Dark and Entrancing: Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Cruel Beauty
by Rosamund Hodge

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Mythology, Retelling
Release Date: January 28, 2014
Publisher: Balzer+Bray

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

SYNOPSIS

Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.

 Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

 With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

 But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.

Review: Unspoken Sarah Rees Brennan

Unspoken (The Lynburn Legacy #1) 

by Sarah Rees Brennan 

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Mystery

Release Date: September 11th 2012

Publisher:  Random House Books for Young Readers

Source: Bought/Own Copy

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Blog

SYNOPSIS

Kami Glass is in love with someone she’s never met – a boy the rest of the world is convinced is imaginary. This has made her an outsider in the sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale, but she doesn’t complain. She runs the school newspaper and keeps to herself for the most part – until disturbing events begin to happen. There has been screaming in the woods and the dark, abandoned manor on the hill overlooking the town has lit up for the first time in 10 years. The Lynburn family, who ruled the town a generation ago and who all left without warning, have returned. As Kami starts to investigate for the paper, she finds out that the town she has loved all her life is hiding a multitude of secrets- and a murderer- and the key to it all just might be the boy in her head. The boy who everyone thought was imaginary may be real…and he may be dangerous.

REVIEW

I've seen so many people rave about Unspoken so many times, so when I saw a copy on our local bookstore, I decided to buy it without even bothering to read the synopsis. Only when I was about to read the book did I read the synopsis. I wasn't really amazed by it because it reminded me Beautiful Creatures; a book which I thought was boring. But then I opened and I saw a map. I am a huge fan of maps, so I thought there was a chance that I would end up liking Unspoken. And I did. The only problem was that it only lasted for about 50 pages or so before I started getting annoyed. And from then on, the story just went downhill.

I honestly don't know why this book has been receiving a lot of hype lately. I would say it’s me, not the book, but then I would be lying because I honestly believe that it’s the book. First of all, the dialogue was just so unrealistic. I don't think there was a conversation in this book didn’t have a joke in it. Second, the protagonist, Kami, was just hard to connect to. I think the main problem I had with her is that there’s a huge difference between brave and reckless and I believe her to be the latter. It was just frustrating to see her get herself into trouble. I tried my to understand her actions, but I just can’t. Also, she tells Jared that she's always on his side, yet she suspects him as the killer. Really, Kami?  Lastly, there were no transitions. I really hate it when a POV changes without a warning and when characters transport from one place to another. This book really needs to use some transition markers or maybe a page break. I would site more reasons why I don’t think this book isn’t worth the hype, but I wouldn’t want to spoil anyone, so I’ll just leave it be.

Despite the weird dialogue, the annoying heroine, and the sudden transportations, I still enjoyed bits of Unspoken. Secondary characters—Angelica, Holly, and Rusty— were very fun to know, especially Angelica (you know what I mean if you’ve read the book!). The plot also managed to intrigue me. Well, at least the first part did where there were no corny jokes, the heroine wasn’t that self-destructive, and the mystery was still a mystery. So yes, I did enjoy BITS of Unspoken.

Unfortunately, those bits still weren’t enough. I still don’t like Unspoken. I won’t even  recommend it, but if you really want to read Unspoken, then you’re free to do so (because who am I to stop you?). But don’t say I didn’t warn you!

RATING

Nerve-racking and Prodigious: Champion (Legend, #3) by Marie Lu

Champion (Legend, #3)
by Marie Lu
Dystopia, Young Adult, Romance
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Website

SYNOPSIS

He is a Legend.

She is a Prodigy.

Who will be Champion?

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps-Elect, while Day has been assigned a high-level military position.

But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them: just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything.

With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion. 

REVIEW

“Sometimes, the sun sets earlier. Days don’t last forever, you know. But I’ll fight as hard as I can. I can promise you that.”

Oh, Marie Lu, I would undoubtedly trust you with the lives of my future child's, my own, and my future husband's. Holy shit. How does one even talk about this bewildering, yet upsetting book?

Out of all the other series enders released this year, Champion proved to be the best because it breaks my heart and patches it all back again. This was actually the the best book out of the three. You want to know why? Because this book has everything that will keep anyone, and I mean anyone hooked because of it's diversity; it's got action, romance, politics, and great characterization. Bravo, Marie Lu!

Plot: The plot. Oh my God, the plot. I have many things to say but one word seems to stand out: engrossing. Everything about it lures me in and Champion was gladly taped to my fingers the whole time! Having seen the Colonies, I needed more of their post-apocalyptic world, and that was what was given to me by Marie Lu. She gave me Antartica, the cool sims-like part of their world and it was awesomesauce! Also, the mix of politics, romance, and action was impressive. It was all inter connected. The problem with politics has been brought up which gave rise to the rekindling of the romance between our two protagonists which also gave rise to the nail biting action! It was all perfectly blended together like a frappé from Starbucks, complete with toppings (word choice of Mari Lu) that further adorn the said drink.

Writing: As expected, at this part of the review, Marie Lu didn't (couldn't) disappoint. DUH. It's Marie Lu we're talking about here, how could she mess up with the writing?

The book is told from both their POVs and, if you see this as one way to bring the book down, then I strongly disagree with your opinion because what the two POVs did was it made the book better! It was like seeing an event from a split screen which makes the action twice the more exciting! Though, I have to say that at times we already know what would be happening in the next chapter because of the POV of the other character, but that's fine! Who would want to go to a war blindfolded right?

Pace: This book wasn't so different from the first two in pace because they contain action which couldn't be written in such slow pace, but somehow, this book's pace, and I say this almost reluctantly, was slower (at first) than the first two which made me think that this would be a tedious read, but that made the end more meaningful to me. (THE ENDING GAAAAAH)

Junebug: I LOVE HER. I wrote too many "I LOVE HER"s at the first draft that I had to lower it down to one. GAAAAH, I JUST LOVE HER, I said that already haven't I? Now onto the reasons why I love her. Her development all throughout the series was extraordinary! From the bratty little sister to Metias, she became this loving, independent, strong, self-confident woman! She used to do anything to get what she wanted even if it meant a death of a person. And now, she chose to go through with her selfless promise that she'll let go of Day if that means that he'll live. She even thought that it's be better because without her in his life, he wouldn't be hurt by her. He wouldn't remember the death of his mom often because June was the reason she was dead in the first place. Okay, too much spoilers.

Overall: This is the proper way on how you should end a book and a series. The ending is the perfect epitome of an ending that's sad but full of hope. Looking back, I really pictured a more macabre and gruesome ending, and I'm glad that mu assumption was wrong because what I couldn't put into words, Marie Lu did. That was a perfect series ender.

RATING

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

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:

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:

Thrilling and Passionate: Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Just One Day

by Gayle Forman

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Release Date: January 8, 2012

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Source: Bought/Own Copy

Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Author's Website

Synopsis:   

When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.

___________________________________________________ Review:

“We are born in one day. We die in one day. We can change in one day. And we can fall in love in one day. Anything can happen in just one day.”

A daydreaming bibliophile or an aspiring fanfiction writer will often develop a kind of obsession over  a book—that kind of time-consuming obsession that you wish it were your work. To be in that position, I assure you, is not an uncommon reverie. For me, if asked, that certain book would definitely be this one. Because who's idea was it to cram Shakespeare, Paris, a hot guy, and Macarons in less than 300 pages? Me, most probably, but Gayle beat me to it!

Isn't it ironic how easily hard-built walls come down in a span of just one day? How, by one action, we can make or break our entire future? How, in one day, you can both lose and find yourself, coming back a changed person? If you say otherwise, then you would have to read this book, because remember, anything, and I mean anything, can happen in just a day.

The general proclamation echoed all over Paris is it's the city of love. Well, in this story, it truly is, and it isn't.

Allyson is almost to the end of her graduation present, a three week trip touring Europe, which is supposedly the best trip of her life. Or so she'd thought. She's spent the time traveling all of Europe, and now is in London for their last stop. In a fortunate twist of events, she meets Dutch actor Willem and they embark on an unforgettable journey. Under normal circumstances, Allyson would never, ever do such thing, but the past weeks have been a total let-down, and she's ready to take the first risk she's taken in weeks—take Paris, hand in hand with a total stranger.

Perhaps there is one introductory thing I should impart to you right away; I absolutely love the works of the wonderful Gayle Forman. Her past books, If I Stay and Where She Went, were absolutely stunning—both in style and pacing. That being said, I expected nothing less from her, and nothing less was what I got. A thing I love about Gayle is that she can make you feel as though you're wearing the shoes of the character, making you feel what they're feeling as if you've felt that way before (even if you haven't). This is the perfect coming of age novel for those who are in the midst of finding their selves, because their day spent in Paris proved to be a summary of life: unforeseen and continually altering.

Admittedly, the last time I felt such love for a character was when I read Markus Zusak's The Book Thief. Both female protagonists were fragile, and witty. It was really an enjoyable experience, reading from her perspective. She made me laugh at times when she was jealous of girls talking to Willem although having only known him for a day. I am definitely in awe of her character and her growth throughout the novel. From who was left broken from her past experiences, she sure recovered smoothly and became up and running in a period of time, albeit a long one.

Delightful and often times sharp-witted, Willem's character sure attracted many eyes of women both mine and my mom's age. He's the perfect amateur actor who thinks of himself less than what he really is, and that kind of humility is what's hard to find in men nowadays. Although he had his way with women before, Allyson sure changed him for the better. I loved his metaphor with stains because I  totally agree with him. Stains, according to him, cannot be removed.

This is where the beauty of it all lies; everything happening in just one day. The details, the moments of sweetness, and the way Willem sees Allyson's imperfections as perfect. I totally admire the concept of falling in love, finding, and losing yourself all in one day because if she didn't cram it all in 24 hours, the story would have been long and excruciating to read. Call me rude, but I actually would like to experience that than to die and not experience them at all.

Just One Day will make you swoon, cry, laugh hysterically, and cuss. It'll make you feel like you've just had the most expensive gadget in the world, only to have it snatched the second you take it outside of the store. It is the perfect coming of age novel complete with swoon-worthy characters and events that'll make your heart flutter, scream, and break into smithereens. Just One Year will take you on a roller coaster you'll surely enjoy. And with it's ending, you'll be craving for the new book in no time!

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