Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy by E. L. James

Author: E. L. James
Published May 26th 2011 by The Writers Coffee Shop Publishing House (First Book)
Series: Fifty Shades of Grey
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY: When college student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating.  The unworldly Ana realizes she wants this man, and Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian’s secrets and explores her own desires.


FIFTY SHADES DARKER: Daunted by Christian’s dark secrets and singular tastes, Ana has broken off their relationship to start a new career. But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and while Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Ana is forced to make the most important decision of her life.


FIFTY SHADES FREED: Now, Ana and Christian have it all—love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of possibilities for their future. But Ana knows that loving her Fifty Shades will not be easy, and that being together will pose challenges that neither of them would anticipate. Just when it seems that their strength together will eclipse any obstacle, misfortune, malice, and fate conspire to turn Ana’s deepest fears into reality.

Review:

First I want to warn you young people (yes, you kids and young adults, below 18) that this book is certainly not for you. So, don't even think about reading this book or plan to buy it because I will assure you, you won't like it. And don't continue reading this review please!

Okay. My inner goddess is kinda pissed here. lol I just want to defend my three hearts there. I was actually about to rate it two but I'll be dishonest because I did like the book in a weird kind of way. I've heard the rave about this book so I instantly pushed it at the top of my to-read pile. Not knowing what this fucker is all about! I didn't even know it was erotica at first. The genre is not new to me. I've read some decent erotic books. I just didn't expect that BDSM will be as cheesy as this trilogy.

The trilogy centers on the beginning and development of fifty shade Christian Grey and inner goddess Anastasia Steele's relationship. The series is full of, like I mentioned BDSM, intense sexual scenes and some other kinds of sexual shit that some may like. Of course it's a love story as well if you like it to be that way.

I have lots of things to say about the books, mostly negative but I don't think that's necessary. I already read lots of insults about the trilogy. I still respect the author for her work. Don't get me wrong. The writing is shitty. It's just that, her enthusiasm of her work is great that she created this whole mess, this whole hype about Fifty. It's a Twilight fanfic but I don't see the similarities besides the hot male lead character with his stupid female lover. I'm a kind of reader who doesn't actually blame the author of her works. I think I'd blame myself more because I chose to read it.

I think many liked the series because they fell in love with Christian Grey. Well, who wouldn't? I did! A guy who's so wealthy that he can buy you anything that you want and provide your needs - material and sexual needs. Yeah, we fell in love with the money and the looks and the body and the..., I can't think of anything else.lol Anyway, I think I liked the book because of him. Because he's so generous, handsome, hot, wealthy, sexy, what else?  Fucked up! This is a superficial kind of love.

Now let's talk about Anastasia fucking Steele. Another fucked up and stupid character that doesn't know anything but to bite her lips, spread her legs, and be the drama queen. Her stupid fucking inner goddess is so irritating. Like so overly irritating. If you plan to read the book skip the parts where inner goddess is mentioned.

Told you, I liked the book in a weird kind of way. hehe I don't recommend the book. But if you like to know about what the hype is all about, go ahead and read. But if you're just curious and just want to know why people hate it, don't waste your time on this. If you like rich, hot, sexy, fictional male character, you might want to try it. lol  I can't believe I said that! XD

 ♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

P.S. I couldn't believe I was able to write a review of this. I apologize for the swearing. This is the first time I swore on my review. It's actually necessary for this review I tell you! Now we wait for the movie. : )

What I'm Reading Now: Fifty Shades of Grey

You know bookworms, just typing the title made me wanna swoon over Christian Grey. Yes, that's what I'm reading now - Fifty Shades of Grey. I see the hype all over the internet about this book and I have to find out why. So far, I'm leaning more on a three star. But let's see if it will change when I'm done reading.

I was hopeful to find a book trailer or a good fan-made trailer (Oh! There are lots of them!) but I chose to post this video of an interview with the author. Of course we have to give credits and thanks to the one who gave us our sleepless nights because of reading the book and the hotness Christian Grey. The author of Fifty Shades of Grey ~ E. L. James



Here's a link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fpm_1iERyoU

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Battle Royale by Koushun Takami

Author: Koushun Takami
Published November 17th 2009 by VIZ Media, LLC (first published February 26th 2003)
576 pages
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

In an alternative future Japan, junior high students are forced to fight to the death!

Koushun Takami's notorious high-octane thriller is based on an irresistible premise: a class of junior high school students is taken to a deserted island where, as part of a ruthless authoritarian program, they are provided arms and forced to kill one another until only one survivor is left standing. Criticized as violent exploitation when first published in Japan -- where it then proceeded to become a runaway bestseller.

Review:

I first heard about Battle Royale when I recommended The Hunger Games to a friend. They said The Hunger Games is a rip-off of Battle Royale. I totally disagree with that! I think the only similarity is that teenagers kill each other and the one who will survive will become the winner. That's it! Okay, I don't mean to compare the two but these days when you talk about The Hunger Games, Battle Royale will be mentioned.

I didn't expect that I will like Battle Royale very much. Although there are lots of gore and violence (so warning! This book is not for the faint-hearted), the novel still able to dwell deeper on the story of the major characters and their effects on the novel as a whole. I salute the author for bravely telling us of a story like this. The book is not all about killing but more on how people naturally react when in danger or there are threats, and how one can trust other people to survive. Also, it tells how a certain kind of government, such as the Republic of Greater East Asia in the book, can affect people's lives and how they make decisions in their lives.

Battle Royale is such a thrilling read! I recommend this book to those who want to read a darker and bolder book about teens killing each other, a cruel government, and how to survive the inevitable.

P.S.

I don't want to compare the two books like the others because just like what Mr. Takami said, "every novel has something to offer," and that if  "readers find value in either book, that's all an author can ask for." And I love both books! :)

 ♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Feed by Mira Grant (Newsflesh #1)

Author: Mira Grant
Published May 1st by Orbit
571 pages
Review Copy from NetGalley and Publisher
Series: Newsflesh
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

In 2014, two experimental viruses—a genetically engineered flu strain designed by Dr. Alexander Kellis, intended to act as a cure for the common cold, and a cancer-killing strain of Marburg, known as "Marburg Amberlee"—escaped the lab and combined to form a single airborne pathogen that swept around the world in a matter of days. It cured cancer. It stopped a thousand cold and flu viruses in their tracks.

It raised the dead.

Millions died in the chaos that followed. The summer of 2014 was dubbed "The Rising," and only the lessons learned from a thousand zombie movies allowed mankind to survive. Even then, the world was changed forever. The mainstream media fell, Internet news acquired an undeniable new legitimacy, and the CDC rose to a new level of power.

Set twenty years after the Rising, the Newsflesh trilogy follows a team of bloggers, led by Georgia and Shaun Mason, as they search for the brutal truths behind the infection. Danger, deceit, and betrayal lurk around every corner, as does the hardest question of them all:

When will you rise?

Review:

This book is both depressing and very good, but a realistic one in terms of the depth of the story. It was too long that I almost gave up. But then, as I read through the characters' adventures, it kept me engaged with the story.

The book is about twin bloggers, Georgia and Shaun Mason, and their adventures with the zombies and knowing the truth behind the deceit in a presidential campaign they've followed . The two, together with Buffy, will deliver only the truth and the truth will also put their lives in danger.

This is the first ever book I read about zombies and much more. I must admit, although the book bored me at some point, it still managed to capture my attention because of the way the author told the story. I love that she used Georgia's  point of view. It's remarkable and engaging most especially when you read the excerpts from her blog. Her suicidal brother Shaun will keep you awake. Not to mention their dialogues with loads of humor.

Actually the book made me realize why journalists' job is very risky whether traditional or new media. In search of finding the truth behind a story, they have to risk their lives. We're aware that this is happening in the real world. Journalists who were killed to keep them from unraveling the truth. Mira Grant was able to clearly show that in this book.

Overall, Feed is an exceptional read. It is an amazingly intelligent story of how truth shall always prevail.

 ♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Feed (Newsflesh, Book 1)

Archangel's Consort by Nalini Singh (Guild Hunter #3)

Author: Nalini Singh
Published January 25th 2011 by Berkley Sensation
324 pages
Series: Guild Hunter
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux and her lover, the lethally beautiful archangel Raphael, have returned home to New York only to face an uncompromising new evil…

A vampire has attacked a girls’ school—the assault one of sheer, vicious madness—and it is only the first act. Rampant bloodlust takes vampire after vampire, threatening to make the streets run with blood. Then Raphael himself begins to show signs of an uncontrolled rage, as inexplicable storms darken the city skyline and the earth itself shudders. The omens are suddenly terrifyingly clear.

An ancient and malevolent immortal is rising. The violent winds whisper her name: Caliane. She has returned to reclaim her son, Raphael. Only one thing stands in her way: Elena, the consort who must be destroyed…

Review:

After two weeks, I finally finished this. This has been a great read. I think I liked that I have to read it that long since I'll miss Raphael and Elena's tandem. I've been busy in school these days so I can't really read a lot. But of course, I'll always find the time to read.

I think this is also a favorite of mine from the series. I really love the story of the first book where we get to witness how the romance between Raphael and Elena took place. This time, you'll find out how strong Raphael and Elena's bond with each other.

The two have returned home. In this book, new evil has emerged and attacked innocent little girls and a bunch of vampires. Also, calamities have been occurring all over the world - a sign that an ancient immortal or a Sleeper is waking. Together the two will try to stop the madness of the powerful Caliane. And Raphael faced a difficult decision whether to kill the Sleeper or not.

Whenever I read Nalini Singh's books, I'm always surprised. There's always something interesting to read about! I really liked the story of this third book in the series. There's more depth to the story especially about the main characters. I always forget to mention that I really admire whenever Elena is hunting and when she's describing the scents. The descriptions are really engaging that I also want to smell the scents. The development of Elena and Raphael's relationship is even more intense. Thus, Elena being Raphael's consort. I liked how the author made their relationship. There's teasing and humor but you'll know how affectionate they are with each other.

I'm really curious about Illium's past. So now I'm confused if I want more Raphael or more Illium. Oh Bluebell! I really want to know what happened to you! I'm wishing the fourth book will be more about you. Well I'm a bit disappointed because it isn't. I'll watch out for the coming books then!

Archangel's Consort is a one great read! If I have the time, I'll be happy to reread this in one sitting. :)

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Archangel's Consort (Guild Hunter)

Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh (Guild Hunter #2)

Author: Nalini Singh
Published February 2nd 2010 by Berkley
323 pages
Series: Guild Hunter
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux wakes from a year-long coma to find that she has become an angel-and that her lover, the stunningly dangerous archangel Raphael, likes having her under his control. But almost immediately, Raphael must ready Elena for a flight to Beijing, to attend a ball thrown by the archangel Lijuan. Ancient and without conscience, Lijuan's power lies with the dead. And she has organized the most perfect and most vicious of welcomes for Elena...

Review:

I really liked this but not as much as the first one. This second book will still surprise you with new mysteries and characters.

The book picks up where the first book left off. Elena wakes up after a year of sleep. She wakes with wings but in a weak condition. She has to gain her strength to attend the ball of Lijuan, the most powerful and eldest archangel in the Cadre. There are also threats and murders by this angel who wants to be part of the Cadre. Raphael, the Archangel of New York, wouldn't let Elena hurt by anyone. Not even when she's his weakness.

I liked this book because I got to know some of what had happened in the past and the truth behind Elena's nightmares. It also had a glimpse of Raphael's past. We'd like to know more about this archangel right? I also liked the mysteries involved in this book. As usual, Nalini Singh's writing is impressive. Although lots of characters are introduced, the book won't leave you confused.

I'm intrigued with Illium's character. I think we have to know more about him as well. Actually most of the characters are intriguing. I think that's why you'd want to read the series more. That is, to learn what these angels and vampires' secrets. The story of this one was set mostly in the Refuge. The sensual parts are not as intense as the previous book but of course it would leave you wanting more. The end was kind of a cliffhanger.

Archangel's Kiss is a good sequel for the series. It's sort of answered the questions in my mind after reading Angels' Blood. I think the third book would be interesting by how this book has ended. Let's see what will happen back home!

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Archangel's Kiss (Guild Hunter, Book 2)

A Lot Like Love by Julie James

Author: Julie James
Published March 1st 2011 by Berkley (first published January 25th 2010)
274 pages
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

Jordan Rhodes is invited to all of Chicago's best parties, but there's only one the FBI wants to crash. To get her brother out of jail, she agrees to take Agent McCall as her date. But when the mission gets botched, requiring their "relationship" to continue, it starts to feel less like an investigation-and a lot like something else.

Review:

It's been a while since I read contemporary adult fiction. This book was a good choice. It gets me off from the fantasy worlds I've been reading these days for a while.

Nick is a dedicated undercover agent of FBI. He's used to getting assignments one after the other. That is, until he meets the billionaire heiress Jordan Rhodes who sweep him off his feet. But that is so much unlike the Nick McCall who's had problems when it comes to commitment. Jordan Rhodes however, is a matured woman who will do everything for family. Her involvement with the investigation turns out to be a start of a real relationship.

This was an enjoyable read. The plot is not new to me but the author will impress you with her writing style. I liked how she developed the characters and the turn of events. It's also an interesting read with so much information about wine. I'm not much of a wine person but I got more interested as I read on. Sometimes my aunt will prepare wine when we have special occasions but of course the men in our family will always choose hard drinks instead. Just like Nick in this story. I liked the part when Jordan is describing how Nick should taste the wine and Nick doesn't seem to understand how it works. The minor characters are likable and bring more depth to the story.

A Lot Like Love has more to it than you would have expected. Just like a bottle of wine.☺

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

A Lot Like Love (Berkley Sensation) 

Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh (Guild Hunter #1)

Author: Nalini Singh
Published March 3rd 2009 by Berkley
339 pages
Series: Guild Hunter
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux is hired by the dangerously beautiful Archangel Raphael. But this time, it's not a wayward vamp she has to track. It's an archangel gone bad.

The job will put Elena in the midst of a killing spree like no other—and pull her to the razor's edge of passion. Even if the hunt doesn't destroy her, succumbing to Raphael's seductive touch just may. For when archangels play, mortals break.

Review:

PASSIONATELY AWESOME! I was asking myself why I didn't read this one first before those YA books which I didn't really enjoyed that much. I should have trusted my instincts! Enough of that. I finally finished it and it's oh so good! I think that is an understatement. The book is amazing! : )

We have a kick ass heroine named Elena Deveraux who is a hunter-born. She's a guild hunter and has this great ability of sensing vampires. She is hired by the Archangel of New York, Raphael, who's oozingly hot (I love his wings). Together they have to track and kill this archangel on the loose killing people. But it turns out that Elena will also be haunted by her own seductive thoughts of Raphael.

I very much liked the story about angels, vampires and humans that coexist. This is the first adult angel book I've read and I wasn't disappointed. The book is a combination of fantasy, suspense, mystery and romance. So what else could you ask for? The characters are amazing! I sometimes like Elena's stubbornness especially when she's with Raphael. I've always liked strong female characters and that's a plus factor why I really liked this book. And oh, Raphael. Why do angels always have to be so beautiful? The vampires are not what you would expect them to be. They are made by angels. And you can apply to be made a vampire! How does that sound?

It's also my first time to read Nalini Singh's book. I think I have a new favorite author. I love her writing in this book. It's impressive with a little mystery to it. That's why I didn't see the last part coming. I was so surprised that I literally giggled and my brother's saying I'm crazy. The book is filled with intense emotions and sexual tensions that build the sex scenes very well. The plot is detailed. This is not your typical angel story.

Angels' Blood is a very impressive read that will certainly fill your fantasies! I have to read the next book! Can't get enough of Elena and Raphael and the story! : )

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Angels' Blood (Guild Hunter, Book 1)