"Thou art War.Thou art the Red Ridder of the Apocalypse. Rock on."
While Hunger introduces us to Famine, through Rage, we get to know War, a brand new...more"Thou art War.Thou art the Red Ridder of the Apocalypse. Rock on."
While Hunger introduces us to Famine, through Rage, we get to know War, a brand new War.Missy, a high school girl, a soccer player, an ex girlfriend.Missy, who sometimes wants to forget everything and be lost in her own oblivion and denial with the help of her little friend, the blade.Missy likes...no.Wants...no.HAS to use the blade in order to cut herself off from the world.She just has to. Until Death comes knocking at her door.Literally.
There is nothing,NOTHING,I didn't like about Kessler's Rage.It was everything I wanted it to be and more!It was raw,bloody and painfully brilliant!
Well, I've got to hand it to Death.He sure knows how to pick 'em! In my opinion, Missy made the perfect War.A respectable War, an admirable one.She embraced the pain and made it her own, instead of just giving in to it, which would have been the easiest and most painless way out.She decided that the most efficient way to stop War as Kessler so perfectly put it, is "by making peace". It was a despicable thing what her classmates did to her, no question about it.They deserved nothing more that her wrath and vengeance.And she could just very easily destroy them all, giving them more than a taste of their own medicine while she basked in their misery and demise. She didn't, though.She chose the hard way and decided that by saving them, she was saving herself.Or at least she took a very big first step towards that. My hat's off to her and every girl or boy who realises that there are more important things in life than the ones that make you hurt yourself in order to make them go away.
To say that Kessler's writing was brilliant, would be an understatement!Having read Hunger, I expected nothing less and I was not disappointed."Wow, I wish I could write like her!" was all that went through my head when reading Rage, while I looking dreamily at my computer screen. Amazing!
I didn't add a lot of the story in my review because the book doesn't come out till April 2011 and I don't want to spoil it for you guys. Just do yourselves a favour: read this book!I guarantee it will blow your mind!
The Goddess Test is yet another book with great potential that unfortunately didn't live up to my expectations.
What drew me to this book in the first place, was its story and the whole greek mythology stick. You'd think me being greek I'd be sick of those. Nah, not really. Besides, they are the next big thing in YA fiction, right? So, who wouldn't wanna read a book about Gods, Underworld, trials and of course romance? While the Goddess Test was all that, I still felt unsatisfied by the end of the book. And I think the reason I struggled so much with GT was not the story, but its characters.
Let me get something out of the way first: I have no problem whatsoever with different versions of greek myths. I have read some reviews which expressed a slight dislike in changing them. Me? I don't really care. It's a myth, a story, fiction. Its sole purpose is exactly that, to be altered and retold in many different ways throughout history. So I think story-wise, I was pretty much OK with GT.
However good a story may be though, if the characters in it are weak, the story eventually sinks along with them. I was never a fan of the two-minute love or friendship, and this book had both. Kate trusted with her life, people who tried to hurt her or people she didn't know anything about out, reaching a point where she actually gave up her freedom to save the life of one of them, who, haven been given a chance, would have hurt her. While that's all good and noble, it's so unbelievable for me, I can't even justified it by saying "it's fiction, it's OK".
I think I may be the only one who found the fact that Kate fell in love with the guy that held her prisoner a little bit disturbing. And not because of her choice, but because I doubt she had the slightest idea of what was happening around her half the time. She agreed to be taken by a stranger to go and live at his manor for 6 months under lock and key and then witnessed a resurrection. You'd think she'd eventually get it, right? That something supernatural or at least something remotely weird was going on. Personally, I didn't see it. I saw a weak, ignorant teenage girl, totally broken by her mother's imminent death, falling prey to a guy who was, surprisingly, equally weak! If maybe Henry was a bit more "manly" and a stronger figure, then Kate's weaknesses could be somehow explained and even justified. But having your two protagonists, one of them being a God!, practically being passive and never taking initiative or a single decision throughout the whole book, kind of makes the whole story all the more unconvincing, even beyond the "unconvincing" factor that comes with every myth.
As for the revelation in the end, I guess it was surprising, although by then, I was so disappointed by the way things were going that I couldn't bring myself to care, I guess. I won't even dwell on the love-triangle thing, which was totally unnecessary, in my opinion.
I don't think I have to recommend The Goddess Test to readers, because I already know so many people loved it and I am sure there will be more. I guess it just wasn't my cup of tea.
This book has been given to me by NetGalley, free of charge.(less)
Darkness Becomes Her is an unbelievably original novel that completely won me over!
Granted, Darkness Becomes Her has somewhat of a rocky start.Fi...more4,5/5
Darkness Becomes Her is an unbelievably original novel that completely won me over!
Granted, Darkness Becomes Her has somewhat of a rocky start.First 40 pages or so.You have to get used to Ari's character, who comes on a little too strong for a 17 year old girl and acclimate to the utterly new, semi-dystopian/futuristic surroundings. DBH takes place in New 2, which actually is the city of New Orleans, partially rebuild by the Novem(made up of 9 families)after the hurricane Katrina in 2005.So, as you probably have guessed there is a lot to absorb at first.However, as you continue reading you'll quickly find yourself lost in this amazing world Keaton has created!
I loved all the characters in DBH.Brace yourselves, there are a lot, but each and every one of them is memorable because they have their own voice and distinguishable personalities. Ari is a tough, VERY tough teenage girl.She has survived several foster homes and very bad living conditions. She is determined to find her true origins and nothing will get in her way.Then she meets Sebastian, whom she likes instantly. Now you know I am not a fan of the 2 minutes head over heels thing.Fortunately, Ari wasn't either!I loved how she constantly chastised herself for falling for a stranger so quickly.She knows it's not "natural" to like someone she barely knows and she is not afraid to say it.That made me admire Ari and made her feelings towards Sebastian all the more believable to me.That and her abhorrence to snakes(I can completely relate!), had me practically adoring her by the end of the book!
As for the story...where do I begin?Vampires, warlocks, shifters, harpies, mythical monsters, vengeful Greek goddesses, all of them part of a unique and imaginative story you will not want to end!Add to that a shocking revelation towards the end, and you have yourself a book that you just don't wanna miss! Recommended. (less)
How can you not love a book that has that line in it?It's impossible! When I first read Hunger's summary, I thought that that is...more"Thou art Famine,yo."
How can you not love a book that has that line in it?It's impossible! When I first read Hunger's summary, I thought that that is the book for me.I love the Four Horseman/Apocalypse/Harbinger stories and I was so excited to read this,I can't even tell you!To be honest, I was expecting it to be more to the paranormal/supernatural side and it-surprisingly-wasn't, and thank God for that because I find that the matter it approaches is way more important than any paranormal story, however good.
Anorexia and bulimia are diseases.If you're thinking of losing weight by not eating or by throwing up what you eat, you are sick and you should immediately seek help.That's an undeniable fact.No way around it, no loopholes, no excuses.Lisa,the lead, is sick.Kessler herself,was sick for a short period of time and through her amazing writing,we are witnessing Lisa's slow and painful demise.I am not even going to dwell on the myriads of negatives aspects of being anorexic or bulimic.The one-chapter,"ritual" ,of Lisa's friend stuffing herself with anything she can find and then forcing herself to lose it was shocking, to say the least,and if that doesn't make you want to even reconsider doing something resembling that, I don't know what will.
But,in the end,Lisa found herself and through her eye opening experience as Famine, she learned first hand about misery and poverty and finally,actual hunger.It was not easy,of course.Even in the end we see Lisa struggling to eat, even though she knows it's the right thing to do, it's what she HAS to do to help people in need, and I loved how Kessler used Lisa's compassion for others as a way to make her start eating again.She was not able to care about herself because she neither understood nor believed that anything was wrong with her , but she could still care about others, and that was enough to save her.
That being said, there is also a fun side to this book.Difficult to believe,but it's true!You can't help but crack a smile at Kessler's clever humour and witty one liners, a very welcome change to the otherwise gloomy and depressing content.I mean, come on!Death playing "Come As You Are" on his guitar?Awesome!
The only problem I had with Hunger was its length.It was so short!I would like some more character development, especially War.And basically I wanted more material to read,more printed words,please!
So, even though Hunger left me wanting a lot more pages to gnaw at, it was an amazing start to a series and to all of you teens out there who don't even like paranormal:you should read this book,regardless! Looking forward to Rage, coming out Spring 2011!!
Note:A portion of the proceeds of Hunger will be donated to NEDA(National Eating Disorders Association) so go buy the book, you guys! (less)
Guardian Of The Dead is a story filled with myths and legends from a rather book-wise unexplored country,New Zealand.
First and foremost I have to admit that after reading so many books set in the US, the change of scenery was exhilarating, to say the least!I loved every bit of Maori myth Healey added to the story, even though I have no idea which parts of it is the "real" myth and which parts were altered to fit the story and to be honest, I don't really care! Healey's writing pulled me in from the very beginning until the very end. I loved the fact that I learned so may things I didn't know about New Zealand, a country I had always wanted to visit. From its fascinating mythology, presenting me with new takes one the creation of the world, which includes beings such as Sky-Father and Earth-Mother, patupaiarehe(a kind of Maori fairy) and Hine-nui-te-po, the guardian of the dead herself, to the beautiful and picturesque scenery.The idea of this book was so fresh and different and unique, like nothing I have ever read.Also, Healey's clever use of the mask, the story behind it and what it represents, was in my opinion the best aspect of the book.
The characters were also amazing.100% believable characters in a 100% fictional story.Ellie, the lead, is a 17 year old girl, with all the angsts and insecurities of girls her age.She is also brave and giving, willing to do anything for her friends.She is strong,determined and can take a fight any day, all the while maintaining her feminine side with a humorous awkwardness.She had a very good chemistry with Mark and I liked that she tried to keep her distance from him when she found out some things she didn't like, instead of falling straight into his arms.
The only teeny tiny problems I had with this book was that the Eyslasher story,which I'd like to know more of, was pretty much a dead end and the taniwha situation in the end.I really hope the latter won't be a problem if Healey decides to make it into a series.
All in all, Guardian Of The Dead is a very fresh,original and intriguing story, set in an beautiful country, with amazing characters.What's not to love? Anyone who is even remotely into mythology of any kind, should definitely read this! (less)
I don't know how I feel about YA Greek mythology re-tellings. Actually, that's a lie. I know what I feel: dread. Granted, I have not read a lot of boo...moreI don't know how I feel about YA Greek mythology re-tellings. Actually, that's a lie. I know what I feel: dread. Granted, I have not read a lot of books of that particular genre but I have read enough to avoid it altogether. So when a friend offered to lend me her ARC of Everneath I was like "Um…" , then I sighed in defeat and accepted the offer. Thankfully, I didn't regret it.
Everneath is beautifully written and Ashton manages to create a dark, haunting atmosphere around Nikki's story. Nikki has spent 100 years in the Underworld and only when she comes back (only a year has paced in the real world) does she realise the pain she has caused to the people who love her, all the while knowing that she must leave again. I like how Ashton portrayed both Nikki's longing to return, her desire to see the people she loves and explain to them what happened when she last left, and her apprehensiveness towards them, fearing how they will react. Especially, the boy she loves, Jack.
Jack is not the only one in the picture, though. Would it be a YA book without a love triangle? Nope. In all fairness, what's going on in Evernetath is not exactly a triangle, but two guys want the same girl, so for lack of a better word I'll call it a triangle. The other guy is Cole, mysterious, bad and immortal. He was Nikki's companion in the Everneath and now he wants her back whatever the cost. I loved Cole and Nikki's relationship so much! Even more than Jack and Nikki's. I have a thing for the underdogs. And the I-am-smug-but-for-a-very-good-reason kinda guys.
I really don't know what else I can say about Everneath. Everything I write sounds very close to a summary. The story is so dense, that the smallest mention could be spoilery. Awesome writing, great story and characters. This books comes out today, folks. Go, buy, enjoy :) (less)
Despite the same rating, I think Wings Of The Wicked might be even better than Angelfire!
Just like Angelfie, WOTW is tremendously engaging, you c...more4,5/5
Despite the same rating, I think Wings Of The Wicked might be even better than Angelfire!
Just like Angelfie, WOTW is tremendously engaging, you can't put it down. Moulton's writing is again top notch and her story fascinating. Glad to see the crazy chemistry between Will and Ellie was still there and that there was not a love triangle *phew* Fight/action scenes were ah-mazing! They were extendedly descriptive and it shows that Moulton is a stickler for details and it pays off when it has to do with action scenes, in which personally, I get a tiny bit bored. Especially if they are sloppily written. But I can say she manages angry, vindictive angels slashing at each other pretty well.
What I would have liked was less moping, especially from Ellie. I love her, but that girl cried over EVERYTHING! You kinda stop feeling sorry for her after a while, I know I did. Especially when she was such a tease and engaging in these major make out sessions with Will and then all of a sudden when things got hot she goes "Um,no. It's not right. We shouldn't do it. Let's wash dishes instead", to which Will replies "OK cool". Uh? I know it's YA and all but come on. That hot/cold situation happened more times that I care to remember, honestly. More real love and romance and less angst, please! Also, sometimes I got the feeling that this book is this long just so Moulton could stick Will and Ellie scenes in it. Yes, the frustrating ones. Not the good ones! I mean, I'm all for Will and Ellie and the magical thing they have, but I prefer it to be equally balanced with a good story. The good story was there, but it was far outweighed by the romance. I repeat, not the good kind :)
Cadan was pretty cool in TWOTW. I still have serious doubts about him, as I do for Marcus, but that's just me. I suspect everyone from the start just so in the end I can say "Ha! I knew it!" :P As for who is Marcus, he is a new character along with Sabrina and Ava and some bad guys. They're all pretty cool.
Wings Of The Wicked was buckets of angel-y fun and I can't wait to read book 3! (less)
Whoa. What was that??? I feel like I've just been hit by a truck. Hurt, bewildered but mainly pissed off. I liked Darkness Becomes Her, I really reall...more Whoa. What was that??? I feel like I've just been hit by a truck. Hurt, bewildered but mainly pissed off. I liked Darkness Becomes Her, I really really did, and I was particularly eager to read A Beautiful Evil. I don't know what happened to Keaton, but ABE for me was very, very bad.
First off, it never once managed to catch my attention. Nothing that went on was interesting or important to me. The character development was non existent and there was no chemistry not only between Ari and Sebastian, the alleged love interest, but also between Ari and her father, Violet, her friends. Not that secondary characters had any role to play. They were as useless as a toothbrush to a fish. I'd have liked to see more of the school and the classes.
The book itself was very short with basically no story at all, except maybe for the action scene in the last couple of chapters which pretty much includes everything you need to know about ABE's plot. There was no need for a whole different book for that. Maybe if it was a novella or a companion novel, it would still be pretty bad, but at least it wouldn't count as a sequel.
Ari was not at all the assertive and strong young woman I remembered from DBH. She rather acted like a silly schoolgirl throughout the whole book. She is in enemy territory, her friend and father's lives are at stake, she could die any minute, and as she and Sebastain are moving stealthily towards their target, first thing that comes to mind is ask Sebastian about a girl that looked at him funny the other day and announce to him that she is not interested at all in love triangles. WTF?? Eww. Just please, stop talking.
I am so so disappointed in A Beautiful Evil. So much so, that reading it made me doubt if Darkness Becomes Her was even that good, and I hate second guessing myself. Unfortunately, I'm breaking up with this series :( (less)
Pros Very interesting story with Pandora and her infamous box of demons and evil. I like the dynamics between the Lords and how each one has a differe...morePros Very interesting story with Pandora and her infamous box of demons and evil. I like the dynamics between the Lords and how each one has a different voice. Except maybe for Maddox and Aeron, because to me Wrath and Violence go hand in hand and are hard to distinguish. I like where the story is going and I'm intrigued enough to read the next one. Of all the Lords, I think my favorite so far are Torin(can't touch anyone, dying to see what his love story would be like) and Cameo(the only woman Lord and is Misery personified. What's not to like?) I'm still on the fence about Reyes.
Cons As awesome as the story was, the romance was cheesy as hell! And it was written as such, too. Half sentences without a verb, disconnected words here and there which, I get it, were meant to have been said during moments of unbearable passion, hence the randomness. Passion, schmassion, it was bad.Maybe if they talked like this once or twice, it could be excusable. They didn't, though. Also, the milliseconds insta love is getting oooooooold, people! I know it's a paranormal romance and everything but I'm sick and tired of women meeting men for the first time and are ready to jump them within seconds. No no no. No more of that. That not good. It's been written and written and written. It's awful and takes away from the actual story and honestly, its seriousness. I'm not suggesting stretching it out, either. There has to be a perfect medium. Please, evolve and make a difference. It's good for the soul.(less)
Loading...
