Book Review: Horde by Ann Aguirre

Young Adult > Science Fiction | Post Apocalyptic

(Razorland #3)

The horde is coming.

Salvation is surrounded, monsters at the gates, and this time, they’re not going away. When Deuce, Fade, Stalker and Tegan set out, the odds are against them. But the odds have been stacked against Deuce from the moment she was born. She might not be a Huntress anymore, but she doesn’t run. With her knives in hand and her companions at her side, she will not falter, whether fighting for her life or Fade’s love.

Ahead, the battle of a lifetime awaits. Freaks are everywhere, attacking settlements, setting up scouts, perimeters, and patrols. There hasn’t been a war like this in centuries, and humans have forgotten how to stand and fight. Unless Deuce can lead them.

This time, however, more than the fate of a single enclave or outpost hangs in the balance. This time, Deuce carries the banner for the survival of all humanity.

Book 1: Enclave review       Book 2: Outpost review

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Awesome finale, you guys!

*whispers* Thank you, Ann Aguirre. Thank you.

I couldn’t resist pushing, just a little. “So it won’t bother you if I find someone else?”

His jaw clenched, and I saw the muscle move before he got it under control. “I thought you said you’d fight for me.”

“And you said it’s too late.” I offered him a faint smile along with his watch. “So it’s a good thing I don’t intend to listen to you.”

Out all the 2013 final book releases that I’ve read (Reached, Boundless, Champion, Requiem, Allegiant), Horde can actually stake a claim as the best and most amazing finale! It can sing loud and clear: Shine bright like a diamond. This is how a series should be wrapped up, people! The inevitable war (that actually happened!), the bloodshed (of characters I love and hate), and the love that survives (even if one was broken). It is truly an outstanding final book from one of my favorite authors, Ann Aguirre. Woot!

I was hesitant when Deuce was tagged as humanity’s best hope agains the Freaks. I mean, she’s just a teenage girl, a Huntress yes, but still in her teens. But Ann Aguirre laid out the development of her character solidly, that I began to hope. Gone was the Huntress who had nothing but her skills to kill. Now, she is a Huntress who will fight to the death (because of Fade and her new family), and if she was to die, she will take as many Freaks as possible with her. 😉 Deuce was so badass!

Fade is a complicated one, but coming from Outpost, I have to accommodate his insecurities. And here lies Deuce’s strength – for no matter how hard, or how cruel Fade was in pushing her away, she shoves back, with her unrelenting love, unbent faithfulness for him. So many swoon with these two!!! I love how their relationship was built, and forged to withstand the despair of their world. *fist pump*

The war was awful, gory, and with casualties (everything I savor in battles!). My emotions were running high during that part, for fear that Ann Aguirre will break, break my heart. But I approve, Ann Aguirre. What a fantastic way to end Razorland series!

Destruction and desolation, that has always been the theme of Deuce’s world. But amidst the chaos and fear, she learned how to be a friend, a family, a partner. Most of all, she learned to hope.

Deuce and Fade FTW… always. 😀

I get it. You’d rather have him, broken, than me whole. If that didn’t clarify my chances with you, nothing would.

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HORDE by Ann Aguirre

Ebook, 432 pages

Published October 29th 2013 by Feiwel & Friends

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5/5 stars

Book Review: Rebel by Amy Tintera

Young Adult > Science Fiction | Dystopia

(Reboot #2)

After coming back from death as Reboots and being trained by HARC as soldiers, Wren and Callum have finally escaped north, where they hope to find a life of freedom. But when they arrive at the Reboot Reservation, it isn’t what they expected. Under the rule of a bloodthirsty leader, Micah, the Reboots are about to wage an all-out war on the humans. Although Wren’s instincts are telling her to set off into the wilderness on their own and leave the battle far behind, Callum is unwilling to let his human family be murdered. When Micah commits the ultimate betrayal, the choice is made for them. But Micah has also made a fatal mistake . . . he’s underestimated Wren and Callum.

The explosive finale to the Reboot duology is full of riveting action and steamy love scenes as Wren and Callum become rebels against their own kind.

Book 1: Reboot review

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It was better than I expected! And that “off-with-his-head” moment was so awesome. 😀

I thought Rebel was better than Reboot. It could be that reading Callum‘s POV lessened my irritation towards him, because he’s an okay guy. Minimum sappiness? Check. Thank goodness!

Wren is still as badass as her number implies: One Seventy Eight. Showdowns between her and Micha were priceless :)) Her mentor Riley made his appearance in this sequel. This was the reboot who shot at her multiple times during training just so she can get over her fear of guns. He’s the reason why Wren survived HARC’s training. But Wren was confused, because now, he’s joking around her, hugging her, even! I liked him. He’s amused about Wren leaving HARC over a boy, a reboot under Sixty, no less! But in the end, he broke my heart. =(

I also like Gabe and Callum’s brother, David. These are only kids compared to the human rebels, and yet they understand more the need for humans and reboots to unite in order to bring down HARC.

Rebel is not lacking in action. Amy Tintera was not afraid to spray some blood, and break some bones. Having said that, I think Reboot series is a worthwhile read. I am glad that I gave romantic Callum another chance. Ha.

Oh, and this is a duology so, score!

Thank you Edelweiss and HarperCollins/HarperTeen for granting my galley request.

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REBEL by Amy Tintera

Kindle Edition, 352 pages

Published May 14th 2014 by HarperTeen

4/5 stars

Book Review: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

Young Adult > Post-Apocalyptic > Science Fiction

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

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From The Monstrumologist to this — Rick Yancey, make me a hard-core fanatic, why don’t you?

If you don’t kill all of us all at once, those who remain will not be weak. You are remaking us.
We are the clay, you are Michaelangelo. And we will be your masterpiece.

I cannot contain my happiness with The 5th Wave. It was a stellar alien book from no less than Rick Yancey!

Cassie is a very magnetic heroine, I cannot help but root for her. The determination and indomitable spirit was such a surprise. (But now that I thought about it, one of Yancey’s strengths as an author is the ability to develop engaging and worship-worthy characters.) The stark contrast of Cassie’s character to the hopeless world she lives in, it makes me want to cheer for her, that she will make it to the end. *fingers crossed*

So the moment that certified I was hooked? Zombie‘s character. When his POV was introduced, I didn’t know who he was. Imagine my ecstasy when his true identity was revealed on his first chapter, I was giddy with excitement! Leave it to Yancey to stir things up in a major way. 😀 Smooth talker, this one – and the inappropriateness of it in a post-apocalyptic world was very funny. Heh.

Evan Walker. Even without his link to Cassie, his character would still shine. The shift between morality and mortality, as Cassie perceived him, was so addictive. Every scene that Evan’s in was sweet, heartbreaking, I just want to capture each moment. *sigh*

Needless to say, the alien plot was gripping, the villain was hateful, the edge-of-your-seat element was electrifying. Woot!

With obvious strength in characters and decisive story flow, The 5th Wave deserves two thumbs up from an existing Rick Yancey fan like me. More alien conspiracy, please!

P.S. Me thinks this book will still be awesome even without the romance angle.

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THE 5TH WAVE by Rick Yancey

Hardcover, 480 pages

Published May 7th 2013 by Putnam Juvenile

5/5 stars

Mini Book Reviews: Brooke, Destroy Me

Young Adult > Dystopia

(Under the Never Sky #2.5)

The only fight she can’t win is the one for Perry’s heart. Following the stunning climax in Through the Ever Night, the Tides have been forced to seek shelter from the Aether storms in a dismal, secluded cave. But Brooke’s memories of the cave go back much further, to when she and Perry used to come here together. That was before Perry fell in love with Aria and before Vale’s dealings with the Dwellers altered the course of the Tides forever.

Now, with her sister back from a haunting year in captivity and Aria lying unconscious in the sick bay, Brooke struggles to put the pieces of her life back together. Without Perry, who is she? And what is her role in this frightening new world? As these questions swirl about her, an old threat to the Tides resurfaces, and Brooke is forced to put the lives of her people before her own. But in taking this step outside of herself, Brooke may finally discover what she truly wants.

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Brooke has this brotherhood going on
(*whispers* serial kisser! hmph.)

Brooke sets the mood for Into the Still Blue. While I liked that a minor threat was eliminated here, Brooke’s actions toward certain individuals struck me as inappropriate. Good thing that she’s no match for Aria when it comes to Perry. Yay!

Veronica Rossi gave focus on the ragtag crew that Perry met in Through the Ever Night. These characters are explored, so I’m thinking they will have bigger roles in the final book.

This is a mere glimpse of what is to come to Perry’s people – cowering in fear of the worsening Aether storms, sheltered by a dreary cave.

Forget Brooke. Just get ready for Into the Still Blue!

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BROOKE by Veronica Rossi

Ebook, 82 pages

Published November 26th 2013 by HaperCollins

3/5 stars

…..

Young Adult > Dystopia

(Shatter Me #2.5)

As Omega Point prepares to launch an all-out assault on The Reestablishment soldiers stationed in Sector 45, Adam’s focus couldn’t be further from the upcoming battle. He’s reeling from his breakup with Juliette, scared for his best friend’s life, and as concerned as ever for his brother James’s safety. And just as Adam begins to wonder if this life is really for him, the alarms sound. It’s time for war.

On the battlefield, it seems like the odds are in their favor—but taking down Warner, Adam’s newly discovered half brother, won’t be that easy. The Reestablishment can’t tolerate a rebellion, and they’ll do anything to crush the resistance . . . including killing everyone Adam has ever cared about.

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This is not necessary. Why even bother to write an e-novella when it has no bearing whatsoever on Adam‘s character, and the story’s plot?

Crap.

(Being on Team Warner is not even that exciting anymore.)

It pains me to say that Fracture Me is now a turning point for readers (like me?) if they will like Shatter Me series or not. Let’s not even talk about Team Adam or Team Warner anymore. The fact is, the writing is so unbalanced that if you like Adam, you will be disappointed. But if you didn’t like him, you will be relieved (that you did not root for him).

Like I said, Why even bother to write Adam’s POV?!!!!

Ignite Me – such a spoiler. Do I even care anymore who Juliet ends up with?

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FRACTURE ME by Tahereh Mafi

Ebook , 68 pages

Published December 16th 2013 by HarperCollins

2/5 stars

Book Review: The Madman’s Daughter by Megan Shepherd

Young Adult > Horror  | Science Fiction

(The Madman’s Daughter #1)

In the darkest places, even love is deadly.

Sixteen-year-old Juliet Moreau has built a life for herself in London—working as a maid, attending church on Sundays, and trying not to think about the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumors about her father’s gruesome experiments. But when she learns he is alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she is determined to find out if the accusations are true.

Accompanied by her father’s handsome young assistant, Montgomery, and an enigmatic castaway, Edward—both of whom she is deeply drawn to—Juliet travels to the island, only to discover the depths of her father’s madness: He has experimented on animals so that they resemble, speak, and behave as humans. And worse, one of the creatures has turned violent and is killing the island’s inhabitants. Torn between horror and scientific curiosity, Juliet knows she must end her father’s dangerous experiments and escape her jungle prison before it’s too late. Yet as the island falls into chaos, she discovers the extent of her father’s genius—and madness—in her own blood.

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1st half? horrifying yet interesting.
2nd half? f*cking love triangles.

Suffice it to say that the horror part of The Madman’s Daughter is intriguing enough to have me looped in Juliet’s crazy life. It was pretty intense at the start, with Juliet’s desperation and hopelessness, to her unexpected visit to the island, to see if her father is indeed alive. But when the love triangle emerged, the book was a chore to finish.

His father’s genius was viewed as madness, but I reveled in his insanity. Who’s to say he’s really crazy? He might be deluded, true, but he was fluidly intellectual with his work at the island. And how bloody it was! How… mad. I liked that. =)

Juliet did not know who to believe, who to trust in her father’s island. Montgomery? Edward? Her father? Can she believe him when he says that he was only protecting her since the day he left her to fend on her own, the way only a good father will do? I tell you, Juliet is going bonkers herself out there. 😀

The twist was somehow predictable, but still bewitching when I saw it unfold.

The Madman’s Daughter can still be good, I think. So less on the dramatic love triangle, please. It takes the sweet out of the horror, and I want my horror to be … sugary. In blood. Wee!

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THE MADMAN’S DAUGHTER by Megan Shepherd

Ebook, 432 pages

Published January 29th 2013 by Balzer + Bray

3/5 stars

Book Review: The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna

Young Adult > Science Fiction

Eva’s life is not her own. She is a creation, an abomination—an echo. She was made by the Weavers as a copy of someone else, expected to replace a girl named Amarra, her “other,” if she ever died. Eva spends every day studying that girl from far away, learning what Amarra does, what she eats, what it’s like to kiss her boyfriend, Ray. So when Amarra is killed in a car crash, Eva should be ready.

But sixteen years of studying never prepared her for this.

Now she must abandon everything and everyone she’s ever known—the guardians who raised her, the boy she’s forbidden to love—to move to India and convince the world that Amarra is still alive.

What Eva finds is a grief-stricken family; parents unsure how to handle this echo they thought they wanted; and Ray, who knew every detail, every contour of Amarra. And when Eva is unexpectedly dealt a fatal blow that will change her existence forever, she is forced to choose: Stay and live out her years as a copy or leave and risk it all for the freedom to be an original. To be Eva.

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Ray, you motherf*cker. *shakes fist*

What did you think of that ending? Abrupt? Less than what the Eva deserves? Sigh. That woeful ending broke my heart a bunch of times. This is one of those rare moments that I really, really wanted a sequel. *sniffs*

Early on, I noticed that Sangu Mandanna writes with emotional fervour. It was just so beautiful, reading about Eva’s dreams, hesitations, conflicts, and convictions. This was a good hurt, I should say. That no matter how haunting or how bleak Eva’s story was, it is worth a reread.

It occurred to Eva that while the few people around her deeply cares for her, people outside who are opposed of echoes will find her an abomination. And that pained her. She did not choose to be Amarra. She was made from her likeness. But she also thought, am I killing Amarra (and her family) just by existing?

The Lost Girl was never about the science behind the Echoes (although the Weaver’s history was fascinating). This story is about a girl who longs for a life outside an isolated home, a life that will speak freely of who she is (and not Amarra), a life with Sean. =( How can my heart be breaking still as I wrote this?

I curse you, Sangu Mandanna for being so talented with words.

And Sean. I ache for this boy. (Gah, that ending, Pffft.)

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THE LOST GIRL by Sangu Mandanna

Ebook, 432 pages

Published August 28th 2012 by Balzer + Bray

4/5 stars

Book Review: Sapphique by Catherine Fisher

Young Adult > Fantasy | Dystopia

(Incarceron #2)

Finn has escaped Incarceron only to find that he must defend his right to the throne from another challenger. His life and Claudia’s hang on Finn convincing the Court that he is the lost prince, even though he has his own doubts about being the true heir.

Book 1: Incarceron review

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This is really, really inventive.

You cannot box Incarceron series into one sub-genre alone, for it encompasses dystopian, fantasy, and science fiction. The connections are seamless, as Catherine Fisher weaves this rich story, so intricate that you will be smiling at the ingenuity of it all. Dare I say I understood Sapphique the way I did for Incarceron? In some ways, yes. Because while prequel sets the stage to an astonishing story, Sapphique drew the curtains with a flourish that only fantasy lovers will appreciate.

The complexity of the characters is a strength. Finn is defiant, Claudia is stubborn, Jared is brooding, Keiro is immovable, and Attia is determined. The web of their relationships is askewed at best, but when I think about it, it is best that way. For everyone has a claim, everyone has a motive. Who will triumph in the end? Or could Incarceron herself outplay them all?

It will always be Incarceron who is the star of this series. No matter how deceitful, ruthless, or vindictive she may be, I can identify something in her that is human. Well… why not? a bunch of scientists created her. Incarceron was animated with human antics, and that’s the most enjoyable in this series. =)

The richness in fantasy of Sapphique was mesmerizing. I might favor Incarceron more, but this sequel more than sums up the core of Finn’s story. It was executed astoundingly.

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SAPPHIQUE by Catherine Fisher

Hardcover, 462 pages

Published December 28th 2012 by Dial

4/5 stars

Book Review: All Our Yesterdays by Cristin Terrill

Young Adult > Science Fiction | Time Travel

Em is locked in a bare, cold cell with no comforts. Finn is in the cell next door. The Doctor is keeping them there until they tell him what he wants to know. Trouble is, what he wants to know hasn’t happened yet.

Em and Finn have a shared past, but no future unless they can find a way out. The present is torture – being kept apart, overhearing each other’s anguish as the Doctor relentlessly seeks answers. There’s no way back from here, to what they used to be, the world they used to know. Then Em finds a note in her cell which changes everything. It’s from her future self and contains some simple but very clear instructions. Em must travel back in time to avert a tragedy that’s about to unfold. Worse, she has to pursue and kill the boy she loves to change the future . . .

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… took long enough to get to the confrontation, but neat ending.

I did not appreciate the predictability of the story, nor the twists. Could it be that I am so used to crime and thriller suspense that when I turn out to be right in guessing who’s who and what’s what, I don’t feel victorious? I was annoyed. It was so easy guess where things will lead me.

But I love Finn. The knowledge that he was already in love with her way before Cassandra happens, it was heartbreaking. I was crushed by that last scene with her – that by saving the world, they might not fall in love, because it was Cassandra that brought them together – wow. He was brave, my Finn. So brave.

Em was right to be confused. She failed too many times. And yet she still loves him, despite everything. Are there really no option but to kill him? It’s sad, really. I think the last scene after the inevitable went down, it was too hard for her. *sigh*

Let’s not talk about Marina, I do not like her.

Compared to Tempest, All Our Yesterdays is actually pretty good. The time travel element was easy to digest and follow.

If this was a standalone, I’d say, very nice wrap-up. Some loose ends, but with the grief going around, I think no one will mind. Since there will be a sequel, it better not include Finn being dead. *shakes fist*

Thank you Netgalley and Bloomsbury for granting my galley request.

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ALL OUR YESTERDAYS by Cristin Terrill

Published August 1st 2013 by Bloomsbury Publishing Inc (UK & ANZ)

3/5 stars

Book Review: These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman, Meagan Spooner

Young Adult > Science Fiction

It’s a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

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.. and the awesomeness was just unexpected. 😀

Hey Santa? This is what I want for Christmas!

The stunning cover of These Broken Stars more than reflects the fantastic story it holds – it blatantly sums it up!

This is Love at First Sight Gone Wrong. Ha! (Sorry, Tarver.)

It is easier to judge Lilac with her heiress status, or Tarver with his rigid military training. The interaction between the two started from cute to hostile to disdain. More than once did these two dance around the mistrust of being with the only person in the planet. That annoyed me during the first half, but I think it was setup that way so that I’ll feel the feels more than I should when things get very creepy. 😀

So there they are, in some unknown planet, forced to be civilized with each other because really now, what does Lilac know about survival? And what does Tarver know about abandoned stations in a terraformed planet?

Surprisingly, Lilac is not dumb for a socialite. She reminds me of Tori from Quicksilver. And Tarver, what can I say? If ever I get stuck with no food to eat, or no shelter to salvage, let me be stuck with him. Pretty please? *bats eyelashes*

You might mistake this as a romance disguised as a science fiction. The swoon (and there are lots of them!) is a major plus to a horrifying story about a sick ambition of the most powerful man in the universe, across hyperspace and other dimensions. It was cruel, but kindness was shown to the end. And Lilac and Tarver will never be the same again.

These Broken Stars: the title alone is poetic enough. Haunting yet beautiful, Lilac and Tarver’s story will make you feel strengthened, hopeful, loved.

Did I mention there are scary scavenging scenes in a corpse-filled crashed spaceship? *wiggles eyebrows*

Thank you Netgalley and Disney Hyperion for granting my galley request.

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THESE BROKEN STARS by Amie Kaufman, Meagan Spooner

Published December 10th 2013 by Disney Hyperion

4.5/5 stars

Book Review: Quicksilver by R.J. Anderson

Young Adult > Science Fiction

(Ultraviolet #2)

Back in her hometown, Tori Beaugrand had everything a teenaged girl could want—popularity, money, beauty. But she also had a secret. A secret that could change her life in an instant, or destroy it.

Now she’s left everything from her old life behind, including her real name and Alison, the one friend who truly understood her. She can’t escape who and what she is. But if she wants to have anything like a normal life, she has to blend in and hide her unusual… talents.

Plans change when the enigmatic Sebastian Faraday reappears and gives Tori some bad news: she hasn’t escaped her past. In fact, she’s attracted new interest in the form of an obsessed ex-cop turned investigator for a genetics lab.

She has one last shot at getting her enemies off her trail and winning the security and independence she’s always longed for. But saving herself will take every ounce of Tori’s incredible electronics and engineering skills—and even then, she may need to sacrifice more than she could possibly imagine if she wants to be free.

Book 1: Ultraviolet review

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…Tori‘s got some big balls, I’ll tell you that. That last scene at makerspace was kick-ass crazy!

Ultraviolet was awesome enough as a standalone, but hearing that it will have a sequel in the form of Quicksilver was such a welcome surprise! While I liked Ultraviolet for its intensity, this companion book was nothing short of incredible as well.

So Tori was not quite I expected, knowing what I knew of her in the first book. She’s determined, supersmart, and very very capable of taking care of herself. The fact that she recognized what makes her different, and yet she did not lash out to her parents – it was so nice. She would do anything to keep her parents from hurting ever again because of her – and so her plan to keep Mathis and Deckard out of her life begins.

Tori’s self discovery was different from Alison. She knows from that start what she’s capable of… and what she’s not. Her brutal honesty towards Milo was so refreshing, although I feel for the guy (because he’s sooo kind!). And her relationship with Faraday was straightout unbelievable. Oh, she does not like him (and his treatment of Alison), but she understands and yes, even trusts him.

I enjoyed quick scenes between Faraday and Alison. she made an appearance, but it was quite an impact because she was not the scared, crazy girl from Ultraviolet, not anymore. And I really, really liked that.

Are you wondering how Tori managed to outwit the relay? Eventually cutting the connection that made her an experiment? If yes, then you better read Quicksilver! The science fiction R.J. Anderson made was outrageous – and so much fun.

Here’s to the girl who knows how to tinker with her tools, gadgets, and machines… cheers to Tori!

Thank you NetGalley and Lerner Publishing Group for granting my galley request.

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QUICKSILVER by R.J. Anderson

Kindle Edition

Published March 1st 2013 by Carolrhoda Lab

4/5 stars