Book Review: CITY OF LOST SOULS by Cassandra Clare

City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5)

Author: Cassandra Clare

Published Date: May 8th 2012

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy

Summary | Add to TBR

The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.

No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own?

Only a small band of Clary and Jace’s friends and family believe that Jace can still be saved — and that the fate of the Shadowhunters’ future may hinge on that salvation. They must defy the Clave and strike out on their own. Alec, Magnus, Simon and Isabelle must work together to save Jace: bargaining with the sinister Faerie Queen, contemplating deals with demons, and turning at last to the Iron Sisters, the reclusive and merciless weapons makers for the Shadowhunters, who tell them that no weapon on this earth can sever the bond between Sebastian and Jace. Their only chance of cutting Jace free is to challenge Heaven and Hell — a risk that could claim any, or all, of their lives.

And they must do it without Clary. For Clary has gone into the heart of darkness, to play a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing the game is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she even still trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love?

My Thoughts:

"He'd burn the whole world down till he could dig you out of the ashes. I know." - Alec

The Mortal Instruments is one of Cassandra Clare's amazing series that never fail to catch the readers' hearts no matter how torturous the plot and the stories are. I know because I was one of those avid fans of the books who first grabbed a copy as soon as it was released, despite of the anticipated heartbreaks and possible huge cliffhanger ending that I will get. I've expected torture and of course, one of Cassie's trademark--huge cliffhanger ending that might result in an open-mouthed, face-shocked, head-banging, wall-thumping kind of moment. Something that will make you throw the book on the wall because of frustration, knowing that you will have to wait another long year to get the next book and see what will happen next to the characters you loved, hated, and rooted for. In short, I expected an extreme roller coaster ride. But I was surprised and relieved to find out that there was no super biggie cliffhanger ending. Cassie spare us from too much torture this time and I wasn't a bit disappointed at all. I absolutely loved this book.

Excellent as always. Cassie's writing is beautiful and captivating. She wasn't afraid of turning her characters into something the readers wouldn't have expected. She always nailed it when it comes to her character's development, and I think she's one of the best author in the planet. You won't get all the things that you expected but so much more and you will never be disappointed. The world building is fascinating, the pacing of the story is just perfect, and the characters, well, awesome as ever!

Of all the things I loved about City of Lost Souls, it's Jonathan. Jace. No matter what you call him, a Morgenstern, a Wayland, a Lightwood, he'll always be a Herondale. And yes, Herondales' are survivors. I can't think of any other character who is as tortured as him, ever. From one infliction to another, his soul is the most tortured one after his ancestor Will Herondale. His soul must really be pure to survive all the heartbreaks and chaos he's going through. I said it before in my review of Clockwork Prince, that Herondale boys are always the broken ones, when will they find happiness with their true love? Really, when? This is becoming too painful and heart-wrenching. Cassie, please make Jace happy so we could be happy too? Is it too much to ask?

"I will have you know I practiced that speech. In front of a mirror before you got here."

"So what do you think it meant?"

"I'm not sure," Jace admitted, "but I know I look damn good delivering it."

"I forgot how annoying the un-possesed you is," Clary muttered.

Jace is probably different and I miss the old Jace, the real Jace is annoyingly funny, sarcastic but drool-worthy. But as long as there is Jace, there will always be enough swoon. You get to see more of Sebastian, err Jonathan Christopher Morgenstern. The real, bloody one. All along I feel like there must be something to save not only with Jace but with Sebastian too. I was hoping that somewhere, there is still goodness left on him and that in the end, he is still redeemable. Annoying and sarcastic, but as beautiful and as attractive as Jace, Sebastian is one remarkable character you can't help to love and hate at the same time. He's just an amazing character and I felt sorry for him for what he had become. Once again, Cassie embarked me to a mind-thrilling journey, that made me wondered and hoped for the best for all the characters in the story. A girl can always dream of a happy ending for all, right? But you have to read to find out.

In one of the times Clary and Sebastian had been together, he asked her:

"Do you think you can forgive me? I mean, do you think forgiveness is possible for someone like me?"
"What do you think it would have been like if Valentine had brought you up along with me? Would you have loved me?"

City of Lost Souls is one the books you must not miss. An absolutely electrifying read. Engaging in so many ways. With just the right amount of humor, you'll laugh. And you'll feel the characters and ache for them during some heart-breaking moments. You'll see and understand not just Sebastian but also a whole lot of characters you love in the previous books such as Maia, Jackson, Alec, Magnus, Isabelle, Simon, and Brother Zachariah (Yep, that's what I said). You'll have a better glimpse of their minds than in any other books before City of Lost Souls. And as a bonus, readers will get to see some of the most important characters in Cassie's next series, The Dark Artifices. Keep your eyes open :) In all these, I specifically appreciate the other side of Isabelle as she slowly open up to Simon. The side of Isabelle's personality that is only known by Jace and Alec. And who wouldn't love Simon? The ever loving, ever loyal friend of Clary who will do everything to help and save her, even Jace who had saved his life. I loved him even more in this book and he proved just how much a true friend he really is. I picked some of his beautiful lines from the book, and I can't help not to share them with you:

"I know we're not much compared to you, but we don't kill our friends. We try to save them. If Heaven didn't want it that way, we ought to never have been given the ability to love."

The story is darker, the characters are fiercer, the plot even more complicated--this book will give you one roller coaster ride kind of feeling. The ties that binds family, friendship, and love will be tested and they will have to decide how much they are willing to sacrifice to save the one they love. And I agree, this is less torturous than any of Cassie's other books. And most probably, there will be no I-want-to-throw-this-book-on-the-wall when you're done. So, go grab a copy, there's no reason to hesitate. You won't be disappointed.

No man chooses evil because it is 

evil.

He only mistakes it for happiness,

the good he seeks.

-Mary Wallstonecraft

My Rating:

TBR Intervention Challenge (33)

TBR Intervention is a weekly challenge hosted by 

Dani@RefractedLight , Ayanami@Whatever you Can Still Betray

and April@Books4Juliet

Everyone is WELCOME to JOIN this meme. Just click the image TBR Intervention Button above to see the rules and read more about this feature.

MY LAST WEEK'S TBRIC:

I've finished Cassie's The Mortal Instruments book 5: City of Lost Souls and it was AMAZING. As usual, Cassie didn't fail to amuse her readers with her captivating stories that is full of surprising twists, action, suspense, and never-ending heartbreaks. It's another roller coaster ride! I also finished The Selection by Kiera Cass and it was an entertaining read. The story is beautiful and charming and I don't want it to end. There is a love triangle that is enough to make me swoon, and the story is captivating too. I'm just not satisfied with the ending because it seemed that the author gave me a story that is half-finished. I want to know the next thing that will happen to the characters and I want the next book asap. The ending is frustrating but the story is really good. I really liked it. I also finished 50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James. It took me a lot of guts to finish the book because I find it a bit disturbing due to lots of s**. But I think it's a nice book to read with your hubby *winks. I read it because my friends over at Starbooks loved it and with all the hype I got super curious. It's good and it's H.O.T. and super S.E.X.Y. I don't know if I'll read the second book though. I think it's suitable for married couple because of the romantic scenes and if you aren't one of the people who enjoy this kind of book, then I don't recommend it. 

MY NEXT WEEK'S TBRIC:

As soon as I finished my review of CoLS and The Selection, then I'll be ready to read Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready. I really can't wait to read it. I just finished listening AGAIN to Shift (Shade #2) just this afternoon and it reminded me how much I truly enjoyed this series. I so love Logan and Zach, Aura and Dylan, and the rest of the Keeley's. I can't wait to see them again in Shine though I'm a little sad knowing that it's the final book. So this would be my next book this week. I also started reading Blood Promise by Richelle Mead. After finishing Shadow Kiss, I became curious about the next book. It's surprising how I suddenly become excited about VA :) I think it's a good thing. 

How's everyone this week? Hope you're enjoying your week and your books!

Book Review: INSURGENT by Veronica Roth (Consider me awed again)

Insurgent (Divergent #2)
Author: Veronica Roth
Publication Date: May 1st 2012
Publisher:
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian

Summary | Add to TBR

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

My Thoughts:

I'm attempting to write a review of a "book" which I won't be able to give justice to. Insurgent is a story at it's finest, a book at its best, awesome to the fullest. The extreme plot, complex characters and unexpected twists and turns of events that never fail to surprise and amaze the readers made this book a one huge awesome read. I can't tell you how much I love this series!

"We are all right, you know," he says. "You and me. Okay?"

My chest aches, and I nod.

"Nothing else is all right." His whisper tickles my cheek. "But we are."

Once again I was thrown into the world of Divergent, beautiful and terrifying at the same time. The story immediately picked up where the first book left off--Tris, Four, Caleb, Peter, and Marcus--in the train heading to the Amity compound. I'm glad that this time, Insurgent gave me a glimpse of what it is to live inside Amity, the faction dedicated to pursue peace. In the same way that the readers were given the opportunity to see how to live in Candor.

"I love Tris the Divergent, who makes decisions apart from faction loyalty... But the Tris who's trying as hard as she can to destroy herself... I can't love her."

There are so many things to love about Insurgent, and I won't be able to finish if I state them all. But what I loved the most is Four (*swoon). I love it because I get to know him more in this book. Though there are lots of readers who seemed to be so irritated by him, I think he remains strong and amazing. And though Tris annoyed me from time to time because of her recklessness, I'd say that she's the most effective heroine I've ever met. She's strong-willed and smart and absolutely kick-ass. She suffered a lot--the death of her parents, the destruction of Abnegation, and the guilt of killing his friend Will--but she remains strong all through out the story. I just hope that Tris learned to trust Four, and not be stupid to think that Four will just let her go and do whatever it is that she wanted even if she risk her life. I want to pin-point one thing that Tris must have been missing the whole time: Four will always come to the rescue no matter what. He ends up saving her all the time. And Four should have trusted Tris more. I see that both main characters have their own issues to deal with like trusting each other and learning how to communicate with each other better. I hope they will learn to work this out in the next book to spare the readers some heartache that may result from stabbing one another out of arguments whether who is most infuriating of the two! Believe me, I felt stabbed a million times now! *winks*lol*

The setting of the story is as great as ever. The pacing is perfect! No dull moment, no boring ones.   Most of the times I was expecting something to happen and then my heart throbs, my stomach flutters. But what's great is that they come when I'm least expecting them--always surprising, shocking even. Action-packed, full of suspense and lots of exciting moments. This book will leave you breathless. The characters are amazing. Friends and enemies aren't what they seem. You'll hate some of those you've loved, and love some of those you've hated. The turn of events will question what you believe, who to trust, and where to stand. The twists and the revelations will amaze you once again, something that Veronica Roth didn't fail to give her readers.

We both have war inside of us. Sometimes it keeps us alive. Sometimes it threatens to destroy us.

I don't think my rating can ever give justice to it. I would give it a "10" if I could. I will definitely give this book the highest possible rating I can give. This book is what you call "the total page-turner". It did not disappoint, it will never disappoint. Undeniably and irrevocably, this book will take it's place beside Divergent -- there on top of the list of my most favorite books.

To Miss Veronica Roth, Once again, consider me awed.

My Rating:

Make sure you read DIVERGENT (Book 1)

Read my Review
Add to TBR

TBR Intervention Challenge (32)

TBR Intervention is a weekly challenge hosted by 

Dani@RefractedLight , Ayanami@Whatever you Can Still Betray

and April@Books4Juliet

Everyone is WELCOME to JOIN this meme. Just click the image TBR Intervention Button above to see the rules and read more about this feature.

MY LAST WEEK'S TBRIC:

  

Guess what? Come on. Guess. :) I finally finished Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead. My gosh. What an ending! I wanna thank all of you for your encouragements. I'm glad that I read this book and I'm looking forward to read the next in the series. It was a struggle at first but the last part made this book worthy of my time. It has a sad and beautiful ending. A total turning point for the characters especially to Rose and Dimitri. I really liked it.

So the not-so-good part of my last week's TBRIC is City of Lost Souls. Not that it isn't good, believe me, IT IS GOOD! I got sick last week and reading became unbearable when all I wanted was to sleep and rest. I was trying so hard to read the book and I made it halfway through even though my eyes were barely open. To make sure that I didn't miss a thing, I've decided to reread the book from the beginning. 

THIS WEEK'S TBRIC:

Hopefully I could finish CoLS early so I can start a new book. I'm not sure if I would still be interested to read another paranormal/fantasy book after CoLS, or I might take a break and read some contemporaries. So maybe, hopefully, one of the books below will be knocked off by the end of the week. Let's see...

    

How many books did you knock off last week?

Book Review: IF I DIE by Rachel Vincent

If I Die (Soul Screamers #5)

Author: Rachel Vincent

Publication Date: September 27th 2011

Publisher: Harlequin

Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy

Summary | Add to TBR

The entire school's talking about the gorgeous new math teacher, Mr. Beck. Everyone except Kaylee Cavanaugh. After all, Kaylee's no ordinary high-school junior. She's a banshee—she screams when someone dies. 

But the next scream might be for Kaylee. 

Yeah—it's a shock to her, too. So to distract herself, Kaylee's going to save every girl in school. Because that hot new teacher is really an incubus who feeds on the desire of unsuspecting students. The only girls immune to his lure are Kaylee and Sabine, her boyfriend's needy ex-girlfriend. Now the unlikely allies have to get rid of Mr. Beck…before he discovers they aren't quite human, either. 

But Kaylee's borrowed lifeline is nearing its end. And those who care about her will do anything to save her life. 

Anything.

My Thoughts:

Wow. All the unhealthy emotions I had in the first couple of books totally pay off. It was a total page-turner. I loved it! This is my most favorite among all the Soul Screamers books so far.

For the first time, love became real for Kaylee. What had been missing from her relationship with Nash, she feels now with Tod. Though I loved Nash from the beginning, I always looked for something special, something extraordinary, something deeper and true. Now I understand, it wasn't Nash after all but Tod. 

"You just say the word, and I'll make the rest of the world go away. I'll take you someplace safe, where no one else can reach us."

"I'm here because I couldn't stay away from you. I'll spend the next three hundred years trying to make this up to Nash, if that's what it takes..."

-Tod

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book. From the beginning up to the end, I was nailed in my seat. I couldn't put it down! I got so angry with Sabine that I wanted to smack her beautiful face and throw her out in the milky way! Thank goodness there's Tod, and he was so freaking adorable and swoon-worthy. Beware of the banshee brothers. Kaylee certainly knew that by now. I was heartbroken because of Nash, I really liked him though he made a mess in his life. He made poor choices. Very stupid choices. And because of that, Kaylee is slipping away from him... towards Tod. Okay, so that wasn't a surprise to me anymore since I got hints before, but the rest of the events were shocking to me. Kaylee is dying and Tod will do everything to help her. And as usual, Kaylee is back in saving everyone from everything, even though she's running out of time and death is on her way now. She's still a bit irritating to me but I began to like her now and can't wait to see how she'll cope up with her new life in the next book.

You want some complication? Well, these four characters certainly take the word "complicated" to the next level. Sabine needs Nash. Nash needs Sabine. And Nash also needs Kaylee but Kaylee doesn't need Nash because Kaylee needs Tod. Reading about them was heartbreaking yet enjoyable and I had mixed emotions that I never want to end. The feeling was overwhelming--knowing that in the end,  you'll get what you want, what you need, and you'll be satisfied. I didn't expect anything like that. I can't even explain it. I was just amazed by how Rachel Vincent pulled off everything to make it this good. I'm telling you, when you see other reviews that says, it's a roller-coaster ride and the best among the series, then believe them! It was. And it still is!

"I don't expect you to understand... I can't justify what I did and I can't explain what I feel for him, and I honestly don't know where it would go, if I were to be here past tomorrow. All I know is how good I feel when I'm with him, and how I want to be with him when he's gone, and how, when he looks at me, I get this feeling in the pit of my stomach, like I'm falling, but I can't remember jumping, and I don't think I'll ever hit the ground." - Kaylee 

I am now so excited for the next book, too bad it won't be available until June. I am so glad that I read it and you'll surely don't want to miss it!

My Rating:

Take a look at the next Soul Screamers book:

Before I Wake (Soul Screamers #6)

by Rachel Vincent

June 16th 2012

Summary | Add to TBR

I died on a Thursday-killed by a monster intent on stealing my soul. The good news? He didn't get it. The bad news? Turns out not even death will get you out of high school... Covering up her own murder was one thing, but faking life is much harder than Kaylee Cavanaugh expected. After weeks spent "recovering," she's back in school, fighting to stay visible to the human world, struggling to fit in with her friends and planning time alone with her new reaper boyfriend. But to earn her keep in the human world, Kaylee must reclaim stolen souls, and when her first assignment brings her face-to-face with an old foe, she knows the game has changed. Her immortal status won't keep her safe. And this time Kaylee isn't just gambling with her own life....

Thursday Revisits (11): Divergent by Veronica Roth

Thursday Revisits is a new meme hosted by my friend Sam @ Books For All Seasons.

It's a weekly feature of book discussions about the characters, scenes, and plot of the book we read. 

It’s featured every Thursday.

Hello everyone! I missed a post last week due to internet interruption and I'm so excited to be back with my eleventh Thursday Revisit post. Today's featured book is way too special 'cos it's my most favorite book ever. And right here with me to discuss about the book is my friend Queen, straight from Ireland :)

It's Queen!

Even before we became this close because of our love for books and love for Divergent (we're close right? as if you have a choice!), we've been classmates first during college. We met at Adamson University Manila (Go Falcons!), both took up BS Computer Engineering (what year again?! lol) and became friends. But I didn't know that behind this bubbly, intelligent, and funny little girl is a crazy-book-addict-lover. It's funny to know that we've been around each other for 5 long years and haven't talk (even a single time) about books. Miles apart but just an FB and email away, we've closed the distance and spend times babbling about books we love. I'm gonna hug this girl when we meet again! :)

So without further ado, here's our Thursday Revisit for the best-selling book Divergent by Veronica Roth. 

Divergent (Divergent Trilogy #1)
by Veronica Roth

Summary | Add to TBR | Read my Review

In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.

1. How many times have you read Divergent?

Kwin: two times. i had to reread in preparation for insurgent's release!

April: Once. But I listened to the audiobook twice already :)

Kwin: well then technically thats thrice! do you realize what an obsessed little devil you are? lol

April: Haha. Look who's talking!

2. What was your first impression when you finished the book? 

Kwin: stokeddddd! i thought the whole concept of it was very original, not to mention the romance which had me blushing and smiling on my own like a retard.

April: Oh, you're a retard. We all are, I guess lol. And yep, Divergent is definitely amazing! It's the best book ever and made it's way straight to the top of my most favorites. I have this HUGE smile on my face when I finished it. I was speechless. So yeah, like a retard too...

Kwin: Veronica Roth is obviously creating a faction of retards out of us readers, dont you see?!

3. Did you liked it? 

Kwin: Are you kiding me? I died from reality and lived in that world! I absolutely adored it.

April: My gosh. I loved it! I still do. I love love love Divergent! This is one book I definitely don't hesitate to recommend.

Kwin: Definitely! and i actually want to give you the biggest kiss for recommending me such a must-read. My lips and your forehead will bleed!

April: Kiss me? Don't even think about it. Lol

Kwin: such a snob!

4. If you were Tris, what faction would you choose? 

Kwin: hmmn, im not selfless, im not brave, im not honest, im not fearless.. that leaves me with Erudite which I also choose because they have the access to all the books! hah!

April: Yeah, I think so too! You'll fit perfectly in Erudite :) But as much as I love BOOKS, I don't think I will survive there. I think I would choose Amity. But there's a tiny little part of myself that rebels and want to try Dauntless or Abnegation. But I'm not brave and selfless enough--I couldn't even resist looking at the mirror! lol. I'll pick Amity.

Kwin: Yes! You, Amity, Agree.

5. In which factions do you think you were born to? 

Kwin: I think I am a bit in between Amity, Abnegation and Erudite. I was never sporty and brave to be dauntless nor was i ever too honest to belong to Candor.

April: I'm not honest for Candor either. LOL. I think there are pieces of me that belongs to Erudite and Abnegation, but a big part of me is Amity.

Kwin: we totally said the same three factions! we will never be able to get rid of each other! what a world of pity. lol

April: I agree! Haha

6. If you can build a new faction in addition to Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Erudite and Dauntless, what will it be? 

Kwin: I would say a faction for the dirty minded unacceptable people in society, those who were born but does not really deserve to live. rapists, murderers and crooked criminal sorts where after being chosen they shall be perished at once. I would name the faction, GARBAGE.

April: Hahaha! You cracked me up Queen! GARBAGE, really? I don't want to imagine life in that faction. Anyway, if I have to add another faction, I think it would be something dedicated in pursuit of faith and God. I'll call it DIVINE Faction. And the people that will live there will be called "The Faithful" or "The Righteous". =D

Kwin: if Garbage isn't sounding well to you, RUBBISH would do, haha! and I am so embarrassed with how my mind works inversely proportional to yours. I say Garbage, you say DIVINE!! I think I belong to the faction i just created.

April: LOL. Wait, did you just say inversely proportional? I want to forget Math.

6. In the world of Divergent, it is said that to be factionless also means to live without a purpose. Would you rather be dead than factionless? 

Kwin: If the simulation decided that I am useless, that would only mean my brain does not cooperate with my whole being and I wouldn't have the guts and ability to kill myself. So, I think I'd remain factionless. lol

April: I'd rather be factionless. So I guess, we'll still see each other Queen. You won't be able to get rid of me :P

Kwin: I know right? there seem to be no way getting rid of you. We're like Jace and Sebastian from TMI. We need each other to live. For all the wrong reasons!

April: Right! You're Sebastian, I'm Jace =P

Kwin: Did you really need to emphasize that?! they get it okay?!! hmp!

7. Who is your most favorite character? 

Kwin: Four. Four. Four. Four. there you have it, Four fours!

April: FOUR (swooning and drooling here)

8. What scene do you remember the most? 

Kwin: oh, that moment when Tris was trying so hard to figure out if four was actually moving like a robot or was he aware of what was going on and what was he planning to do, and when he finally grabbed her to run.. that was the climax for me.

April: Oh yes! I love that part too! Intense. Another memorable part for me was the time Tris found out Four's real name. This one I always remember:

Four: See if you can figure out why they call me Four.
Tris: What’s your real name?
Four: See if you can figure that out too.

And of course the last part in the train on their way to Amity, when Four said he love Tris :) Sorry, that's two! There are so many memorable parts in the book, it's hard to choose!

9. Do you have a favorite quote/line from the book that you want to share with us? 

Kwin: yes..the classic, “We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another.” and the romantic, “Sometimes I see him as just another person, and sometimes I feel the sight of him in my gut, like a deep ache.” 

April: I loved that one too! The one from the manifesto. I'll choose another one or two or three (grinning): 

"I think it’s important to protect people. To stand up for people. Like you did for me. That’s what the Dauntless are supposed to do, right? That’s what courage is. Not… hurting people for no reason." - Al 
 

"Sometimes they do. And sometimes new fears replace them. But becoming fearless isn’t the point. That’s impossible. It’s learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it, that’s the point." - Four 

I don’t know who I should rely on more, because I’m not sure who my true friends are. Uriah and Marlene, who were on my side even when I seemed strong, or Cristina and Will, who have always protected me when I seemed weak? - Tris 

10. Rate the book 1-5, 5 being the highest. 

Kwin: this is definitely a 5 for me.

April: 5+ Awesome-sauce. A must read!

Some Fun Stuff (you might want to know or maybe not):

My complete name: 

Kwin: grr! this isnt fun April.. Maria Carina Bombase Navarro.. yeah, theres no Kwinnie anywhere there, but that is not the question.

April: Hey! I like your name - Maria Carina Bombase Navarro :) Okay, I was named April Crisostomo Melodillar until I got married and changed to April Melodillar-David. I miss my old name, sometimes. Hehe.

Kwin: no, You dont like my name, you just said that so I'd say I like your name too... hey, can we switch?

April: You have a nice name! I like Carina!!

Kwin: jesus christ! how much did my mother pay you?

On a Saturday Night, I can be found: 

Kwin: If not outside hanging, I can normally be found in front of my laptop.

April: Most probably, I'm at the mall. Shopping or just window shopping. If not, at home watching movie or reading a book.

I have a secret crush on: 

Kwin: omg, if i reveal it here then It wouldn't be a secret no more.

April: Four. Okay, that's not so secret anymore *winks*

Kwin: that was never a secret at all! my eyes are rolling.

The most daring thing I've ever done: 

Kwin: hmmn, leaving the uncomforts of the way my life was for the uncomforts of the way my life is.. in a foreign country.

April: Let's see. Got married? what?

Kwin: whoa! the spouse has to see this! tag him.

If you could trade lives with an animal for a day, what animal would it be? 

Kwin: I'd say... a falcon.. I really want to soar high and live up for my university's aims! ahaha!

April: We'll always be Falcons! Soar High :) Yeah, I want to be a bird too so I can fly. Or a fish! But I'm afraid I'll end up on someone's table for dinner. Haha.

Kwin: haha! Fate is inevitable, who knows even as a falcons we'd still end up to be someone's dinner.. the universe has its ways. lol

My worst vice is: 

Kwin: THE FREAKIN' INTERNET!!! on my laptop, on my phone! its everywhereeeee!

April: Books and gummy bears! Books are probably not bad at all, cos they're healthy for my brain and my heart, but definitely not for my bank account (wait, I don't even have a serious one! lol) Yeah, definitely bad for my pocket. And yes, Gummy bears! lol.

Kwin: I dont consider books as a vice! but gummy bears definitely are destructive, they can choke you to death, you know that?

April: Hmm. Should I switch to Jelly Beans?!

Kwin: how keen of you to see the huge difference in them.

If you looked in my closet, you'd be surprised to find:

Kwin: I am very tidy when it comes to my closet, no surprises there. I keep the skeletons in a safer place. lol

April: Maybe your skeletons are under the bed? LOL. Hmm, I'm too organized too. I want everything and anything perfect and organized--from the color and length of my clothes, to the color of the hangers. Sometimes I think I have an OCD tendencies lol. But maybe you'll be surprised to see a Bible in my closet--the one I bring to church (no no, I'm not a religious type of person hehe. I just have plenty of bibles).

Kwin: And again... I say skeletons, you say Bible... hmmmnnn.... Amen!

April: hahaha! See, now who's the little devil?!? Lol

Kwin: you'll always be the little devil April.. I'm the Big one.

The best part of being me is: 

Kwin: i am so obnoxious, you'd laugh.

April: Hahaha! Well, let see… I am very well loved and cared for :)

Kwin: I am too.. but i didn't want to brag.. i see you're more obnoxious than I am. Stop bragging! that's not nice!

I wish I could be more: 

Kwin: living, loving, and learning.

April: patient, selfless, giving and more loving.

Do you have anything to say before we end the discussion? 

Kwin: As much as I do not want to end the discussion, I want to thank you so much for this revisit, fun fun! mwuah!

April: Oh you're welcome! You can visit again next time :) You NERD! Love yah! Mwuah!

Kwin: As long as the word NERD complies with Kelly McGeer's definition (Nice Extraordinary Reading Diva), I wont complain. Thank you very much April.. muahhh!! Love yah too!

Thank you everyone for joining me today! 

Thank you Queen for doing this revisit with me. I had FUN! Xoxo!

Book Review: THE DAY BEFORE by Lisa Schroeder

The Day Before
Author: Lisa Schroeder
Publication Date: June 28th 2011
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary Romance

Summary | Add to TBR
Sixteen-year-old Amber, hoping to spend one perfect day alone at the beach before her world is turned upside down, meets and feels a strong connection to Cade, who is looking for his own escape, for a very different reason.

My Thoughts:

I look out the window and
imagine the warm sun on my face,
the sound of the surf in my ears.

                 "I'm glad I'm not there."

I feel his eyes on me.
"I'm glad I'm here."

I'm no longer
just thinking warm thoughts.
I'm feeling them.

Have you ever tried to escape your life even in one day? This book is about that. Well, not really. It's more than that. It's also about finding love in unexpected places, and probably during the most unexpected time. It's about accepting your life as it is while moving forward to where you should be.

Amber was switched at birth. Now 16, she has no choice but to live with her real parents whom she never knew at all. The day before she move with them, Amber decided to spend the day alone at the beach. She didn't expect to meet a mysterious, beautiful boy whom she end up spending the rest of the day with. 

I didn't know that the story was written in verse until I opened the book to read it. This was the first novel I've read written by Lisa Schroeder and I'm sure it won't be the last. It was a beautiful book and I'm glad that I picked it.

I don't remember when I started feeling emotional but I guess it was the moment I started reading the first lines. I was amazed to get so much from a book that was written in short verses which you can read in one sitting. I read it in two hours! Two short hours but those were undeniably fun and meaningful. It was a heartwarming story written with so much beauty. I loved how the story unfolds as Amber told the story in her own point of view. I liked her character, her honesty. Cade was a wonderful character all over. He was beautiful inside and out and I loved how his relationship with Amber developed from attraction to something that is so much more. 

As I read the book, I began to feel nervous (and hopeful) about the ending. But I'm glad that the author didn't left me unsatisfied. It was really full of hope and I was left wanting for more. This book is surprisingly amazing and I totally enjoyed every minute of it. If you enjoy contemporaries with likable characters, sweet yet emotional story that can touch your heart and giggle at the same time, then I won't hesitate to recommend this book to you. Touching, endearing and beautiful all over.

"It's all yours," I tell him.

And I mean it.
He can have it all.
He's already got the most
important thing anyway.

My heart. 

You got it right. This book got my heart.

My Rating:

TBR Intervention Challenge (31)

TBR Intervention is a weekly challenge hosted by 

Dani@RefractedLight , Ayanami@Whatever you Can Still Betray

and April@Books4Juliet

Everyone is WELCOME to JOIN this meme. Just click the image TBR Intervention Button above to see the rules and read more about this feature.

This is my first post for the whole week *yikes*. We didn't have internet connection since Tuesday so I wasn't able to post anything last week. I even thought that I wouldn't be able to post my TBRIC today. So glad that the line is finally fixed :)

MY LAST WEEK'S TBRIC:

I stopped reading Shadow Kiss when there was only 1/3 of the book left to read. I couldn't get myself to enjoy it. Sorry, I know that there are lots of you who loved this series. Reading should be F-U-N, right? So I grabbed some other book to read which I enjoyed and loved--The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder. It's a beautiful story. Emotional and deep. It was written in verse so I finished it in two hours. Really good book, I loved it!  I also finished Tempting the Best Man by J. Lynn (Jennifer Armentrout). It was really fun and sexy and yummy. Very enjoyable read and I loved it too! I guess I really had a couple of good reads last week even though I wasn't able to finish Shadow Kiss. I am also reading City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare (yes!!!) and I AM ENJOYING IT. No further comment (yet).

THIS WEEK'S TBRIC:

So I need to finish City of Lost Souls and Shadow Kiss.

Shadow Kiss.
Shadow Kiss.
Shadow Kiss.

I need a powerful mantra to do this. Girls, WISH ME LUCK!!!

What book did you knock off last week? 

TBR Intervention Challenge (30)

TBR Intervention is a weekly challenge hosted by 

Dani@RefractedLight , Ayanami@Whatever you Can Still Betray

and April@Books4Juliet

Everyone is WELCOME to JOIN this meme. Just click the image TBR Intervention Button above to see the rules and read more about this feature.

MY LAST WEEK'S TBRIC:

I'm still halfway through Shadow Kiss (at least I started it! LOL). INSURGENT by Veronica Roth came in so what choice do I have? I immediately grabbed the Kindle eBook (since my hardback copy will not be available until at least next week) and bought a copy of the Audible! :) I've finished Insurgent but haven't written my review yet. As expected, it was AMAZING! I loved Divergent among all the other books I've read (honestly) and that's why I can't resist Insurgent. I've waited long enough. Anyway, I'll give this book a 5+ rating. I can't tell you enough how much I love this series, and how much I love Tris and Four. Oh, Four.

I also finished Taste by Kate Evangelista and you can find my review here. It was really good and I loved it. 

THIS WEEK'S TBRIC:

I have a couple of books to choose from but I'm undecided yet because of Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready. Those of you who know me knows that I love love love the Shade Series so I'm waiting my chance to jump into Shine asap.

So just in case, here are some of the books I can choose from:
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan
Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

Or maybe some contemporaries like:
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen
Stay With Me by Paul Griffin
Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith

Book Review: TASTE by Kate Evangelista

Taste

Author: Kate Evangelista
Publication Date: April 30th 2012
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

Summary | Add to TBR

At Barinkoff Academy, there's only one rule: no students on campus after curfew. Phoenix McKay soon finds out why when she is left behind at sunset. A group calling themselves night students threaten to taste her flesh until she is saved by a mysterious, alluring boy. With his pale skin, dark eyes, and mesmerizing voice, Demitri is both irresistible and impenetrable. He warns her to stay away from his dangerous world of flesh eaters. Unfortunately, the gorgeous and playful Luka has other plans.

When Phoenix is caught between her physical and her emotional attraction, she becomes the keeper of a deadly secret that will rock the foundations of an ancient civilization living beneath Barinkoff Academy. Phoenix doesn’t realize until it is too late that the closer she gets to both Demitri and Luka the more she is plunging them all into a centuries old feud.

My Thoughts:

After the initial melodic tolling of the school bells that announced the top of the hour, the counting began.

ONE. I reached the library's double doors and pulled the handles. The heavy doors protested. TWO. My fingers slipped. I wiped my sweat-slick hands on my skirt and tried again. The doors creaked and opened. THREE. I squeezed through the exit I'd made. I didn't know which hurt more, the burning of my lungs or my heart hammering a hole through my chest. I cursed my propensity to skip gym. FOUR. I raced down the west hall that ran alongside the Lunar Garden... I quickened my pace and reached the school's front doors by the sixth chime then stopped when an overwhelming sense of hopelessness flooded my insides. My hands trembled and my knees fought to keep me upright...

Damn. This couldn't be happening... This couldn't be happening! Not to me. Especially not to me! But the bell had stopped. It's silence sealed my fate. - p6

The moment I started reading Taste, I couldn't put it down. It was a total page-turner book that kept me awake until past 3 in the morning! It was engrossing and very captivating.

The story started when Phoenix McKay accidentally broke the one and only rule at Barinkoff Academy: No students on campus after curfew. Falling asleep at the library isn't a good thing after all. Now she must face her fate as the last bell chimed in and she was left trapped inside the campus with the Night Students. But it seems that all the luck in the world suddenly bestowed upon her! Who wouldn't want to be saved by a mysterious but oh-so-gorgeous, overall swoon-worthy and not to mention hot (as in literally hot!) guy Demitri? The guy who happens to appear out of nowhere every time she needs of saving. I wouldn't care being left at the academy with this drool-worthy-kind of guy (*giggling*). All of sudden, Phoenix's sad and hollow life was thrown into the magnificent yet strange world of the flesh-eaters--beautiful, almost cut to perfection--each of them exudes a deliciously unique smell--they called themselves "zhamvys". And Phoenix might just be the one they need to survive.

"You can hit me," I said. "I know you want to."
"I refuse to hit a woman, Phoenix, no matter how annoying she gets. Violence solves nothing."

I cannot love a book with weak, not to mention annoying characters. For me to really enjoy the story, the characters should be likable at least. But in this case, I didn't have any issues at all. From the time Phoenix had spoken in my head when I started this book, I immediately liked her. She has the brain (since Barinkoff only accept students with exceptional intelligence) and she definitely has the gut to be called "heroine". She doesn't annoy me even the tiniest bit and that's totally a big deal to me. Her wit and humor always left me grinning like crazy and she didn't fail to amaze me. And then there's Demitri.

I cocked my head, raking my gaze over him. He seemed born to wear the uniform, like he was the pattern everyone else was cut from. My eyes wandered to long, layered, blue-black hair tied at the nape by a silk ribbon. Even in dim light, his hair possessed a shine akin to mercury.

He's strong (and hot), dependable (and hot), handsome (and hot), and ever-devoted to his people (and hot!). He's also a mysterious and frustrating kind of guy, but there was something deep within his cold persona--characteristics that only add to his hotness. Yeah, you really should meet this guy! But oh, there's Luka! It seems that Taste isn't contented on giving the readers one hot guy (did I just say hot again?) and it gives us two! Just when I thought I want Demitri for myself for Phoenix, Luka came into the picture.

He was strikingly beautiful. His tumble of blonde hair curled just above his sculpted cheekbones. His movements spoke of elegance and control. His touch cooler than Demitri's... He spoke of language I hadn't heard before, remaining calm yet firm. He had a voice like a familiar lullaby. It filled my heart to the brim with comfort... 

The mystery that surrounds his character seems dark but who can't give a beautiful boy the benefit of the doubt? With his playful and carefree spirit, he tried to overshadow his true self--the depth of his soul and the goodness in his heart. Who's the guy to root for? I loved Demitri but I also loved Luka, and then *confusion* but then Demitri won over in the end. It was hard to choose between two great guys.

"I understand," I said then slapped him...
"Is this something I can expect from you every time we see each other?" Dray rubbed his cheek and grumbled. "Just let me know so I can prepared myself for future abuse."

I have a heart for Dray, too. The guy who mean well for the zhamvy people even if risking his life was one way to do it. Obviously, Kate Evangelista crafted not only one or two amazing characters but a lot more. There are people to hate but more people to love. I want to see them again in her future books. I let them in and I'm glad I did!

Readers who hate slow beginning will appreciate this book. The excitement I felt from the start lasted up to the time I closed the book. The pacing of the story was perfect. There was no boring parts but only heart-thumping ones. The author was never out of surprises. She had completely blown me away with her unexpected revelations. I was so curious about the story especially the secrets behind Demitri and Luka's characters, but the author  never left my questions unanswered. Kudos to the author, she gave me lots of open-mouthed moments! Well, I guess my curiosity paid off (*grins*).

The awesome characters, the beautiful setting, the unique and original story, the romance that will make your knees wobble, and the unexpected ending that will make you smile and dream and swoon... What's not to love? Let this book blow your mind away. Kate Evangelista has written an extraordinary story that is beautiful, engaging and totally delicious. I absolutely loved it! She nailed every aspect of this book. I tasted and devoured it. It left me satisfied... but then again, it made me hungry for more.

My Rating:

Without spoiling anything, here are some more quotes to tease you:

To taste meant to sample, but what? My flesh? They had to be joking because the alternative wasn't funny.

I'd fallen in love with a flesh-eating member of a superior race currently living beneath our feet. A guy who put his duty for his people above me. The jerk. 

"Why am I finding it hard to believe that you will actually stay put?"

"Phoenix." ___ pinched my arm.

"Ow!" I scowled at him. "What was that for?"

"Stop ogling my brother and pay attention."

"Before you, I had no breath. No heart. No life."

You can buy the book here:

Book Review: PURE by Jennifer Armentrout

Pure (Covenant #2)

Author: Jennifer Armentrout

Publication Date: March 13th 2012

Publisher: SPencer Hill Press

Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy

Summary | Add to TBR

There is need. And then there is Fate... 

Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn't exactly awesome--especially when Alexandria's "other half" is everywhere she goes. Seth's in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom--so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do--and sacrifice--for her. 

When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies--lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon... and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn't blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude... or killing her. 

When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.

My Thoughts:

A few weeks ago, I finished Obsidian, another book by Jennifer Armentrout, and writing the review was really hard for me. I stared at my laptop screen for too long before I was able to write the first word! And now, after reading Pure, it felt like a deja vu. She is an amazing writer and she got this awesome way with words. I don't know how to put my feelings over this book, because honestly, it's so good. The time I started it, I couldn't put it down. I loved it. I totally loved it!

I enjoyed Half-Blood from the start and it just made me even more excited for Pure. The whole gang is back. The awesome characters we all loved and adored--the gorgeous, swoon-worthy Pure-blood Aiden, the beautiful and sometimes pain-in-the-ass Apollyon Seth, and the stubborn but strong-willed Alex who is ultimately kickass! I loved these characters so much that even after I finished the book, I still find myself thinking about them. 

This book is as awesome as book one. I can't tell which is better because they both surpassed my expectations. As I've said, Jennifer Armentrout is a talented writer and I think you can never go wrong with her books. From Daimon to Pure, you'll just love them all the more. It was thrilling and action-packed. The romance is ahh.... just amazing. I love Seth but I am rooting for Aiden. Both guys are awesome. It's actually hard to choose! Alex status might as well be like: "it's complicated".

Engaging and heart wrenching, this book will keep you awake way past your bed time. There are lots of funny moments and heartbreaking ones too. Expect an emotional roller coaster ride. It will leave you breathless but you don't want the story to end. 

Read Half-Blood, read Pure. Read Obsidian and the rest of Jennifer Armentrout's books! You'll never be disappointed. It's pure awesomeness. I highly recommend! If you don't trust me, you can ask my Starbooks friends *wink.

My review will not be complete without this awesome-sauce lines from Pure:

“If I was like every other pure-blood, I would have had you by now, without even thinking about the consequences for you. Every day is a struggle not to be like them.” 

“I’ve been told my lips can make a girl forget just about anything. You should try it out.”

“I wouldn’t give up being a Sentinel for the world. Or being the Apollyon. I rock.”

Laughing, I rolled my eyes. “Wow. You’re so humble.”

Aiden swiped the blades off the mats. “I really need to find a way to bar those doors.”

Seth shot Aiden a look. “I really wish you’d try.”

“I don’t like your practices with Aiden. So no, I won’t get off.”

My throat felt dry. “You just don’t like Aiden.”

“You’re right. I don’t like him. I don’t like the way he looks at you, and I really don’t like the way he looks at me.”

“Do you ever take anything seriously?” I pushed to my feet.

Seth shot to his feet, towering over me. “I take you seriously.”

“You’ve never shown any interest in getting to know me better. You don’t know a thing about me.”

“That’s not true.”

His lips curled into a sardonic grin as he let go of my hand. “You don’t even know my last name, Alex.”

“I think so. I want a hamburger and a hot dog.” I paused. “And ice cream in one of those waffle cones. And—and I want to see the big kitties.”

“So demanding,” he murmured, grinning. “Well, we better get started, then.”

“If you weren’t a pure, what would you be doing right now? Like, what would you want to do with your life?”

Aiden glanced down at our hands and then his gaze flicked to mine. “Right this instant? I’d be doing a hell of a lot more than what I’m allowed to do.”

“Ever since I’ve met you, I’ve wanted to break every rule... You’ll become the center of someone’s world one day. And he’ll be the luckiest son of a bitch on this earth.”

“I’m not trying to pawn you off on someone. You were never mine to do so.”

I leaned forward, my fingers digging into my thighs as I spoke in a whisper thick with pain. “I was never yours? You should’ve thought about that before you stripped me naked in your room!” 

You can choose to continue wasting away for something you can never have.”

All right, little Apollyon—who is not completely trained and is on the verge of becoming annoying—go with your uncle.”

"You know, I don’t know which is worse. That I was stupid enough to want to kiss you, or the fact that you’re still hung up on someone who doesn’t even want you.”

A fine shiver coursed over my skin. “Seth?”

“Yeah?”

“You were in my dream.”

One amber-colored eye opened. “Please tell me we were naked.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re such a perv.”

My last conscious thought was of my biggest mistake—not the boy beside me, but the one I could never have.

My Rating:

Next book in the series:

Deity (Covenant #3)

Expected Release Date: November 6th 2012

Read Summary & Add to TBR