy ninja that is Emerson Cole.

Someone please explain to me exactly how that is even possible? Or how the girl can be everything McEntire intends for her to be? She is snarky, but not too snarky, gorgeous, but obliviously unaware of it even when others persist in gushing over her like she’s some prized turkey. The girl is 'damaged' because the death of her parents provides that opening for empathysympathy my footand Emerson is somehow thoughtful as welleven though she does as she wishes regardless of people's warnings or opinions a good 99% of the time. I don't know about you lot, but I demand some credibility!

Characters are not genetic engineered people you can put together, McEntire, they aren’t dollies to be assembled into perfect Bella Swan or Nora Grey wannabes. It never works out well when authors attempt to make their characters essentially perfect, this book being a very apt example of how quickly things can go wrong.

Stuff hits the roof when by halfway into the book, a reader despises most of your characters. There is something very wrong with the animosity I feel for this girl, possibly because I was made to suffer through days in her life for approximately 390 pages.

This is a brief summary of my journey with the book. Notice how quickly my patience diminishes:

Page 1: AW YEAH, new book! New book!
Page 50: Is it just me…or is Emerson annoying as that creepy Fellow Orange down on YouTube land? No, maybe more.
Page 130: Am I done yet?
Page 250: *Rolls eyes at everything*
Page 300: Fires flamethrower, about to aim…
Page 390: Very tempted to gag on book, wondering if I can use the pages as kindling. Must ask library. Winter is coming early this year…

This girl grated on my nerves worse than a freaking Woodpecker on an oak tree. It was all about her and by the end I stopped caring about Emerson and Michael, they could both go jump off a cliff together for all I cared. They were excrutiatingly annoying; the fact that they only ended up together because of attractiveness, and some very big problem in the way neurons in their bodies perceived contact, played a massive role in why I do not give a buck what they do!

Because it was so obvious from the beginning that they would end up together.

It practically screamed at me in the face that Michael and Emerson would be a couple. Even when they had no real chemistry past lightning touch and she was running after him dressed like a hooker. By the way, what was that? It was as if a sudden breach in character happened - the change I'd been praying for since chapters occurring - but not for the good. So what? Emerson has the balls to chase after a guy dressed promiscuously. I do not care! Most of the book was useless information for mescratch that, maybe all of it and the sole reason this novel even got a half genie is Dru.

Dru who selflessly cared for her sister-in-law, Dru who had so much potential as a character. Dru who was so terribly out-staged by Emerson, and mind you, I do not care that she is the protagonist! The romance sucked, the characters so cliched I hardly knew what to do with myself. It was as if McEntire held a sharpie to Twilight and the first half of Breaking Dawn, slashed out all the original character's names and substituted her own with a twist.

Was the scientific aspect interesting? Barely. Before it could ever get in-depth or explained, Emerson would be there to somehow spotlight the attention back to her Michael woes. It is safe to also say that as a collective they were all selfish. After Michael's sacrifice, Kaleb and his dad do not have even the respect to feel bad - they continue on with their life as if he owed them the act. I mean, What the Eff, Man! Not that the two (Kaleb and Michael) ever related as friends in my opinion.

Behind Kaleb's back, Michael would bad-mouth him to Emerson and behind Michael's back, Kaleb made moves on that same girl! Three words gentlemen: Bros before Hoes. That there is grade school knowledge. All their shared history took an enormous backseat to this girl and they forgot all they had been through together! How is that right??

This is precisely why some women should never pen fiction. A real guy and his B.F. would not sacrifice their relationship for some chick! I positively hated the pedestal everyone gave little Miss Emerson, as if she was some Deity! So frustrating. Especially since I never respected her as a character, I could never relate or sympathize, and at first I did feel bad, but then I stopped caring altogether.

Everything irritated me. How she found a connection to Kaleb after knowing him for no more than 5 minutes irritated me. How the world revolves around her far-fetched infatuation with Michael killed me. She tried so hard to make it seem sexy. So very, very hard! And failed.

Failed so hard.

Did I forget to mention?[That the pathetic attempt at making their 'love' seem star-crossed, forbidden and even impossible was so lame.? Yeah, it was. (hide spoiler)]

And you know what? Screw it all! This book deserves a review almost as much as Emerson warranted my time. I'm out!

But before I leave...

IMMA FIRIN' MAH GUN!



And one for the Little Emerson as well? Certainly.

.5/5 genies: I wouldn't recommend this book, to ANYONE. Unless you liked Twilight, then go for it.

Review: Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
My rating: 3 of 5 genies
Published: October 19, 2010
Publisher: Philomel
Pages: 452
Source: Library Loan
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: The BookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she’ll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters’ laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything - including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

My Thoughts

Calla was an animal, literally, and I really liked her a lot by the end of the book, which is way more than I thought I would at the beginning. She is raised from a generation of shape shifters bred to believe their sole duty in life is protecting the Keepers, powerful witches that can either make life good for her people or very unpleasant. One day she saves a very studly hiker, the first of many rules in her world to be broken, but never expects to see him again.
Until he enrols in her school, that is. That, I believe, is the very beginning of Calla’s problems. Oh, and did I mention she’s engaged to a very smoldering alpha male, Ren? Oops.

Nightshade was thrilling and I enjoyed it because of how easy the book was to read. Was it perfect? Nah, I had some qualms:

Characters: I give props immediately to Cremer for how excellently all her leads and minors were developed, she did a great job. Everyone from Ansel all the way down to Bosque, whom we hardly even see, was so strongly endowed in their characters; I had no choice but to be impressed.

Calla was an excellent alpha, she knew how to keep her pack in line and I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult controlling a group of teenagers, especially your friends authoritatively must be. No one would want to bow down, despite the fact they were raised knowing when to, and keeping them in line could only be quite the task. She rose up to the challenge, always considering their needs first and ready to sacrifice for their futures.

As a protagonist she was engaging and intelligent to follow, as a teenage girl? Not so much.

My biggest pet peeve about her had to be that she felt drawn to both guys. She would kiss Shay, and then kiss Ren, but then kiss Shay again even though Ren was trying his best to keep them together. Her body reacted to them equally and at the end when she runs away? Calla still wants to stay back in Ren’s arms even though a confession happened only minutes before with her and Shay.

W.T.F.?!?


Don’t be greedy, Calla share the hot men! She wanted them all to herself and enjoyed too much the attention from both. It was hard to keep up. I get the need for mystery when it comes to who in the end she will end up with, but seriously? Don’t burn the flipping love-triangle with her lust and Do Not make her so weak she cannot stick to one man! That bothered me, that Calla would be so confident and wise in so many other areas and foolish in this one.

“But the heart makes people do stupid things…”

B.S.! Tell your body to pick a man and stick with him! Watching her melt to them both was only confusing for the reader. I agree that Ren and Shay have each their plus points - in Ren’s case, many - and how hard choosing between the sexy beast and passionate nerd can be. They were delicious and exciting to witness interacting and once I got into the novel I really fell in love.

With Ren. Not entirely sure how I feel about Shay yet, but Ren? Totally in love. He has that whole 'damaged and misunderstood' thing going for him and I like. Very Much.

Please understand what a progression this is for me, because at the beginning it was hard enough figuring out why teenagers were acting more like wolves than people.

Growl!
Pounce.
Rip!
Eat deer.

This is normal right?



Enough said.


Setting: Vail (is that the name?) Could not have been better. So maybe I can't recall the place exactly at the moment, but it was mysterious and very woodsy, extremely easy to loose yourself in. I adored reading it and would visit. If I could. It also provided the perfect backdrop to the war between Searchers, Keepers, and Guardians, especially since the battle was pretty sham-smacking amazing.

I also feel compelled to mention Wraiths. Wraiths were so essential to the whole backdrop mainly because they were creepy shadow guardians that well, stayed mostly in the shadows. Did I mention those things are really creepy?

Oh, I did?

Good. Moving On. I will not ruin the surprise, and you all can pick up a copy and judge for yourselves the general creepiness of these shadow creatures. Who knows, maybe terrifying torture-beasts only make me queasy. I could be the weird one.

Right...

What I didn't like: Probably besides the whole Calla being goo-goo eyes for both stud-muffins, had to be the fact that it essentially was so hard to get into. Not the writing, that was great and engaging, but I have read few - if any - shape-shifter books. That people are both animal and human is hard to digest and for the longest time (about 1/3 of the novel) it felt like they were more wolves than anything else.

I mean, 'Growl, Hiss, Snap,' anyone? It took me some time to warm up to the idea. But the point is I eventually settled into this world and by the end honestly enjoyed it. Initially I thought of giving up because of how alienated I felt, but then I finished the Hourglass some days before and figured this really couldn't be any worse. Make sure to check out that review for some very colorful language...Kidding! Just kidding folks, but the point is: I really am glad I kept at it.

Overall: I'd say to give this book a chance and resist the urge to bolt if the first 130ish pages are strange to ease into. Trust me, it really grows on you and I'm looking forward to some more Yummy Ren in Wolfsbane!

3/5 genies: While there were minor issues, this was not a bad book. Recommended to those interested in the YA Shapeshifter genre!

Review: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
My rating: 5 of 5 genies
Published: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Harper Teen
Pages: 454
Source: Purchased 
Format: Paperback
Purchase At: The BookDepository.com or Amazon.com

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.
Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna. Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

My Thoughts

This book blew my mind, a definite favorite, I cannot imagine ever not reading this! I encourage everyone appropriate - there is sensuality, be mindful of that - to pick Ms. Higgins stunning debut up! Rest assured that Sweet Evil is not a debut to be missed!! This is a good book. Actually, correction, this is a great book. This is the book that blows minds all over the place. My congratulations to Ms. Higgins, your debut is officially hot shiz.

Moving On...

What can I say of this experience? Well, I literally sat there on my bed moments after finishing Sweet Evil thinking, "Smokes! What do I do now?" Because I kept flipping the book looking for more story and pages, and there was none! My reading heart begged for more; the ending, and that it happened at all, quite frankly upset me. It never should have come, really, a "Never Ending Story" would have been the way to go. WHABAM!




The plot was engaging and the concept so original that to date, I often catch myself thinking back to the book on particular occasions. For example: these children of the fallen basically have to be bad influences to guarantee their worth, and thus they encourage others to be naughty too. So, say this is me during the day and I want a second ice-cream sandwich after finishing the first, all I have to do to discourage myself is think back to what happened when that girl overindulged in Sweet Evil and my appetite disappears! Weird, I know, but this is the way my mind works, apparently. I am losing weight because of you, Higgins!



And speaking of weight loss, you know who didn't need to lose weight? Kaidan, because the boy was F.I.N.E. all on his own, Anna was pretty great too. I adored all of the side-characters. They all had this round quality to them that made each and every one endearingly real somehow. Like when they would actually work - these kids take their jobs of screwing over everyone else super seriously - you don't end up blaming them, due to their unfortunate parenting, it really is a misfortune. Granted, some actually do enjoy their evil deeds but in regards to Blake, Mara, Ginger and Kapano, you understand largely that they are compelled to do bad things and think of themselves as less than even human. Life stinks, or at least for these poor kids it does.

I felt Kaidan's pain especially and understood predominantly from him how hard of a struggle they all must face every day. The thing that cannot be faulted about his and Anna's relationship is that he did care for her, he loved the girl so much that he couldn't be around her without asking basically for some kind of Underworld death sentence. It's still in the early stages, but these two, Anna and Kaidan, are rockstars together. However, the romance did not overshadow the story - thankfully - and Higgins does convey a convincing plot as well as setting.

My heart was one big mess, and I couldn't help feeling compassionate towards people and their circumstance, mainly because Anna Whitt is so sweet and kind; imagine reading a story told through her perspective - the kind of person who reads emotions and feelings/intent - and then try truly hating anyone...Not possible. She just has this heart and character that makes me all warm on the inside. I love you, Anna. Her eventual relationship with her dad was adorable too, the way they find a way of meeting just warms me to the core, and seeing both of them in the next book ranks top on my list of 'most-anticipated.'

Closing Words

I pre-ordered my copy and am very pleased with the decision. You know when you have expectations for something and you pray that they are at least partially met? Well, mine were exceeded, nothing disappointed me. The only sad thing? The wait time until the next book. Hit me baby!

**Disclosure: Book summaries were taken from Goodreads, thanks!**

Review: Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
My rating: 3 of 5 genies
Published: September 1, 2010 by HarperTeen
Pages: 355
Source: Library Loan
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: The BookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie’s always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.
Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.


So much for normal.

What I liked 

Evie is a likeable protagonist, and extremely easy to follow – a little naive perhaps and at times juvenile – but it is made evident the reason for why this is so. Perhaps the author stressed her locker fetish a bit much and made her childlike almost to a fault, but she is okay by me. Okay enough that I will look into the next book in the series, however not to buy because the ratings for that are floundering at the moment and I am not impressed enough to spend my dollar on something so iffy. It was all so decent. The story was decent, the romance - surprisingly - decent (and kind of cute) also.

You would think that because the protagonist is so new to normalcy things like her first kiss or even holding hands with the guy she likes (Lend is awesome!) would be heavily exaggerated. Luckily though, there is Easton Heights, a very clever invention on White's part to ease much of the differences between Evie and the typical YA protagonist mainly due to her very different background. This fictional high school drama was the perfect educational guide to the world of: Let's Kiss Everything/Everyone/Everywhere, Um, Teenagers.

That helped so much and actually a lot of things in Paranormalcy were innovative. Say, the complete un-attractiveness of other paranormals - vampires in particular - and Evie's ability to see through glamour. Brilliant!! The only thing I kept wishing for was that Edward could kind of superimpose himself into a page but only long enough for her to actually see the pedophilic man lurking underneath! I see you...




Side-note:(And Black people are not the only pedophiles guys, so any trolls trying to bring that up with regards to my gif better get the sitting down! I am black also, and somewhere there is a Hispanic, Caucasian, Asian or even Indian agreeing with me that pedophiles are of all race/color. Need I bring to mind once again Edward? He was white, y'all.)

Speaking of shady characters, Reth was a peculiar one. Reth, Reth just wanted to dance!




And totally creepy-like, but hey! It's all good... I think.

Bottom line though, Reth was evile. EVILE, I say!!! And I loved him. Let me explain: What I mean to say is, Viv wasn't much of a villain, I just ended up feeling bad for her the majority of the time so that completely fell through for me, but Reth was right there to make me hate him without thinking too much about it. Good Old, Reth! As the creepy/over-protective/psychotic/hot-faerie-ex he was the perfect target for my fury.

Raquel was good too, however I'm left unsure how to think of her at this point. Either as a mother-figure to Evie but conflicted by her duties to IPCA? Or A platonic, responsible woman handling best the responsibilities thrust upon her? The unsurity from the protagonist, Evie, only seeped through to me and I suppose only time (and the next book) will tell where things between those two lie.

What Needed Work

With the constant switch between juvenile and then kind of mature, the overall mood of the story was extremely hard to pin-point. Evie's wide-eyed exuberance and kind of clueless behavior was not a selling point for me. I mean: "OOH, A REAL-LIFE LOCKER ANYONE?!"

Yeah, no thanks.

There was a point in my reading when I was like, 'I could be reading something way more exciting,' and this came about because I set my standards way too high. I was expecting WOW and got, IT'S DECENT. So that was a disappointment. I'm dealing with it.

I did love the story and Lend, though. Those things will keep me coming back for the second book! Do not set your expectations too high (it isn't as bad as that sounds) and try it if you're looking for some mild entertainment/an easy read.

Review: A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies
My rating: 2.5 of 5 genies
Published: September 27, 2011 by HarperTeen
Pages: 390
Source: Library Loan
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: The BookDeopository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

On the night of Skye's seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites—like fire and ice—Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye's life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move—only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.

In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can’t help falling for, and Devin, who she can’t stay away from, the consequences of Skye’s choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.

My Initial Thoughts

This cover is gorgeous! Man it's so pretty with the shiny words and girl at the front pulling a whole Rose in Titanic pose! All she really needs is a Jack, but in this case, Sky does not get 1 admirer - not just 2 either - but 3 guys who want her. How do I know this from only reading approximately 44.5 pages into the book? Well that's just the problem, A Beautiful Dark is painfully predictable. Most of you may not know, but I put off marking this as "unfinishable" because I was dreading the review, I couldn't do it.

And while some people think that ripping a book apart is fun, that there's some enjoyment in burning it to flames, page by page there isn't. Truth be told, someone worked very hard on this and since Jocelyn Davis has never once offended me in any way shape or form, I think it only fair that I deliver a respectful review. Kind of one of those "get in, get out deals." Hit it!!

Basically...

The main problem with this book seems to be that it is very literally a regurgitation of very YA novel to date with aspects taken moderately from each. There was nothing to expect because quite honestly I already knew.

For example, Skye has 2 best friends, I will get to them later, but they like to throw her a 'surprise' party every year even though she doesn't like the gatherings. AT. ALL. That point was made so evidently aware to me that I almost shook the friends and slapped them upside the head with salmon for continuing with the 'tradition' when poor Skye looked like she just dreaded the whole ordeal and only went along with it to please them. What kind of friends are these? Beats me how she fakes liking the parties every year! The friends come off as heavily inconsiderate for persisting despite her refusal.

It should be sweet that they do it for her, really it's a nice gesture, but ONLY WHEN THE PERSON BENEFITS FROM IT. This girl hated the parties, end of story and it didn't help sell the whole "best friends since forever" angle that Cassie and Dan didn't see it. Plus, the parties are probably doing more harm than good since every year they serve as a somewhat permanent reminder of the parents she doesn't have. [Maybe they were too strung up in their own little world? If the question most of you are contemplating now is "they like each other" I'm going to have to say yes, yes they do, and I got this much from reading almost 45 pages. And like with Skye's ritual birthday parties, there really were no more surprises to be had. (hide spoiler)]

Secondly, the love triangle or whatever contraption it was intended to be, I'm still trying to work out in my mind what shape would work but...Oy Vey.




All those guys for one girl?? What is she supposed to do, shoot candy out her boobs like Katy Perry?! It was unbelievable and tired. When I first met Ian my impression of him was of the sweet guy next door, but since the book's blurb points out that 2 other guys are supposed to compete for Skye's momentary affection I knew something had to be wrong. And then it hit me:

Ian is a plot device. He doesn't really have any purpose as a character other than better exemplifying just how lovely our dear protagonist supposedly is, because if 3 hot men want her she must be something special. Instead it left me feeling fidgety and bored because it was pretty apparent who in that twisted relationship would be hurt in the end: Ian, and I liked him. This wouldn't have been a problem if the other guys - Asher and Devin - were anything to write home about. Fair enough I didn't get that far, but the foundation was laid pretty bare and like I said, been there, done that was my response.

Asher and Devin reminded me a little of Damon and Stefan Salvatore in angel-angsty-bad boy form:

- Long brooding looks at female? Check.
- Creepy sense of female having known both guys before? Check. By the way this sets the stage for very creepy explanations as to why. I hear some Edward-Cullen level stalking occurred?? Yeah, enough said.
- The general appeal of both guys makes it impossible for the leading lady to get either from her mind? Check!!
- She will consequently have to choose between them. *Gasp* Who will it be!?! Dun, dun, dun, dun!!!

It was all done before! Everything has happened somewhere else and while I went in with high hopes and great expectations blazing, I was disappointed. I could have given up at 10 or so pages in, but instead kept at it as best I could until a good friend of mine pointed out, there is no point in reading something you know you aren't going to like. As soon as the stale disposition of this novel and its characters registered I knew this wasn't the type of book that I'd rave over.

As a protagonist, Skye is standard. And brooding. And just far too uneventful to make me want to come back. She lives in a ski town that didn't really offer much and by the time I stopped it was just before she meets the boys at her high school. Honestly, I am beginning to think that school isn't such a safe place anymore! All the paedophiles wind up there. And yes these boys are paedophiles, they are immortal and therefore by far older than Skye. I'm serious, the more I read YA fiction the more I consider home-school for my children.



You're right, finely dressed man! They'll probably turn out awkward.

In Conclusion

*Sigh* I have nothing else to say. I went as far as I could go with this one and hopefully this review is at least helpful. 2.5 genies out of 5! Like I said, it would have received a higher rating if it were original, but it isn't. Or at least not to me, feel free to form your own opinions.

This novel had its perks, I wouldn't read it again, but it was an okay read.

Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
My rating: 4 of 5 genies
Published: January 4, 2011 by HarperTeen
Pages: 435
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library Loan
Purchase At: The BookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary
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.

My Thoughts

Tucker Avery made this book for me. I liked Clara too, and to be honest she did grind on my nerves a little - so did Jeffrey actually - but they weren't unforgiveable. Tucker however, had me right at the get-go. I was swooning, I mean really? a studly cowboy who happens to be oh-so charming? Hello!

H.M. (honorable mention) goes right to him, no question. I liked Clara's mom for a while, she was cool, but then she got all secretive and by the end, Hand didn't have me feeling the whole "she's doing it for her daughter's benefit" vibe. I was offended, as I suppose Clara was as well. Meg loved her children but didn't let them in on everything that I think they should have known.

Trust is huge for me. God forbid my mom started keeping secrets like that, we'd never speak again, it's that bad! What I meant at the begining about Clara's whining is that she can be a little a lot self-obsessed. At certain parts it was all about her and her "purpose" and Christian! I was mad at her because she treated several people in my opinion, very poorly.

She sucked at choosing friends and did not appreciate Wendy for the sweet farm cutie she was; ditching her to hang with the very suspicious Angela instead! The girl gave me the creeps and was shifty like she was constantly hiding things, which she was. I remain unconvinced that the fellow she meets in Rome isn't a black wing. Why else did she not mention him? Girl reeks untrustworthiness. But Wendy - the sweet loyal one - is the girl repetitively looked over, and I hated it. Maybe there was the whole, "We're angels! Let's be angels together!" thing that Clara shared with Angela which she and Wendy didn't have, but still, friends should not be treated that way.

Also Christian was too perfect. Like really too perfect, I was annoyed with him. He took "Golden Boy" to the next level and I never really felt like he was a character. Was he sweet? Yes, but he could have been more realistic. That said Christian did have his moments, and was always there to save her. He was a good prince charming, just not mine.

And as far as baby brothers go? Jeffrey kind of sucked. He was more selfish than Clara and that is saying a lot. I get the age he's at and know that the world seems to depend on the very air you breathe, but would it kill him to be more caring? I'm thinking of Danny from Nevermore when I make this plea because he is literally the best fictional brother ever. Be more like him and give a hoot about more than just your life and popularity. Sheesh!

The Plot was amazing though, I have to hand it to her, Hand knows how to spin 'em! She was busting out twists and loops that I never saw coming. In that regard she has my respect, this book was certainly far from predictable. Also the Setting was kind of cool. Jackson Hole I want to visit, for the gorgeous scenery and fabulous men. I'm booking my ticket!

P.A. (problem areas) were few for me and I don't think I can complain about much except for most of the character's absorption in themselves, but even that is kind of realistic because people don't always hold hands, and hardly they remember to consider those around them. I grabbed Unearthly because there was major hype surrounding it. Everyone was buzzing about it and I can't say that any of those people are wrong; I enjoyed the book for its smooth storytelling and want the next one ASAP, so this one is a definite 4 genies and favorite.

Is Clara a heroine with spunk? Yes. She was tough and I respect her for the way she handled the whole Carrot Hair thing, not to mention Bozo, I would have died. So the two of us will meet again January of next year and I can hardly wait, I miss my Tucker already.

Liked the review? Share in the comments below :)

Review: Angelfall by Susan Ee

Angelfall by Susan Ee
My rating: 5 of 5 genies
Published: May 21, 2011 by Feral Dream
Pages: 255
Source: Purchased
Format: Kindle
Purchase At: Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

It’s been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.

Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels’ stronghold in San Francisco where she’ll risk everything to rescue her sister and he’ll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

My Thoughts

So this is what withdrawal feels like. I thought I knew, because I've read few books before and had some reaction close to this but nothing so profound. This book blew me away, and with three days until New Years I can safely say that this is the best book of 2011. I'm crying right now and I'm so sleepy because it's almost 4am where I am, but the only thing that matters and that I care about is that the book is finished.

And I'm in withdrawal.

No aspirin can fix this...

Full review to come in the morning.


The following day/days, UPDATE!

I don’t like rumors. In this case, someone was spreading a particularly vicious one that there existed a phenomenal book floating around - of which the online reading community was raving flying penguins about - an ebook, with stellar and amazingly well fleshed characters and chilling setting to boot; but wait for it… this book was supposedly .99cents

Only .99 cents; a meagrely almost-dollar.

Now what load of bull is that?? No way could something estimated as so incredibly good by a great majority of my Goodreads friends, and others, actually be so cheap. I couldn’t believe it, and because I happen to have a darling kindle as present from my 18th – say hi to my kindle, Tookie everyone *Tookie waves* – I needed to be sure that these rumours were not true. Also I had no ebooks to speak of and Angelfall seemed an excellent place to start. At least it was something.

I was determined to find out the truth. This had to be a joke, right?



Oh, who am I kidding?!




That was awesome!!

I love rumors – the good kind – and especially when they lead me to something truly ground-breaking and awe-inspiring as this! I did not stop reading for a moment, I took this to the treadmill with me and while Raffe and Penryn were treading the forests, I was beating it on that machine!

There was no way in any world – crazy post-apocalyptic or now – that I was leaving this book behind just to sweat. Sweating could wait, but you know when you get used to ordinary and then you experience something so startlingly new and so far from the norm that you really need to pinch yourself – or in my case almost fall off the treadmill – just to believe the marvelous thing in your hands/world astounding at the moment truly exists? Yes, well I can’t imagine a better example of that than my experience with Angelfall.

But first, let me speak to you of withdrawal. The condition, as some of you may know, involves aversive reaction to the removal of something otherwise deemed essential to sustenance. So basically, at the end of my journey that night/very early morning, I experienced withdrawal.

This, this is what I went through:



And get this, I finished at just a little after 3AM because the last few hours of my reading consisted of me dozing off – I’d been reading that whole day and at 1AM, I was exhausted – and then darting immediately back to Angelfall. It was like everything in me knew the importance of finishing, my subconscious went right back to it, like a drug. And when I was done, it hit me like the worst case of hangover ever; I cried and clutched Tookie to myself, promising that the world was not this way – not yet – and I would never leave her behind to suffer so cruel a fate. I…I think she smiled a little at me at that… and I think we shared something?

*Cough, creepy! So creepy* And moving on…

Simply said, I could not go without at least checking this book out; and hearing about Angelfall the way I did is really the best example of why I so love this community. Everyone, and I mean everyone, was raving about this. There were discussions upon discussions about how flipping amazin’ Susan Ee was; I needed to see what all the hoopla was about. Best. Decision. Ever.




For once, there will be no spoilers, nothing to ruin a single moment for anyone who hasn’t gotten their hands on this yet. Go buy the novel, it’ll rock your world and it’s priced at what, barely a dollar. Some online fiction is 3 times that amount and not nearly as good, what on earth are you waiting for?

Characters: Part of why I love Angelfall so much is because of its kick-butt characters. You’ve heard of Penryn? No? Well then you should have! She is the embodiment of perfection. Like really, this girl has it together where it counts and so strong…I couldn’t imagine being that way and in her position. Favorite and strongest female lead of the year. Not to mention, her mom is probably the most frightening person in non-existence. And somehow Penryn copes in a world where there is no medicine for her mother’s madness, she does not abandon her.

The praises keep coming as this girl also deals with the disappearance of her sister, Paige and the horror at the end when she discovers her once again. Like I promised, no spoilers, but how freaky was that for those of you who’ve read it? I have chills just thinking about that scene in general.

As rare as this is to have happen, the Angels were actually characters too – masterful and researched in detail – but they are portrayed so differently from what is standard. There are politics involved, scary deals made between individuals of unbelievable power, these beings long made out to be just good. They care most of all about hierarchy and who is in power, there are some willing to kill for that.

Truthfully it was hard to digest. I imagine no one else could have made me believe in any of what I read but this author. Long was it common assumption that Angels be just beautiful, cordial and well, kind; but all of that prior knowledge was subject to thorough distortion. Safe to say, it was the best experience I have by far had of something so ingrained and familiar being altered. My religion is still the same and I hold fast to it, but what Ee offered was a break from what was expected, a look into what the end of the world is supposed to look like, and through her eyes. The woman is a genius.

If not for anything else, read Angelfall for its new concepts, get it for that alone. So many of the characters still tug on my heart, most of all Penryn and Raffe.

Ah, Raffe.

And where exactly would a leading lady be without her suitable counterpart? In this case certainly nowhere. To anything that Raffe said, I was pretty much like:




Because he was a hot Angel and he was boss. Seriously, why can’t I get a guy like that, why?!? Does it really take the world endingoh no, no wayfor me to find a decent guy! The standards the majority of males today adhere to are much too low and must be lifted, because Ee is in town and with her around, well the normal men will be competing with Angels.




BAM, now how do you like them apples?!

The setting of this book was dead on fantabulous, and the plot has actually inspired me to do better myself with how brilliant it was and every single thing about this book is special. I don’t know if all the comparisons of Angelfall to the Hunger Games is much to go on, but I’m willing to try Hunger Games just to find out.

I need more of this, or something very close to it, I have been reading at too low a standard for much too long. The release of the next book needs to happen now. I need Raffe and I need Penryn; to be honest, I think I needed them much before ever reading about either. This whole experience was so worthwhile, there would have to be something wrong with me if I didn’t encourage everyone to get their hands on this.

5 genies: WOWZA. Yes, this is that book, the book you've been looking for! You need this novel in your life, take it from me.

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Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Divergent by Veronica Roth
My rating: 4 of 5 genies
Published: May 3, 2011 by Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 487
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library loan
Purchase At: The BookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. 

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.

My Thoughts

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Well now that's out of the way and I have relatively explored the inner Saleswoman in me...Moving On.

Overall: 3.5 genies

Characters: 3/5

Plot: 4/5

Setting: 2.5/5

Writing: 4/5

H.M. (honourable mention:( Both Beatrice's mom and dad.

P.A. (problem areas:( The general un-likeability of the characters at times. There was just too much bad about them and not enough good, kind of depressing, actually.


What I Liked:
I liked a lot about this book. It is my first ever dystopian novel and I am very pleased that it was, I mean it was a good read. There was action and danger and intrigue which I greatly enjoyed, also Roth's story-telling abilities are kind of amazing. She weaved this world where people are literally divided into factions based on personal belief and are made to follow the motto, Faction before blood, pretty intense when you think about it.

I applaud the creativity necessary to come up with such a concept and all my problems with certain aspects of this universe aside, I think Roth is a good author. I will read the next book, Insurgent? Because I need to see how these problems are resolved; needless to say, that last chapter left behind a lot of cliff-hangers. [Also I have a snaking feeling that Will is alive, I mean Beatrice never actually saw the bullet hit him, he just stopped chasing, and I have a tiny crush on will so fingers crossed! (hide spoiler)]

When it came down to it, Beatrice was tough when she needed to be and I liked that she kind of evolved. Like Superman.






Or SuperKitty. I like him better.



What I Struggled With:
Generally just Beatrice's Harshness, the girl was a bitch the majority of the time and until she metWhat's his face Tobias she was cruel. I get necessity in harsh times and the need to toughen yourself, but also understand meanness, she went about things like some army recruit ready for war. Would being factionless really be that bad? Of course it would, because Tris is just to good for that! I should never have felt that way about the protagonist but I did; not to say I never sympathized with her, I stopped liking Al because of just how much I felt bad in her defence so there, I care.





She was just so robotic and kind of hard to relate with. Oh and her friends kind of sucked. And between me and Christina there were major issues; the way she was depicted as petty and envious rubbed me the wrong way, I hated it. Did she always have to be jealous of Tris? From what I hear, the robotic little pipsqueak doesn't have much going for her other than Tobias and that relationship in itself is a little far-fetched. I'm still trying to buy it.

Side-note: The guy did not have nice hands, they were dry and icky from what I hear and he should really consider giving me a call.

Ahem, remember what I said about there being more bad than good? Da, da, dada! Perfect examples: Peter, Molly, Drew, Al, Max, Eric, The high-officials from both Erudite and Dauntless, Marcus and whaleJeaniene. These people were all baddies, I mean all of them. Can I take it to mean that Roth has some serious villain-creating-tendencies or just that she wanted as many as possible? I'm going with the latter.

All through the book I kept gritting my teeth because of how much I hated Peter, all along I kept wishing he would just die. Partly because Tris wished that a lot of people did that, she was like a trigger-happy toddler sometimes! Can you say, 'Kill 'em all'?






It got old fast, and the overall violence was a little much for me. The way the world sounds is as though a good 3/4 has been wiped out. What could they possibly need to train for/protect? Why would no one consider that?

Overall: I would buy this book. Why? Because it is so unique and different, plus interesting enough to keep a reader flipping close to 500 pages ahead and ladies and gentlemen that takes skill. From now until the release of Insurgent I will send up multiple prayers that the second book is somehow more personal and human because I found this to be a little robotic. I want to experience Beatrice and Tobias's love beyond rules and constraints because the way they kept it the majority of the time hush-hush was not romantic nor ideal.

Lastly:


And since we are in the business of offering some quick-fix solutions, why not try this for Peter, Roth?:







Give me a Call.