BOOK REVIEW: The Infinite Sea

"When you look death in the eye and death blinks first, nothing seems impossible."

DETAILS

The Infinite Sea (The 5th Wave #2)

by Rick Yancey

Published by Putnam, 2014

Read my thoughts on The 5th Wave here

Description: How do you rid the Earth of seven billion humans? Rid the humans of their humanity.

Surviving the first four waves was nearly impossible. Now Cassie Sullivan finds herself in a new world, a world in which the fundamental trust that binds us together is gone. As the 5th Wave rolls across the landscape, Cassie, Ben, and Ringer are forced to confront the Others’ ultimate goal: the extermination of the human race. 

Cassie and her friends haven’t seen the depths to which the Others will sink, nor have the Others seen the heights to which humanity will rise, in the ultimate battle between life and death, hope and despair, love and hate.

RATING

3/5

I like it

A GLIMPSE

I was quite surprised to see how thin this book was! I was expecting a 500 page read but instead I got a 300 page one. We still get the changing POVs separated by pages of black, and I didn't realize how much I've missed Yancey's writing style until I read another of his books. We get alternating 1st person point of view, and he maneuvered it so perfectly! The characters' thoughts are well constructed. It was very entertaining to read. It was very interesting, as if listening in on a lecture. By going through their minds, I learned so much!

However, The Infinite Sea bored me after I got to the 200th page. The pacing went into a halt. It was like beginning to read the book again, where you find yourself still grasping and adapting into the story and the characters. It would have worked if I'm into that sort of thing - a break after the climax, almost like a pause. But I didn't like it. I was annoyed. My adrenaline was crushed. I was bored. It could have been the prologue of the third book. But that's just it! If we take out the last 100 pages of The Infinite Sea, we'd be left out with only 200. Not enough for a book... moreover to a much anticipated sequel to an amazing book that is The 5th Wave. Given the limited opportunity, The Infinite Sea didn't offer that much "wow"scenes. Of course there were a few here and there, but generally, I can't seem to love this book as much as I've loved ad devoured over The 5th Wave.

WHY READ THIS BOOK

Read this book if you're read the first book - The 5th Wave. I'm sure you'd want to do that. But I would recommend waiting for the 3rd book to be released and then marathon it to the ending instead. Because seriously, you didn't miss so much on The Infinite Sea. Most of what you get is contemplating whether to stay or run... or according to Yancey's own words... die or die later. One second you get the characters wanting to run away, and the next they're planning to stay.

If you loved Stephanie Meyer's The Host, you may want to read The 5th Wave. Driven by the same concept, The 5th Wave stood beyond my top reads of 2013. Well written, entertaining, mind-blowing, and just plain interesting. Definitely worth the read!

A PLUNGE

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS

The Infinite Sea is less thrilling than The 5th Wave, but it held one remarkably wow moment for me. It was the scene during the climax- before we shipped POV and everything went on pause- when Evan revealed to Cassie his plan to end it all. It was the moment I've been longing for since I began to read the book. Evan's speech before Cassie took over was just heartbreaking, knowing he might die... this time for real. It was just perfect. Not just that very moment, but the plan itself - to let Evan take care of Grace (introductions later), so she can rendezvous to her safe house. And by the time the aliens mothership retrieve Grace from her safe house, Cassie would there to exterminate them. It was just... PERFECT!

But then here's the catch: Evan can die. I wasn't worried about this before because Evan's character has been introduced as indestructible. He's a Silencer anyway or one of them if you didn't catch the Silencer part. He won't die. But this time, he can. Why? Because apparently he's a robot and there's something mechanical in him than can crash when he over exerts himself. 

Here's my confusion: I didn't know it works that way. And it didn't make sense. I have always thought this being human and not of Evan Walker is the same as human is body but mind is alien kind of thing. Apparently not. The entire thing is mechanical, because it can malfunction. And Evan did. And viola now he's human. What? Please explain further how this entire process happened. I thought it was just inserting into brain and shit while the body was asleep, but given this mechanical concept, there must be something surgical. Of course, there was no mention of any of this even the word mechanical per se. But that's the point. I need more backstory on this. 

Here's another. If Evan's already human, how the hell did he survive the bombing and reunite with Cassie in the end?

On the other hand though, let me introduce you to two new characters: Grace and Razor. Grace is a new enemy introduced to us when Evan woke up. Apparently they have a history together. Now that is just interesting! I certainly loved her existence in the book. I may need confirmation though if she's dead or not. 

Then we have Razor, one of Vosch's guards who was introduced to us when Ringer was taken in by Vosch. Now he is a complicated character indeed, who poses threat into the Ben+Ringer love team we've all entertained in our heads. Oh no. Poor Parish.

Oh and poor Poundcake.

No wonder we get his backstory. It almost always either of the three: the author plans to kill him, or he gets to play a major part, or we get to introduce to a new character involved with the guy. I was thinking his long lost brother... but maybe not. And it would seem impossible now because he's dead... and a hero at that. A salute to you Poundcake!

A little side thought: Maybe Razor is the long lost brother? Highly unlikely.

Speaking of brothers, Cassie's brother, Nugget or Sam, sort of annoyed me in this book. I remember crying over their separation on The 5th Wave and admired their connection throughout the first book. But this time, I feel disconnection between the two. How can a kid pick his colleague over his sister? Maybe a grownup will, but Sam's a kid, and I thought their bond was so much more. He'd rather be with Zombie or Ben rather than be with his sister, after everything Cassie endured to rescue him thus keeping her promise. Annoying brat.

So I guess that's it, I cannot think of anything else to talk about... because, well, like I said, there's not much that happened in this book. Nothing left to talk about.

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BOOK REVIEW: Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac

"Not all of us have the luxury of being so exquisitely depressed."

DETAILS

Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac

Gabrielle Zevin

Published August 21st 2007 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Description: If Naomi had picked tails, she would have won the coin toss. She wouldn’t have had to go back for the yearbook camera, and she wouldn’t have hit her head on the steps. She wouldn’t have woken up in an ambulance with amnesia. She certainly would have remembered her boyfriend, Ace. She might even have remembered why she fell in love with him in the first place. She would understand why her best friend, Will, keeps calling her “Chief.” She’d know about her mom’s new family. She’d know about her dad’s fiancée. She never would have met James, the boy with the questionable past and the even fuzzier future, who tells her he once wanted to kiss her. She wouldn’t have wanted to kiss him back.

But Naomi picked heads.

RATING

2/5

It was okay

A GLIMPSE

First impression after the last page? What a circle of events. This book reminded me of why I don't like reading contemporary in the first place. Don't worry, it's a personal preference. Want to start a debate? Click here for my defense.

I read books to entertain me, and if I'm lucky... change my life in some way. Or if I need to settle for something less, at least I read books to get me swooned. Neither of those were achieved with this book. Thus explained the fairly average rating. If I had my way, I can even rate it lower, but since I've decided not too long ago to start criticizing books objectively (and not emotionally), I instead gave this book two stars; because it really is just okay, technically speaking.

The writing style wasn't complicated. The pacing was neither too hurried nor too slow. The only thing that did not live up on my expectation was the execution of the story. The beginning of the book was interesting enough, even the plot in general. To be honest, that was what got me into risking (reading) another contemporary book anyway. Though I have stated my dislike of the genre, from time to time, I convince myself to give chances. I suppose I picked the wrong book.

Usually when I read books, I get bored at first, until I reach over 100 pages and there goes the interesting plot that I almost always cannot stop reading. But this time, it was the opposite. Gradually, it went downhill for me.

WHY READ THIS BOOK

No recommendations cited

A PLUNGE

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS

I would usually pick open ended stories rather than the opposite, but this book's open ended-ness wasn't at all flattering. And that is why I said this book is just a circle of events. I felt like I didn't learn anything besides not knowing what "love" is because the main character was just a big mess that after another comes another and then maybe that significant other has been with her all along but it's too late because he already had someone else but then they break up so maybe they have a chance but maybe not because she might find a new guy after she forgets the previous guy which won't take long because it wasn't really love.

Once again, I'd like to quote the words of Naomi's bestfriend, Will, who seem to be the only character who made sense in the story:

"Not all of us have the luxury of being so exquisitely depressed."

Throw that in her face, bro!

Seriously, Naomi just pissed me off in all different angles because (1) she's not the only person in the world with problems (2) she's too selfish to appreciate what she has to blame everyone else around her (3) she decides immaturely and unsurprisingly regrets it later on (4) seriously? What does she enjoy doing really? One moment she likes Yearbook, then quits, then does not express her likeness of the field at all when she regained her memory but later on semi-re-join anyway when she no longer has James to spend her time with (5) and then she joins Acting claiming she's not into it but pursues it anyway (6) and then there's Photography she took as an Elective as a choice then regrets it later on but what the hell she initially photographed for the yearbooks anyway so what... does she or does she not like Photography or is just me? (7) and oh she's just a drama queen who overreacts over things she has no control of anyway and may just at the current state be temporary problems.

Dearest Naomi,

Your head trauma? Your amnesia? Your adoption? Your Mother cheated on your Father? Your Father's remarrying?

THOSE ARE NOT PROBLEMS DEAR, THEY'RE SITUATIONS. YOU CAN'T SOLVE THOSE. YOU CAN'T CHANGE THOSE. ONLY YOU CAN SIT STILL AND WAIT AND ACCEPT.

Yours,
Lilah Gran

Sum it all up and I guess that is why I usually go for books with strong female leads, not some petty high school girl who thinks she's cursed because she's adopted and that her Mother cheated on her Dad where in fact she almost cheated on Ace anyway, and couldn't just accept "change" overall, because seriously, it seemed like reading on a 10 year old girl's perspective.

  

That's all. And boy did it sound like a rant.


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BOOK REVIEW: The One by Kiera Cass

“The best people all have some kind of scar.”

SECTION I. DETAILS

Book Title: The One (The Selection #3)

By: Kiera Cass

Published June 5th 2014 by HarperCollins

Description: THE SELECTION changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. Now, only one will claim Prince Maxon’s heart…

It’s swoon meets the Hunger Games in the final instalment of THE SELECTION trilogy!

For the four girls who remain at the palace, the friendships they’ve formed, rivalries they’ve struggled with and dangers they’ve faced have bound them to each other for the rest of their lives.

Now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.

America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown – or to Prince Maxon’s heart. But as the competition approaches its end and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realises just how much she stands to lose – and how hard she’ll have to fight for the future she wants.

The breathtaking finale to THE SELECTION trilogy will make you swoon!

SECTION II. RATING

2/5

It was okay

SECTION III. A GLIMPSE

I think the book was okay but I wouldn't pick it up if it wasn't for the book cover, thinking how beautiful it would look on my bookshelf. I mean, I would have pick it up with no doubt in December 2012, back when I read the first book from the Trilogy (The Selection). But few months later, I think that was in April of 2013, all hopes collapsed with the second book (The Elite). Everybody might agree with me that The Elite was really disappointing. I also wrote down my thoughts on The Elite so if you're interested, click here However, hours after I finished reading The One, I realized I rated The Elite higher than it deserved. Does that explain the rating confusion? I am officially giving The Elite 1 star and The One 2 stars.

Compared to The Selection, The One is still slightly behind. But compared to The Elite, The One is absolutely winning. It held a satisfying conclusion, but nothing all mind-blowing. There were a few whoa moments, but for the most part I was just worried America would mess up all over again. Reading from her point of view is just frustrating. Dealing with The One almost felt like an obligation rather than pleasure. All simply because of Prince Maxon.

The One was able to redeem the whole trilogy, both character-wise and story-wise. I was glad the whole Northern vs. Southern Rebels were given enough highlight (and a good one) in this book, because frankly, I was worried on how it'd turn up while reading The Elite. That book was just a mess. Anyway, besides The Rebels, I'm also glad to get a glimpse of Celeste's mind in this book. I'd tell you more about it but I don't want to spoil anyone, maybe in a latter section I can.

Overall, like I said, The One is an okay book. It's nothing really exceptional as I initially expected. I suppose the story is too simple, but I see some possible plot expansions in it's Dystopian aspect.

SECTION IV. WHY READ THIS BOOK

If you're looking for a fast-paced, love themed, but still with a touch of Dystopian, pick The Selection Trilogy. However, if you decide to give this trilogy a chance, must you be prepared for frustration. America Singer is not the best protagonist out there, but don't worry, Prince Maxon will get you swooned! Well, not if you're a dude.

Also, if you're into reality TV shows, like the Bachelor, enjoy dressing up, or intrigued of the ways of the palace life, then this must be the book for you!

SECTION V. A PLUNGE

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS

I absolutely loved the attempt to soften up Celeste's character, though I should have known it's the Author's conscience speaking, while she formulates her death. Props for that, because I didn't see it coming. For a rather short trilogy, The One managed to tie itself with City of Heavenly Fire for character deaths. I'm still pondering my thoughts on that note.

America Singer is still frustrating. And throughout the coarse of the book, I realized how the Author was desperately trying to redeem her. I guess it somehow worked, but a part of her in-born stupidity still lingered. Who would have known her lack of think twice before you speak attitude would get the majority's affection? So kudos for Kiera Cass for turning things around. I know it's too late to cleanse America Singer's habit of doing things her own way, but can anyone imagine Mer on the throne 10 years from now? (If she still has the throne)

Three books and I still don't see her fit for the role as Queen; Princess (-in-training), maybe. But what better way to put Lady America and Prince Maxon straight to the throne than kill the current King and Queen? Seems too convenient. And what happens to the Northern Rebels? Oh dear, let's hope Queen America won't anything stupid... again. Or rather, let's hope King Maxon can stop her beforehand. Goodluck with that.

And let's not deal with America waiting to get caught with Aspen the day before she marries the Prince to explain the deal between the two of them. I find it impossible enough for America and Aspen to steal minutes to talk in the Palace without anyone seeing or hearing them. But just before the big event, it. just. happened. Perfectly plotted, wow. Not.

And then, there it is, just before he was about to marry someone else, next thing we knew, Prince Maxon almost died. But just at the brink of *possible* death, he realizes he can't let go of America, and boom... instant apology accepted. And boom... there goes the marriage.

I suppose when I look back, there is one plot turn that I truly enjoyed - the I am a direct descendant of Gregory Illea part from the Southern Rebels and the Oh gosh darn my Dad was a Southern Rebel part. Now that, is what you call a plot twist. Too bad, we're too busy sucked up in the America-Maxon love bubble that we didn't get more of the story.

And that is all, really.

Let me know what you think of The One if you've read it, and you haven't, yikes, I hope you didn't read the last paragraphs of this review.

Cheers,

Lilah Gran

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BOOK REVIEW: City of Heavenly Fire

"Forever doesn't make it loss forgettable, only bearable."

SECTION I. DETAILS

Title: City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6)

By: Cassandra Clare

Read my previous reviews on the first five (5) books of the series!

Description: Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell.

The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris - but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons?

When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned...

Love will be sacrificed and lives lost in the terrible battle for the fate of the word in the thrilling final installment of the classic urban fantasy series The Mortal Instruments!

SECTION II. RATING

2.5/5

SECTION III. RAW

Before I begin my initial thoughts, I thought I'd let you in first on the great hunt. How long did I have to wait for COHF? When did I get my copy? And how? Well, I did document it here.





Initial thought?

Is this it?

Frankly, I was slightly disappointed. Cassandra Clare is one of my all time favorite author because her books become better and better. I remember reading City of Bones compared to Clockwork Princess. Every book she releases just wows me, more than the previous. Well, not this time. City of Heavenly Fire didn't measure to Clockwork Princess (The third book of The Mortal Instruments' prequel trilogy, The Infernal Devices). Here's a side note: I also made a review on The Infernal Devices here. Be careful of spoilers, though.

I suppose my expectations were too high. However, there are some angles that I did love on COHF, including the journey Clare provides in her books. It's unlike so many out there - too rushed for the audience to connect with the story and the characters. Cassandra Clare always bring out the best story telling. The scenes weren't abruptly written. And that built up the tension, like pulling the trigger while the enemy is not looking - direct and unanticipated.

Overall, I don't hate COHF, I was just disappointed the most because I thought COHF will be better than Clockwork Princess, like Clockwork Princess was better than City of Lost Souls, and so on.

SECTION IV. CHARACTERS/PLOT



MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS

Alec Lightwood stood out most in this book. And I mean that literally. During the first five books, we see Alec only on the background, as our protagonists take the center stage. But he totally redeemed himself on COHF. I am also glad he ended up with Magnus Bane. For a while, I was really worried on Magnus's character all together, and I was more worried during the end when he was about to sacrifice his immortality for the group to escape Hell/Edom. I'm glad we finally get to know who his Father was, taking note that I haven't read the Bane Chronicles so I don't know much from his background. But holy crap has anyone guessed that Simon Lewis is perhaps the greatest hero on The Mortal Instruments? His sacrifice is so heartbreaking, although I didn't get exactly how he can remember anything at all in the far end. I mean, I understand that Magnus has great magic, but isn't the magic on Simon's memory far too greater? I mean, it was casted by Magnus's Father anyway, and we just learned that his Father is a demon prince. Even with encouragement, the circumstances will be too weird for Simon to believe in (as a mundane with no memory of Clary as her bestfriend). I guess that part doesn't make sense.

I also think the humor died down just a little bit in this book, and I actually miss the Jace Herondale we first met on City of Bones. I mean, yes, we get snippets of his jokes and clever interactions with other characters, but I feel like it's still lacking. Even Magnus's. I guess I just plainly miss the old days.

I also feel like Emma Carstairs and Julian Blackthorn were given too much emphasis on this book. (By the way if you still don't know, Emma and Julian will be the two leads on The Dark Artifices Trilogy) Don't get me wrong, I like them, really, I do. But TMI is about Jace and Clary. Emma and Julian will have their time. The prologue was acceptable and maybe a few snippets here and there, but though they actually play a huge part in COHF, I feel like Cassandra Clare just gave away their spark. At least for me. The whole mystery of Emma and Julian is gone. It's like Cassandra Clare focused more on COHF as a preparation for TDA rather than a conclusion to TMI. Because frankly, I did not like how it ended.

I mean it's satisfying, yes. But I expected so much more. Everything just went sideways. I felt like the opportunity to a great ending turned into a good one instead. I mean, here's one reason: Sebastian/Jonathan is the most careless villain in the entire planet. We get that he's obsessed with his sister, which is in part already weird, but trusting her all together and asking for a kiss? That is just plain stupid. How can a mind who thought of all his plans to destroy Idris can't even see his death coming?

All along, I thought Jace's Heavenly Fire will be the great solution to everything, but it turns out, it's just a solution to one: Brother Zachariah's cure. I would have believed it more if Brother Zachariah absorbed all of Jace's Heavenly Fire, that in return cured him, rather than a demon doing whatever shit it did for Jace to drain all the Heavenly Fire out.

The rest just sounded really cheesy, like when Jace took the skeptron (sword) from the statue in Edom and did not believe Simon when he said it's a trap, and also the matching red costumes of the Endarkened, plus the matching Morgenstorn swords. Like what? Those were like the most recycled plots ever. What happened Cassandra?

And lastly, what happened to Maia? Her character went from barely average (for me) down to zero. All along she's just playing off Jordan? Why the hell didn't she tell him? Why the hell did she put up with it? It's like Cassandra Clare made her circumstances easier to save time from writing too much on grief. Like a shortcut. Think about it. If Maia loved Jordan, and he died, she would probably just disappear in the story and hide while she grieves her loved one. Everything we believed in Jordan and Maia just collapsed. How disappointing. It would make sense more if Maia felt a little off ever since they started hanging out again. But no, it was too abrupt. Too sudden to be believable.

SECTION V. RECOMMENDATIONS



Well, of course if you've started the series, you should probably read until the end of it, especially if you liked the first 5 books. However, if all along you're just convincing yourself to love The Mortal Instruments, I don't think you should push harder. It's not worth it, well, at least the ending. But of course if you're planning to read The Dark Artifices by Cassandra Clare, then you should all read Clare's books. Preferably this order:

City of Bones

City of Ashes

City of Glass

City of Fallen Angels

Clockwork Angel

Clockwork Prince

City of Lost Souls

Clockwork Princess

City of Heavenly Fire

Yes, and that would mean reading TID first before reading COHF.

Cheers,

Lilah Gran

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BOOK REVIEW: Prodigy (Legend #2)

RATING (3:5)

DESCRIPTION

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?

DISCUSSION

I’m still deliberating whether to give this book an average rating or something lower.

I remember reading Legend (Book 1), and giving it a perfect rating because I truly did enjoy it. However, Prodigy made me wonder what it was in the first place that captivated me with the first book. The second book was a total drag, even after the first half. I remember thinking I just wanted to finish it off so I can proceed with my TBR pile. I did not enjoy it. I lost connection with the characters and story, and that’s me anticipating reading Prodigy right after I read Legend last year. Somehow, it makes me wonder if it would have the same effect for me if I have marathon-ed the trilogy instead. There’s one tip. And here’s another: re-read the first book if wanting to read the rest of the trilogy after a long break.

 On an overview, the entire premise was fairly average. Dystopian books all had these common grounds. I’ve read it too many times to even be slightly hyped. Love triangle. War. Opposing organizations. Diseases. Rebellion. Young heroes saving the day. (Hey, maybe that’s the whole “Dystopia” theme’s all about!) I say if you’re sick of the same plot over and over, move on to another. And because I have encountered so many familiar scenes/ characters, I have become immune of the twists and turns. I ended up anticipating everything. And the factor of surprise was no longer there, mainly the reason why I did not enjoy reading this book.

 Many of the characters irritated me, including the two main protagonists. I can’t find any reason for their self-doubts during the first half of the book. The author seem desperate to cause some love conflicts, she even added Tess to the list of third party attention seeker. I never really remembered much from Tess during the first book, except for being the little sister she was to Day. But the change in her character was too abrupt, that it all seemed fake to me. At a side note, I do understand where her jealousy came from. But then again, I think any other person who encounters such person in un/real life would hate the girl. She sounded very immature. She’s that kind of girl who feeds out of other people’s misery. And she has the potential to be the book’s next villain. She is that selfish.

 I remember precisely one dialogue from Tess. She said to Day, “You treat June differently.” I mean, seriously? Of course Day treats June differently, because he’s in love with her! Anyone who has the right mind can tell. And that, my friends, is why I did not like Tess. She sounds too immature, contrast to Day’s description of her growing up to be a lady; that she no longer was the young girl he saved in the Lake. How long was it since he was separated to Tess, anyway? All of a sudden she has this new life, this new personality, ready to flirt with Day? I simply do not understand.

 Moreover, all the other characters failed to make an impression to me, including the Elector Primo or Primo Elector or Anden. I felt like the only strong characters in the story were June, Day, and Kaede. The rest have “too” choreographed personalities, or so it seemed because the author failed to add more dialogues and interaction with them. They all seem like extras at some cheap movie production.

 Even Anden’s too boring to be an Elector (as how they address their leader). At first I thought more of him. Maybe smarter than he was presented. But Anden’s trust on June was a little off for me. He doesn’t deserve to be a leader if people can manipulate him, and even order him around. He seemed too soft to be a great character. In the end, it’s just June really, that struck the most. Her strong personality and her diligence carried the book all together. Seriously? I think neither Day nor Anden deserves to be with her. Day’s too insecure. And Anden’s too nice to be interesting.

 Oh and don’t even get me started on the celebrity thing. That was just the most awkward, most exaggerated, and the most pointless plot ever. Everything that occurred in the book, if not all but most, happened because of Day’s popularity. Real people will be too hungry to care. Real life will be too busy trying to live to care if he lives. I think that just ripped off The Hunger Games. At least THG was televised, and people do treat the victors as celebrities. But everyone in the Republic just lived off rumors. When it comes to it, really, what did Day do to be admired by many? He wasn’t trying to rebel against the Republic, really, by stealing or doing the worst of crimes. He was actually trying to survive. He lived on the streets, so obviously he had to steal to eat. That is the most mundane ground to be a National Hero. Because if that’s the case, then we are all heros, the public’s just being bias by giving signs only to Day. I guess bottom line is, I see nothing special on him, as I have realized, in Prodigy. If I missed anything big that he did in Legend, it didn’t occur to me in Prodigy, because it wasn’t reminded. The author should have taken note that the release of Prodigy from Legend was a year apart, and many of her readers, read other books too. Whether or not Day was remarkable on Legend, he wasn’t on Prodigy. And I guess that explains much the title of the book, June being the Prodigy.

Oh but don’t worry! I’m still going to read Champion… soon.

Cheers,

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BOOK REVIEW: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares (Spoiler-Free)

"The important people in our lives leave imprints. They may stay or go in the physical realm, but they are always there in your heart, because they helped form your heart."

 

 

Title: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares

By: Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

 

Rating (out of 5 stars):

 

 

Description: So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Rachel Cohn and David Levithan have written a love story that will have readers perusing bookstore shelves, looking and longing for a love (and a red notebook) of their own.

 

 

 

 

Discussion: This is a good coffee-break book. Or should I say an ice-breaker on my part. Something to distract me from life, or the opposite of life, which is - not having one. I totally recommend this book to everyone who's a fan of a light read. I'm usually not, but this was an exception... because I badly needed it. I just got out (not really) of an obsession with a trilogy, and this did wonders (not really). Now I'm over it (not really). However, it did give me a break. It held an aura of peace for those seeking refuge.

 

But looking back, I think the best thing about this book is found at the very end of the it. No, not the last page of the story, but of the book! Right where you see tidbits of info regards the authors. Right where you find out how the book was written. Apparently, Levithan wrote Dash's perspective and Cohn of Lily's, without both knowing how the story will end. It just merely... happened. Bravo!

 

I did notice that most of the dares (if not all), are pretty convenient for both characters to figure out instinctively... without challenge at all. It felt like cheating... How appropriate for someone to meet another who can as if read his mind. I don't even know half of what the clues meant. Imagine if I was a part of the game, I'd lose. Don't even reason fate with me mister! I don't believe in fate, so I guess that's why I feel like the exchange of dares were too orchestrated, even for the great two minds orchestrating it. But because the book is very calming to read, I didn't think it mattered much. It didn't bear much weight on my 4/5 rating because I didn't want to think about it too much. I don't want to dig holes so deep I'll bury myself in it.

 

Another too convenient part was the fact that Lily just has to have so many relatives who work at random locations. However, I think Dash should be applauded for realizing it himself... making the context more believable. Seeming as if the author acknowledges this fact. That it wasn't a loophole at all.

 

I have to commend both authors, by the way, just to add, for mentioning as many celebrities, poets, books, excerpts, etc, in a book of less than 300 pages. Thanks for letting us know your book was actually written by an author.

 

Overall, I really liked this book for it's relaxing feel to it. For its not so fairytale but just as fairytale aura. That realization it gave me that things usually happen when you're not looking.

 

 

 

Cheers,

Lilah Gran

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BOOK REVIEW: Ignite Me

"No gun, no sword, no army or king will ever be more powerful than a sentence. Swords may cut and kill, but words will stab and stay, burying themselves in our bones to become corpses we carry into the future, all the time digging and failing to rip their skeletons from our flesh." 

"We are quotation marks, inverted and upside down, clinging to one another at the end of this life sentence. Trapped by life we did not choose."

 

Title: Ignite Me (Shatter Me #3)
By: Tahereh Mafi
Rating: 5/5
READ MY REVIEW ON SHATTER ME (#1)
READ MY REVIEW ON UNRAVEL ME (#2)

Description: Juliette now knows she may be the only one who can stop the Reestablishment. But to take them down, she'll need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew-about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam-was wrong.

In Shatter Me, Tahereh Mafi created a captivating and original story that combined the best of dystopian and paranormal and was praised by Publishers Weekly as "a gripping read from an author who's not afraid to take risks." The sequel, Unravel Me, blew readers away with heart-racing twists and turns, and New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia said it was "dangerous, sexy, romantic, and intense." Now this final book brings the series to a shocking and climactic end.

 

 

Discussion: OH FINALLY A STRONG CHARACTER !!! FINALLY JULIETTE PROVES TO BE WORTH IT !!! This is what I've been dreading for since Book I. This is why I can't give Shatter Me and Unravel Me the perfect score of 5/5.

 

 

F I N A L L Y !

 

 

And Warner. Warner. Warner. I'm sorry. I can't really proceed with this review without my personal attachments for Warner. I just... I just... *dares to kill Juliette out of jealousy, but fails* Man, I just love men who has fashion sense. And Warner. He's just the opposite of everything. He's the total opposite of evil, of hatred, of darkness, of cruelty. He's just perfect. And his imperfections just adds up to his perfection. I can't even function now...

 

Maybe it's a wrong idea to write this down immediately. I have only finished the book and I need time to absorb everything. I need time, because time heal all wounds. But it's the kind of wound that doesn't bleed. It's the kind of wound that just makes me uneasy - because after reading so many books, I still can't fathom the fact this is just fiction - created out of the author's twisted imagination. And I just don't want Warner to be... unreal.

 

 

*stares at the screen for 10 minutes before continuing to write this review*

 





 



 A N Y W A Y,

 

 

This is by far the quickest time I've read a book. Because I couldn't put it down. Because it's that good. Because everything falls perfectly. Because everything is happening so beautifully. It's so beautiful I wished the pages were unlimited. But of course, reality checks and I halt. I try to figure out instead why made this book so beautiful.

 

And since I can't really write in paragraphs for as you may have notice, my mind's just all over the place. So let me instead do this in bullet form:

 

 



•  The love triangle was crafted beautifully. I love the revelation on Juliette's part, and how she was able to realize this without anyone's help. I love how she was able to dissect her feelings between the two boys. Warner - being someone who pushes her to her limits so she can protect herself. And Adam - being someone who pulls her to her weaker side so he can protect her. However means, still, both boys have the same goal. For Juliette to be safe. It's amazing how this part was explained in the book.

• Oh and Kenji. The dude who almost always die but lives, and the dude who almost always laugh but wants to cry. I love that dude. I love his existence in the book. He's just that perfect amount of hope in between it all.

• Don't even get me started on Juliette's powers, and the new discoveries that she learns along her journey to triumph. It was just the perfect twist to it all.

• Also loving the cuteness overload between dialogues. The bathroom - soap thing on Chapter FIFTY-SIX. Really? Adorable.

• For some reason, I prefer Warner than Aaron though. I think it's because it's Warner we met. It's Warner we fell for. It's Warner we journeyed with. Aaron? No way, love.

• There's one down-side though. But it's not that big of a deal for me. I merely just observed it. But I'm not going to go insane about it. Quite frankly, I had to double take as soon as I realized I'm reaching the end of the book, and there's still that upcoming war, and it's still so far ahead. I actually thought there could be Book IV. (False-alarm). The action part on the book literally did not happen until the last 10 pages of the book, and it wasn't that crazy at all. I guess Tahereh Mafi decided to focus more on the love story. But that didn't change a thing. Everything in the end still made sense. And I still love this book. It's just my mere observation. That the war part isn't the climax at all. It's just a last minute add to formulate a conclusion.

• The ending was open-ended. And I know there can be a fourth book. I can actually imagine it happening. But if we're going to stick to this trilogy only, I have no problems with how it concluded. I am actually relieved that Tahereh Mafi ended it as it is, instead of complicating it more and then not being able to draw it to a satisfying close. I can only assume that Juliette will stay true to her heart.

Cheers,

Lilah Gran

 

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