Book Review: The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

Young Adult > Paranormal > Post-Apocalyptic

(Blood of Eden #2)

Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

Book 1: The Immortal Rules review

x-x-x

…Not surprising in many ways, but still gory fun.

My good friend Janus tells me that she found The Eternity Cure too slow for her liking. I didn’t. It was relatively easy for me to finish this sequel. Simply put, Julie Kagawa‘s vampire series is bloodier, more menacing, and unmistakingly lethal than ever.

Allison is stronger now, because she knew that in order to save her sire from his worst nightmare (hers, too), she needs to be in her top form. She doesn’t want to think about what (and who) she left in New Eden. Or her inevitable face-off with her blood brother. Or the monster that’s waiting for her when she finds Kanin.

The predictability of certain twists was a bit sore for me, but the bloody gore made up for it. Allison was a “better” vampire, if you can call her that. I think that being a vampire made her more human than when she was a Fringer.

I really, really Zeke here. He’s struggling with Jeb’s teachings clashing with his feelings for Allie. His emotions were blatantly displayed all throughout the book, and yet this made him more compact both as a soldier and as a human.

Jackal was very magnetic. He made the gloomy situations light, even laughable at times. But I still think he’s dangerous. So here’s another one to add in my collection of bad villains that I really love.

The Eternity Cure is an impressive sequel. It made me think that even if I haven’t read the Iron Fey series, with Blood of Eden series alone I would still be a Julie Kagawa fan.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for granting my galley request.

x-x-x

THE ETERNITY CURE by Julie Kagawa

Kindle Edition

Published April 30th 2013 by Harlequin Teen

4/5 stars

Book Review: Necromancing the Stone by Lish McBride

Young Adult > Paranormal

(Necromancer #2)

With the defeat of the evil Douglas behind him, Sam LaCroix is getting used to his new life. Okay, so he hadn’t exactly planned on being a powerful necromancer with a seat on the local magical council and a capricious werewolf sort-of-girlfriend, but things are going fine, right?

Well . . . not really. He’s pretty tired of getting beat up by everyone and their mother, for one thing, and he can’t help but feel that his new house hates him. His best friend is a werebear, someone is threatening his sister, and while Sam realizes that he himself has a lot of power at his fingertips, he’s not exactly sure how to use it. Which, he has to admit, is a bit disconcerting.

But when everything starts falling apart, he decides it’s time to step up and take control. His attempts to do so just bring up more questions, though, the most important of which is more than a little alarming: Is Douglas really dead?

Book 1: Hold Me Closer, Necromancer review

x-x-x

… and Lish McBride didn’t disappoint! This sequel is even better than Hold Me Closer, Necromancer, like three times! Funnier, edgier, and sadder, Necromancing the Stone was a fantastic followup to the Necromancer series.

This is told in Sam’s and Douglas’ POVs. Sam‘s struggling with maintaining the house (and it’s eccentric inhabitants) he inherited from Douglas. He’s also dealing with the guilt over his best friend Ramon‘s transformation. All this while being the Head of the Council (that he doesn’t even know how to run), being Brid‘s boy toy, and being the supposedly the most powerful Necromancer.. ever.

Sam is still this charming, dry-humored guy who is almost always on the wrong side of the track. He’s at odds with his housekeeper James. Brid’s pack was not his biggest fan. His powers were as reliable as the war-freak gnomes in his garden.

Despite his somewhat “still-a-loser” status, Sam was staying positive, and he sees the goodness in everyone. So cute. If there is a contest on the most compassionate necromancer, Sam will win. I love that he doesn’t see death as the end, but something more. He associate his power over death with peace, contentment, even love. So nice.

I adored Brid’s brothers. Bran and Sean – Sam is no better off than with these sweet, capable werewolves to back him up.

Douglas‘ character was pretty solid, too. Another villain that I am a fan of. His dreams of his past life was very interesting.

Necromancing the Stone has this touch of death and grief that can overcome even the most hilarious of Sam’s unnatural situations. But, it was amazing that the desolation never lingers in Lish McBride‘s story. Death and Life were so closely intertwined in Sam’s adventures. Maybe that is what made it so enjoyable. It’s as real as it gets.

Guaranteed 100% Fun, you guys. I will be watching out for the next installment!

x-x-x

Necromancing the Stone by Lish McBride

Hardcover, 344 pages

Published September 18th 2012 by Henry Holt & Company

4/5 stars

Book Review: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Young Adult > Paranormal

(Blood of Eden #1)

To survive in a ruined world, she must embrace the darkness…

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a walled-in city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred ofthem—the vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself dies and becomes one of the monsters.

Forced to flee her city, Allie must pass for human as she joins a ragged group of pilgrims seeking a legend—a place that might have a cure for the disease that killed off most of civilization and created the rabids, the bloodthirsty creatures who threaten human and vampire alike. And soon Allie will have to decide what and who is worth dying for…again.

Enter Julie Kagawa’s dark and twisted world as an unforgettable journey begins.

x-x-x

So.. where can I buy a katana?

The makeup of The Immortal Rules is very different from Iron Fey series. It’s a far cry from the playfulness of Puck, the naivete of Meghan, and the renewal of Ash. But it doesn’t mean it didn’t favor my big appetite for post-apocalyptic themes. I reveled at the bleakness of Allison’s vampire world! This solidifies Julie Kagawa‘s versatility in writing. Hey Julie, I am a fan!

For such a dark content, the MC should also be dark as well. Not necessarily evil, just not unsuspecting to the dangerous world she’s in. And Allie did not disappoint. Her main purpose is to survive. Even if she sees her friends getting killed, she forcefully walked away for self-preservation. But she is not without guilt of being alive. It ate at her everyday.

And the thing I liked about Allie‘s character was that she was just not a vampire. She trained and got skills from her sire. She was a fighter, then a warrior! I would like to think that Allie can defend herself with more than just her fangs. Right? Not to mention she has no qualms of hurting someone because she was threatened. This is a girl who will not take a beating lying down. *fist pump*

The love interest was too much of a boy-next-door for my taste, but he also have merits, for he was a skilled fighter, too.

Paranormal and post-apocalyptic themes never did well for me, but The Immortal Rules changed my mind. It was sinister at the beginning until the end. I love it!

Hopelessness? Check. Kick-*ss heroine? Check. A devious plot that will suck you in? Check.

This is not a fairy tale. It’s the end of the world. Vampires are lording over humans, and Rabids are ravaging the ruins. I say: Unsheath that katana, Allison! Let’s draw blood. *evil, evil grin*

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for granting my galley request.

x-x-x

THE IMMORTAL RULES by Julie Kagawa

Kindle Edition, 484 pages

Published April 24th 2012 by Harlequin Teen

4/5 stars

Mini Book Review: Breathless

Young Adult > Fantasy | Paranormal

(Elemental 2.5)

Too many secrets. Not enough time.

Nick Merrick is supposed to be the level-headed one. The peacemaker. Since it’s just him and his three hotheaded brothers against the world, that’s a survival tactic.

But now he’s got problems even his brothers can’t help him survive.

His so-called girlfriend, Quinn, is going quick as mercury from daring to crazy. Meanwhile, Quinn’s dancer friend Adam is throwing Nick off balance, forcing him to recognize a truth he’d rather shove back into the dark.

He can feel it—-the atmosphere is sizzling. Danger is on the way. But whatever happens next, Nick is starting to find out that sometimes nothing you do can keep the peace.

x-x-x

…Oh, Brigid Kemmerer. You sneaky, little…..! Holy sh*t. Nick Merrick!!!

*breathes deeply*

I didn’t expect this kind of curveball from Brigid Kemmerer. Really, I didn’t. And now, I wish Nick‘s full story will come out sooner rather than later! Here is the responsible Merrick. The peaceful twin. Wouldn’t you know, there’s a hurricane raging silently inside of him!

Breathless briefly showcased Nick’s role to the Merrick Family. How being the middleman among his brothers helped him help Quinn with her problems. Me thinks Nick is going to be my favorite Merrick brother, once his story is published after Hunter’s. But for now, he’s coming really close to Chris, who is my current fave.

So.. secrets, huh? How Brigid Kemmerer managed to write Nick’s POV and he came out as hot as his twin, Gabriel… astounding.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Teen for granting my galley request.

x-x-x

BREATHLESS by Brigid Kimmerer

Ebook, 65 pages

Published March 6th 2013 by Kensington Teen

4/5 stars

BREATHL

Book Review: The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg

Young Adult > Paranormal

Brie’s life ends at sixteen: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn’t love her, and the news breaks her heart–”literally.”
But now that she’s D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy Brie loved and lost–and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there’s Patrick, Brie’s mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul…who just might hold the key to her “forever after.”
With Patrick’s help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she’s ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?

x-x-x

… and I would read this again for the rockin’ chapter titles alone. Man, most times those titles are spot-on. what a feel-good book!

The Catastrophic History of You and Me was utterly charming. With the author’s penchant for music, it was very entertaining! But not without pain or angst, mind you. After all, Brie did die young, all because her boyfriend broke up with her. Don’t worry, there’s a medical term for her condition.

Brie’s version of heaven is a pizza place..! And there she met Patrick. Funny, secretive, charismatic Patrick. Gotta love that bomber jacket! Now I cannot get James Dean off my mind. Ha!

Reading Brie going through the five stages of grief was a breeze. It was the expected response from a sixteen-year-old who was not planning to die anytime soon. Ah, young people. They live as if they would never die. Anyway, Brie was smart, you know, but when it came to Jacob.. she cannot think straight. Especially when she learned why he ended things with her. Well, how do you react when your first love literally broke your heart?

And there’s Patrick. Confident, arresting resident lost soul. He made this book so delightful! His one-liners and deadpans for Brie were downright comical. But wait, who is he, really? His back story was my favorite part.

Brie learned that her family were struggling to stay together after she died. How I love Hamloaf! Brie also found out the warmth of loyalty of her friends enveloped her even if she’s on the other side.

The Catastrophic History of You and Me is a startling read. And this is not your average paranormal book. Quirky, uproarious, and sometimes aching, Brie’s afterlife story might be just what you need to appreciate life. Right here, right now.

x-x-x

THE CATASTROPHIC HISTORY OF YOU AND ME by Jess Rothenberg

Ebook, 400 pages

Published February 21st 2012 Dial Books

4.5/5 stars

Book Review: Unearthly #3: Boundless by Cynthia Hand

Young Adult > Paranormal

(Unearthly #3)

The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California – and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.

Book 1: Unearthly review       Book 2: Hallowed review

x-x-x

I control my destiny.

…What an incredible journey this series was. *awestruck* So… do you want to know who Clara ended up with? *wiggles eyebrows*

When reviews started popping up last month, I was getting crazy! My pre-order copy from The Book Depository will only be delivered 2-3 weeks here in Manila. And each glowing review that I scanned (okay, read and consumed) made me even crazier. And my GR-TFG friends were aware of it. I was on text blast mode every time I got agitated! Oh, the insanity of it. Perhaps this is the first time I was truly rooting for a love interest, to the point that it will ruin the whole series for me if he did not end up with Clara. Yes, that was my crazy moment. Haha!

Story-wise, the conclusion to this angel-themed series was really, really good. I have my apprehensions but still, I can say that Boundless solidified its stand for the Unearthly series as one of the most concrete angel books out there.

My dealbreaker for love triangles: the feelings of the heroine to her love interest must be absolute. It means that from start to finish, there is no doubt that her heart belongs to that one guy. No ifs. No buts. Just him. I do not want my heroine to come across as undecisive, conflicted, and easy-to-sway on her emotions. If that was the case, I’m outta there.

It came as no surprise that Christian will have more face time than Tucker in Boundless. Clara was going to Stanford with Angela to figure out her friend’s purpose there. So naturally, Christian will tag along. His visions were still connected to Clara’s in some ways. So really, Tucker (my sweet little human) has no place in Clara’s life in California. =(

I admit I was getting crankier with Clara-Christian scenes, and there were lots of it. Studying, training, fighting. I was already sold out to the idea that Clara will end up with him. And it broke my heart. Imagine me trudging through the pages just because I want to get it over it already. *sigh*

Then came the twist. and the climax. and the end.

I was left reeling, close to tears in fact. I was even ready to blast Cynthia Hand online for the pain she caused me! But it was pain, heartbreak, and sorrow that I’d be willing to be subjected to again. Because I was happy on how everything turned out for Clara. Happy, but not quite satisfied. Is that even possible?

Jeffrey. His character has a lot of potential, but Jeffrey was written obtusely and was underdeveloped, as if he was just an afterthought. It would’ve been nice if his purpose was defined and cleared to compensate with the hurt and loss he experienced all throughout this book.

Angela. She was not my favorite character, but what a stunner it was that she was at the center of it all. But in the end, she was left in tatters. What’s up with that?

Samjeeza. Certainly the most blindsiding character! My heart went out to him. A simple request that has so much hold on his eternity… just wow. This is my favorite angle of the story. So tearful and disquieting.

Christian. What a remarkable supporting character, but… I didn’t liked how he was built to be this undeniable hero, being Clara’s source of her glory, and yet.. I thought it was unfair, even for him. And I’m not even Team Christian! I’d understand if he disillusioned himself as Clara’s Knight in Shining Armor. But to be the reason behind Clara’s source of glory? Mixed signals, I tell you.

Tucker. Like I said, he was barely there in 2/3 of Boundless. But his quick appearances were heartwarming, spine-tingling, and 100% emotional. What’s not to love with this guy? Team Tucker FTW!

Clara. She was kick-ass. Dry humor, unfailing loyalty, and fathomless goodness – that’s her. Only thing I was not in favor of: confusing feelings towards Christian and Tucker in the middle of the book. Have you gone bonkers or something, Clara? We all know who you love! So pick him!

Boundless almost rendered me to a book slump last night. It was, for a lack of better word, poignantly beautiful. What an awesome way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. =)

I love Tucker and that’s absolute.

#9 Off-the-Shelf Challenge 2013

x-x-x

BOUNDLESS by Cynthia Hand

Hardbound, 438 pages

Published January 22nd 2013 by HaperTeen

4/5 stars

Mini Book Reviews: Radiant, Life Before Legend

Young Adult > Paranormal

(Unearthly 2.5)

Clara is desperate to get away—from the memories that haunt her in Wyoming and the visions of a future she isn’t ready to face—and spending the summer in Italy with her best friend, Angela, should be the perfect escape. . . .

For as long as she can remember, Angela has been told that love is dangerous, that she must always guard her heart. But when she met a mysterious guy in Italy two years ago she was determined to be with him, no matter the costs. Now she must decide whether she can trust Clara with her secret, or if telling her the truth will risk everything she cares about.

x-x-x

…Well I’m judging you, Angela. you insecure witch.

I was indifferent to Angela in Unearthly and Hallowed. But now? I am decided that I do not like her at all. Angela was jealous, insecure, and self-centered. Oh, and she could not keep her mouth shut. WTF is wrong with her?

Clara was surprisingly bold and assertive in this e-novella. It hurts to see her hurting about him. *sigh* The protective friend that I was expecting from Angela, I saw in Clara. I would’ve liked it more if Wendy was Clara’s best friend instead of that antsy excuse of a part-angel. Bah.

Perhaps Angela’s not-so-good attitude came from her angel father. But still, she can choose to be better than what was expected of her, right?

x-x-x

RADIANT by Cynthia Hand

Kindle Edition, 94 pages

Published December 4th 2012  by HarperTeen

2/5 stars

…..

Young Adult > Dystopia

(Legend #0.5)

As twelve-year-olds struggling to survive in two very different worlds within the Republic’s stronghold, June was starting her first day of school at Drake University as the youngest cadet ever admitted, and Day was fighting for food on the streets of the Lake sector. LIFE BEFORE LEGEND contains two original stories written by Marie Lu that give readers a sneak peek into the lives of their favorite characters in a thrilling new context.

x-x-x

…gearing up for Prodigy! Can you believe that this 38-page story is worth $4.99 in Amazon? So I will reserve my judgment to myself, because I love Day that much. =)

Life Before Legend basically are side stories during a climactic event to the lives of Day and June. Day realized that he will make sure the Republic has never seen the last of him. June realized that there is always a prize for being special.

Day’s first kiss was unconventional, funny and awkward. June’s first day at the University was a taste of what was to come to those who will underestimate her.

This was alright. It made me excited to read Prodigy.

x-x-x

LIFE BEFORE LEGEND by Marie Lu

Kindle Edition, 38 pages

Published January 15th 2013  by Putnam Juvenile

3/5 stars

Book Review: Croak by Gina Damico

Young Adult > Paranormal

(Croak #1)

Fed up with her wild behavior, sixteen-year-old Lex’s parents ship her off to upstate New York to live with her Uncle Mort for the summer, hoping that a few months of dirty farm work will whip her back into shape.

But Uncle Mort’s true occupation is much dirtier than shoveling manure. He’s a Grim Reaper. And he’s going to teach Lex the family business.

She quickly assimilates into the peculiar world of Croak, a town populated by reapers who deliver souls from this life to the next. But Lex can’t stop her desire for justice – or is it vengeance? – whenever she encounters a murder victim, craving to stop the attackers before they can strike again.

Will she ditch Croak and go rogue with her reaper skills?

x-x-x

…shucks. that ending. so sad.

Croak is definitely a fun read. That’s why I was shocked with the ending. I feel for Lex because it was so devastating. *sad, sad sigh*

Lex has her moments. Her violent streak was somehow hilarious, especially when it was intended to Uncle Mort and Driggs! And I did get her fury towards something she cannot do while having the power to do so. Oh, I so agree with you there, Lex. Why is life so sucky like that?

I apologize if my thoughts seemed incoherent at the moment. Two days after finishingCroak and I still cannot get over that senseless death, as Lex put it. I did not saw it coming. O_o

The “Nancy Drew” scenes were a riot, what with the predictable dialogues and outrageous reactions from Lex’s friends regarding their investigation on the killings.

Croak managed to make a paranormal theme notorious and somber at the same time, and that’s what made it special. Now, I am moving to the sequel, Scorch. But no more heartbreak please, Gina Damico.

x-x-x

CROAK by Gina Damico

Ebook, 311 pages

Published March 20th 2012 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

4/5 stars

Book Review: The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams

Young Adult > Paranormal

(Incarnation #1)

Seraphina has been alive since the Middle Ages, when her boyfriend, Cyrus, managed to perfect a method of alchemy that lets them swap bodies with any human being. Sera ran away from Cyrus years ago, when she realized that what they were doing—taking the lives of innocent people—was wrong. Yet she doesn’t want to die, so she finds young people who are on the brink of death, and inhabits their bodies.

Sera has just landed in the body of a girl named Kailey who was about to die in a car accident. For the first time, Sera falls in love with the life of the person she’s inhabiting. Sera also falls for the boy next door, Noah. And soon it’s clear the feelings are returned. But she can never kiss Noah, because for her to touch lips with a human would mean the human’s death. And she has even more to worry about: Cyrus is chasing her. If she stays in one place for long, she puts herself—and the people she’s grown to care for—in great danger. Will Sera have to give up the one thing that’s eluded her for centuries: true love?

x-x-x

…hate to say it, but it was only interesting at the start. So The Alchemy of Forever was forgettable for me.

The first part was exciting. How Sera was enchanted with this beautiful boy. How she thought everything was so magical when you’re fifteen (or was she sixteen?). How she unknowingly became an Incarnate. But my interest stopped when Cyrus and the gang were showed in present time. I just felt so detached when the story went from there.

To think that Sera was around for hundreds of years, she would know how to be smart about what they do. I think she was too sheltered being an Incarnate when she should’ve been learning anything and everything like Cyrus. So when the time came that she wanted out of Cyrus‘ world, she will do it right. Sadly, Sera reacted like a ditz with her amateur plans. I mean, really?

I like reincarnation stories. They bring me fantasies of being anyone I want back to those ages when everything was so different. But The Alchemy of Forever was one of them. I’d say it was 2/3 contemporary, 1/3 paranormal. And that was not good enough.

x-x-x

THE ALCHEMY OF FOREVER by Avery Williams

Paperback, 256 pages

Published April 26th 2012 by Simon & Schuster UK

2/5 stars

Book Review: (Anna #2): Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

Young Adult > Paranormal > Ghosts

(Anna #2)

It’s been months since the ghost of Anna Korlov opened a door to Hell in her basement and disappeared into it, but ghost-hunter Cas Lowood can’t move on.

His friends remind him that Anna sacrificed herself so that Cas could live—not walk around half dead. He knows they’re right, but in Cas’s eyes, no living girl he meets can compare to the dead girl he fell in love with.

Now he’s seeing Anna everywhere: sometimes when he’s asleep and sometimes in waking nightmares. But something is very wrong…these aren’t just daydreams. Anna seems tortured, torn apart in new and ever more gruesome ways every time she appears.

Cas doesn’t know what happened to Anna when she disappeared into Hell, but he knows she doesn’t deserve whatever is happening to her now. Anna saved Cas more than once, and it’s time for him to return the favor.

Book 1: Anna Dressed in Blood review

x-x-x

…The last few chapters were the juiciest. But other than that, I found Girl of Nightmares mediocre. The horror wasn’t half of that of Anna Dressed in Blood, that’s why I am sorely miffed.

Cas was pining over Ana. Thomas and Carmel were dancing around in circles. Ana was haunting Cas. That pretty much was the story. With the exception on how Cas went and battled an evil in some hell, the story was dragging. I was yawning with boredom! Because here I thought I was in for more gore and crippling horror. But no. *defeated sigh*

I was surprised by the ending, though. I mean, with all of Cas declaring his undying love for the ghost, I welcome some sort of cheesy and unrealistic ending for the not-quite-normal lovers. But my prediction was premature. I think it was very well executed. That was the ending I’m hoping for before starting the book, and when I got that, it was painful and has this “reality bites” vibe. Sucks to be you, Cas!

Girl of Nightmares could have been better. The terror was just not there for me. and that sucks because that cover invites a terrifying hell like you wouldn’t believe. Right?

x-x-x

GIRL OF NIGHTMARES by Kendare Blake

Published August 7th 2012 by Tor Teen

3/5 stars