The Book Fancier: January 2011

This Girl Is Different by JJ Johnson

Author: JJ Johnson
Expected publication: April 1st 2011 by Peachtree Publishers
288 pages
Review copy from NetGalley and Publisher
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

What happens when a girl, home-schooled by her counterculture mother, decides to spend her senior year in public school? First friendship, first love—and first encounters with the complexities of authority and responsibility.

Evie is different. Not just her upbringing-though that's certainly been unusual-but also her mindset. She's smart, independent, confident, opinionated, and ready to take on a new challenge: The Institution of School.

It doesn't take this home-schooled kid long to discover that high school is a whole new world, and not in the way she expected. It's also a social minefield, and Evie finds herself confronting new problems at every turn, failing to follow or even understand the rules, and proposing solutions that aren't welcome or accepted.

Not one to sit idly by, Evie sets out to make changes. Big changes. The movement she starts takes off, but before she realizes what's happening, her plan spirals out of control, forcing her to come to terms with a world she is only just beginning to comprehend.

Review:

I just recently registered on NetGalley to discover new releases. This one was the first book I requested. The cover kinda intrigued me so I didn't hesitate to read it.

Evie (that's just her nickname, I actually liked her real name!), as a home-schooled girl is not your typical girl. She's a well-read, intelligent and thoughtful young woman. I think she can explain any quotes you give her. She had these insights that can possibly amaze or frustrate you. When she decided to go back to the real school, she faced realities in life that gave her lessons to learn.

I liked the flow of the story. It's not very often that the main character of a book is home-schooled. When I started reading it, I managed to cope with the story easily. I didn't even notice that I was already half of it. The author's writing style is very clear and simple. I like contemporary novels which you can evenly associate yourself although sometimes, there weren't many exciting parts. A strong and intelligent female character never fails to interest me as it gives me the fuel to read more of the book. That's the personality of Evie and that's what makes her different. My only concern was it has the typical story of stereotypes at school and constant blogging, texting and bitching that reminded me of a famous series and show which I actually liked.

The book has many quotes, actually on every chapter. I, myself was also fond of quotes way back in high school. There are some jolly parts mostly Evie's conversations with her cool mom. It's entertaining sometimes when she swoons over Rajas. It reminded of me those times when you really like that special someone to recognize and appreciate you. It just bothered me when Evie instantly fall for Rajas. I guess that's the usual scene nowadays.

Overall, it was an interesting book. I even learned good stuff from this one and quotes to live by.

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

This Girl Is Different

Quote... Unquote - MAGIC STRIKES

"You thought about dragging me into your bed this morning.”

"I thought about stabbing you and running away screaming. You broke into my house without permission and slobbered all over me. You’re a damn lunatic! And don’t give me that line about smelling my desire; I know it’s bullshit.”

"I didn’t need to smell you. I could tell by the dreamy look in your eyes and the way your tongue licked the inside of my mouth."

- Curran and Kate

MAGIC STRIKES by Ilona Andrews

Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #3)

Author: Ilona Andrews
Published March 31st 2009 by Ace (first published 2009)
310 pages
Series: Kate Daniels
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

Drafted to work for the Order of Knight of Merciful Aid, mercenary Kate Daniels has more paranormal problems than she knows what to do with. And in Atlanta, where magic comes and goes like the tide, that's saying a lot.

But when Kate's werewolf friend Derek is discovered nearly dead, she must confront her greatest challenge yet. As her investigation leads her to the Midnight Games – an invitation-only, no-holds-barred, ultimate preternatural fighting tournament – she and Curran, the Beast Lord, uncover a dark plot that may forever alter the face of Atlanta’s shapeshifting community…

Review:

The best book so far among the series. I can't find the right word to describe it. Let's just say, it really struck me. It was very impressive. Thanks to Ms. Tina and Chachic who made very convincing reviews of the books in the series!

I guess this would be my favorite urban fantasy series now because of this third book. The series gets better as it went through the paranormal adventures of Kate Daniels. Just like my reviews of the other books, I really adored Kate Daniels personality. This time she had to save Derek from death and kill the ever nasty Reapers.

I don't really want to spoil. However this one had a really good story. It was action-packed and would keep you from the edge of your seat. Too bad I didn't finish it right away than I had expected because of my busy schedule. Although it was not a constant read, it never failed to amaze me.

My favorite parts of course were Kate and Curran's sweet and humorous conversations. I think the scenes were quaint, the fact that the book was written by the collaboration of husband and wife authors (the author's name was their pseudonym). I can't wait for the naked dinner!

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels, Book 3)

The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson (Millennium #3)

Author: Stieg Larsson

Published 2010 (first published 2007) by Vintage, language: English

822 pages

Series: Millennium Trilogy

Originally posted on The Book Gaga
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

As the finale to Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest is not content to merely match the adrenaline-charged pace that made international bestsellers out of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played with Fire. Instead, it roars with an explosive storyline that blows the doors off the series and announces that the very best has been saved for last. A familiar evil lies in wait for Lisbeth Salander, but this time, she must do more than confront the miscreants of her past; she must destroy them. Much to her chagrin, survival requires her to place a great deal of faith in journalist Mikael Blomkvist and trust his judgment when the stakes are highest. To reveal more of the plot would be criminal, as Larsson’s mastery of the unexpected is why millions have fallen hard for his work. But rest assured that the odds are again stacked, the challenges personal, and the action fraught with neck-snapping revelations in this snarling conclusion to a thrilling triad. This closing chapter to The Girl’s pursuit of justice is guaranteed to leave readers both satisfied and saddened once the final page has been turned.

Review:

My first reaction after reading the last word from the book — Relieved, then I smiled. It’s like a roller coaster ride when I started reading the Millennium Trilogy. I think it has been a month before I started reading the final book.

The book started at the hospital where Lisbeth Salander and Zalachenko have been rescued. I thought Lisbeth would really suffer a great damage. Good thing the author had pity so he didn’t add a great deal of suffering anymore. The story merely evolved on how this organization called The Section keep their name hidden. They will do everything to protect their organization. That includes killing people. Of course, Mikael Blomkvist is to the rescue. I wouldn’t spoil any further. Just wanna inform you people that bastards were killed. Bravo.

Some people don’t really like the concept or the story behind this trilogy. Mainly it discussed women’s rights in the society, not only where the story had taken place but also around the world. Most probably, that’s the reason the trilogy became phenomenal. Personally, the story was not easy to read. It took a lot of time and I had to deal with some crucial parts that include sexual molestation. However, it’s very engaging and as I mentioned on my previous reviews, Lisbeth Salander is one of my favorite heroine.

I’m happy that the book ended well. This series is one of a kind and one of my favorites.

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

Too Many Books, Too Little Time

These past few weeks have been very busy for me. I need to focus on my studies first before anything else. However, I always find time to read books even just on my phone (want Kindle soon!) to satisfy my needs! :) I recently joined NetGalley so that I can discover, request and review new books! I really liked the site because The Iron Queen was included on their list. I loved the Iron Fey Series! So here are some new books(mostly are ebooks) I look forward to read:

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Lost Voices by Sarah Porter

FEED by Mira Grant

Outside In by Maria V. Snyder

This Girl is Different by JJ Johnson

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

There are still lots of books on my shelf. Time's running too fast. I need to read more books. I miss posting fresh reviews! :) Til the next review!

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Angelfire (Angelfire - Trilogy) Delirium (Delirium - Trilogy) Lost Voices Feed (Newsflesh, Book 1)Outside In (Harlequin Teen) This Girl Is Different The Iron Queen (Harlequin Teen)

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson (Millennium #2)

Author: Stieg Larsson

Published March 23rd 2010 by Vintage (first published 2006)

630 pages

Series: Millennium Trilogy

Originally posted on The Book Gaga
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

Part blistering espionage thriller, part riveting police procedural, and part piercing exposeé on social injustice, The Girl Who Played with Fire is a masterful, endlessly satisfying novel. Mikael Blomkvist, crusading publisher of the magazine Millennium, has decided to run a story that will expose an extensive sex trafficking operation. On the eve of its publication, the two reporters responsible for the article are murdered, and the fingerprints found on the murder weapon belong to his friend, the troubled genius hacker Lisbeth Salander. Blomkvist, convinced of Salander's innocence, plunges into an investigation. Meanwhile, Salander herself is drawn into a murderous game of cat and mouse, which forces her to face her dark past.

Review:

The Girl Who Played with Fire was a page turner! You wanna know what will happen next after you read a page. I think I have a soft spot with mystery suspense novels like this. Especially with a heroine that you will love and hate at the same time. Sometimes I want to be like Lisbeth Salander. She can’t easily trust people and that’s what keeping her invulnerable.

- That's my short review of it. You see, I'm overwhelmed. I really adore Lisbeth's character! :)

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

The Girl Who Played with Fire (Vintage)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (Millennium #1)

Author: Stieg Larsson

Published June 23rd 2009 by Vintage

590 pages

Series: Millennium Trilogy

Originally posted on The Book Gaga
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

Mikael Blomkvist, a once-respected financial journalist, watches his professional life rapidly crumble around him. Prospects appear bleak until an unexpected (and unsettling) offer to resurrect his name is extended by an old-school titan of Swedish industry. The catch—and there’s always a catch—is that Blomkvist must first spend a year researching a mysterious disappearance that has remained unsolved for nearly four decades. With few other options, he accepts and enlists the help of investigator Lisbeth Salander, a misunderstood genius with a cache of authority issues. Little is as it seems in Larsson’s novel, but there is at least one constant: you really don’t want to mess with the girl with the dragon tattoo.

Review:

I was really intrigued what this series is all about. So I checked reviews before actually buying the series. The title and the cover are also catchy! When I started reading it, I’m excited because the prologue has some mystery. I really like mystery suspense books! After the first chapter I thought I would get bored with all those financial controversies. However, when Lisbeth Salander was introduced to the story, I kept reading until I got really hooked to the story. It’s not only all about the mystery but also the morals explained about domestic violence in Sweden.

- So that was my short review of the first book. At that time I was still confused if the series amazed me. But one thing's for sure, Lisbeth Salander's character blew me away!

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

The Millennium Trilogy

I just wanna share my favorite trilogy I read last year - the Millennium Trilogy. I went to visit my bestfriend Eula at their house and lend her the first book which is The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Nice title, right? It made me excited again to talk about the books. It was really an excellent trilogy. I also loved the covers! I highly recommend this.

Although this trilogy is not for the faint-hearted, the story merely involves morals about women, the society and conspiracies behind high-ranking officials in the government. I really liked the whole point of view of the story with the main characters, Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist. This epic crime fiction novel is marvelous. Unfortunately, the author Stieg Larsson, passed away last 2004. I thank him for bringing us a kick-ass heroine and a novel that we'll never forget.

I'll post my reviews of the three novels soon!

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy Deluxe Boxed Set: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, Plus On Stieg Larsson Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy Bundle: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa (Iron Fey #2)

Author: Julie Kagawa

Published August 1st 2010 by Harlequin Teen

359 pages

Series: Iron Fey
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.

Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

Review:

I'm not sure if I liked it as much as the first one. However, this sequel in The Iron Fey series is full of adventure and a little romance.

Perhaps I really anticipated reading the next book because I really loved the first one. In this book, Megan was already trapped in Tir Na Nog and missed Ash terribly. Of course she had to keep the other side of their bargain. Ever since they arrived there, she hadn't seen Ash anymore until she was summoned by the Winter queen. There were lots of revelations here. The other two princes of the Winter's side were also introduced - Sage and Rowan. Sage's character, although short-lived, was described as awesome as Ash. Rowan was a bad ass, you'll know why. I thought Grim was already out of the picture. I liked his character and dialogues. It made me happy when he was included again. I didn't expect Ironhorse to be included in their action-packed adventure.

The romance part, which reminded me of Twilight (~coughs here~), was the spice of the story. I really hate Megan for taking Puck for granted. Duh! Puck, you don't deserve someone like her. Megan was selfish, sometimes idiot and didn't seem to give importance to Puck's feelings for her. She said she loved him but of course that was only as a friend. Ash was the love of her life. Fine.

I didn't quite understand how she became the iron daughter. It was not given that much emphasis but I thought it was just an introduction for the story for the next book which is The Iron Queen.

My favorite part was the ending! Wow! That's just awesome. The idea of Megan and Ash together at last is adorable. I got so excited and I couldn't wait for the next book.

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

The Iron Daughter (Harlequin Teen)

Books are Great Gifts

For bookworms like me, the title is really true! Whenever I'm inside a bookstore, I feel relaxed, happy and somewhat fulfilled, most especially when I bring home a book or two. Some people think books are just for past time or things to fill those spaces on your cabinet or desk. For me, books are my passion and my company whenever I want to be entertained.

So I knew that if my closest friends will give me a present, that would definitely be a book! Although I already know what would be the gift, I'm always excited and elated to unwrap it! :)

Last holiday season, I received gifts from my close friend and sister Ate Cecille and from the boyfriend. I was so happy and I can't wait to read them! I have to cover them first with the adhesive plastic cover ( Thanks to The Book Elf for recommending the awesome plastic cover! Just click on the link to check what I'm talking about!) The books I received were:

Artemis Fowl(1-3) Box Set from Ate Cecille

City of Bones from the bf! ♥

Of course I'll post reviews once I'm done reading them. Watch out for my The Iron Daughter review in a day or two. I'm quite busy this week. Back to school mode! : )

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Artemis Fowl 3-book boxed set (The Rise of the Criminal Mastermind) City of Bones (Mortal Instruments)The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones; City of Ashes; City of Glass

Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #2)

Author: Ilona Andrews

Published April 1st 2008 by Ace

260 pages

Series: Kate Daniels
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

As a mercenary who cleans up after magic goes wrong, Kate Daniels has seen her share of occupational hazards. Normally, waves of paranormal energy ebb and flow across Atlanta like a tide. But once every seven years, a flare comes, a time when magic runs rampant. Now Kate's going to have to deal with problems on a much bigger scale; a divine one.

When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta's paramilitary clan of shapeshifters, she quickly realizes much more is at stake. During a flare, gods and goddesses can manifest - and battle for power. The stolen maps are only the opening gambit in an epic tug-of-war between two gods hoping for rebirth. And if Kate can't stop the cataclysmic showdown, the city may not survive...

Review:

This book is definitely better than the first one! I thought I wouldn't survive reading it after the first few chapters, but as I went on the story became interesting and intriguing.

Kate Daniels never failed to make me excited on her next moves. She's a kick-ass heroine. The stubbornness was still there but she's so adorable! In this book, there's already a development on the relationship between her and Curran which I really anticipated.

It was a nice read to start the year! A mix of adventure, suspense, action and a little romance will keep you reading til the last page. When I read the first book of the series, I admit I was not that impressed. I liked the world building but there's too much going on that I think it already complicated the story. However this time, the author managed to tell a story that is captivating eventhough there's a lot of ideas involved.

Well now I'm impressed and I'll keep on reading the series!

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Magic Burns (Kate Daniels, Book 2)

2011 E-book Reading Challenge

I'm hoping to read more books this year so another challenge for me. I read mostly on my phone when I'm at school so this would definitely be a good challenge for me!

2011 E-book Reading Challenge is hosted by The Ladybug Reads. I'm still undecided if I'd go for Obsessed which you have to read 20 ebooks or Addicted which is only 12 books. I'll just post the list as soon as I start reading!

2011 Debut Author Challenge

Even though I still have lots of books on my to-read pile, I signed up to the 2011 Debut Author Challenge hosted by The Story Siren. This challenge includes young adult books by Debut Authors that will be published this year!

Well, this would be the first challenge I joined this year and I'm looking forward to read those novels. I'm hoping to discover awesome books that will keep me awake at night! : )

Wishlist

Happy New Year everyone! I'd start this blog by sharing my wishlist for this year. Well, there are lots of books on my to-read list that I can't really decide which one to start. Some are ebooks, others are real and old books! But here are some books I really want to lay my hands on!

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

I saw a lot of good reviews about this one. Dystopian again just like The Hunger Games! Well, most of my friends on goodreads rated this five. So it is a must read. I saw the book at Fullybooked and it was so thick I got excited! I like thick books. However, I tried buying the book at Book Depository but paypal wouldn't work with it. I got an error. I can't buy it with my own money because I'm saving some for my allowance! : (

Sabriel by Garth Nix

This looks like a historical science fiction book. The cover looks like historical! heh. There are already other editions but I like this one more.

The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

A friend recommended this to me!

The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud

The first book of the Bartimaeus Trilogy! I want the set but I already had the third book. Bought a paperback at a book bazaar for a low price! Then the next day when I checked for other books, I saw a hardback copy for the same price! grrr