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April 29, 2012

Review: Venus City by Tabitha Vale - Juhina

Venus City (Legacy of the Sares, #1)
Title: Venus City (Legacy of the Sares #1)
Author: Tabitha Vale
Publication date: February 14th, 2012
Genre(s): Young Adult (Urban Fantasy)
Challenges: Debut
Source: Author
Format: Digital Copy
Pages: 353
"His magenta eyes flashed up to meet hers and for a moment she thought she saw something spark behind them—something fierce, something challenging." In a city where boys’ eyes are magenta and their emotions of lust, anger, greed, and ambition are remarkably absent, spoiled Braya Vace finds herself in the biggest problem of her young life when she meets handsome, blue-eyed Asher Benedict. It wasn’t supposed to be possible. There wasn’t supposed to be anyone else living outside Venus City. As she tries to unravel the mystery of Asher and his group of foreigner boys, the rest of Braya’s life seems to crumble apart around her. A disapproving mother, a sick younger sister, a mysterious brother, and a humiliating career as a Bride are just a few of the things that Braya has to deal with. Those, and her conflicting feelings for Asher.
Venus City by Tabitha Vale is the first Urban Fanatsy YA novel I read. The novel revolves around a girl called Braya. she is from a Crown family and her mother is very powerful. She lives in a city where males are void of emotions such as anger, lust, jealousy, and passion, and where beautiful women are groomed to marry and produce beautiful babies to enhance the pretty gene pool. Problems start when Braya is assigned the role of a bride which brings anger and frustration from her and shame to her Crown family name. She then gets tangled with a group that is infiltrating her city and is forced into a master-slave bond (nothing x-rated here!) and ends up having to follow orders from Asher, who never fails to remind her that she lives in a bubble, literally. Venus City has closed itself off using some magic power to stay far away from the war that has occupied the rest of the world.

What I didnt enjoy in the book is how WHINY and SPOILED and NAIVE Braya was. She kept on constantly complaining that she isn't fit to be a bride because she IS a crown and that she is better than all those Finches (think muggle status in harry potter) and that men are all beneath her because her mommy dearest has taught her that. When she gets the bride role her mother starts treating her like crap, kicking her out of the house, calling her a rotten apple and a shame to the family name. What frustrated me is that Baraya STILL gives her excuses! i mean no sane mother would say such things.

I have mentioned previously that I am a fan of dialogue in books. I really get sucked into the story when the book has a ton of dialogue or even internal conflicts, however in Venus City, there is a lot of descriptions and details. Descriptions of buildings, surroundings, people's clothes; I admit that I skipped many paragraphs like that because if I didn't I would have felt restless and that the story was progressing very slowly. However whatever dialogue that was in the book was entertaining, especially between her and Asher.

Overall Venus City kept me entertained and even though I had a few issues with it, overall it was a good read, especially towards the end when the action really starts. I must say, that this type of series is where the second book in it would be better because the protagonist has finally matured and developed so I will be checking out the second book as soon as I can
3 musical notes

April 28, 2012

Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass - Juhina


The Selection (The Selection, #1)


Title: The Selection (The Selection #1)
Author: Kiera Cass

Publication date: April 24th, 2012
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genre(s): Young Adult (Dystopian)
Challenges: Debut, Dystopian
Source: Edelweiss
Format: eARC
Pages: 327
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.
I would like to start off this review by saying that The Selection was one of the most anticipated books of 2012 for me. I mean how could it not with that cover and it being dystopian? However I have heard some negative reviews for it so I started it with very low expectations. This, unfortunately, did nothing to keep the disappointment from happening.
This review will be slightly different and long since I have a lot of pent up frustration to let out. First of all, can we discuss the names of the characters? America Singer? To make it even more cliché, she IS actually a singer. We’ve also got Tiny and Tuesday and me trying to figure out that WHY, when you have the chance to name your characters, you would use these names? I might understand how the author was looking for uniqueness, but unfortunately that was not what happened. 
As for the plot, oh boy, I don’t understand why the book is classified as dystopian? And why it is written that this is “The Bachelor meets The Hunger Games”? How in the world is this ANYTHING like The Hunger Games? You just have a world where people are classified into social classes (from one to nine) and their work and financial life depends on that. How is this any different from how life is in our own world? Other than adding actual classification. That is the only thing that is remotely dystopian like. I felt that the writer did not know what to make of this book. First with the dystopian label, and then with the contemporary and realistic TV show theme, and then adding in rebel attacks to a kingdom. I just didn’t know what direction the writer wanted, it felt like she wanted to include all those themes but with a 300-page book, it’s not possible. With so many themes in the book, the themes can’t be explored deeply, which is why we get small snippets from each theme. 
As for the characters, I did like America however her feelings were all over the place. First she’s in love with her boyfriend, then when she’s in The Selection, she point blank tells the prince she has no intention of loving or marrying him, then only several chapters later, she likes him and tells him he has a chance! I mean really? Didn’t you just 5 minutes ago say you would never love him? Also, her and the prince strike a deal and I’m like “WHAT JUST HAPPENED?” and WHY does the Prince speak in old English? I felt like Mr. Darcy was transported into this book, where everyone speaks normal English except him. I didn’t like how naïve he is, how he didn’t know that people in classes six and lower are suffering. Why wouldn’t you know that? Isn’t this the most important system in your country? His surprise that people went days without eating just dumbfounded me. HE’S going to end up as the king? Wow, this country is definitely screwed. The romance felt a bit too superficial and I really didn’t like it. 
The ending, wow that ending was the most anti-climatic ending I’ve read recently. It just suddenly ends. I even flipped to the next page thinking there’s more, because I got nothing from this book. No revelations, no significant complications and I just really wanted to get something but I really got nothing. I kept on reading hoping it would get better because I actually did like the author’s writing style, but unfortunately, everything in between was a disappointment. I am giving it two stars because I did enjoy it on some level however I had too many issues with it to go above a two star rating. 
2 musical stars 

Review: Storm by Brigid Kemmerer - Farah

Title: Storm
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Publication date: April 24th, 2012
Publisher: Kensington
Genre(s): Young Adult (Fantasy/Paranormal)
Challenges: A-Z Challange, Author Debut, 
Source: Publisher
Format: ARC
Pages: 353
Add to Goodreads
Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they have more power than you dream.

Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys—all the ones she doesn't want. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water—just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They’re powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life’s at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who’s hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

The storm is coming . . .
Storm by Brigid Kemmerer really shocked me. A story about four gorgeous brothers, who have elemental powers. Each of the Merrick brothers have one element. Earth, Fire, Air, or Water. Becca, the main protagonist in this story, never had anything to do with those brothers who go to school with her. One day, that all changes when she sees Chris, the youngest Merrick brother, getting beat up by some other boys. I really loved how the author introduced the characters to eachother. I really found it a refreshing idea, and not the typical "new student". Though, there is a new student, and that new student is a very hot guy named Hunter. Now that's where things start to stir up. As you might already know, there is a really tense love triangle between Chris, Brigid, and Hunter.
Now Chris has other three brothers who are Elementals as well. Nick and Gabriel are twins, and Michael is the oldest brother who takes care of them. I really did like how every brother had a distinctive personality, but to be honest, I kind of got confused with their names while reading. As well to the names, I did feel that some parts of the story weren't explained properly. I didn't understand why the Guides wanted the Elementals, or what they had to do with Becca. Even though I didn't understand some parts, I do have to say that I did understand the story as a whole, and enjoyed it as well. In addition to that, the ending was a very non expected ending. To me, keeping the readers guessing and not finding out who are the bad guys and so, is really what makes a book a good one. 
Overall, Storm was a really fun read. Though at first it might have been a bit slow paced, good thing it wasn't like that through out the whole book. I really enjoyed the fantasy, the romance, and the characters, and I really cannot wait to read the sequel and find out more about Becca and the Merrick brothers. I do recommend it to all paranormal/fantasy readers, because this book will not disappoint. 
4 musical notes
 

April 27, 2012

Co-Review: The Pledge by Kimberly Derting


Title: The Pledge
Author: Kimberly Derting 
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Publication Date: November 15th, 2011
Genre(s): Young Adult (Sci-Fi, Dystopia)
Challenges: A-Z Title, Dystopian
Source: Borrowed
Format: 
Audio Book
Pages: 323
Goodreads 

In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution.

Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime. 
Farah:
The Pledge was the first audio book I ever heard, and let me tell you, it was a very fun experience! The Pledge is definitely a unique story where there are "classes" of people which is divided by the language they speak. The weird thing is that people of different classes don't understand each other's languages, but Charlaina, the main protagonist, does.
Kimberly wrote a book that was very unique and different. The thought of different languages and classes just intrigued me. Charlaina's power of understanding languages has to be kept a secret, and if somebody knows, she just might get in deep trouble.
Im gonna say while listening to The Pledge, some parts weren't clear to me. I couldn't quite imagine the events that were happening. I don't know if it's because I'm not reading the book and I'm just listening to it, but it did confuse me. Other than that, the story was fun, and interesting! 
Overall, if you haven't read it, you should totally give it a try! The Pledge is a mix of sci-fi, dystopia, and magic! Filled with fun and unique ideas!
3.5 music notes
Juhina: 
I have been hesitant to read The Pledge because I have not read that many great reviews, but when I found it in audio, I just had to give it a try, and i am SO GLAD I did because this book was incredible! The light dystopian element, the historical themes, the revolutionary plots. Every single minute of listening to this audio kept me on the edge! I would stay a couple of minutes in the car after I parked because I just didn't want to leave this world. In the end I ended up getting the ebook and finishing it because of how impatient I was and how addicting and exciting The Pledge was. 
The story is set in a world that is segregated by class, and where each class has its own language, however the protagonist, Charlie, has the gift of understanding and speaking every language; A lowly class girl understanding the sacred language of the higher classes?  a transgression that would result in immediate death if found out. However Charlie is like any girl, working at her family's restaurant, going to school, and hanging out with her friends. However when she and one of her friends go to a club, she meets Max, an alluring and attractive man that speaks a language that is unheard of, of course she understands it. This is when the clues and subplots fall into place. Charlie finds herself implicated deep into the center of the dictatorial and deadly regime. 
If you do not enjoy historical fiction, I would still recommend this book to you since the 'politics' in the book never truly make an appearance, yes there is a royal family and a tyrant queen, but the story centers around Charlie and only a chapter or two is dedicated to the queen. Kimberly Derting delivered a unique and amazing book with another amazing female protagonist and a tight plot and writing that would make you fall deep into this dystopian world. 
5 musical notes!

April 25, 2012

Review: Supergirl Mixtapes by Meagan Brothers

Title: Supergirl Mixtapes
Author: Meagan Brothers
Publication date: April 24th, 2012
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co.
Genre(s): Young Adult (Contemporary)
Challenges: A-Z Challange, Author Debut, Contemporary
Source: NetGalley
Format: Digital Arc
Pages: 245
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After years of boredom in her rural South Carolina town, Maria is thrilled when her father finally allows her to visit her estranged artist mother in New York City. She’s ready for adventure, and she soon finds herself immersed in a world of rock music and busy streets, where new people and ideas lie around every concrete corner. This is the freedom she’s always longed for—and she pushes for as much as she can get, skipping school to roam the streets, visit fancy museums, and flirt with the cute clerk at a downtown record store.

But just like her beloved New York City, Maria’s life has a darker side. Behind her mother’s carefree existence are shadowy secrets, and Maria must decide just where—and with whom—her loyalty lies.
I haven't read any reviews of "Supergirl Mixtapes" before, so I really didn't have any expectations for it. I just started, and hoped that it would entertain me. Judging by it's creative cover, I immediately thought that it was going to be about music, but honestly, it was more that that. Maria, the main protagonist, leaves her dad to live with and visit her artistic mother in New York. Her mother, Victoria, is a crazy woman with a really young boyfriend. I really felt that was weird, judging by how Maria had to live with both of them, but at the same time, stuff like that did happen in real life. 
While reading, it was a real chill contemporary book. Maria went to a rich school that her rich grandmother paid for. She didn't like it and didn't make any friends, so she kept skipping school all together. One day, at a record store, she meets Gram. I can't say he plays a really big part in the book, because the romance is kind of on the low side. Though for the first time in any book I read, the guy the main protagonist is interested in, is "fat" and not all that handsome. I really thought the idea was refreshing and different from all of the other novels. The reason why the romance was on the low side is because it's more concentrated on the relationship between Maria, her mother, and the difficulties between the both of them.
Overall, I can't say much about the book, but I did enjoy it. I do have to say that the ending did not feel like an ending at all. I was disappointed, but at the same time, I felt happy. It was a cute read, and I would recommend it to the contemporary lovers out there!
3.5 musical notes - A great read!

Cover Reveal: Redheads are Soulless by Heather White

This is the official cover reveal for "Redheads are Soulless" by Heather White! A new interesting novel that will captivate many readers! Check this beauty out!
Dont you just love it? I bet since your so in love with the cover right now, why not check what the story is about? Here is a blurb of the book!
High School senior, Sofia Black, has had a very hard life. Since her father's death 7 years ago, she has had to look after her drug addicted, alcoholic mother. School isn't any better for her either. The other kids constantly tease, and ridicule her. All she wants is to get out of her small hometown in Alabama.

When new student, Jason, shows up, Sofia's world is turned upside down. She doesn't understand why he wants to befriend her so badly... And, just when she thinks she can trust him, trouble appears.

Jason's twin brother, Robbie, moves into town, and things go haywire. Sofia is now running for her life - and Jason is forced to share hidden secrets with her. She learns the truth about her father's death, and finds out that she may not be as "human" as she once thought. She struggles to accept her fate, while fighting for her life.

April 24, 2012

Interview with book b-day author Elizabeth Norris!

Hello everyone! today is the release of the much awaited Sci-Fi novel Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris! *throws confetti* HAPPY BOOK RELEASE! This is Elizabeth's debut novel so be sure to show her some love in the comments below and tweet her congrats for her book release! In honor of the release, I have today for you guys an interview with Elizabeth Norris herself! Make sure to also check my review here, and also to go straight and buy it because this novel kicks butt!! 
Elizabeth Norris 
Elizabeth Norris briefly taught high school English and history before trading the San Diego beaches and sunshine for Manhattan's snowpocalyptic winters. She harbors dangerous addictions to guacamole, red velvet cupcakes, sushi, and Argo Tea, fortunately not all together. Unraveling is her first novel. 

Follow Elizabeth on 
Blog | Twitter | Goodreads 

Find Unraveling on Goodreads | Amazon | B&N 

Describe Unraveling in three words for the readers: Romantic Sci-fi Thriller   
When I read the synopsis of Unraveling I was really excited for the plot: FBI, countdown, world ending; how did you come up with this fantastic idea? It started because I was in a long distance relationship and thinking a lot about people who fall in love despite the fact that they're from different worlds. Once I had the characters and love story in my mind, I start thinking about the plot. The countdown was something that I thought would be really interesting--it's so much more tense than just "chapter 1" as a header.   
When did you know that you want to be a writer? I really wanted to be a writer when I was in school. I think it was in third grade that I started writing stories about my friends and I. I would write and then illustrate them. But when I graduated high school, I actually decided that I didn't want to pursue writing for publication. I had gone to a writing conference and realized how much I didn't know about the industry and also how sensitive I was (I pitched an agent and it went terribly and I started to cry). After that I spent a number of years working at different jobs and then writing for fun when I had time.    
The UK and US covers of Unraveling are so different from each other, which one do you like more? I personally LOVE the U.S cover.I love them both. I think the US cover is so different. I love the numbers in the background and the debris and fog too. It stands out next to other YA covers. The UK cover, though very different, also really fits the book, and it's incredibly striking. I love the expression of the cover model.    
If you found out that the world will end tomorrow, how will you spend the last day on earth? I'd want to spend it exactly how I spent my Saturday this past weekend. I slept in late, went for a long walk with my boyfriend and our dogs. Then we walked through Central Park and ate sushi at an outdoor cafe before going home and watching a movie and sharing a bottle of red wine. My favorite days are the quiet ones that I spend with the people who matter to me.   
What is your dream proposal? We already know what Janelle's is since she generously shared it in front of everyone in her english class, which I must say is one of my favorite scenes of the book! Like Janelle I would want a proposal that would be something special and just between the two of us. I think there's something to be said for a guy who can do something that shows he knows exactly what I like and what I think is romantic. I love flowers, strawberries and champagne though, so a proposal with those things would be extra awesome.   
What should we expect for your upcoming novel? Im dying to know, will there be a sequel to Unraveling? There is a sequel to Unraveling. It's going to come out in spring 2012 and it opens about four months after Unraveling ends. 

Check out the amazing trailer of Unraveling below! brought to you through HarperTeen's youtube channel here





MAKE SURE TO GO GET A COPY OF THIS AWESOME BOOK AND EAD IT IMMEDIATELY!!! 



April 22, 2012

Review: Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris - Juhina

Unraveling

Title:
 Unraveling (Unraveling #1)

Author: Elizabeth Norris
Publication date: April 24th, 2012
Publisher: Balzer + Bray 
Genre(s): Young Adult (Sci-Fi)
Challenges: Debut, A-Z Title
Source: Edelweiss
Format: Digital Arc
Pages: 445
Add to Goodreads
Two days before the start of her junior year, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit by a pickup truck and killed—as in blinding light, scenes of her life flashing before her, and then nothing. Except the next thing she knows, she's opening her eyes to find Ben Michaels, a loner from her high school whom Janelle has never talked to, leaning over her. And even though it isn't possible, she knows—with every fiber of her being—that Ben has somehow brought her back to life. 

But her revival, and Ben's possible role in it, is only the first of the puzzles that Janelle must solve. While snooping in her FBI agent father's files for clues about her accident, she uncovers a clock that seems to be counting down to something—but to what? And when someone close to Janelle is killed, she can no longer deny what's right in front of her: Everything that's happened—the accident, the murder, the countdown clock, Ben's sudden appearance in her life—points to the end of life as she knows it. And as the clock ticks down, she realizes that if she wants to put a stop to the end of the world, she's going to need to uncover Ben's secrets—and keep from falling in love with him in the process.

From debut author Elizabeth Norris comes this shattering novel of one girl's fight to save herself, her world, and the boy she never saw coming 
Unraveling is the first sci-fi book that I actually ENJOYED, let alone loved! My older attempts at sci-fi have all failed but when I saw the cover of Unraveling AND the synopsis? I just HAD to give this genre another try and i'm glad I did! Unraveling started off with a bang (literally) and did not lose momentum until the last page and even then you cry a tiny bit knowing that you have to wait a whole year for the second book, because yes, this IS part of a series! 
The story is quite complicated so i'll break it down very simply: the protagonist, Janelle, gets into a car accident, she dies, gets resurrected and finds herself linked to several deaths that happened recently. She then finds a countdown to SOMETHING and it's her against time to solve the mystery while at the same time find out WHAT the countdown leads to, and from all the natural disasters and deaths that has been happening, when the countdown clicks on 00:00:00:00 she obviously won’t be welcomed with a bouquet of flowers. I loved how SO MANY THINGS were going on in this book! The whole plot of her being revived and the romantic plot with her and Ben, who she thinks is the one who revived her. Then we’ve got her dad, who is an FBI agent and her snooping through his files to try to figure out why are all these other people dying. Lastly we’ve got the countdown that keeps taunting us, telling us that time is running out and no matter how much we guess, we won’t get there in time. It was just exhilarating! Not a dull moment! 
As for the characters, we’ve got Janelle, our kick butt protagonist who never takes no for an answer. I really liked her and I loved how level-headed she was. She wasn’t afraid to take risks but at the same time she was still a normal teenager, one who resented her bi-polar mother for always having to be taken care of and at the same time she also felt a little bit of resentment towards her father for devoting all of his time for work just to avoid having to deal with their family mess. We also have Ben, the boy in shinning armor, however his appearance is the opposite of that; hanging out with the wrong crowd and keeping to himself in school. He is basically the quiet brooding type that has so many deep layers if you just get past what he wants everyone to see. I liked him instantly! 
The ending of Unraveling left me broken and maybe I liked the ending, and maybe I didn’t, I just can’t make up my mind. I would classify it as a love-hate feeling, I love it because of how different and realistic that ending was, even though it is sci-fi. However I didn’t see that ending AT ALL and while I wouldn’t say it broke my heart, I just didn’t get the closure I wanted. If I had the second book right now I would have said that I LOVED IT!!! But having to wait a whole year... my heart just needs that book. All in all I enjoyed Unraveling, and even though I’m still getting used to enjoying sci-fi, because of it I will definitely pick up more. I just need to get used to sci-fi! I would definitely recommend it to anyone who might ask me about it, because it’s worth the read! 
4 musical notes!