BOOK REVIEW: Avow by Chelsea Fine (The Archers of Avalon #3)

Publication Date: December 11, 2012

Synopsis:

Scarlet remembers. Everything. Her past lives, Tristan, Gabriel, Nate: she remembers it all--including how to get to the Fountain of Youth. But time is running out. 

Heather and Gabriel have been kidnapped by Raven, while the curse that has plagued Scarlet and Tristan for centuries has shifted, putting the star-crossed lovers in more danger than ever before. Water from the Fountain of Youth is the only thing that can save Scarlet and her loved ones. But the water comes at a price.

With lives--and hearts--at stake, Scarlet leads her friends on a dangerous journey to the Fountain of Youth. Where eternal life is possible, but death is certain.

______________________________

Review:

Avow is the last installment of the series. The second book ended with Scarlet regaining her memories and learning that Raven is still much alive. Scarlet’s friend, Heather and Gabriel were both held captive by Raven.

Having her memories back, Scarlet realizes where the fountain of youth is. She remembers how to end the madness, cure herself and Tristan. But another thing happens between them. Their roles exchange. Scarlet now feels Tristan and having Scarlet too close to Tristan may be the reason for him to die.

The book answered all the questions I had in the first two books. There were flashbacks from the past from the time Scarlet died and how she turned up alive over and over. The book showed how Tristan struggled because of Scarlet’s death and how he changed throughout the years of heartache.

His twin brother, Gabriel, was cursed to never love any other girl other than Scarlet. With that, girls never loved him and he never felt alive. That changes everytime Scarlet comes to life.

Nate is another important character of this series. He is Raven’s cousin but they aren’t alike. He’s such a good friend to the brothers and Scarlet. He helped his friends go through the phase of having Scarlet back and watching her die. He dedicated his life to find the cure and the fountain of youth.

Heather is also one of the supporting characters. I like her quirkiness. It’s fun having a not so serious character which made me like this book more.

This book particularly had shown a lot of heartache. It has gotten me emotional and I really felt Tristan and Scarlet’s feelings. I’m glad it ended well. Great series!

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“I’d really love to explain myself, but honestly, you came up out of nowhere and I haven’t had time to put together a good lie.” 

“Is it okay if I love you forever? Even if forever is only for a lifetime?” 

BOOK REVIEW: Firelight by Sophie Jordan (Firelight #1)

Publication Date: September 7, 2010

Synopsis:

A hidden truth. 

Mortal enemies. 

Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki, a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away;if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

______________________________

Review:

This is the first time that I read anything about dragons. This book has been in my TBR list for quite some time now and I didn’t even know that it’s about dragons.

I didn’t know what to expect from this so I was so eager to read it. I love its unique story and how I became so into it.

I really felt for Jacinda’s family. I understand her, her sister Tamra and her mother. I understand where all of them are coming from. Jacinda’s mom is very protective of her family. Since her husband died, she became strong for her two daughters. She will do anything just to protect them, even if it’s from their Pride.

Tamra, Jacinda’s sister hasn’t manifested or shifted into a drakir and because of that, she was neglected by their Pride. She was abandoned like she was sick of something contagious. She was left hurt of how she was treated.

Unlike Tamra, Jacinda has manifested into a kind of drakir that has never happened in thousands of years. She’s a fire drakir. Because of that, she was looked up to and was well treated. But not all good things come out of it. Her destiny has already been written for her. A lot was expected from her and one of them is to be with Cassian, the Prince of the Pride and who will soon be the ruler.

Jacinda is expected to behave in a way acceptable. So when she ignores the rules, she finds herself in a very bad situation. So her mom decided that all of them should leave the Pride.

If there are drakirs, there are also hunters. And Will is one of them. This part of the story, I expected. Jacinda and Will are drawn to each other. The thing happened between them was like love at first sight. They can’t help themselves but be in each other’s arms. So when secrets unveiled, both have accepted their fate. A hunter falls in love with his prey and vice versa.

I love the unique plot and the action brought by the book. The characters and supporting characters are lovely although not all of them. We have these infuriating characters that I wish Jacinda would blow fire in their faces. Sorry, I’ve gotten too emotional in there. The thing I somewhat don’t like is how the scene shifts from one to another. Other than that, I liked everything about the book.

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“Why do you care? I've ignored you for days."

His smile fades. He looks serious, mockingly so. "Yeah. You got to stop that.” 

“What good is safety if you're dead inside?” 

BOOK REVIEW: School Spirits by Rachel Hawkins (School Spirits #1)

Publication Date: May 14, 2013

Synopsis:

Fifteen-year-old Izzy Brannick was trained to fight monsters. For centuries, her family has hunted magical creatures. But when Izzy’s older sister vanishes without a trace while on a job, Izzy's mom decides they need to take a break.

Izzy and her mom move to a new town, but they soon discover it’s not as normal as it appears. A series of hauntings has been plaguing the local high school, and Izzy is determined to prove her worth and investigate. But assuming the guise of an average teenager is easier said than done. For a tough girl who's always been on her own, it’s strange to suddenly make friends and maybe even have a crush.

Can Izzy trust her new friends to help find the secret behind the hauntings before more people get hurt? 

______________________________

Review:

I loved Rachel Hawkin's Hex Hall series so I was expecting that this book will have the same action and romance that Hex Hall has.

With the first few chapters, I was a bit surprised on how the story progressed. It was a bit slow and I honestly got bored. But when some supernatural things started to happen, it really caught my attention until the end of the book.

This book ranges from middle grade to young-adult. The author used some acronym like BS just to have a lighter feel on the book.

I learned to love the characters of the book but not like how I loved those in Hex Hall. Izzy felt that she should be more matured than her age so she acts tough. Then some friends start to come into the picture. Generally, I liked all of them. I especially love Dex because he's fun and witty! The romance part is expected and I loved how they gotten to know each other before that happened.

Oh, I almost failed to mention Torin, the witch who's trapped in a mirror for hundreds of years. I want to know what's his real role in the life of the Brannicks.

Hopefully this series will continue because I still want to know the answers.

This book is a light read and I had fun reading it. I recommend that you should give this a try.

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“You knocked out Ben McCrary?' he asked, eyes wide.

'It was an accident,' I said again. 'I threw the ball harder than I meant to.'

Dex burst into laughter. 'Oh my God, that is the greatest thing I've heard all week. You are my new hero.'

Squinting at me, he leaned in and said, 'Serious, I might actually be in love with you now. Would it be awkward if we made out?” 

“When you don’t have much family left, you’ll do anything to protect what you have.” 

*I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks NetGalley!*

BOOK REVIEW: This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers

Publication Date: June 19, 2012

Synopsis:
It’s the end of the world. Six students have taken cover in Cortege High but shelter is little comfort when the dead outside won’t stop pounding on the doors. One bite is all it takes to kill a person and bring them back as a monstrous version of their former self. To Sloane Price, that doesn’t sound so bad. Six months ago, her world collapsed and since then, she’s failed to find a reason to keep going. Now seems like the perfect time to give up. As Sloane eagerly waits for the barricades to fall, she’s forced to witness the apocalypse through the eyes of five people who actually wantto live. But as the days crawl by, the motivations for survival change in startling ways and soon the group’s fate is determined less and less by what’s happening outside and more and more by the unpredictable and violent bids for life—and death—inside. When everything is gone, what do you hold on to?

______________________________

Review:

The book is about a group of teenagers trying to survive an attack of zombies in their town. The group consists of Sloan, Cray, Grace, Trace, Rhys and Harrison.

The main character and the voice of the book is Sloan. She’s in the verge of planning to take her own life when the attack happened. Her sister, who’s she’s close with, went away without her because of some family problems. With what happened, she felt left out and insensitive about the people around her.

Cray acted as the leader of the group. He has some good survival instincts which made them last long. Cray is known in school as the one who sells pots and is always stoned. Grace and Trace are twins. Grace, as described by Sloan has a vintage look while Trace has a jock vibe, plays a lot of sports. They lost their parents while trying to get away from zombies. Rhys is a good guy and you’ll know more about him as you read the book. One thing that makes me remember Harrison is that he always cry, ALWAYS.

Sloane's way of narrating the book is a bit depressing and full of negativity. But I became so into the book and I really want to know what will happen to these kids. I felt for all of them eventhough each have different personalities. This is a book full of emotions and twists.

I haven't read any other zombie books but I highly recommend this!

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“I woke up and the last piece of my heart disappeared. I opened my eyes and I felt it go.”

“Waiting around to be saved is like waiting to die and I have done more of both than anyone else in the room.” 

“The thing no one tells you about surviving, about the mere act of holding out, is how many hours are nothing because nothing happens. They also don’t tell you about how you can share your deepest secrets with someone, kiss them, and the next hour it’s like there’s nothing between you because not everything can mean something all the time or you’d be crushed under the weight of it.” 

BOOK REVIEW: Wicked Nights by Gena Showalter (Angels of the Dark #1)

Publication Date: June 26, 2012

Synopsis:
Leader of the most powerful army in the heavens, Zacharel has been deemed nearly too dangerous, too ruthless—and if he isn't careful, he'll lose his wings. But this warrior with a heart of ice will not be deterred from his missions at any cost…until a vulnerable human tempts him with a carnal pleasure he's never known before.Accused of a crime she did not commit, Annabelle Miller has spent four years in an institution for the criminally insane. Demons track her every move, and their king will stop at nothing to have her. Zacharel is her only hope for survival, but is the brutal angel with a touch as hot as hell her salvation—or her ultimate damnation?

______________________________

Review:

The heroine of the story is Annabelle who’s been haunted by demons since the unlikely death of her parents where she was accused of doing. She spent 4 years in an institution of the criminally insane not until Zacharel found her.

Zacharel is the fierce leader of an army of angels who fight demons. He’s been through a lot including the death of his twin brother. Throughout his existence, he learned to become heartless and cruel by not caring about others including human life. But his beliefs change because of Annabelle.

I really felt sorry for Annabelle. She had a hard time growing up. Losing her parents because of unknown creatures and the blame pointed on her is a big slap in the face. That’s so unfair.

Zacharel and Anna being together made them better. They both healed the scars from their past and they were able to change for the better.

What I like about the book is that it has a unique concept. I noticed that the plot was thought through. All of the problems or issues of the book had their closure, in Zach and Anna’s point as far as I’m concerned. Although the steamy scenes where unnecessary because I can’t imagine an angel with wings making out with a human. Anyway, that will do. It’s still good.

The supporting characters are also good. There are not a lot of characters so it’s not hard to remember them at all. And I shouldn’t fail to mention the nice twist the book has.

All in all, I loved it! Loved the cover! It’s another angel series which I enjoyed but more of an Adult Paranormal genre.

This is the first book I’ve read of Gena Showalter and I will definitely read some more!

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“Words are so easily spoken, as you’ve proven", the Deity had continued, "but so rarely are they backed up with action” 

“You are mine,” he rasped. “Only ever mine. I accept all that you are, and we can be together.” 

BOOK REVIEW: Opal (Lux #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publication Date: December 11, 2012

Synopsis:
No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

______________________________

Review:

I'm a big fan of the series so I must admit I'm a bit biased because of Daemon *swoon* Black.

I loved him since the first book and I have loved him more in this book. He still has an almighty ego but his affection for Katy is so much sweeter and he's not afraid to show it anymore.*Sigh* He's still overprotective of her and the people he loves.

As for Katy, she became stronger and aware of her power. Despite being busy, she still finds time for her books and reviews. Love her!

The second book ended with Dawson's reappearance. His physical features may be the same but his attitude and personality isn't the old Dawson anymore. He wanted Beth back and he will do anything just for it to happen. As a result of Adam's death, Katy and Dee's relationship took it's toll.

There's a lot more complications in this book. There's the DOD and then other characters' reappearance. The book has definitely more action, suspense and I shouldn't fail to mention the romance and hotness.

I was expecting it to end in a not-so-good-way cliff-hanger type but even with that in mind, I'm still sad and distraught on how the book ended. I so hate Blake!Hate, hate him! Grr!!

The book is fun, like the prequels but more exciting and great twists! I so can't wait for the next book!

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“You really shouldn’t trust a soul in this game. Not when everyone has something to gain or lose.” 

“I love you, Katy. Always have. Always will.” 

BOOK REVIEW:A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest (A Shade of Vampire #1)

Publication Date: December 14, 2012

Synopsis:

On the evening of Sofia Claremont's seventeenth birthday, she is sucked into a nightmare from which she cannot wake.
A quiet evening walk along a beach brings her face to face with a dangerous pale creature that craves much more than her blood.

She is kidnapped to an island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine.
An island uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. She wakes here as a slave, a captive in chains.

Sofia's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn when she is the one selected out of hundreds of girls to join the harem of Derek Novak, the dark royal Prince.

Despite his addiction to power and obsessive thirst for her blood, Sofia soon realizes that the safest place on the island is within his quarters, and she must do all within her power to win him over if she is to survive even one more night.

Will she succeed? ...or is she destined to the same fate that all other girls have met at the hands of the Novaks?

______________________________

Review:

The truth is that I'm not a big reader of vampire books. This is just my third series about it. The author generously offered a copy of the book in exchange of my honest review. I've read the blurb and it's quite interesting and I was intrigued so I gladly took it. So here goes.

The book started nicely but I would've liked it much better if I have the visualization of what Sofia looks like and more details on what her life looks like before she was captured.

I had a hard time getting into Sofia's character. I can understand her situation but it seems she lacks personality. Maybe because she wasn't introduced in a way that you can easily remember and relate to. But as the story went on, I eventually understood her better.

Her love interest and the Prince of the Shade is Derek. I was instantly captured by his persona. Even without his good physical features, I like how he's so much like human. He knows how to care and although hes somewhat used to getting what he wants, because of Sofia, he became more understanding.

What I noticed about vampire books is that there will always be wolves involved or something. It's good that in this case, it has a unique plot and characters. I liked how the author described a different world of vampires. 

All in all, it was a good read! Refreshing and I wished it was longer!

Rating:

Memorable Quote:
“I know an excuse when I hear one. Don't you dare deceive yourself into believing that you're the victim."

Buy A Shade of Vampire from Amazon:

USA, paperback:

http://www.amazon.com/Shade-Of-Vampire-Bella-Forrest/dp/1481280767

USA, eBook: http://www.amazon.com/A-Shade-Of-Vampire-ebook/dp/B00AOHDMFE

UK, paperback:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shade-Of-Vampire-Bella-Forrest/dp/1481280767

UK, eBook: http://www.amazon.co.uk/A-Shade-Of-Vampire-ebook/dp/B00AOHDMFE

Add A Shade of Vampire to your Goodreads shelf: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17255435-a-shade-of-vampire

A Shade Of Vampire 2: A Shade Of Blood 

is now AVAILABLE!

Buy A Shade of Vampire from Amazon:

USA, 

eBook: http://www.amazon.com/Shade-Vampire-Blood-ebook/dp/B00C8324IS

UK, paperback:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shade-Of-Vampire-Blood/dp/1484076249/ref=tmm_pap_title_0/278-4423148-4170312 

eBook: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shade-Vampire-Blood-ebook/dp/B00C8324IS

BOOK REVIEW: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1)

Publication Date: September 27, 2011
Synopsis (Goodreads):
Around the world, black hand prints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grows dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war. 

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages—not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers—beautiful, haunted Akiva—fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?
______________________________

Review:

Whoa!That was..thrilling and unexplainable!

I sometimes don't read the blurbs of books I choose to read and I'm glad that so far, I liked all of them! This one is one of those books. Some blurbs just give so much away it takes out the surprising factor.

I have to admit, I've read one-third of the book but I was still too confused. At first, I was like, "What's with the teeth? Gross..." I don't get anything. Until..yeah..of course secrets were revealed. I'm happy I kept on reading and learned a lot from it. I love the building of tension. The author took her time and I love how she described the scenes, people and the worlds the book is about.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone is basically the story of Karou, her journey of learning the truth about herself and her past. The book will bring you into a unique world and characters that will work your imagination in full blast! This is definitely worth reading!

Rating:

Memorable Quote:

“Hope can be a powerful force. Maybe there's no actual magic in it, but when you know what you hope for most and hold it like a light within you, you can make things happen, almost like magic.” 

“Have you ever asked yourself, do monsters make war, or does war make monsters?” 

REVIEW: Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood #1) by J.R. Ward

January's Feature: VAMPIRES

MY CHOICE:

Dark Lover by J.R. Ward

Publication Date: September 6, 2005
Synopsis (Goodreads):

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there's a deadly turf war going on between vampires and their slayers. There exists a secret band of brothers like no other-six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Yet none of them relishes killing more than Wrath, the leader of The Black Dagger Brotherhood.
 
The only purebred vampire left on earth, Wrath has a score to settle with the slayers who murdered his parents centuries ago. But, when one of his most trusted fighters is killed-leaving his half-breed daughter unaware of his existence or her fate-Wrath must usher her into the world of the undead-a world of sensuality beyond her wildest dreams.

______________________________

Review:

I haven't read other book that concentrates on vampires since Twilight. Then I saw this reading challenge and I thought it's an opportunity for me read more about the different creatures of paranormal books.

I chose Dark Lover because it's on my list for quite sometime now. I've been hesitating from reading the series because it's a long one and I've been contemplating if I can catch up. Then I saw high ratings other people gave the book so I finally decided to read it.

My first reaction: "WHY DID I WAIT THIS LONG TO START THE SERIES?!"

There's a lot of things to love about the book. I especially love all the characters! I had the tendency to be confused with a book with a lot of characters or guys in this case, but I wasn't. The author gave distinct characteristics about each character that you'll remember them well. They are not just the fighting and all serious types and I always love to see their witty sides. All of the brothers are so intriguing I can't wait to read their stories!

The romance part was predictably fast and steamy. What I love about Wrath and Beth's relationship is that they changed each other for the better especially with Wrath. Wrath learned how to love and be selfless.

There are a bunch of POVs which I think has it's positive and negative sides. The only negative side is that there are a lot and you may be confused at times. But I have to commend the author for pulling it off. I think it's a necessary move for readers to understand the sides of the protagonists and antagonists.

All in all, the story is quite unique and I can't wait to read the sequel! If you haven't started the series yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Rating:

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Memorable Quote:

“Some bridges you crossed on your own, no matter who drove you to the edge” 

BOOK REVIEW: Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Publication Date: August 30, 2011
Synopsis (Goodreads):

Just your average boy-meets-girl, girl-kills-people story...
Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.
So did his father before him, until his gruesome murder by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father’s mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.
When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn’t expect anything outside of the ordinary: move, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he’s never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, but now stained red and dripping blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.
And she, for whatever reason, spares his life

______________________________

Review:

I’ve been busy for the past few weeks so I had to squeeze minutes everyday  just to read a book. And this time it’s harder because it’s a horror book. Even when I'm not yet sleepy, I quit my reading at night because my imagination was too wild, making myself scared for no reason.

Anyway, I just have to say..Whew! That was one mind thrilling read! I was expecting that because I've heard a lot about the book so when I had the chance when I won a book giveaway, I chose the book. Thanks Melissa of Book Nerd Reviews! 

The book is about Cas, a ghost hunter and his adventures. When his father died, he took over the job and he's been driven to find who's responsible for his father's death. With his mother, they go to different places just to find those bad ghosts for him to kill and gain experience until he's ready to fight the one he's been wanting to kill for so long. Then he meets Anna dressed in blood, and his plan changes.

I like that the book is narrated from a guy's POV. It's just different because you're in a guys head. It's breathtakingly fresh and good. I like Cas very much. Not just because it's his POV, but because he has a very cool persona. I like how he's so confident about himself, that it's not annoying. Having the kind of job he has, he has a hard time trusting other people. He's afraid of attachment, thus it's just him and his mom. I like how  he learned to trust and love people or a ghost in his case.

I liked all the supporting characters especially Thomas. Love his geekiness! I love how they affected Cas in a good way and make him change his perspective in life. 

I liked how the story flowed. There was never a dull moment. It's either scary, terrifying, sad, funny or sweet. It's an emotional ride so if you haven't read it yet, give this a try! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“I’ve seen most of what there is to be afraid of in this world, and to tell you the truth, the worst of them are the ones that make you afraid in the light. The things that your eyes see plainly and can’t forget are worse than huddled black figures left to the imagination. Imagination has a poor memory; it slinks away and goes blurry. Eyes remember for much longer.” 

BOOK REVIEW: Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) by Rachel Mead

Publication Date: August 16, 2007
Synopsis (Goodreads):

St. Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school-it's a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St. Vladimir's-the very place where they're most in danger. . . . Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy's ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi-the world's fiercest and most dangerous vampires-make Lissa one of them forever.

______________________________

Review:

Before I go to the review proper, I just want to say, now I know why they compared Pure by Jennifer Armentrout to Vampire Academy. If you haven't read Pure yet, I must warn you. This part may contain some spoilers. 

Basically, Pure is not about Vampires but the construction of characters and storyline are similar. Both main characters have gone away from the academy and when they got back, they were given punishment and had to train with someone. That someone, as the story went on, is their love interest. Also, both characters have the same personality- stubborn,strong-willed and protective of those important to them. One thing that sets them apart is the reason of the main character's existence. Both books are good but I liked Pure better. I don't know if it's because I read it first or maybe just because the flow of the story for Pure was better. 

Anyway,let's go back to the REVIEW part.

______________________________

Rose, the main character is most of the time annoying but there are times when I start to like her then she goes back to being annoyingly stubborn again. She's overprotective of Lissa so she had the tendency to be bad and push people away. What I like about her over protectiveness is that she's being selfless and thinks about Lissa more than herself. I like her strong-willed and outgoing character.

Lissa,a Moroi Vampire Princess and Rose's bestfriend, is kind, beautiful and fragile. It seems she's always the one needs saving but in the latter part of the story, she realizes she also has the power to protect the ones she loves. 

The characters are good but I had the hard time connecting with them. I may have liked them at some parts but I wasn't really into them.

I was a bit confused on the first parts of the book because some terms,like Strigoi or Moroi were not defined as it was first mentioned. I just realized who they are as the story went on. I haven't read the blurb, I just went straight to reading the book so I had no idea. Again, my mistake. 

It has a slow start but as the story went on it caught up with the pace I liked. The story itself is very intriguing and there are tidbits of unpredictability which is good. It wasn't entirely focused on romance so I'm glad. The romance parts are cute and lovely. They made me smile.

Overall, I liked and enjoyed the book despite some issues. I'll definitely read the next book. If you want to read a vampire book which isn't just about the good looks, read this one!

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“If I let myself love you, I won't throw myself in front of her. I'll throw myself in front of you.” 

“Taking a deep breathe, I made one of the hardest decisions of my life.
I walked away.”