Raven's Gate by Anthony Horowitz (The Gatekeepers #1)

Author: Anthony Horowitz
Published May 1st 2006 by Scholastic (first published August 1st 2005)
272 pages
Series: The Gatekeepers
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

As punishment for a crime he didn't really commit, Matt was given a choice: Go to jail or go live with an old woman named Mrs. Deverill in a remote town called Lesser Malling.

He should have chosen jail.

A strange and sinister plan is coming together in Lesser Malling with Matt at the center of it all. People who try to help him disappear... or die. It all ties to an evil place named Raven's Gate - a place whose destiny is horrifyingly intertwined with Matt's own. An ancient doom is about to be unleashed... and Matt is the only one who can stop it.

Review:

I didn't expect that I'll enjoy Raven's Gate. Thought it's just another paranormal young adult book.

The book is about 14-year old Matt. He is an orphan and he lives with his aunt. His life with the aunt is quite miserable. Because of that, he gets involved in a crime he didn't really intend to commit. That begins his life with a weird old lady who will never lets him out of her sight. His true identity will be revealed and adventures to keep himself alive and free starts.

The book is fast-paced. Just by reading a few pages of the first chapter will get you hooked. I think it's because of Mr. Horowitz' story telling. The book is very engaging and thrilling! When I bought the book a year ago, I wasn't expecting for it to be this good. The plot is unique and the characters are well developed. And oh, the mystery will really keep you reading. I have a soft spot for mystery, suspense and supernatural.

Raven's Gate is such a good read. Very engaging and will definitely make you want to read more of this series! :)

 ♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

What I'm Reading Now: Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr

I read the first book six months ago. Just noticed on my shelf that I have the second book of the series. Here's a book trailer for Ink Exchange.

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Quote... Unquote - The Iron Knight

"Be careful, boy. In some tales, the hero gets eaten by the monster after all."

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa (Iron Fey #4)

Author: Julie Kagawa
Expected Publication: October 25th 2011 by Harlequin
386 pages
Review Copy from NetGalley and Publisher
Series: Iron Fey
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her

irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can  survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side. To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale. And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Review:

The last book of the Iron Fey series. I was so excited to read this because I loved the previous books. And I'm glad to have finally read it. Of course courtesy of NetGalley! :)

The Iron Knight started where the Summer's Crossing left off. So I suggest you read Summer's Crossing first. The book is in Ash POV so I expected it to be interesting. The story is about Ash's quest to become mortal so that he can honor his vow to Meghan - and that's to be with her in the Iron Realm. It's kinda slow at first but as the story went it will keep you interested.

This final installment of the series will not disappoint you. It's kinda refreshing to have Ash's point of view. In the previous books, we saw him as a quiet guy who would always keep his feelings to protect himself. In this book, you'd know his true feelings and his true identity. Also, I like Grim and the Big Bad Wolf's bickering! They really entertained me a lot in this book! 

I was surprised with the twist! I don't want to be a spoiler. I just didn't see that coming. Initially, I thought that revelation will complicate things. But there's a purpose why it happened. I'm not that satisfied with the ending! I want more!

I'd still say The Iron Knight is a really good ending for the series. Ms. Kagawa was able to capture us with this Faery series. Thank you and We want more right?? 

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

The Iron Knight (Harlequin Teen)

Quote... Unquote - Summer's Crossing

“I would be more than her guardian and her champion and the jester who made her laugh. I would be her everything, if I could."  

Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa

What I'm Reading Now: Raven's Gate by Anthony Horowitz

I bought the first and third books of the The Gatekeepers series on a sale. So far an interesting read. Here's the trailer I got from Youtube.

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa (Iron Fey #3.5)

Author: Julie Kagawa
Published June 1st 2011 by Harlequin Teen
72 pages
Series: Iron Fey
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

A Midsummer's Nightmare? Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts. 

Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist. 

Review:

I was hesitant to read Summer's Crossing at first. Not because I don't want to read it but I was just too excited to start The Iron Knight. Well, good that I read this first. I didn't know it's in Puck's POV which you would expect to be fun.

Summer's Crossing is a short story about Puck and Ash's adventure to the Summer court. Ash has to keep the other side of the bargain so he's forced to go to Arcadia with Puck's help. However, Puck has to face a difficult decision whether to betray his friend or help him get through.

I think I liked this more than the other short novella. Of course because of Puck! I like witty and fun lines, and adventure that will keep me entertained. This short story gave me that. I'm guessing the purpose of this is for us to get to know Robin Goodfellow more and to let us know that even though the two are frenemies they would always be good friends!

 ♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Summer's Crossing

Quote... Unquote - Dash and Lily's Book of Dares

"The important people in our lives leave imprints. They may stay or go in the physical realm, but they are always there in your heart, because they helped form your heart. There's no getting over that."

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Book HeART ♥

Hello bookworms! Kinda busy lately because our midterm exam is nearing and I had to finish some projects. August has been a good month for me so far. One, because I have an early access to Pottermore. Two, the school's anniversary will be held in Enchanted Kingdom. I haven't been there. And third, August is my birthday month! : )

I saw these lovely pendants on Tumblr. And it would be great to have one for my birthday besides real books!

This one is my favorite. Now, pick yours! :)

This one too!

**Photos are from Tumblr. No source included on the post.

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Authors: Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Published October 26th 2010 by Knopf Books for Young Readers
240 pages
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

“I’ve left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.”

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Timesbestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions? 

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

Review:

This is an interesting book. The first paragraph already caught my attention when I started reading. With a bookstore and the mystery behind a red notebook, I was expecting a really good book.

Dash and Lily are two interesting characters with distinct personalities. I think I like Dash more. A bookish loner but witty and quite amusing. Not to mention that he likes to hang out in a bookstore! I love that! Lily however is not the typical teenager. She has her own unique way of enjoying herself alone. She's sweet and optimistic.

Although I liked the premise, I think there's something lacking. I don't know, maybe it's just because of my lack of enthusiasm when I read this. And the ending! I didn't like it. Anyway, Dash and Lily's Book of Dares is still a fun and easy read! : )

 ♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Dash and Lily's Book of Dares

Quote... Unquote - Wildefire

"Colt has the subtlety of a car alarm"


Wildefire by Karsten Knight

What I'm Reading Now: The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

I just finished Summer's Crossing, a novella which I will post the review in a few days. I'm quite busy at school so I can't really post reviews. For now, watch this behind the scenes cover shoot for The Iron Knight. Are you as excited as I am for this much awaited book in the Iron Fey series?

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥