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

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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

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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.

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…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?

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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.

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…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. 🙂

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LIFE BEFORE LEGEND by Marie Lu

Kindle Edition, 38 pages

Published January 15th 2013  by Putnam Juvenile

3/5 stars

Book Review: Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton

Young Adult > Paranormal

(Angelfire #1)

First there are nightmares.
Every night Ellie is haunted by terrifying dreams of monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her.

Then come the memories.
When Ellie meets Will, she feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. On her seventeenth birthday, on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie’s power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Only Will holds the key to Ellie’s memories, whole lifetimes of them, and when she looks at him, she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.

Now she must hunt.
Ellie has power that no one can match, and her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. But in order to survive the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives and truths that may be too frightening to remember.

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…It could’ve been better =( The premise was promising, but the angel mythology was kinda messy. I was so ready to fall in love with Angelfire! With a heroine so shallow, hateful, and fearful, it was not meant to be. At first, maybe. Because I intend to read the sequel, Wings of the Wicked. I got this feeling that this series will improve.

Shallow.When Ellie knew how Nathaniel has no problems with money, she went like, “Think of all the shoes I can buy with that.” Sheesh. And instead of training, she wants to party. She can’t even handle a single Reaper without Will intercepting! She hasn’t realized her full powers yet, so she needs lots of training, but Nooo… she drags Will to a party dressed as a slutty nurse. Eek.

Hateful. I thought there was some back story on why Ellie’s dad was so belligerent towards her. There was none. So when Will stated that Ellie doesn’t like her dad, she declared, “I hate him.” For what? for calling on her whe she got drunk or totaled her brand new car? I just think her declaration doesn’t merit that kind of anger when she’s also wrong.

Fearful. There are several fighting scenes with the Reapers, and it always,always begin with Ellie frozen with fear and Will taking the damage from the reapers. Every freaking time it’s like that, there was no variance! And she’s supposed to be this unique warrior of heaven. Meh.

The only part I liked? Ellie’s true identity. I am sooo hoping it will develop into something more solid in the sequel. Angelfire was written poorly, with Will sounding like a genie with his repetitive “As you wish” lines to Ellie. I could’ve enjoyed reading it more if not for the unattractive writing.

#4 Off-the-Shelf Challenge 2013

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ANGELFIRE by Courtney Allison Moulton

Hardcover, 453 pages

Published February 15th 2011 by HarperCollins / Katherine Tegen Books

2.5/5 stars

Book Review: Mercy by Rebecca Lim

Young Adult > Paranormal

(Mercy #1)

A fallen angel haunted by her past. Yearning for her immortal beloved. Forever searching for answers.Who will show her Mercy?

Mercy has lost herself. She can’t count how many times she’s “woken up” in a new body, and assumed a new life, only to move on again and again. During the day she survives in the human world on instinct and at night her dreams are haunted by him. Mercy’s heart would know him anywhere. But her memory refuses to cooperate.

But this time is different. When Mercy wakes up she meets Ryan, an eighteen year old reeling from the loss of his twin sister who was kidnapped two years ago. Everyone else has given up hope, but Ryan believes his sister is still alive. Using a power she doesn’t fully comprehend, Mercy realizes that Ryan is right. His sister is alive and together they can find her. For the first time since she can remember, Mercy has a purpose; she can help. So she doesn’t understand why the man in her dreams cautions her not to interfere. But as Ryan and Mercy come closer to solving the dark mystery of his sister’s disappearance, danger looms just one step behind.

Will Mercy be able to harness her true self and extraordinary power in time?

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…well, well, well! Some Aussie angel book just captured my heart. =)

I’ve been eyeing Mercy for a long time now. So upon finishing Mercy’s story, I felt awesome. That basement face-off scene with the bad guy? So badass!

Mercy woke up to find herself inside Carmen’s body, disoriented (again). It amazed me that while she has no idea on who Carmen is, she’s so calm and collected, thinking on how she should impersonate Carmen. Oh, Carmen is still there, a hovering presence inside her own body, but she can do nothing while Mercy play body-snatcher. And at the same time, Mercy’s trying to recall her past ‘lives’ – the bodies of the girls she inhabited prior Carmen – to figure out who she really is.

Mercy ‘loves looking’ at beautiful things, and I found that charming on her character. She’s also not afraid to be condescending. Definitely not a dull moment with Mercy! Especially the first time she met Ryan. Ha! My girl got balls. 🙂

The angelology was alright, but it was a solid take on Lucifer’s fall. The angel theme was halfway elaborated because the mystery element overwhelmed the story. Still, it was okay! Because of Ryan’s adamant refusal to admit his twin sister is dead, Mercy found something else to brood about besides her f*cked-up existence. And of course, being a crime/suspense junkie that I am, I was so delighted on how the story unfolded.

Mercy is to my great liking. Not too paranormal, more like a crime/suspense story with a tinge of angelic. And yet, when Mercy had to embrace her true identity as an angel, it was so darn impressive!

#2 Off-the-Shelf Challenge 2013

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MERCY by Rebecca Lim

Hardcover, 288 pages

Published May 17th 2011 by Hyperion

4/5 stars

Book Review: The Mortal Instruments #5: City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

Rating:

Genre: Young Adult > Fantasy

(The Mortal Instruments #5)

When Jace and Clary meet again, Clary is horrified to discover that the demon Lilith’s magic has bound her beloved Jace together with her evil brother Sebastian, and that Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is out to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. As Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle wheedle and bargain with Seelies, demons, and the merciless Iron Sisters to try to save Jace, Clary plays a dangerous game of her own. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost?

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

Book 4: City of Fallen Angels review

*****

I’ll repeat: Cassandra Clare should’ve stopped the series at City of Glass.

If I immerse myself enough in the Shadowhunter world and just be mindlessly entertained, I can forget how City of Lost Souls is still lacking. Unfortunately, I refuse to delude myself that City of Lost Souls did anything to advance the plot, story and character-building of The Mortal Instruments series. But I have to say that this is a sneeze better than City of Fallen Angels.

The POVs of Simon and Isabelle are more fun to read. The idea of the floating abode of Jace and Sebastian fascinated me. The character of Jace-who-is-not-Jace is really good. I still like him, but since it’s not really him, so I was cagey around him just like Clary.

Just when I thought I was liking Alec, he went and did something that is not cool. Magnus is still the magnetic character I enjoy, and his role here doesn’t change that. I’m not sure where Maia and Jordan have POVs; will be their characters be essential in the last book to merit their voices heard?

Plot? forget it. Let’s just read about Shadowhunters making out, getting any, not getting any, breaking up, parting with bitter goodbyes. It’s exasperating that it’s book 5 already and Jace and Clary are still dancing around that big elephant in the room called sex. Goodness, just be done with it already!

City of Lost Souls uplifted me up a little from my disappointment with City of Fallen Angels. But now that I think about it, reading about The Mortal Instruments series is getting tiresome. It will be a relief when this series draws to a close.

Yay, one more book to go.

Book Review: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Rating: 

Genre: Young Adult > Supernatural > Angels

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?

This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.

Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

*****

Sweet angel theme reminds me of A Need So Beautiful.
Evil sexy theme reminds me of Obsidian.

Yesterday, I was having a major (bad) field day and i needed some distraction. I scanned my Kindle contents and found Sweet Evil. I only meant to read a chapter or two, just to have a feel if it is as intriguing as its blurb. what do you know… i finished reading Sweet Evil 10 minutes before midnight. Wow! a good distraction indeed. 🙂

Guardian angels versus demons. battling it out through whispers. whispers to humans. whether they would succumb to the tempting ideas planted by the demon whisperers. or listen to their guardian angels. i like this theme very much.

I was surprised with Sweet Evil. there’s bits and pieces there that showed Ana’s compassion to the poor, Ana reprimanding Kaidan for easily passing judgement to other people, Ana reluctantly telling the truth when lies will hurt less.

Ana is a good girl, yes. But that doesn’t mean she wasn’t tempted to try bad stuff. The pull was strong for drugs and alcohol. Add to that a literal man-sl*t called Kaidan. Kaidan is not as bad as his character suggested (I’d still go for Wesley Rush of The Duff: Designated Ugly Fat Friend for a hot body and sexy mouth), but Kai has his devious, seductive moments. 🙂

I will not go in character detail since i’m just vying for an escape on reading. Jay‘s okay (just a little weird). Ana’s demon father was the bomb! So cool, so bad-ass. Also, as long as first impressions go, Kope is a step higher than Kaidan.

I didn’t like that Ana responds to Kope that she did with Kaidan, though. I mean yeah, i see a love triangle brewing, but it felt like Ana gets flattered by any guy who shows interest in her. I thought you’re into Kaidan? So why the face flush with Kope? *indignant*

But those swoon moments and hot scenes between Ana and Kaidan… *fans myself* Ahem! i think there was three major ones. Of course i counted. Duh. 😀 i haven’t read any sexy books in a while. I haven’t read any sexy books with solid and good content in a while.

Sweet Evil is an easy and entertaining read. Luscious and smoldering, it is the perfect distraction I craved for.

Book Review: Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride

Rating:

Genre: Young Adult > Paranormal

Sam leads a pretty normal life. He may not have the most exciting job in the world, but he’s doing all right—until a fast food prank brings him to the attention of Douglas, a creepy guy with an intense violent streak.

Turns out Douglas is a necromancer who raises the dead for cash and sees potential in Sam. Then Sam discovers he’s a necromancer too, but with strangely latent powers. And his worst nightmare wants to join forces . . . or else. 

With only a week to figure things out, Sam needs all the help he can get. Luckily he lives in Seattle, which has nearly as many paranormal types as it does coffee places. But even with newfound friends, will Sam be able to save his skin?

Literary Awards: William C. Morris YA Debut Award Nominee (2011), YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults (2011), ALA’s Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults (2011)

*****

The only book i read that dealt mainly with necromancers is The Reckoning. It was new to my paranormal taste and yet i like its theme.

Morbidly funny – that’s what comes to mind when I remembered reading Hold Me Closer, Necromancer. Two-thirds of the book was information download, so i found that part okay if not a little boring. I’m waiting for some action! But the dark humor did cover for that.

Sam is somewhat a loser. So to think that he has these “necromancy” powers is laughable. How he dealt with this bizarre news is even funnier. =) And it seems that everyone wants him dead, but Douglas got the dibs on him. How can he defeat the most powerful necromancer in town when he is just a college dropout turned diner cook?

I love his friends! Frank, Brooke, and that Latino guy (man, i can’t remember his best friend’s name!). Brid and her family is way cool. There are also witches and werewolves here; just little touches, but enough to create the paranormal setting in Seattle believable.

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer is an enjoyable read. Rarely does a paranormal book possesses both humorous and dark content. Wish this was a series, but I think this is a good enough to be a standalone.

Book Review: A Need so Beautiful by Suzanne Young

RATING:

Genre: Young Adult > Supernatural > Angels

(A Need so Beautiful #1)

We all want to be remembered. Charlotte’s destiny is to be Forgotten…

Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.

But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend’s arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become–her mark on this earth, her very existence–is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.

Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny–no matter how dark the consequences.

*****

I’m mesmerized by the premise. the execution was effective at the same time. The only thing that destroyed A Need so Beautiful was the sour-tasting romance. Boo!

“I love you,” I murmur. His hands rest on my hips. “Show me.” he says with a soft smile, and then pulls me inside.

WTF. Seriously?!!! Love equals sex?!!! Ugh. What a disgusting message to send to YA readers.

Sigh. Charlotte is a good girl – she gives in to the Need. But when Harlin’s around, man, she turns into this very horny angel. Eek. Harlin was impressive at first, but when every meetup with Charlotte goes into sex mode… uh, no thanks. Keep your hands to yourself, please.

if it wasn’t for the Need episodes, i would’ve given A Need so Beautiful a 2. I especially liked the scene between Charlotte and the drugged mother with her child. It is the Need that made this angel book worth reading, even for a while.

        

Book Review: Unearthly #2: Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

RATING:

Genre: Young Adult > Urban Fantasy | Supernatural

(Unearthly #2)

For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

Book 1: Unearthly review

*****

ABSOLUTE.

Hallowed left my heart in tatters. While reading, I experienced a lot of heartbreak and loss in more ways than one. Could it be that Unearthly‘s sucess be succinctly followed? I dare say YES. Despite my misgivings on minor inconsistencies in the story, this is a superb sequel. SO not a middle book, you guys. Apart from Angelfall, Unearthly is one of the best YA angel series there is for me. Hallowed cemented that belief.

I really, really like Clara. She’s funny, sarcastic, and honest to a fault. Her defining trait? Unwillingness to submit and depend her life on fate. Her conviction is unbelievable! Christian is so hard to hate, me being Team Tucker and all. He’s the perfect friend and ally. His character is flawed, but still Cynthia Hand wrote him with such delicate trust that readers like me will like him in spite of the love triangle. Tucker… man, I miss him. Not a lot of scenes here but if he’s present, i felt him vibrant and alive. i remembered Clara falling in love with him, fighting for him in the previous book. In the end, he was so mature that i applauded him. Now there’s a man who really knows how to love. *sigh*

Clara’s angelic heritage seems too good to be true. The similarities between her and Christian to fully capture their “we belong together” drama is a stretch for me. I found an inconsistency between the Intangere and Black Wings that made me raise an eyebrow…? Oh, well.

Hallowed is a heartwrenching read, romance-wise and family wise. Many times Cynthia Hand tempted me to spill my tears. Believe me, the tightness in my chest is there. That ending is too sad. Crap, i think i’ll sulk for a while. *walks out*

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.: maria :.

“giving up is the ultimate tragedy.”

Book Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

RATING:

(Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1)

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

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

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

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

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

*****

REGAL.

It was a good thing that I did not read The Daughter of Smoke and Bone when everyone was talking about it way back September/October. It would’ve lost its uniqueness to me. So what did i think of  Laini Taylor’s book with so much hype? I was… enthralled. I think that was the word i was looking for. I was drowned in the richness of the myths and tales – hook, line, and sinker! No doubt Taylor is a superb storyteller. I was lost in Elsewhere! And being lost in that world was a sweet escape.

When I think of Karou, i think of her doing her Jujitsu moves, wishing rather immaturely on her pebbles, and keeping her two lives as secret as possible. I love her wryness on hiding the truth from her friends by telling the truth itself. I found her remarkable as a heroine and as a daughter of Brimstone and the others. Akiva‘s character is well-played for me. The transition from being lifeless to confused to enlightened to helplessness was really smooth. I love Akiva, from his exotic name to his remorse.

The part where Akiva and Madrigal’s story unraveled? I rather found it unnecessary. It dragged on with the somber feel I can do without. Nevertheless, the mythical twists and turns are pretty much what gripped me tight. Fave scene? When Akiva attacked Karou the first time they met. He was dead set on killing Karou! *bloodthirsty* LOL

The Daughter of Smoke and Bone is a very adventurous read. Too much information? I think not. I handled the magnitude of Karou’s story with ease and quick understanding. It is unlike any urban fantasy i’ve ever read in a while. Not to mention that Taylor wrote beautifully it made me a fan of her overnight. 🙂

#28 Off-the-Shelf Reading Challenge 2011

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.: maria :.

“giving up is the ultimate tragedy.”