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.

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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: 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? 

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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: 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?
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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?” 

BOOK REVIEW: Everneath by Brodi Ashton (Everneath #1)

Publication Date: February 2, 2012
Synopsis (Goodreads):

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she’s returned—to her old life, her family, her friends—before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever. 

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can’t find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there’s a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he’ll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki’s time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she’s forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole’s...

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Review:

I've been wanting to read the book since it came out but it wasn't available in any bookstore here in our country until recently. So I didn't hesitate to buy it immediately!

One of the reasons why I wanted to read it is because of the plot. I'm not really a fan of mythology and we didn't discuss it when I was still in school but the book is too intriguing I can't keep away from it.

For those who don't know much of mythological stories, like me, don't be scared that you won't understand the book. One thing that I love is that the basis of the story was explained throughout the book so I wasn't confused at all.

When I started reading the book, it's so hard to put the book down! I was instantly hooked that I can't do anything other than reading. There are times when I have no choice but to stop reading and then I start thinking about what's going to happen next and so on. I was too distracted and useless. LOL

Nicole came back from Everneath. She came back for Jack, the love of her life. But will she able to get the life she left behind?

Nicole is one of those main characters that I love and hate. I love her for being true to herself. I hate that she made some bad decisions and because of that, she hurt Jack and other people she loves by abandoning her life. As the story went on, I understood where she came from and why she made those bad decisions. Anyway, we won't have a story if she didn't made those decisions so it's okay. Haha.

Jack is one of the best guy characters I've ever encountered. He's so great I want him to be real. He's such a sweet guy. Nicole left for 6 months and he experienced different difficulties in life but in the end, he still loves Nicole unconditionally. 

On the other hand, there's Cole. He's a badass but with Nic, he's vulnerable and his mask is easily broken. He's one of the examples of unrequited love who you want to hug and pat in the back.

The narration was good, not confusing at all because there are times when you have to look back in the past.

I should say, Everneath is one of the best books of 2012! There may be tiny bit of flaws on the book but I oversaw those because I truly loved and enjoyed the book! I loved everything about it! 

If you haven't read it yet, get a copy now and read it! You won't regret it,really! I can't wait for Everbound!

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

"Remembering is easy. It's forgetting that's hard."

“Who loses hope first? And who never gives up? Because it’s not the supernatural abilities that set mythical characters apart. It’s the decisions the human characters make, in impossible situations, that have us still talking about them centuries later. Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with.” 

“You say you hate me, yet, you use me to stop hurting.” 

“If you're gonna leave, I wish you'd just leave. Why do you keep coming back if you're not going to stay? Because even when you're gone, you're never really gone... I won't get over it if you keep coming back. Losing you once was hard enough. And now you're here again and everything's coming back. I'm going to get screwed. And I can't do it again.” 

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

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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:Between the Lines by Tammara Webber (Between the Lines #1)

Publication Date: April 29, 2011
Synopsis (Goodreads):

When Hollywood It Boy, Reid Alexander, arrives on location to shoot his next movie, his goals are the same as always—film another blockbuster hit and enjoy his celebrity status to the fullest while doing so. His costar is a virtual unknown with whom he had blazing hot chemistry during her auditions. The universe is lining up nicely to grant whatever he wants, as usual, until he’s confronted with unexpected obstacles on location like a bitter ex-girlfriend and a rival for the first girl to spark his genuine interest in years.

Emma Pierce just got her big break after more than a decade of filming commercials for grape juice, department stores and tampons, and more recently, bit parts in made-for-TV movies. Nailing the lead role in a wide-release film sent her agent, father and stepmother into raptures, and should have done the same for her. The Problem? Emma is experiencing a building desire to be normal, and starring in a silly, modernized adaptation of one of her favorite novels—opposite the very hot Reid Alexander—isn’t going to advance that aspiration.

Graham Douglas doesn’t fear playing the part of a nerdy dimwit; when it comes to choosing film roles, if it pays, he’ll do it. Besides, his friend Brooke Cameron snatched up the role of the bitchy hot girl and could use his help as a buffer, because her ex is the star. Graham has no problem keeping a handle on the situation, until he finds himself attracted to Reid’s costar, Emma, the girl Reid is pursuing full-throttle with his standard arsenal of charm, good looks and arrogance.

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Review:

I luckily won in an ebook giveaway and I chose the book from the choices. I've been looking for a copy of the book for a long time now so I was so happy when I finally have a copy!

The blurb is a bit long and descriptive so most probably, you know what to expect from the book other than how the story flows.

It was narrated in two POVs- Reid and Emma. Reid is the typical bad boy who likes girls, good-looking and with great acting career. He's also somewhat a jerk and he's made some bad decisions throughout the book. On the other hand, Emma is a small town girl who likes to act on stage compared in front of the camera. She's the perfect kind of girl,but shy, who wants to please people. She also made a fair share of some good and bad decisions but she matured and became likable. The other guy in the triangle is Graham. He's kind,good-looking and mysterious. He's a bit reserved which I understood when I read the last parts of the book. Out of the three, he's the best character for me. I wished he I can read some of his thoughts to figure him out. All of them have their own personal issues so just be open-minded when you read the book.

NOT SO GOOD:I'm a bit disappointed on how the story flowed. There were a lot of issues concerned in the story- career,family,friendship and love. I just think that there's a better way of putting those together and most of it were predictable. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed reading the book! 

GOOD: A great thing about it is that I'm not expecting the twist from the book. Before I even read the book, I convinced myself who two of those three will end up together or if there will be a one. And I'm so glad how the first book ended!

VERDICT:If you're into Contemporary YA/Teen Romances, I'd recommend this book to you. Although I have a low rating on the book,I'd still read the sequel! 

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

“That's how they say it: He loves you in his own way. Well, what about my way? What if I need for him to love me in my way?” 

“What do you say when the feelings don't fit into words?” 

BOOK REVIEW: Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini (Starcrossed #1)

Publication Date: May 31, 2011
Synopsis (Goodreads):

How do you defy destiny?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

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Review:

I heard about the book but I have no idea what it is about. I had the terrible mistake to just assume it was a mermaid book because of the cover. So I was excited that I finally had my hands on a mermaid book and to my dismay, it wasn't anywhere near mermaids. Oh well. I'm still glad I picked this up because I really enjoyed reading it!

In the beginning, the protagonist, Helen is someone who lacks self-confidence despite being beautiful- inside and outside. She underestimates herself and does everything average. Until one day, she meets a guy who's new to the island and she starts attacking him. She literally tries to kill him and she doesn't know why. This guy is Lucas, one of the guys from the Delos family. Then eventually she learns who she is and what her capabilities are. I did like her because she has a great personality. I accept her flaws 'cause she's still have the right to act like a teenager.

The male counterpart of Helen is Lucas. I don't even know how to describe him because all I can think of is that he's gorgeous,with god-like features. I like him but there were parts where he can't make up his mind that I started getting annoyed with him.

I like the complication of the love story between Helen and Lucas; starcrossed lovers- Romeo and Julietish kind of story. What I didn't like is how both characters responded to the complication. I know the romance is an important part of the story but I like it better if it's turned down just a little bit.

I like all the supporting characters but I especially love Claire, Helen's bestfriend. I love her relationship with Helen. She's such a true friend. She's honest and she was there for Helen through thick and thin. She's so cute, we have the same height by the way, but that's not important. I just like her! She's so funny! 

The Delos family also took a big part of the story. I like how they portrayed the importance of family relationship by sticking together as one and respect for each family member. Everybody else may let you down, but your family won't.

It was narrated in 3 different POV's, I think, but mostly it was Helen's. There were parts where I was confused as to who's narrating and I just realized who after reading some of the lines. 

This is good for a debut novel so I commend the author for that. History, action, drama, romance and humor all in one book!

If you're a fan of Greek mythology, this one's for you! :)

Rating:

FUN and EXCITING READ!

Memorable Quotes:

"She'd just been so busy looking she hadn't thought to feel."

"Is that how tall you are without those ridiculous shoes?" he said derisively. "I think I was born bigger than that."
"I bet you were. Five feet of fat head and two inches of ass," Claire muttered, standing up.

BOOK REVIEW: The Dark Light by Sara Walsh

Date Published: August 28, 2012
Synopsis: 

Mysterious lights have flickered above Crownsville for as long as Mia can remember. And as far as she’s concerned, that’s about the only interesting thing to happen in her small town.

That is, until Sol arrives. Mia’s not one to fall for just any guy, but she can’t get Sol—or the brilliant tattoo on his back—out of her mind.

Then Mia’s brother goes missing, and Mia’s convinced that Sol knows more than he’s sharing. But getting closer to Sol means reevaluating everything Mia once believed to be true. Because Sol’s not who Mia thought he was—and neither is she.

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Review:

Before I started reading, I didn't really know what to expect. The synopsis don't give away much right? So I was excited to learn what are the secrets behind those lights and the guy with a big tattoo on his back. I made a theory that this is about an alien invasion and the guy is one of the aliens from another world. Well.. I am absolutely wrong! But right in some sense. STOP! No spoilers! Haha!

First thing, I love the cover! It instantly caught my attention. Who wouldn't? With the eye-candy sexy back. 

The book has a unique storyline which is why I love it. I can't think of any book to compare it to. It started in a slow pace and I got a bit bored because I really want to know what the book was about. Yeah I know, impatient me. But looking back, I realized that the author took the time to describe Mia's world and the life in Crownsville. As I move on to every page and chapter, it kept me interested especially halfway through the book with all the action and revelations.

I like Mia's character, the protagonist. From the beginning, you'll know that she's a great person. She grew up without her parents, just with her Uncle and her brother,Jay. She's just a highschool student  but she sees to it that she's always there to look for her brother. She loves her brother very much that when he went missing, she decided that she'll do everything just to get him back. She's strong-willed and acts according to her instincts.

Then the hot tattooed guy is Sol. Aside from being good looking, his personality is exceptional. He may be odd at first and you may doubt his intentions, but you will like him as you get to know him more. I like how the mystery about him was uncovered little by little. 

The relationship between Mia and Sol was predictable (the romantic part) but it's still sweet and fun. 

The other supporting characters are also likable. I can still remember all of them so it's a good thing. Of all the supporting,I especially like Delane,Sol's friend. I like that he's honest,kind and dependable. 

*Irrelevant thought. You may skip this part! There's a point where I thought there will be a love triangle between the three but oh well. After all, it's unnecessary. Mia will still end up choosing Sol. It's always like that. What the! I'm just contradicting myself. LOL*end*

Overall, I like it! It was a fun and wonderful adventure! I feel that there will be a sequel of this. I like how it ended but there's some unfinished business. I'm still unsatisfied with the antagonist. It's like he's there but he's never there. I need more! Please Sara, will there be sequel?

Rating:

UNIQUE and A GOOD READ!

Memorable Quote:

"You see, no matter how life changes, some things always stay the same."


*I won the book from All Things Urban and Fantasy's Deadly Destinations giveaway so I just want to say thank you! Especially to Sara Walsh for the signed hardcover copy and bookmark. 

BOOK REVIEW: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

Date Published: August 3, 2012
Synopsis:

"I won't tell anyone, Echo. I promise." Noah tucked a curl behind my ear. It had been so long since someone touched me like he did. Why did it have to be Noah Hutchins? His dark brown eyes shifted to my covered arms. "You didn't do that-did you? It was done to you?" No one ever asked that question. They stared. They whispered. They laughed. But they never asked.

So wrong for each other...and yet so right.

No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

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Review:

This book left me in an emotional wreck so if you plan to read it, keep some tissues with you because you'll badly need them!

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"My father is a control freak, I hate my stepmother, my brother is dead and my mother has...well...issues. How do you think I'm doing?" - Echo

That sentence is the best way to sum up the situation Echo was stuck into. Her life was turned upside down because of unlikely incidents which left her  with physical, emotional, and psychological scars. She can't remember what happened in her accident and she'll do anything just to puzzle all the pieces back. 

On the other hand, we have Noah. He had a perfect life- loving parents and lovely brothers, great school life; until an accident happened which has taken both of his parents' lives. Noah has been into several foster homes, learned how to drink, smoke and take drugs. All he wanted was to protect his brothers. And he'll do anything just to have his brothers back, his family back.

Both of these characters yearned for having a normal life. But normal is very hard to achieve. They have to push through their remaining months of highschool with the help of Mrs. Collins as their new clinical social worker. 

How can these two destroyed souls find ways to heal each other?

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I was particularly intrigued with the book since it came out. I saw it in every blog I visited and all have positive reviews. Since I've read a bunch of reviews, I've been expecting alot from the book. And I gladly say, it definitely met my expectations; even way beyond it!

If you've read other reviews of this, you might get tired of reading how people loved it! And I'll say it again, I really, really, really loved the book! 

I didn't have a hard time getting into the main characters. I love the character build-up and how both characters matured. I liked Echo's strong and vulnerable personality. She's from Ms. Popular to Ms. Freak Show. Having someone you love and depend on die is hard as it is. But having a near death experience with no memory of it is a pure torture. I felt every emotion she'd portrayed and I shed a couple of tears because of it. I also liked her artistic side and how I wish her paintings were real. 

I have to admit I'm guilty in terms of liking book bad boys in general and it's not an exemption for this one. Noah is good-looking and sexy but he has an attitude problem. Trusting and loving other people is hard for him so he just plays and never loves. What I love about him is that he has soft sides especially with his brothers. He had a fair share of bad experiences from the past which made him who he is. He loves his brothers tremendously more than himself that he'd sacrifice his youth for them. Who wouldn't love this guy?

I may have loved and hated the other supporting characters but they are important factors that added to the book's awesomeness.  Just to name afew, I liked Mrs. Collins 'cause she's cool. I also liked Lila and Isaiah for being such a true friend for Echo and Noah respectively. 

I have to commend Katy McGarry for doing a great job in creating this book! A debut novel at that! I liked how she's beautifully written the shifting of POVs from Echo to Noah. There's an easy flow of the story, neither fast nor slow, which I truly enjoyed.  

I love reading YA Contemporary pieces as much as I love YA Fantasy/ Paranormal. This is definitely one of the best Contemporary books I've read this year! Highly Recommended!

Rating:

AN EMOTIONAL RIDE!LOVED IT!

Memorable Quotes:

"We'd read about sirens in English this fall; Greek mythology bullsh*t about women so beautiful, their voices so enchanting, that men did anything for them. Turned out that mythology crap was real because everytime I saw her, I lost my mind." - Noah

"It doesn't get better. The pain. The wounds scab over and you don't always feel like a knife is slashing through you. But when you least expect it, the pain flashes to remind you you'll never be the same." - Noah

"The worst type of crying wasn't the kind everyone could see-the wailing on street corners, the tearing at clothes. No, the worst kind happened when your soul wept and no matter what you did, there was no way to comfort it. A section withered and became a scar of your soul that survived. For people like me and Echo, our souls contained more scar tissue than life." - Noah

"I love you enough to never make you choose." - Echo

"Because growing up means making tough choices, and doing the right thing doesn't necessarily mean doing the thing that feels good." - Mrs. Collins

BOOK REVIEW: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me #1)

Date Published: November 15, 2011
Synopsis (Goodreads) : 
Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

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Review:

Shatter Me is about a 17 year-old girl, Juliette, who's been locked up in an asylum because of an unintentional murder. With just one touch, she could give pain or worse, death. She's been locked up for 264 days and the world she once knew will never be the same. The Reestablishment promised their people a better life, better future, hope, but instead they stole it from them. There's an impending war and the Reestablishment thought of using Juliette as a weapon, to destroy those who are against them.

Juliette's character remind me of someone. Maybe you also know who it is and you're right! Rogue from X-men. She has this inconvenient power where she can't touch anyone without them being hurt. She has experienced seclusion from people, even her parents. I can't imagine anyone who could stay sane with what she'd gone through. I bet I'd go crazy if that happens to me. Because of that, I sympathize Juliette. She felt unloved and dead inside. She became unsure of herself and her sanity so I understand that her character had a hard time containing different emotions she hasn't felt for a long time. She learned to become strong and to fight for herself and for the one she loved.

Adam is someone from Juliette's past. Since he met her, he became protective of her. They haven't spoken a word to each other until he came back to her life. He has the usual "hero" image- gorgeous,strong and reserved. He's one of those who experienced a hard childhood so he's grown to protect those he loved. He was annoying at first but I've learned to love his character. 

The "other" guy from the book is Warner. He's a young, corrupt, possessive, cruel, power-obsessed leader. He became very interested of Juliette because of her power. He feels he's the only one who understands Juliette because he, too, experienced hatred from people. So he planned to convince Juliette to use her power as a way to get back to those who've hurt them. He has this complex crazy character which makes me hate him. I especially hate the part where he *spoiler* used a toddler for Juliette to use her power. That's just so bad and mean. I want to kill him for doing that.*end* But I'm interested on how he will turn out. Will he change?

I was fascinated by the unique writing of Tahereh Mafi. The crossed out phrases, her use of colorful words to describe and the repetition of words. But as the story goes on, I became uncomfortable and I thought it was overused. Her world building wasn't elaborated much but I have a picture in my mind and I think that was enough. I liked the storyline although the pace was slow at first but it caught up when it came to the middle part. And I shouldn't forget to say that I love the cover! I like that there's two sides, black and white then the girl exudes of power. Loved it!

Overall, I enjoyed the book and I'll definitely read the second book.

Rating:

Memorable Quotes:

"Sometimes I think the loneliness inside of me is going to explode through my skin and sometimes I'm not sure if crying or screaming or laughing through the hysteria will solve anything at all. Sometimes I'm so desperate to touch to be touched to feel that I'm almost certain I'm going to fall off a cliff in an alternate universe where no one will ever be able to find me."

" I want to put this fist attached to my wrist right through the window.

Just to feel something.

Just to feel human."

"Truth is a jealous, vicious mistress that never ever sleeps, is what I don't tell him. I'll never be okay."

"Hate looks just like everybody else until it smiles. Until it spins around and lies with lips and teeth carved into the semblance of something too passive to punch."

"I'm an encyclopedia with too many blank pages."

"Because moving forward is the only way to survive."