Blog Tour: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (Review + Giveaway)

A Court of Thorns and Roses
by Sarah J. Maas

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Release Date: May 5,  2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's
Source: Borrowed (Thank you, Louisse!)
Links: Goodreads 

SYNOPSIS

A thrilling, seductive new series from New York Timesbestselling author Sarah J. Maas, blending Beauty and the Beast with faerie lore.

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Undeniably Beautiful and Heartbreakingly Real: Confess by Colleen Hoover

Confess
by Colleen Hoover

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Release Date: March 10, 2015
Publisher: Atria Books
Source: Own Copy/Bought
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | iBooks

SYNOPSIS

Auburn Reed has her entire life mapped out. Her goals are in sight and there’s no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a risk and puts her heart in control, only to discover Owen is keeping major secrets from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.

The last thing Owen wants is to lose Auburn, but he can’t seem to convince her that truth is sometimes as subjective as art. All he would have to do to save their relationship is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin…

Blog Tour: The Young Elites by Marie Lu (Review + Giveaway)

The Young Elites

by Marie Lu

Genre: Young Adult, Sci-Fi, Dystopia, Romance
Release Date: October 7, 2014
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Source: Borrowed
Links: Goodreads 

SYNOPSIS

I am tired of being used, hurt, and cast aside.

Adelina Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina’s black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family’s good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever’s survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars—they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.
Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it’s Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.  

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they’ve never seen. 

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn’t belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her. 

It is my turn to use. My turn to hurt.

Esoteric and Pure Genius: I Wrote This For You by pleasefindthis (Iain S. Thomas)

I Wrote This For You

by Iain S. Thomas

Genre: Poetry, Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult
Release Date: December 14, 2011
Publisher: Central Avenue Publishing
Source: Bought from iTunes
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Blog

SYNOPSIS

I need you to understand something. I wrote this for you. I wrote this for you and only you. Everyone else who reads it, doesn’t get it. They may think they get it, but they don’t. This is the sign you’ve been looking for. You were meant to read these words.

Mind-blowing and Heart-wrenching: Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

Maybe Someday
by Colleen Hoover

Genre: New Adult, Romance
Release Date: March 18, 2014
Publisher: Atria Books

Source: Own Copy/Bought
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Blog

SYNOPSIS
At twenty-two years old, aspiring musician Sydney Blake has a great life: She’s in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her good friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers Hunter cheating on her with Tori—and she is left trying to decide what to do next.

Sydney becomes captivated by her mysterious neighbor, Ridge Lawson. She can’t take her eyes off him or stop listening to the daily guitar playing he does out on his balcony. She can feel the harmony and vibrations in his music. And there’s something about Sydney that Ridge can’t ignore, either: He seems to have finally found his muse. When their inevitable encounter happens, they soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one…

Swoon-worthy: Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry #1) by Simone Elkeles

Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry #1)

by Simone Elkeles

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Release Date: December 23, 2008

Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers

Source: Bought/Own Copy

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Blog

SYNOPSIS

A fresh, urban twist on the classic tale of star-crossed lovers.

When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created 'perfect' life is about to unravel before her eyes. She's forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for: her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. 

Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more.

In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

REVIEW

Oh, why did I just read this now? This book was beyond what I expected! Okay, the story maybe a bit cliche, but the way it was written. Elkeles did a GREAT job writing the story! Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down! What can I say? I was so engrossed with the story that I was so annoyed when I was asked to put the book down.

“We're actors in our lives, pretendin' to be who we want people to think we are.” 

First, we meet Brittany. She is a girl living the perfect life the north side of town, but in reality, she has her fair share of problems. At home, she is the one who takes care of her sister, Shelley, who has cerebral palsy, because her mother won't and her father is rarely at home. Alongside that, she also struggles keeping up her perfect image. Okay, enough about that! I like Brittany's character. A lot. From the beginning, I already felt connected to her. I felt her pain for being her parents' barbie doll, her struggle as she tries to make a stand for herself, and her anger towards her parents for using her sister against her. As you see, her life isn't really that perfect at all. She hides behind this false facade to make her parents and friends but as the story progress, we see this facade of her fall. We see her develop into a girl who hardly gives a crap about what people say about her.

And then there's Alex Fuentes, the town's bad boy who lives in the south side of town. He's a hot latino. He's very protective of his family after what happened to his dad who got killed because of a drug deal. Just like Brittany, he also hides behind this false facade of his. Despite the fact that he's in a gang, he's a really nice and intelligent guy. In fact, he doesn't really want to be part of the Latino Blood. He wants to leave the gang and study college, but he knows he can't because of its consequences.

“I'm losing control."

"Mamacita, I've already lost it."

There's no denying there's chemistry between those two. As cliche as it may be, they actually have this love-hate relationship. It was so cute watching them exchange banters. But of course, there's this something preventing them from dating each other. They can't date each other because they live in different sides of the town. If they date each other, Brittany would be judged not only by her friends, but also by her family. The question is will she risk losing her perfect reputation to have Alex by her side? You'll have to read the book to know the answer! *wink*

Basically, I highly recommend this book! The story and characters were greatly written. The plot maybe cliche, but it's really worth reading. I'm definitely looking forward to reading Carlos's book, Rules of Attraction!

REVIEW

Heart touching: The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

The Sky is Everywhere

by Jandy Nelson

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Release Date: March 22, 2011

Publisher: Speak

Source: Bought/Own Copy

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Blog

SYNOPSIS

Lennie plays second clarinet in the school orchestra and has always happily been second fiddle to her charismatic older sister, Bailey. Then Bailey dies suddenly, and Lennie is left at sea without her anchor. Overcome by emotion, Lennie soon finds herself torn between two boys: Bailey's boyfriend, Toby, and Joe, the charming and musically gifted new boy in town. While Toby can't see her without seeing Bailey and Joe sees her only for herself, each offers Lennie something she desperately needs. But ultimately, it's up to Lennie to find her own way toward what she really needs-without Bailey. A remarkable debut novel perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Francesca Lia Block.

REVIEW

The Sky is Everywhere tells a beautiful story about moving on and finding one’s true self. Lennie used to live behind her sister’s shadows, never making decisions on her own. That’s until her sister suddenly died. Now that her sister’s gone, Lennie is forced to take the spotlight and lead her own life. Along the way, not only does she struggle to cope up with her sister’s death, but also between two boys—one who makes her remember and the other one who makes her forget.

This book. How do I even? I didn't really expect this book to have such a huge impact on me because it’s suggested for fans of Sarah Dessen, and, clearly, I’m not a huge fan of hers. I read this book last month, but I still remember every single bit of it. I read it in just one day. Actually, I read a few pages before that, but I stopped reading it for reasons I can’t seem to remember.  A few days after that did I only read the book for real and damn, I couldn't put it down.

Lennie Walker.  I absolutely loved Lennie’s character. She’s named after the famous John Lennon. She plays the clarinet and she’s also a bookworm and a band geek. She and her sister, Bailey, were very close, so it was really hard for her to live without her sister alongside her. Throughout the book, she struggled and made some bad decisions Yes, it made me want to knock some sense to her, but I didn't do it, not because she’s fictional, but because I understood her.

Toby Shaw. a.k.a. Bailey’s boyfriend who Lennie kissed or who kissed Lennie. Either way, they kissed. Honestly, I thought he was a jerk base from the synopsis because why would you share a kiss with the sister of your dead ex-girlfriend? But when he appeared in the book, my opinion of him turned 360.  He’s a nice guy, seriously. You’ll see why he did it once you read the book.

Joe Fontaine. If I loved Lennie, well, I loved loved Joe Fontaine. What can I say? I was instantly drawn to him from the beginning.  How can I not? He’s a musical genius who just got back from France. He’s a very enthusiastic person. He has long eyelashes. Bat. Bat. Bat. For Lennie, he’s like a breath of fresh air because unlike Toby, he makes her forget about her sorrows and grieves. In short, he’s the perfect book-friend.

If you're looking for a powerful read, then I highly suggest you read The Sky is Everywhere. It's the kind of story that leaves a mark on you whether you like it or not.

                                                                                                                 

RATING

(Fix You Blog Tour) Review + Giveaway

*click on banner for tour schedule

Thanks for stopping by my little stop in the Fix You Blog Tour hosted by Julie of
AToMR Tours. Be sure to go over the post because a giveaway awaits you below.

Fix You

by Beck Anderson

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit, Adult

Release Date: September 10, 2013
Publisher: Omnific Publishing

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Synopsis:

When Kelly Reynolds’s husband died, he left her—the awkward, cautious one—to raise their two young boys. She’s pieced herself back together, barely. Now she takes refuge in her routine: running her kids around and running the trails near her Idaho home.

Two years after her husband’s death, a chance encounter on a run brings Andrew into her life. But Andrew is Andy Pettigrew, the Andy Pettigrew, famous actor. Kelly hates risk, and a love affair with Andrew is certainly tempting fate. She doesn’t fit into his Hollywood world. She doesn’t own a pair of Louboutins, and she couldn’t walk five paces in them if she did. Andrew oozes cool. She reeks of dork.

But despite this, they click. It may be inexplicable, but it works. However, it’s also becoming clear that Andrew struggles with the pressures of his fame. Kelly’s hold on a so-called normal life is already tenuous, and as much as she might want to indulge the fantasy, she doesn’t know how either of them is supposed to cope with stalkerazzi and tweet-happy fans with camera phones. She and Andrew both have secrets that seem impossible to keep.

Beck Anderson’s witty, engaging writing yields an emotional tale of love, loss, and all the little things that make up a life. In the end, what is it that really holds us together? Kelly must decide if love can fix two people who might be broken beyond repair. 

___________________________________________________

Review:

“Yes, there are stages of grief. Yes, there are plenty of abysses that seem to suck any attempt at normalcy into them. But routine often saves me.”

Fix you is a beautifully written story that perfectly captures the hardhips of love, loss, defeat, and fresh starts. This being my first (that I know of) chicklit novel, I had remembered to keep my expectations low because it's my first novel in the genre and I dont want to be disappointed and drop the genre all together. But keeping my expectations lo didn't benefit me, it benefitted the book—it made it all the more amazing. With this good start with chicklit, I am planning to read more, all thanks to you, Beck!

Kelly, from self-loathing cocoon, transformed into a butterfly! I love reading her because of their barters! Reading her exchanges with Andy was just so sweet! I loved how beck rode against the tide and decided to write the a real woman because most of the girls around here can't cook, can't clean, and I just love that about Kelly! 

I absolutely loved the plot. The build up was exuberant, not at all tiring. I didn't get tired of Kelly constant bickering that she is beyond fixing and all that because I totally understand where she comes from, having just lost a husband, it is really hard to balance a life connected to Andrew—a life of flashing cameras, magazine covers, and constant gossip. So they agree on a friendship, but thier undeniable attraction toward each other brings them closer and closer together to a point that they can neither hide their feelings for each other. To be together is a huge risk for Kelly, one that cannot be undone. How will she survive if her heart gets broken the second time around? Can Andrew, the man that is all that she wants in their moments together, act like that in public under consistent scrutiny?

 The fact that the plot was very engaging kept me up all night! It had me crying, shouting, and "Aaaw"-ing the whole time!

Rating:

GIVEAWAY

___________________________________________________

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

___________________________________________________

Beck Anderson believes in the power of perfectly imperfect women and in the healing power of love. Her new novel, Fix You, grew out of those beliefs and the time to write afforded by the worst Thanksgiving blizzard she’s ever witnessed in West Yellowstone.&nbsp

Beck balances (clumsily at best) writing novels and screenplays, working full-time as an educator, mothering two pre-teen males, loving one post-40 husband, and making time to walk the foothills of Boise, Idaho, with Stefano DiMera Delfino Anderson, the suavest Chihuahua north of the border.

Beck elsewhere:
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Passionate and Spectacular: Prodigy (Legend, #2) by Marie Lu

Prodigy (Legend, #2)
by Marie Lu

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Dystopia

Release Date: January 29, 2013

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Source: Bought/Own Copy

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Website

Synopsis:   

Injured and on the run, it has been seven days since June and Day barely escaped Los Angeles and the Republic with their lives. Day is believed dead having lost his own brother to an execution squad who thought they were assassinating him. June is now the Republic's most wanted traitor. Desperate for help, they turn to the Patriots - a vigilante rebel group sworn to bring down the Republic. But can they trust them or have they unwittingly become pawns in the most terrifying of political games?  

___________________________________________________

Review:

"The first time I saw you, when you stepped into that skiz ring against Kaede, I thought you were the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen. I could've watched you forever. The first time I kissed you...well, that might as well have been my first kiss ever." 

It's a bit surprising for me to actually like the second book of a series, but much to my surprise, I actually like the second book better. Not only do we have a great sequel, it actually managed to avoid the pit of books that suffer from the second book syndrome! Prodigy managed to go above my mile-high expectations and then some. I was grasping the last couple of pages for dear life and crying and crying and crying. 

Lu, as expected, did not shatter my expectations; It even went beyond them. It was even better than it's legendary predecessor. It got better and bolder and it burned with a much brighter flame. In both writing and pacing, Prodigy is far more impeccable. I have to say that her take on the dystopian society turned out to be pretty astounding. I was enthralled in the world Lu created with little trouble at all. Though I have to say that many questions were being raised as to how the Republic's system works during Legend, but Prodigy has successfully managed to answer all the queries of the curious minds.

In Prodigy, Lu continues the story of Day and June after having escaped an execution attempt at Los Angeles. They are trying to bring down the government infected with corrupt officials and the only way to stop them is to destroy the system itself. The duo escape to the east side of what is known today as the United Stated of America where it's called the Colonies of America. The Patriots, or the rebels whose lives are dedicated to damage the Republic's system, and June and Day head out for a dangerous mission and they're having second thoughts. 

In the second installment of the Legend trilogy, Day still proves to be the modern day Robin Hood. Although, being the opposite of June, he still fails to disregard his emotions in making decisions. It always weighs more than the consequences, and that's what I love about him the most. He loves wholly, it's his nature AND GAAAAH THAT ENDING. I remember finishing this book and just staring at a blank spot on the wall for minutes that seemed like hours... Was I the only one? Okay, then.

As for June.. Hmm, there's just so much to be said about her. I loved her kick-ass-ness (Is there such a word?) I loved how she's capable of putting the enormity of the decision first, then her emotions later. She reminds me so much of the heroine in CW's show Nikita. Although Nikita's the criminal and Michael is the one hunting her down! (You should totes watch that show!) But I didn't like her towards the end of the book. LIKE WHY DID YOU LET SOMEONE LIKE DANIEL ALTAN WING GO? ONE IN THEIR RIGHT MIND DOES NOT DO THAT

Though Prodigy wasn't as fat-paced as I expected, it still blew my mind. I loved how Lu made to plot focused on the problem at hand and not the romantic relationships between the characters. The way she introduced the secondary characters that proved to be integral in this series's end. I loved how she writes them in dual POVs. It's like watching the same event in two different TV screens put beside each other, I agree that for some, that doesn't sound indulging, but I am telling you right now that I just can't tell people how awesome this book is because it's like love. And love is complicated as it is great, so just go ahead and pick up a copy and sink you teeth into this one!

Rating:

Unputdownable and Compelling: Legend by Marie Lu

Legend (Legend, #1)
by Marie Lu

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Dystopia

Release Date: November 29, 2011

Publisher: Putnam Juvenila

Source: Bought/Own Copy

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Website

Synopsis:   

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.  

___________________________________________________

Review:

“Each day means a new twenty-four hours. Each day means everything's possible again. You live in the moment, you die in the moment, you take it all one day at a time.”

The feeling of apprehensiveness was creeping up on me while I was contemplating whether to buy this book or not. I was really hesitant because people (and the reviews on the cover) carry the message that this book has a great amount of correspondence with Hunger Games—and it is a well-known fact that I am not a big fan of Hunger Games—, but I kept my mind open. And thank God because it was love at first word. 

I am at loss for words because there's just so much to say that I can't verbalize. Right now, I am sitting in stunned silence because of the beauty of this book. And that means so much considering I talk almost every minute of waking. Wow, just wow.

With the influx of YA novels this past few years, only a handful tend to impress me. And Legend is amongst that handful because Marie Lu's debut novel is nothing if not ambitious. We are presented with a book that has complicated love story, a distant war, and attempts of execution. The twists and turns of this book were not expected and Legend really does deserve an award for the most unforeseen plot twists! And that's coming from a person who, by reading one too many novels, has mastered the twists and turns of the YA genre. 

Legend tells the story of two 15-year-olds, Day and June, who couldn't be more different, living on The Republic or known as the West side of US. Day, the Republic's most wanted criminal, also a kid form the poor sectors struggles to keep his family together because of his status. June, on the other hand, has grown up in one of the wealthiest sectors and has a bright future ahead of her. Their paths cross after June's brother, a soldier of the Republic, is found dead during a break-in attempt by Day at a hospital. Now, June is hellbent on getting revenge for his brother and The Republic uses her thirst for justice and is having her track Day. However, as more secrets are revealed, her world tilts off it's axis and she finds herself shifting from one allegiance to another.  

The plot was incredible! It was fast-paced, and nothing was ever just a filler. At the very first chapter, Lu gets right to the point and introduces June Iparis as The Republic's Prodigy and Day as The Republic's most wanted criminal. At the beginning of the book, Metias, June's brother, dies and the interesting parts go on from there. Now you might think that the build-up would, sooner rather than later, be boring. But I am telling you right now that it did not! While writing this paragraph, there's a phrase on my mind that sums up this whole paragraph: Everything just keeps getting better and better. And better did it get.

Now onto Day, or Daniel Altan Wing (Don't even get me started on how good he looks and how his hair feels when I run my fingers through it) He's like the modern day Aladdin because he steals from the rich and give them to the less to his side of town. He steals goodies for the poor, will do everything and I mean everything for his family. (Isn't that heartwarming?) He's such a sweet, caring, optimistic, and charismatic guy. I could go on and on, but I chose not to because this review might hold the record for Longest Book Review of All Time indefinitely. 

As for June, I really loved her character. She's the mirror image of Day—only born richer. What made me say that? She's selfless and she will do anything to bring his brother justice. I really like the way Lu portrays us girls because in some books they take care of us as though we're spineless, though a little bit of pampering's nice too, I really like reading books with strong female heroins because it makes me feel badass. I really understand where she comes from. She didn't question The Republic and their motives because that's what she grew up with. That's how she sees The Republic, honest and wants the best for their people. But as secrets unfold, she became the warrior that I saw her to be. She sucked it up and went with the flow. When life gives you lemons you ought to make lemonade right? 

With a novel this complex and intriguing, only one stays constant: the writing. Lu's writing is one of the best! She doesn't make it too long to eventually get tired and mark it as DNF, and not too short to make it seem as though it's a novella. She uses the right complexity of words that won't get you running for your dictionary most of the time, and uses just the right amount of descriptive words to make your surroundings match those of the book's. I really felt like I was a June or Day when they were fighting and it was a nice experience since I don't come out of the house that much often. Thank you Marie Lu for making me feel like I can scale a 10-storey building! Haha.

To sum up, Legend was a breath of fresh air! A novel standing out from those cliché ones that don't even surprise me. If you're still stubborn and won't read Legend even if I put it on a pedestal, then it's your loss because Legend is Legendary.

Rating:

Hunger Games meets Graceling: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass

by Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, High Fantasy

Release Date: August 7, 2012

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Source: Bought/Own Copy

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Website

Synopsis:

In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king's champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.

The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass--and it's there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena's fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world.

___________________________________________________

Review: 

First and foremost, I would like to thank Sarah J. Maas for creating such a wonderful story. This book has once again rendered me speechless. It shocks me how this book have managed to grip me for the second time since not all books can do that for they usually lose their magic the second time I read them, but Maas somehow made this book compelling that it makes me want to reread it all over again. It has everything of what I look for when it comes to YA novels; strong heroine, action, mystery, romance and as always, a swoon-worthy boy, or boys, rather. Not to mention its very unique plot. 

Celaena Sardothien used to be Adarlan's most notorious assassin. Not only was she famous for her killer skills, but also for her deadly looks. But everything changed the moment she got captured. She was no longer Adarlan's most notorious assassin but a mere slave in the salty mines of Endovier. After a year of slavery, she's now greeted by the Crown Prince of Adarlan, Dorian Havilliard, and the captain of the guard, Chaol Westfall, with a chance to regain her freedom by participating in a contest which will decide who'll be the champion of the King she hates so much. 

I am completely in awe of the plot. It is so engaging to the point that I couldn't put the book down while I was reading it. There was never a dull moment in it—every moment either had romance, mystery or action in it. The way she blended those 3 aspects into one story makes me want to give this book more than five stars. Though the story did remind me of Hunger Games and Graceling, I can assure you that Throne of Glass is very different from those two. The only thing that it has in common with Graceling is the high-fantasy world and the heroine being an assassin whilst the competition in the Hunger Games being similar to the competition in this book. Asides from those and that they’re all in my all-time favorites shelf, it's safe to say that Throne of Glass has nothing more in common with those two books. 

Plot aside, the writing style of Maas is something to die for. It certainly did an excellent job in making this book even more beautiful. I love that it's written in third person pov and that she sometimes didn't immediately reveal who the narrator was, thus adding more mystique to the book.

“My name is Celaena Sardothien. But it makes no difference if my name's Celaena or Lillian or Bitch, because I'd still beat you, no matter what you call me.” 

It's no secret that I'm a sucker for strong-heroines and Celaena Sardothien is no exception. To say that I liked her is an understatement. Celaena has got to be part of my top 10 most loved heroines. I loved everything about her character. She knows she’s beautiful and she doesn't fish for compliments. Despite her being an assassin; she's feminine—she reads, dress up and play music. Though she may look strong outside, she's actually quite vulnerable. And the best part is that she’s not one of those self-pity type of character. She doesn't let other people stand on her, instead she fights back.

As for Celaena’s love interest or should I say, interests, Prince Dorian and Chaol Westfall are both handsome lads. Chaol being a cold guy on the surface, but actually sweet and protective inside. Prince Dorian, on the other hand, is kind, charming and also sweet. It was tough choosing who do I want Celaena to be with between those two, but I have to give it to the captain Chaol. I think Celaena's more fitting to be with him since she has more chemistry with Chaol than with Dorian, though I do love him. It's just that I didn't feel anything when they were together, but when Celaena is with Chaol, that's a different story.

All in all, I think that Throne of Glass is an astounding novel. It has a plot that will surely keep you awake, a clever main character who uses things to her advantage and a love triangle which, surprisingly, isn't annoying.

Rating:

(Sentinel Blog Tour) Interview + Review + Giveaway: Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Click banner for the tour schedule.

Thanks for stopping by my little stop in the Sentinel tour, hosted by Valerie of
Stuck In Books. Be sure to go over the post because a giveaway's waiting for you below.

Deity (Covenant #3)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Genre: Young Adult, Mythology, Romance

Release Date: October 31, 2012

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Source: Bought/Own Copy

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis:
"History is on repeat, and things didn't go so well the last time. "

Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday--to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner... and so is Aiden.

If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training"--which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time--she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.

But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed... and destroyed.

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate...

___________________________________________________

Review: 

"I'm afraid of never being allowed to feel what I do."

When I began reading Young Adult fiction, I remember thinking that everything was a huge revelation. Whether I was reading Suzanne Collins, John Green, or James Dashner, every story and its twists were unique and I was immediately hooked, so hooked that, apparently, I can say that I've, to a certain degree, learned the twists of this genre like the back of my hand. Too much that, honestly, the major plot twists that have other readers gripping their armrests come out to me like a plain piece of orange, or maybe a new bromance for a certain band. And It's sad, really, because, way back, I remember plot twists used to make me want to tear my hair out, but now not so. The same indifference to plot twists apply to this book, but it was kick-ass nonetheless.

In Jennifer L. Armentrout's third installment in the Covenant Series, nothing is short of splendour, and Deity is no exception. The success of Jennifer Armentrout's novels comes as no surprise to those of us who have been reading her first series, Lux. I don't know about you, but there is something distinctly amazing about Armentrout's novels that makes readers go gaga over her creations. When I first read Covenant, I immediately thought wrong of the amount of its correspondence with the critically acclaimed series, Vampire Academy. The plot was sort of the same, but when you read all of the series's books, it turns out that really isn't. I was so pleased that this series finally has its own spotlight and is now out of Vampire Academy's shadow because, if you forget about Vampire Academy for a while and give this series a chance, it'll take you on a roller coaster of emotions and blow your mind.

Jennifer's writing is, as expected, just flawless! And every bit as ravishing and addictive. You just can't help but turn the pages, even when you whisper to yourself 'just one more chapter', you ended up finishing the whole book in a day, and just staring at the ceiling, thinking about how wounded her endings have left you (she writes the most gut-wrenching ones, I swear). This book just proves that Jennifer is, in fact, a GODDESS! (I love you, woman!) She just amazes me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. There's really nothing I could add that anybody hasn't said before.

For the characters, I really loved Alex, right from the very start, I worshipped the ground she walked on and was her number 1 fan. She was just so kick-ass and brave and amazing! Her development all throughout the series was just remarkable and totally relevant. Her recklessness and her tendency to just do things were the two most distinctive characters about her before, but now I have noticed that she weighs the consequences of an action which makes me like her even more because, let's be honest, who likes a protagonist who's always walking right into the traps? Certainly not me! Haha. Moving on, I also commend her newfound ability of decisiveness. She now acknowledges her feelings and expresses them unlike before. Though I ship her 10000000x stronger with Seth than with Aiden, I have to say that the step they took, and not to mention who she took it with, have to be worth it and permanent because, if not, I may have to strangle the life out of her when her heart decides that she really wants to be with Seth. But I badly wan't her to end up with Seth, so I don't know.

Hmmm, now onto Aiden.. As stated on the paragraph above, I am not a big fan of his. I do have to commend for the risk he has taken for Alex. It was sweet. Buuuuut nooooo! He's too cheesy for my liking. Sorry, Aiden lovers!

On the other side of the ring, there's Seth, the Appolyon. He was described to be manipulative, a liar, and a power-hungry traitor, and I think otherwise. Haha. I REFUSE TO THINK THAT HE IS A LIAR BECAUSE HE IS PERFECT OKAY? I just ship him with Alex because everything's as easy as breathing with him. Unlike with Alex and Aiden's case, they could be together without restrictions. And a plus is that he isn't too sweet, he jokes around and he doesn't think of Alex as a fragile little daisy. He treats her as his equal. And I really, really like his humour too! *wink wink*

Jennifer's third installment in the Covenant series was a surge of pure adrenaline, and, like all her novels, has Jennifer Armentrout written all over it—wit, humour, action, romance, and suspense. With the most plot twists and the gut-wrenching ending, this sure is the best book of the series so far! It brought some of the secrets out in the open, and toyed with my emotions. One minute I'm laughing and swooning, then in the next I'm thinking about throwing the book across the room! And the romance, oh the romance! Love triangles are always tough ones and this is no exception! I was a solid Alex x Seth shipper, but upon reading the recent novella, I'm not so sure. It just pulled my strings, and I was glad it did. Because I've been blinded by Seth! Hahaha, but seriously, though, I'm still confused as to who to ship with Alex. Help me out by releasing Sentinel sooner lol.

Armentrout's take on the mythology genre is sure one to watch out for because, in terms of writing and pacing, it is the best among the series! Keep up the good work, Jen! And please bring more swoon-worthy guys into my life! More power to you!

Rating:

Interview with the Author

___________________________________________________

For JLA:

Deity lets the Gods out of the bag.  Who’s your favorite God to write and why?  

Apollo. I just really enjoyed writing his character because of his personality.

For Alex:

The vanishing act of Apollo is sorta fun but his timing can be annoying.  If he wasn’t a God and still pulled that trick, what would you do to him?  

Oh, I would kick his ass.  I’m tempted to try it, God or not.

For Aiden:

What was your reaction to finding out the truth about Leon? 

I was surprised, but given the situation in which I found out, I couldn’t even focus on Leon.  I was too focused on Alex at that moment.

For Apollo: 

Were there ever any times that you wanted to intervene but didn’t to protect your identity?  

Yes, that girl needs a full time babysitter. I tried to be around, especially when I knew Aiden wasn’t with her, and I did intervene a few times without revealing my identity.

Giveaway

___________________________________________________

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

# 1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout Lives in West Virginia. 

All the rumors you heard about her state aren’t true. 

Well, mostly. When she's not hard at work writing, she spends her time, reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write.

She is the author of the Covenant Series (Spencer Hill Press), the Lux Series (Entangled Teen), Don't Look Back (Disney/Hyperion) and a yet untitled novel (Disney/Hyperion), and new YA paranormal series with Harlequin Teen. 

Jennifer also writes New Adult and Adult romance under the pen name J. Lynn. The Gamble Brothers Series (Tempting the Best Man/Tempting the Player) and Wait for You. Under her pen name, she is published with Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Jennifer elsewehere:

Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Blog

Funny yet realistic: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl

by Rainbow Rowell

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Release Date: September 10, 2013

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Source: Bought/Own Copy

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Website

Synopsis:   

Cath is a Simon Snow fan.

Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan . . .

But for Cath, being a fan is her life — and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving.

Reading. Rereading. Hanging out in Simon Snow forums, writing Simon Snow fan fiction, dressing up like the characters for every movie premiere.

Cath’s sister has mostly grown away from fandom, but Cath can’t let go. She doesn’t want to.

Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. She’s got a surly roommate with a charming, always-around boyfriend, a fiction-writing professor who thinks fan fiction is the end of the civilized world, a handsome classmate who only wants to talk about words . . . And she can’t stop worrying about her dad, who’s loving and fragile and has never really been alone.

For Cath, the question is: Can she do this
Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?

And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

___________________________________________________

Review: 

You know there are some books that once you see the title, you already know it’s a must-read. Well, I consider Fangirl as one of those books. Why? Because, if you don’t know yet, I am a fangirl, and if there’s a book out there that I sure can relate to, I’m sure it would be this book.

And it surely was. 

Cath is what most people call a fangirl. She loves The Simon Snow series to death. She has read it, watched it, collected things about it, and she even writes about it in this page called Fanfixx. And for her, being with her dad and sister, Wren, is enough. Then the unexpected happened. Wren decided that they’ll have to go meet other people, leaving Cath clueless on what to do....

“Look at you. You've got your shit together, you're not scared of anything. I'm scared of everything. And I'm crazy. Like maybe you think I'm a little crazy, but I only ever let people see the tip of my crazy iceberg. Underneath this veneer of slightly crazy and mildly socially retarded, I'm a complete disaster.”

Cath’s probably one of the most relatable characters ever. I knew from the beginning that she would be easy to relate, but I never expected it to be that easy. I must admit, she was a bit of an awkward character at first, but as the story progressed, I started liking her more and more. It was as if she grew on me. She can be very funny and geeky at the same time. There were times when she was stubborn, but,  surprisingly, I didn't find her annoying at all. With the help of her clever tongue and witty mind, I found myself enjoying the story more. 

On the other hand, there is Levi. Oh sweet Levi! I abso-freaking-lutely loved everything about Levi. I loved him from beginning until the end. I want to praise Rainbow Rowell for making Levi nothing like those usual contemporary guys–6 pack abs, oozes sex, etc. He is perfectly flawed to the point it made him perfect. He's the exact opposite of Cath, because, unlike her, Levi is outgoing, friendly and very optimistic. It is very impossible not to fall for him, considering the fact that he's like a ball of sunshine, always there to light you up. 

“You’re never going to find a guy who’s exactly like you—first of all, because that guy never leaves his dorm room.…”

Though Cath and Levi may be very different, they fit each other like it’s the most natural thing in the world. They were just so delightful to watch together! Don’t get me wrong, their relationship wasn’t insta-love. They started out as friends which slowly evolved into something more. To be honest, I actually had no idea that Levi will be Cath’s romantic interest, probably because of Cath’s relationship with Nick, her writing partner. I thought they were just going to be friends, but as Cath and Levi started spending more time together, I slowly realized that Cath has more chemistry with Levi than with Nick. I loved the way Levi handled Cath throughout their relationship, he annoyed Cath at times, but I'm pretty sure Cath enjoyed it. I also loved how their first kiss happened which is one of the most adorable moments in this book. It wasn't cheesy like how most kisses happens in contemporary books—it had just the right amount of sweetness. And when they started seeing each other—oh my Levi-Cath shipping heart—they were like bunnies with Cath always sitting on Levi’s lap. I swear! No human being is capable of not getting smitten by their relationship.

Just like any other book, Fangirl also has its flaws. I feel like the ending could have been better. I expected more from it, but, sadly, it lacks. Nonetheless,  I still think Fangirl is a must-read. It's humor-packed, yet realistic. It made me smiles in many ways, though it also made me cry because of the reality hidden within it. The characters Rainbow Rowell written were perfect for this type of story, and with the help of her writing style, this book is a page-turner.

Rating: