Shattered Souls
by
Mary Lindsey
Hardcover
336 pages
Published December 8th 2011
by Philomel/Penguin
Summary:
Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.
Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.
Thoughts:
I have a soft spot for ghost stories. Well, not really. After reading Anna Dressed in Blood and Hereafter last year, I have come to a conclusion. Ghost stories can be very cool and I would be totally blown away by it or it can just be that so-so read.
Shattered Souls is kind of like Hereafter for me. The beginning is painfully slow as we delved into Lenzi's tortured existence. For once, the characters are very flawed. Lenzi thinks she has schizophrenia like her deceased father and her boyfriend; Zak is going through tough times himself after he was thrown out by his mum.
Things got interesting when Alden arrived. He's everything Zak is not. Thoughtful, caring and understanding, Alden took Lenzi under his wings.
Dislikes
I guess I'm not a very patient reader. I don't really like to wait until halfway through the book to find out what really is going on here. Yes, after Lenzi finally embraced her true destiny and starts helping ghosts is when things picked up. But before that. Not so much. Her relationship with Zak is so not healthy. Zak is dangerous when he's drunk and Lenzi is afraid that she'll be lonely if she broke up with him. This feels so creepy.
Likes
Thank god for Alden! He's so nice and kind and patient and smart (swoon). Lenzi a.k.a Rose finally becoming the gifted Speaker is all his doing. I mean..you really have to be so patient to put up with a confused girl. Or a girl who thinks she's schizophrenia. Poor girl. She's been through a lot.
So much happened in the last few chapters and the ending is very touching. Gosh, I nearly cried. So I guess it is worth it after all to read this although I had a hard time trying to get into the story at first.
Recommended for: fans of Hereafter
Verdict: 3 stars.
In my TBR Pile & Dusty Bookshelf Reading Challenge
Available on: Amazon
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Review: Archon
by Sabrina Benulis
Published December 27th 2011
But within West Wood, a secret coven plots, and demons and angels roam the streets searching for the key to open Raziel’s book — a secret tome from a lost archangel. Some are determined to destroy Raziel, while others, like the beautiful Supernal Israfel, one of the highest of the high, wish to free him. And when the Archon — the human chosen to possess the spirit of a dead angel — rises as foretold, they will control the supernatural universe.
Torn between mortal love and angelic obsession, Angela holds the key to Heaven and Hell — and both will stop at nothing to possess her.
Thoughts:
Recommended for: fans of gothic horror
In my TBR Pile & Dusty Bookshelf Reading Challenge
Available on: Amazon
Friday, January 27, 2012
Review: Clockwork Prince
by Cassandra Clare
Paperback
Collector's Edition
496 pages
Published December 6th 2011 by Walker Books
The situation at the London Institute has never been more precarious. With Mortmain and his clockwork army still threatening, the Council wants to strip Charlotte of her power and hand the running of the Enclave over to the unscrupulous and power-hungry Benedict Lightwood.
In the hope of saving Charlotte and the Institute, Will, Jem, and Tessa set out to unravel the secrets of Mortmain’s past—and discover unsettling Shadowhunter connections that hold the key not only to the enemy’s motivations, but also to the secret of Tessa’s identity. Tessa, already caught between the affections of Will and Jem, finds herself with another choice to make when she learns how the Shadowhunters helped make her a “monster.” Will she turn from them to her brother, Nate, who has been begging her to join him at Mortmain’s side? Where will her loyalties—and love—lie? Tessa alone can choose to save the Shadowhunters of London…or end them forever.
Cassie just has this way of making readers feel for her characters. And the interwoven layers of story just kept me glued to every word in the book. So many things are going on that you just can't miss any of it. This time, we get to know each and every character a little bit more especially Will and Jem. Bless you! Damn..I can't seemed to stop talking about Jem. (Takes deep breath..)
Dislikes
I think that because Cassie focussed so much on perfecting her male characters that the female characters left a lot to be desired. Tessa is so uncertain in her feelings at times going back and forth from Will to Jem that I simply found it annoying. Charlotte is supposed to be the leader but she depended so much on her younger subordinates which is quite risky to say the least. I think I only profoundly like Sophie in this one.
Likes
Hmm..need I comment more on these? Other than the above mentioned character that I simply love, the fantastical mystery surrounding the Shadowhunters are very intriguing. I mean..really where did she get all these ideas? Demon pox? That made me cracked up. The ending is quite satisfying because quite a few things got resolved except for the little love triangle of course.
Recommended for: everyone
Available on: Amazon
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Review: Anathema
by Megg Jensen
ebook
204 pages
Published February 5th 2011
by DarkSide Publishing
Sheltered from the outside world with no hope for escape, slave girl Reychel dreads her fifteenth birthday - when her master’s symbol is burned on the back of her bald scalp. Her best friend disappears the night before, leaving her to face the branding ceremony alone. She soon discovers nothing is as it seems when people desperate for freedom beg for Reychel's help.
Can Reychel learn to believe in herself?
Thoughts:
The fantasy world created by Megg Jensen is intriguing and compelling to say the least and it drew me in very quickly. I love the mystery surrounding Reychel and how she tried to make sense out of it but some parts of the story just made me confused. This would make a very good stand alone book as I think there's not much that need to be resolve after finding out Reychel's true destiny.
Dislikes
Ah dear me. Another instant love in the form of Mark. I really had no idea where's the love connection between those two. The chemistry is seriously lacking. How come Mark is not attracted to Reychel's best friend Ivy? What does Mark sees in Reychel? I just don't get how they can be attracted to one another in such a short time.
Likes
I love everything about Anathema except the romance bit since I'm a big fan of epic fantasy. The way Megg Jensen weave her tale is quite enthralling and sometimes I can't believe that I'm reading an Indie book.
I just wished that the main character; Reychel have a lot more kick-ass action but I guess she will grow into her powers in the next book. Ooops is that a spoiler? Please ignore it then. :)
I seriously wanted to give this 4 or 5 stars but there are serious plot issues that really bugged me. So many hints have been mentioned throughout the story that when it came to the big revelation, I'm just not that surprised. I don't know..maybe I was expecting more.
Recommended for: fans of epic fantasy
In my TBR Pile, The Dusty Bookshelf and Self-Published Reading Challenge
Available on: Amazon and it's free on Smashwords
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wishlist Wednesday #11
Wishlist Wednesday is a wonderful meme created by the ever sweet Dani from Pen to Paper where we will post about one book per week that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added (it's entirely up to you), that we can't wait to get off the wishlist and onto our wonderful shelves.
Blood Will Tell (Warriors of Ankh #1)
by Samantha Young
Published June 29th 2011
Noah is an Ankh. As an immortal Warrior, his purpose in life is to hunt down and kill Soul Eaters.
Eden is Noah’s next assignment. Problem is… this is an assignment with a difference. Eden’s not your average, run of the mill, Soul Eater. Noah’s job? To test Eden for possible redemption.
It’s a risky business.
Especially if Noah awakens Eden’s inner monster.
It would be kind of hard for Eden to listen to the angel on her shoulder when the devil on the other is telling her, her new best friend is a lying, scheming, immortal enemy...
....betrayal is such a bitch.
So is Eden when you get on her bad side.
I'm on an Indie frenzy this couple of weeks after discovering some great Indie reads. I can't believe there's so many of them out there. Not only are they very cheap but some of the books are really awesome.
Other books in the series:
Available on: Amazon
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Winner: Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop
She picked Darker Still from Leanna Renee Hieber from The Book Depository.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Review: Cinder
by Marissa Meyer
Published January 5th 2012
Oh my God! Yes the ending is just so...I'm speechless. I can't believe that we have to wait a whole year for the next book.
In my Debut Author Reading Challenge
Available on: Amazon
Friday, January 20, 2012
Review: Shattered Souls
by Mary Lindsey
Hardcover
336 pages
Published December 8th 2011
by Philomel/Penguin
Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.
Recommended for: fans of Hereafter
In my TBR Pile & Dusty Bookshelf Reading Challenge
Available on: Amazon
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Wishlist Wednesday #10
Wishlist Wednesday is a wonderful meme created by the ever sweet Dani from Pen to Paper where we will post about one book per week that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added (it's entirely up to you), that we can't wait to get off the wishlist and onto our wonderful shelves.
by Megan Duncan
ebook,
Published December 14th 2011
Babble:
Available on: Amazon & Smashwords
Review: Savor
by Megan Duncan
Paperback
Published September 23rd 2011
Thoughts:
Verdict: 4 and 1/2 stars
In my TBR Pile, Dusty Bookshelf & Self Published Reading Challenge
Available on: Amazon & Smashwords
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Book Bully Week
Hi, everyone! Don't forget to head on over to Ruby's Reads to check out the Book Bully Week. A few bloggers (including me) will be doing guest posts every day and giveaway just to bully..I mean persuade you guys to read a series that we love!
I will be talking about the Abhorsen Chronicles (my.. how I love that series) and will be giving away the first book in the series; Sabriel.
Published September 30th 1996
Thoughts:
Winners: Raven Giveaway & YA Fairies & Fantasy Giveaway Hop
Sunday, January 15, 2012
In My Mailbox #2
Yes, I hardly ever do an IMM because almost all the books that I read was bought by myself. Wish my mailbox look as nice as this.
But no it actually looks like this. And that is my neighbour's cat. He just loves napping in my mailbox.
So I'll probably be doing IMM only once a month. Dear me. This is my IMM for December/ mid January.
From the ever wonderful Inara Scott:
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Review: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
by Catherynne M. Valente
Hardcover
247 pages
Published May 10th 2011
Available on: Amazon
Friday, January 13, 2012
Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop
Welcome to my stop of the Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop hosted by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Martha's Bookshelf.
Rules:
1. One winner will get a $10 worth of book from The Book Depository or $10 Amazon gift card.
2. As usual it's open to International followers as long as The Book Depository ships to you.
3. Fill in the rafflecopter and that's it.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Review: Matched
by Ally Condie
Paperback
366 pages
Published December 2nd 2010
by Puffin
In Cassia's society, Officials decide who people love.
How many children they have.
Where they work.
When they die.
But, as Cassia finds herself falling in love with another boy,
she is determined to make some choices of her own.
And that's when her whole world
begins to unravel...
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Wishlist Wednesday #9
Wishlist Wednesday is a wonderful meme created by the ever sweet Pen to Paper.
by Jessica Spotswood
326 pages
Expected publication: February 7th 2012
G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.
If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other.
Babble:
I just love witches and that cover is simply to die for. It's so pretty and classy at the same time.
Monday, January 9, 2012
YA Author's Appreciation Event
Don't forget to check it out, y'all!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
The Dusty Bookshelf Challenge
What?Another reading challenge? Dear me. Booksatruestory has this reading challenge that is perfect for me.
Details:
1. Write a blog post with a list of all those books that are literally or figuratively sitting on your shelf that you’ve been meaning to read for a while. OR You can join my NEW Goodreads group for this challenge! You can pick books that you bought and haven’t read or books that you’ve just been waiting to read for a long time. Feel free to use the badge I made at the top of this post.
2. Pick a level
~Pixie Dust – Read 0-5 books
~Dust Bunny – Read 5-10 books
~Cobwebs – Read 10-15 books
~Grungy – Read 20+ books
EXTRA CREDIT-Say how long that book has been sitting on your shelf!
3. Link your blog post where you are doing the challenge at the bottom of this post (with the blue button) and then enter the giveaway!
There's a few books on my shelf.
1. Matched by Ally Condie - since November
2. A Discovery of Witches
3. Possess
4. Haunting Violet
5. Born At Midnight - all since October
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Review: The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party
The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party
(No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #12)
by Alexander McCall Smith
Hardcover
256 pages
Published March 3rd 2011
by Little, Brown
Summary:
Whether you think of them as low stress mysteries or African cozies, Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency novels are irresistible. The twelfth installment of this beloved series breathes with the personalities of its main characters: Precious Ramotswe, Grace Makutsi, Phuti Radiphuti, Violet Sephotho, and all the rest. As always, the network of plots are woven into those personalities and as always, Mma Ramotswe confronts and solves personal problems that would embarrass hard-boiled American detectives, but will only charm any honest reader. Restful, arresting nighttime reading.
Thoughts:
I totally forgot all about this book when I was doing my Best of 2011 reads. I simply love Mma Ramotswe adventures. And as usual they are a lot of funny, stimulating and thoughtful conversations in Alexander McCall Smith's works. Maybe it is the African setting or the way McCall Smith has of making all his characters to be alarmingly charming and endearing to the readers. Well, except for that vile man-hungry Violet Sepotho of course. Ouch!
And besides Mma Ramotswe, I find Grace to be supremely likeable. Yes, she is overbearing sometimes. What with her 97 % in her Secretarial finals exam and the way how she has an opinion about almost everything but I can't help but love her. She's like Hermione in some ways. You know how the world treats confident smart woman who is not really high up on the looks department. Yes, she's that woman. And at long last she's getting married. To her not so handsome but filthy rich fiancé. Horay!
The characters are very near and dear to my heart and after following the series for some time, I can clearly said they're sort of my friends in some ways. Yes, the mysteries are there for the women detectives to solve but it's their story that will stuck with you.
The good thing about McCall Smith's series is that you can read any book in the series even if you did not read the first one. It is as much a stand alone novel as a series altogether. And yes, I have all the books in The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.
Oh by the way, I do read other genres other than YA fantasy so don't be surprised to read this review. Cozy mysteries are my thing too. And no, contrary to what most people think cozies are not only read by middle-aged ladies. I've been reading them since I was a teen until now.
Verdict: 5 stars of course!
Friday, January 6, 2012
YA Fairies & Fantasy Giveaway Hop
Welcome to my stop of the YA Fairies & Fantasy Giveaway Hop hosted by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and vvb32reads.
Rules:
1. One winner will get a book of their choice from the books listed below.
2. As usual it's open to International followers as long as The Book Depository ships to you.
3. But if the winner is from US then I'll probably order the book from Amazon.
4. Fill in the rafflecopter and that's it.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Wishlist Wednesday # 8
Wishlist Wednesday is a wonderful meme created by the ever sweet Pen to Paper.
by Dawn Rae Miller
ebook
Expected publication: December 6th 2011 (first published December 5th 2011)
Summary:
In the years following the destructive Long Winter, when half the world’s population perished, the State remains locked in battle against the Sensitives: humans born with extra abilities.
As one of the last descendants of the State’s Founders, seventeen-year-old Lark Greene knows her place: study hard and be a model citizen so she can follow in her family’s footsteps. Her life’s been set since birth, and she’s looking forward to graduating and settling down with Beck, the boy she’s loved longer than she can remember.
However, after Beck is accused of being Sensitive and organizing an attack against Lark, he disappears. Heartbroken and convinced the State made a mistake, Lark sets out to find him and clear his name.
But what she discovers is more dangerous and frightening than Sensitives: She must kill the boy she loves, unless he kills her first.
Top 10 Kick Ass-Chicks
Well, it supposed to be Top 10 Characters but hey I'm all for girl power. So my Top 10 Kick Ass Chicks this year (in no particular order).
1. Isabel from Mistwood
She's a Shifter. A creature that has superhuman strength and speed who is sworn to protect the King and his heirs. And eventhough she suffers from amnesia she can really kick some ass.
2. Maya from The Gathering
Another shape shifter. And she has this thing with cougars and mountain lions. Wow!
3. Calla from Nightshade
Eventhough I didn't really enjoy the book, I think Calla is awesome. She's supposed to be her pack alpha werewolf. Too bad she had to fell in love and had to sacrificed everything.
After reading and watching I Am Number Four, I just can't wait to read the rest of the series. Yes, Six is the main reason for that.
Saba could certainly give Katniss a run for her money. She even shaved her head! She was called the 'Angel of Death' because she's a fearsome female gladiator who always win.
You have to be pretty kick-ass to be able join the Dauntless.
8. Riley from Forsaken
It's hard enough to live in a world full of demons and to be a female Demon Trapper. And what's worse? Her dad died and now she has to find enough money to support herself and watch over her dad's grave. Oh dear!
Billi or Bilqis SanGreal is a lot like Riley. But instead of killing demons, she killed vampires, ghosts, werewolf and anything in between. And she's also the only female Knights Templar in London.
10. Katniss from The Hunger Games
She's the reluctant heroine fighting for her survival. Always protecting her loved ones but a bit clueless on the love front.
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