This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

Author: Sarah Dessen
Published March 8th 2004 by Speak
345 pages
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

When it comes to relationships, Remy doesn't mess around. After all, she's learned all there is to know from her mother, who's currently working on husband number five. But there's something about Dexter that seems to defy all of Remy's rules. He certainly doesn't seem like Mr. Right. For some reason, however, Remy just can't seem to shake him. Could it be that Remy's starting to understand what those love songs are all about?

Review:

I liked it but not as much as The Truth About Forever which is one of my favorites from the author. The book of course has the usual elements of Sarah Dessen's novels -  girl with some issues about her family or friends, then she meets the boy who she will fell in love with, or will help her get over those issues. Same, same. But what I liked about this one is that it's an interesting read and it actually helped me cope with some things.

When I started reading this, I was having some issues with things (school, lovelife, etc.). So when I get to know Remy it's like I want to be like her. Just carefree, mean, has control over her feelings. But then, it's not easy being like her. When you have too much control over your feelings, you tend to ignore other people's feelings and you become selfish and insensitive. Sometimes you have to open up with the possibility that when you care and love someone, you will get hurt. It's better than feeling nothing at all and losing that someone. 

The romance part of this book is lacking. I liked Dexter's challenges, although sometimes I can't figure out his personality. Overall, this was an easy read and just like other Dessen books, you get to learn something about love and life. :)

 ♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

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. : )

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver (Delirium #2)

Author: Lauren Oliver
Published February 28th 2012 by Harper Teen
375 pages
Series: Delirium
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

I'm pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Review:

I suggest before reading Pandemonium better read the first book Delirium to know the story behind the deliria and how it affected the lives of the protagonists. Pandemonium is the second book of the Delirium Trilogy. I was actually excited to read this because I liked the first book and the cliffhanger there! Read my review here! :)

The book continued where it left off from the first book. This time the story went around the past (then) when Lena was in the Wild and the present (now) when she went back to the city to go undercover. Chapters switches between then and now, so we have a better glimpse of what really happened to Lena especially in the Wild. Well, I was confused at first in the change of events but was able to get it as I continue reading. For me the plot development was a little confusing and really slow. I was bored reading it that I was about to give up but didn't really do it because I want to know what will happen.

The new characters introduced are quite interesting. I think that's what I liked in the book. We'd also read a new Lena here - one who knows now how to fight and how to survive. She also has a new lovelife! Julian is not bad at all but we want Alex back! Hmm, the last part! I didn't see that coming!

Overall, Pandemonium is not as good as the first one. But if you have read the first book and wants to know what happens next, read this! One book to go for this series! :)

♥ 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

Wildefire by Karsten Knight (Wildefire #1)

Author: Karsten Knight
Published July 26th 2011 by Simon and Schuster
400 pages
Review Copy from Simon and Schuster Galley Grab
Series: Wildefire
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

Every flame begins with a spark. 

Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. 

Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school—being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger—Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood…and she’s one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time… And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm.

Review:

I decided to read this because of the cover. Looks really intriguing right? Just like the title, it's pretty much a "wilde" read.

The book is about sisters Ashline and Evelyn Wilde. Both have some violent streaks that they sometimes couldn't control and worse they are born with it. Eve is the runaway sister and won't leave town until Ash goes with her. Ashline, after transferring to Blackwood Academy, discovers her true identity and finally gets explanation of what she and her sister had become. Ash will try to protect people she cares about and prevent people from dying due to Eve's inescapable rage.

I did enjoy reading this. I think it's because it has a unique concept of the usual gods and goddesses in young adult books. It's take in mythology is interesting that would keep you reading til the end. Not to mention the action-packed scenes that may show extreme violence. The characters are likable and have their own identity that won't keep you confused. There's mystery in the story which I really like and that I had lots of questions about. I thought this isn't a series until I saw on Goodreads that there would be a sequel. That's good because the ending is very intriguing and I'd love to read the next books.

Wildefire is an engaging read. The author managed to get me hooked on the story because of the clear narration and witty lines.

 ♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Wildefire

Return to Paradise by Simone Elkeles (Leaving Paradise #2)

Author: Simone Elkeles
Published September 1st 2010 by Flux
302 pages
Series: Leaving Paradise
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

Caleb Becker left Paradise eight months ago, taking with him the secret he promised to take to his grave. If the truth got out, it would ruin everything.

Maggie Armstrong tried to be strong after Caleb broke her heart and disappeared. Somehow, she managed to move on. She's determined to make a new life for herself.

But then Caleb and Maggie are forced together on a summer trip. They try ignoring their passion for each other, but buried feelings resurface. Caleb must face the truth about the night of Maggie's accident, or the secret that destroyed their relationship will forever stand between them.

Review:

I didn't like this as much as the first one. But what I liked about it is the humor. Mostly of Lenny! That guy is uber disgusting but very entertaining. Giving this a 3-star rating because of him. hehe

Even though it didn't live up to my expectations, I still continued reading because I want to know what will happen to Caleb and Maggie's relationship. I think the author missed the "wow factor" here unlike her other novels which I really liked. Some of the events in the story are not as moving just like the first one. Other characters seem likable but there's not much development especially to the other girls on the trip. Then all of sudden Lea decides to turn herself in because someone just talked to her. There's not much story on this which I think should have been a good part for the book.

I don't think this is a good sequel for the first one, but if you want to know what happened to the two protagonists then read at your own discretion. : )

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥
Return to Paradise

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Author: Lauren Oliver
Published March 2nd 2010 by HarperCollins
470 pages
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.

Instead, it turns out to be her last. Then she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

Review:

This book is okay. It's not like those books that will give you the 'wow' feeling but it will teach you some lessons in life.

So the book was about Sam, her love life, best friends and the last day of her life. How would you feel if you are to live the same day each time you wake up in the morning? It may be weird or exciting, but it can be boring as it repeats the events all over again. Well, I think that's what I felt when I was reading the book. It was interesting at first but I got bored as I read on. However, the characters are likable and they reminded me of the movie Mean Girls. Four young ladies with different personalities but share the same hate for people they don't like. Of course one of them is the good girl who will try to make things right.

Although I have lots of unanswered questions in my mind, still Before I Fall is a well written book that will move you and make you realize to live like it's the last day of your life.

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Before I Fall 

Across the Universe by Beth Revis (Across the Universe #1)

Author: Beth Revis
Published January 11th 2011 by Penguin Group (USA)
400 pages
Series: Across the Universe
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Review:

Pretty good cover isn't it? But don't judge the book by its cover. There's more to it than you'd think.

The book started a little intriguing. Amy and her parents are to be frozen inside this box that looks like a coffin to be sent on a mission. Three hundred and one years before they are supposed to be awaken, hoping to live a new life. Little did Amy know that when she wakes up, she will be on where she isn't supposed to be.

These futuristic novels I've been reading interest me a lot. That's one reason why I decided to read this book besides the beautiful cover which fooled me. While Across the Universe is one of those novels, it managed to capture it's readers with it's own unique stories of lies, leadership and love. There are frexing, brilly words that indicate the future settings but won't leave you confused. The characters are okay. Not very much likable especially Eldest. I think the character development is not that impressive but can improve. The book is more of a science fiction and mystery. The romance part, well, we need more Elder and Amy romance! The book needs more of it so that it won't be that serious.

I liked the premise of Across the Universe. It was still a good read for me although the whole idea can be terrifying. Read the book to know what I mean. I thought it is not a series. Well, it shows in Goodreads that there's a sequel and it might still be about Elder and Amy. I have to read the next books to know what's gonna happen to Godspeed!

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Across the Universe

Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton (Angelfire #1)

Author: Courtney Allison Moulton
Published February 15th 2011 by Harper Collins / Katherine Tegen Books
453 pages
Uncorrected Proof / Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGalley and Publisher
Series: Angelfire
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.

A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.

While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember.

Review:

I was surprised how dark this book is! Based on the summary, it would be full of action and I guess adventure. But it seems that there's more to the story that we should find out.

The book started a little slow. It took a few chapters before I get enthusiastic about it. Ellie is clueless about her true identity untill she meets Will. What she doesn't know is that she has an important role to play to save this world. I like the concept of angels and demons here. Such a great idea. I haven't read anything about angels in a while so this is a good start. Ellie's character looks like a weakling at first but when action takes place, you'd know that she's a kick-ass heroine. I love Will's character. He's only not good looking physically. The way he expresses himself and the way he fights, he's so admirable. His mysterious character would want you to read the book constantly to find out more things about him.

There are certain events that didn't really interest me at all. There are lots of actions going on but don't really answer the questions I have at the back of my mind. The book has this great concept but needs more elaboration. Well since this is a series, maybe the answers to my questions are on the succeeding books. Oh, I love the cover!

Angelfire is action-packed and well written. The information you'll learn in the book, especially towards the end, is quite astonishing. Will definitely read the next books in the series!

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Angelfire (Angelfire - Trilogy)

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Author: Morgan Matson
Published May 4th 2010 by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
352 pages
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

Amy Curry thinks her life sucks. Her mom decides to move from California to Connecticut to start anew—just in time for Amy's senior year. Her dad recently died in a car accident. So Amy embarks on a road trip to escape from it all, driving cross-country from the home she's always known toward her new life. Joining Amy on the road trip is Roger, the son of Amy's mother's old friend. Amy hasn’t seen him in years, and she is less than thrilled to be driving across the country with a guy she barely knows. So she's surprised to find that she is developing a crush on him. At the same time, she’s coming to terms with her father’s death and how to put her own life back together after the accident. Told in traditional narrative as well as scraps from the road—diner napkins, motel receipts, postcards—this is the story of one girl's journey to find herself.

Review:

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour is a fine read. I don't know what the craze is all about this book but it's not what I expected it to be.

The story is about moving on. Amy is in the dullest moment of her life after her father died in a car accident. She ends up not being herself anymore and tends to disconnect herself with other people. Her mother decides to sell their house in California and move to Connecticut. Her mother asks her friend's son Roger to drive the car with Amy. Together, they take this epic detour that they don't realize will make a big impact to their lives.

The book started a little slow so I was kinda bored in the first few chapters. What I liked about this book are the playlists! It's just fun that these songs are very much associated with their journey. I guess it would feel like you're with them while they drive from one state to another. The characters seemed to be well developed but I couldn't really connect myself with them. It's just a little too much what Amy has to feel about her father's loss. Well I guess that's what you would really feel if you keep on blaming yourself.

The story was okay and you can even learn from it. It's pretty wholesome (oh yeah, this is a YA book right? lol). I guess I just expected too much because I've seen good reviews of the book. Although it was not that great, it didn't leave me disappointed. Overall, I still liked the book! :)

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour

The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg

Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
Published April 1st 2010 by Scholastic, Inc. (first published December 29th 2009)
285 pages
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

Love is all you need...or is it? Penny's about to find out in this wonderful debut.

Penny is sick of boys and sick of dating. So she vows - no more. It's a personal choice...and, of course, soon everyone wants to know about it. And a few other girls are inspired. A movement is born; The Lonely Hearts Club (named after the band from Sgt. Pepper). Penny is suddenly known for her nondating ways... which is too bad, because there's this certain boy she can't help but like.

Review:

This book is a light and fun read. The story is about Penny Lane Bloom (yes, her parents are Beatles fan!) who swears off guys because of a failed relationship. She quietly starts a club that she calls, right, The Lonely Hearts Club. At first, she's all by herself until she finds out that her friends are also tired of wasting their time on guys. And the rest follows.

The characters are funny and witty. I never thought of having this kind of club back when I was in highschool. This book made me think of my high school days. The dramas over boys, break ups, hanging out with your girlfriends or boyfriends. It's just funny how the concept can let you remember those days when you would also swear off boys because they broke your heart. I think the target audience of the book is teens and middle grade. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading it.

The Lonely Hearts Club is an enjoyable read despite the cheesy teenage dramas. I liked the Beatles references and the simple idea that this book implies to its readers.

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

The Lonely Hearts Club

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

Author: Nicholas Sparks
Published 2009 by Grand Central (first published September 10th 2008)
326 pages
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

After U.S. Marine Logan Thibault finds a photograph of a smiling young woman buried in the dirt during his tour duty in Iraq, he experiences a sudden streak of luck, winning poker games and even surviving deadly combat. Only his best friend, Victor, seems to have an explanation for his good fortune: the photograph - his lucky charm.

Back home in Colorado, Thibault can't seem to get the woman in photograph out of his mind and he sets out on a journey across the country to find her. But Thibault is caught off guard by the storng attraction he feels for the woman he encounters in North Carolina - Elizabeth, a divorced mother with a young son - and he keeps the story of the photo, and his luck, a secret. As he and Elizabeth embark upon a passionate love affair, his secret will soon threaten to tear them apart, destroying not only their love, but also their lives.

Review:

The Lucky One is a story of a marine who was lucky enough to survive war in Iraq. His friend believed it's because of the photo he saw almost buried in the dirt. It was a lucky charm.

I've read Sparks novels before. This one is pretty good although not as good as the other known novels that were adapted into movies. The story is intriguing. Mr. Sparks has the gift to tug readers to his novels. Once you started, you would always want to know the ending.

Since it's more of an adult romance, it didn't really wow me. But of course, the story telling is great most especially towards the end. The characters are well developed and the whole concept of the story is interesting.

This is a typical Sparks novel but with a unique way of informing readers that love moves in mysterious ways. Sounds like a song! I heard this book will be adapted into movie as well with Zac Efron as the lead. Hmmm.. :)

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

The Lucky One

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr (Wicked Lovely #1)

Author: Melissa Marr
Published May 1st 2008 by HarperTeen(first published 2007)
352 pages
Series: Wicked Lovely
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in mortal world. when the rules that have kept Aislinn safe from them stop working, everything is suddenly on the line: her freedom, her bestfriend Seth, her life, everything.

Faerie intrigue, mortal love, and the clash of ancient rules and modern expectations swirl together in Melissa Marr's stunning 21st century faery tale.

Review:

I have been reading a lot of faery novels and this is another one. I bought this book when a local bookstore had sale three months ago. The pretty cover and the affordable price of the book caught my attention.

This novel has the same plot as other faery stories. Mortal-girl-sees-faeries. What I like about it though was it's uniqueness. When I read the book, it didn't really catch my attention since it didn't have that wow factor when you start a book. Some of the events are lame and didn't really excite me.

Although the story didn't surprise me at all, the characters are interesting most especially Seth. Okay, I'm not swooning. But as what was described in the book, he's that guy you'll go head over heels with. The faery intrigue did interest me and that's what made me finish the book.

The book was a fast read! It wasn't that bad for a start. Even though it wasn't a great read, I still want to continue reading the series. I heard that it gets better as the series progress!

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Wicked Lovely (Wicked Lovely (Quality))

Mieradome by Kate O'Hegarty

Author: Kate O'Hegarty
Published November 20th 2010 by Author House
323 pages
Copy sent by the author
Website
Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥

Summary:

Mieradome, revolves around a young girl named Amavia, who believes she is a human girl, but slowly comes to find she is a faery in the world of Mieradome. Amavia's mother, Anastasica, had taken her out of the faery realm and hidden her away here in our human realm, so that she may be protected from her parents' past mistakes. But that was not enough, the forces that be found Amavia, and brought her back into the cosmos of the Grandmother Tree. There she meets other faeries, goblins, Telkar dragons, and Utopisols. Slowly who Amavia really was began to unravel to show the truth. The truth, that she just may be the evil they need to destroy. This is where the story begins.

Review:

Mieradome is a magical place where faeries live. The book is full of interesting personalities, faeries and other fascinating creatures. Amavia has to go to Mieradome to find out her mother's secret and her true identity.

At the start of the novel, it already intrigued me. What was this strange place called Mieradome and this raven who kept on talking about Amavia's death. The wonderful land of Mieradome was already introduced in the first few chapters. I had so many questions in my mind that I just continued reading and didn't notice that I already read a lot. There were many events in the story that may intreset you. What really interest me though are the unique names the author used such as Caiden, Aselin, Thewlis, Inocian, Garin, Amavia and many more. Although the names are pretty and unique, I had a hard time remembering the other names. Almost all characters, even the unimportant ones, have full names which made it more difficult.

I liked the story line and the word building. I also find the cover pretty and simple. I like books about faeries because they fascinate me. The author was able to create her unique version of faeries and interesting characters. However, the character building was not that impressive but just needed more development for the story.

Although this was not a perfect book, the author managed to showcase her talent on storytelling and world building.

♥ xoxo, Edil ♥

Mieradome

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