Books are more than a words

Showing posts with label fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fiction. Show all posts

May 31, 2017

Waiting on Wednesday: Wonder Woman: Warbringer (DC Icons #1) by Leigh Bardugo


 
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine

 What I'm waiting for...

 


The highly anticipated coming-of-age story for the world’s greatest super hero: WONDER WOMAN by the # 1 New York Times bestselling author LEIGH BARDUGO.

She will become one of the world’s greatest heroes: WONDER WOMAN. But first she is Diana, Princess of the Amazons. And her fight is just beginning. . . .

Diana longs to prove herself to her legendary warrior sisters. But when the opportunity finally comes, she throws away her chance at glory and breaks Amazon law—risking exile—to save a mere mortal. Even worse, Alia Keralis is no ordinary girl and with this single brave act, Diana may have doomed the world.

Alia just wanted to escape her overprotective brother with a semester at sea. She doesn’t know she is being hunted. When a bomb detonates aboard her ship, Alia is rescued by a mysterious girl of extraordinary strength and forced to confront a horrible truth: Alia is a Warbringer—a direct descendant of the infamous Helen of Troy, fated to bring about an age of bloodshed and misery.

Together, Diana and Alia will face an army of enemies—mortal and divine—determined to either destroy or possess the Warbringer. If they have any hope of saving both their worlds, they will have to stand side by side against the tide of war.


***** 


Why am I waiting on this book? I have never read a superheroe book, but I love Wonder Woman and Leigh is a great author. So, I want to give it a chance, maybe I'll enjoy more books like this.

What about you?

1

May 22, 2015

ARC Review: The Cage by Megan Shepherd


The Cage #1
Author: Megan Shepherd
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC provided by Publisher. Thank you.
Summary: 
When Cora Mason wakes in a desert, she doesn't know where she is or who put her there. As she explores, she finds an impossible mix of environments—tundra next to desert, farm next to jungle, and a strangely empty town cobbled together from different cultures—all watched over by eerie black windows. And she isn't alone.
Four other teenagers have also been taken: a beautiful model, a tattooed smuggler, a secretive genius, and an army brat who seems to know too much about Cora's past. None of them have a clue as to what happened, and all of them have secrets. As the unlikely group struggles for leadership, they slowly start to trust each other. But when their mysterious jailer—a handsome young guard called Cassian—appears, they realize that their captivity is more terrifying than they could ever imagine: Their captors aren't from Earth. And they have taken the five teenagers for an otherworldly zoo—where the exhibits are humans.
As a forbidden attraction develops between Cora and Cassian, she realizes that her best chance of escape might be in the arms of her own jailer—though that would mean leaving the others behind. Can Cora manage to save herself and her companions? And if so . . . what world lies beyond the walls of their cage?


****


This is my first book by Megan Shepherd, and I’m so glad to say that it didn’t disappoint.
The Cage is a wonderful book about a group of teenagers kidnapped and brought to a strange place far away from Earth.
There’s no doubt my favorite part of this book was Megan Shepherd’s writing. It was fast passed and addictive. I wasn’t able to put it down once I started.
The characters in this book are so diverse and complex. The book is told from different POVs, so we got the chance to meet each character and understand them.
Cora, the main character is a brave girl with a tough past. She’s the most daring in the book. She was my favorite character even though there were some things I didn’t like about her.
The plot was full of twist and turns. It was realistic and mind-blowing. The world building is as creepy as it was dazzling. I can’t complain about it at all.

The only problem I had with this book was the romance. As you can read in the synopsis, Cara felt attracted to Cassian, her jailer. I already knew that could be a problem for me, but when it happens is insta-attraction, you know, that cliché of “I dreamt about him” was thrown right away.
Cora was a strong girl but kept thinking about how beautiful he was and how he looked like an angel. I mean, he was an alien who stole her and spy on her. It didn’t matter that she was aware how sick her feelings were. It didn’t feel right at all.
And there’s Lucky, the other boy. It was a kind of love triangle where I liked the “human” boy better.

Anyway, the last twist in the story made me really happy. It made me more excited to read the next book, and I just hope my problem with the romance is solved, as I can see I’m not the only against that romance.

Overall, if I don’t count the romance, which isn’t the main focus in the story, The Cage is an amazing science fiction book. It has suspense, betrayals, a cast of diverse characters and a world that will blow you away. 


2

Nov 3, 2014

ARC Review: A Thousand Pieces of You by Claudia Gray


A Thousand Pieces of You
Series: Firebird #1
Author: Claudia Gray
Pages: 368
My Rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC provided for review. Thank you!
Summary:
Marguerite Caine’s physicist parents are known for their radical scientific achievements. Their most astonishing invention: the Firebird, which allows users to jump into parallel universes, some vastly altered from our own. But when Marguerite’s father is murdered, the killer—her parent’s handsome and enigmatic assistant Paul—escapes into another dimension before the law can touch him.
Marguerite can’t let the man who destroyed her family go free, and she races after Paul through different universes, where their lives entangle in increasingly familiar ways. With each encounter she begins to question Paul’s guilt—and her own heart. Soon she discovers the truth behind her father’s death is more sinister than she ever could have imagined.


****


This book was just as beautiful as its cover.
A Thousand Pieces of You is the best book I’ve read by Claudia Gray. Her writing, her world-building, her characters, every part of this book was well created and addictive.
I cannot even compare this book with any other, because it was unlike anything I read before. Unique, intriguing and heartbreaking.
And let me tell you this, while you’re reading books about multiverses, there’s too much to guess. I was afraid all my theories will be right, but they weren't. It was unexpected and thrilling.
Marguerite, the main character, is a brave and likable heroine.
Theo and Paul are also intriguing characters and you can’t help but love them.
This book takes place in many different settings, many different universes and every one of them is gorgeous, and captivating.
 
My only problem with this book was the love triangle. The worst kind of love triangle for me.
I have to warn you. ***This might be a spoiler***
It was a love triangle with a doppelganger in it. Because, you know, when it’s about multiverses there’s the possibility of falling in love with the other version of that person you may love in your own world. So, that happened. And I hated it.
However, Claudia Gray managed a perfect twist I was no expecting and I’m really grateful for that.

Overall, A Thousand Pieces of You is an engaging read. Surprising, heartbreaking and absolutely brilliant.
This is a must read.


5

Oct 21, 2014

What's new? The Cage by Megan Shepherd


 
 I just have one thing to say about this book: It sounds creepy!
And yet, I can't wait to read it.
Check it out!

Expected publication: May 26th 2015 by Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17285330-the-last-time-we-say-goodbye 

When Cora Mason wakes in a desert, she doesn't know where she is or who put her there. As she explores, she finds an impossible mix of environments--tundra next to desert, farm next to jungle--and a strangely empty town cobbled together from different cultures and time periods, all watched over by eerie black windows. And she isn't alone.

Four other teenagers have also been taken: a beautiful model, a tattooed smuggler, a secretive genius, and an army brat who seems to know too much about Cora's past. None of them have a clue as to what happened, and all of them have secrets. As the unlikely group struggles for leadership, they slowly start to trust each other. But when their mysterious jailer appears--a handsome young guard named Cassian--they realize that their captivity is more terrifying than they could ever imagine: their captors aren't from Earth. And they have taken they five teenagers to an otherworldly zoo--where the exhibits are humans.

When a forbidden attraction develops between Cora and Cassian, she realizes that her best chance of escape might be in the arms of her own jailer--though that would mean leaving the others behind. Can Cora manage to save herself and her companions? And if so…what world lies beyond the walls of their cage?


3

Oct 3, 2014

ARC Review: Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini


Trial by Fire (The Worldwalker #1)
Author: Josephine Angelini
Pages: 374
My rating: 4 stars
Source: ARC
This world is trying to kill Lily Proctor. Her life-threatening allergies keep her from enjoying experiences that others in her hometown of Salem take for granted, which is why she is determined to enjoy her first high school party with her best friend and longtime crush, Tristan. But after a humiliating incident in front of half her graduating class, Lily wishes she could just disappear.
Suddenly, Lily is in a different Salem—one overrun with horrifying creatures and ruled by powerful women called Crucibles. Strongest and cruelest of them all is Lillian . . . Lily's other self in this alternate universe.
What makes Lily weak at home is what makes her extraordinary in New Salem. In this confusing world, Lily is torn between responsibilities she can't hope to shoulder alone and a love she never expected.


****

First off, I wanted to thank the author for the chance to win this signed ARC from her blog. 
I wasn’t lucky with Starcrossed, the only book I read by Josephine Angelini. I don’t really know if it was the translation (I read it in Spanish), but I couldn’t connect with any character and I didn’t like the writing. However, everything I read about this new book was amazing and I really wanted to give it a try.

I’m not sure what to say about this book, so let’s start with the good.
Trial by Fire was completely different from everything I’ve read before. Josephine Angelini did a great job with the 3rd person POV and the world-building. In fact, what everyone told me about the world-building was completely right. I fell in love with this twisted and wicked Salem. Everything was well explained and seemed realistic.
The characters were likable and well created. Lily is a strong and loving protagonist and Rowan is simply the best love interest ever!

The bad.  
Every good thing I have to say about this book is about the world-building and the characters. I was blown away by it. It was spectacular.
BUT the pacing was too slow and it was full of info-dumping.
I felt like it had many unnecessary scenes and explanations, and after all, there’ll be more sequels, so she could have added them in the next book. I’m sad to say some parts were, well… boring.

However, I enjoyed the book and I found it interesting and unique. I hope book 2 has more action, because I really want to discover all the secrets and find out how things end.
I give Trial by Fire 4 stars for its originality and amazing ending!

4

Jul 21, 2014

ARC Review: Dissonance by Erica O'Rourke


Dissonance
Series: Dissonance #1
Author: Erica O'Rourke
Pages: 496
Source: Publisher
My rating: 3 stars
Summary:
Delancy Sullivan has always known there’s more to reality than what people see. Every time someone makes a choice, a new, parallel world branches off from the existing one. Eating breakfast or skipping it, turning left instead of right, sneaking out instead of staying in bed ~ all of these choices create an alternate universe in which an echo self takes the road not travelled and makes the opposite decision. As a Walker, someone who can navigate between these worlds, Del’s job is to keep all of the dimensions in harmony.
Normally, Del can hear the dissonant frequency that each world emits as clear as a bell. But when a training session in an off-key world goes horribly wrong, she is forbidden from Walking by the Council. But Del’s not big on following the rules and she secretly starts to investigate these other worlds. Something strange is connecting them and it’s not just her random encounters with echo versions of the guy she likes, Simon Lane.
But Del’s decisions have unimaginable consequences and, as she begins to fall for the Echo Simons in each world, she draws closer to a truth that the Council of Walkers is trying to hide ~ a secret that threatens the fate of the entire multiverse.


Dissonance by Erica O’Rourke is a wonderful sc/fic story about the Walkers, people with the power to travel through parallel universes.
This is the story about Delancy, a walker in training… and a troublemaker.
O’Rourke created an amazing world where every decision we make creates a new universe, an Echo World, a copy of the Key World, the original.
The concept of this book is fantastic. I found myself in love with the idea of those parallel worlds. The world-building was well created, the dialogues were great and the writing was clean and enjoyable.
Sometimes the book has too many information and it was a little confusing, but if you put close attention, you get it. 

The big “but” of this book is Delancy, the main character.
See, the cover of Dissonance is stunning, the summary sounds dark and thrilling and it is… but Del was too reckless and immature. I found it hard to connect with her because voice was too young and I was expecting something darker and mysterious.
The rest of the characters were okay, but not memorable. I especially liked Montey, Del’s grandfather.
I also liked Elliot, the best friend. Despite the fact that this was the typical case of best-friend-wanting-more-than-friendship. Which was really sad because that developed in a love triangle, and I wasn’t the biggest fan of Simon, the love interest.
The cliché in the romance is something I didn’t enjoy either. The golden boy that finally notices the invisible girl, that wasn’t surprising or amazing. But I have to say that the love story grew slowly, which looked realistic and I’m really thankful for that.
I still find this couple immature, I wish I could tell you why, but that could a spoiler…

The ending however was unexpected and action packed. I loved the twist in the story and the last betrayal. This was the strongest part of the book.
Overall, Dissonance is a great story, and a new and original world that you’ll like to meet. If you like books about multiverse with young but entertaining characters, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one. 


1

May 6, 2014

ARC Review: After the End by Amy Plum



After the End
Series: After the End #1
Author: Amy Plum
Pages: 352
Order it: Amazon/ B&N/ TBD
My rating: 4.5 Stars
Summary: 
She’s searching for answers to her past. They’re hunting her to save their future.
World War III has left the world ravaged by nuclear radiation. A lucky few escaped to the Alaskan wilderness. They've survived for the last thirty years by living off the land, being one with nature, and hiding from whoever else might still be out there.
At least, this is what Juneau has been told her entire life.
When Juneau returns from a hunting trip to discover that everyone in her clan has vanished, she sets off to find them. Leaving the boundaries of their land for the very first time, she learns something horrifying: There never was a war. Cities were never destroyed. The world is intact. Everything was a lie. 
Now Juneau is adrift in a modern-day world she never knew existed. But while she's trying to find a way to rescue her friends and family, someone else is looking for her. Someone who knows the extraordinary truth about the secrets of her past.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13601681-after-the-end?from_search=true 

 

If there’s something I love about Amy Plum’s books, that is her neat writing and her awesome characters.
That was After the End.
I don’t want to say much about the plot because I think the synopsis is very descriptive and I don’t want to give spoilers. But I can say I was very surprised by the magical elements in this book.
I’ve seen some people say After the End is a dystopian book but I’m not really sure about it. Even though Juneau had lived all her life with lies, the other side of the story, the real world, is modern and it didn’t feel dystopian. Not that it matters, but this book felt quite magical.

After the End is told in alternative POV between Juneau and Miles. Amy Plum did an excellent job creating different voices.
Juneau is smart, loyal, and brave. I loved the way she acted after she discovered the truth, I loved that she was serious and determined.
The only thing I didn't like about Juneau is that she lived with her people far away from the modern world, and yet she understood everything so fast. It was like Juneau was super-smart.
Miles, in the other hand was awesome. He was hilarious! He was smart, a little arrogant but sweet and courageous.

It made me really happy when the hints of the romance started to show.
It wasn’t a huge romance, but it was enough. Juneau and Miles were a badass team. Their relationship is one of the most natural I’ve seen. It started slowly but then it became something solid.
I’m so thankful because this book doesn’t have insta-love, they even didn’t trust each other at the beginning.

After the End is full of suspense and mystery. Shocking betrayals and some jaw-dropping moments.
It has everything to be an amazing read, but I was still left with a lot of questions and the ending somehow felt a little rushed. Like there was something missing.
Anyway, I really enjoyed After the End. I think this will be a great series. Plus, the cover is amazing.

After the End has action, drama, and great characters. With an amazing plot and secrecy that will have you on the edge of your seat, After the End is the best beginning of a new series.


***An eARC of this book was provided by the publisher. Thank you!*** 
 

2

Apr 29, 2014

ARC Review: The Taking by Kimberly Derting


The Taking
Series: The Taking #1
Author: Kimberly Derting
Pages: 368
My rating: 4.5 stars 
Order it: Amazon/ B&N/ TBD
Source: ARC provided by Publisher
Summary:
A flash of white light . . . and then . . . nothing.
When sixteen-year-old Kyra Agnew wakes up behind a Dumpster at the Gas ’n’ Sip, she has no memory of how she got there. With a terrible headache and a major case of déjà vu, she heads home only to discover that five years have passed . . . yet she hasn’t aged a day.
Everything else about Kyra’s old life is different. Her parents are divorced, her boyfriend, Austin, is in college and dating her best friend, and her dad has changed from an uptight neat-freak to a drunken conspiracy theorist who blames her five-year disappearance on little green men.  
Confused and lost, Kyra isn’t sure how to move forward unless she uncovers the truth. With Austin gone, she turns to Tyler, Austin’s annoying kid brother, who is now seventeen and who she has a sudden undeniable attraction to. As Tyler and Kyra retrace her steps from the fateful night of her disappearance, they discover strange phenomena that no one can explain, and they begin to wonder if Kyra’s father is not as crazy as he seems. There are others like her who have been taken . . . and returned. Kyra races to find an explanation and reclaim the life she once had, but what if the life she wants back is not her own?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17838475-the-taking?ac=1 

 

I read The Taking by Kimberly Derting some time ago. It was a wonderful story full of mystery and a great romance.
The Taking is the story of a girl that wakes up after a fight with her father just to realize that 5 years have happened since that day.
In the first half of the book, it’s about Kyra trying to go back to her life, dealing with the changes, dealing with the mystery of why she disappear.
The second part of the book is about trying to solve the mysteries of the day she was taken. Trying to unravel the events of that night.

The Plot:
It was a fast passed read. The Taking was thrilling and surprising. It was suspenseful and enjoyable.
The Taking was an adrenaline roller coaster.
Though, to be honest, the first part was better, the second was too full of love drama.

The Characters:
Kyra, the protagonist was a little immature, but I really understand her. All the changes were hard to take, although she must have understood what 5 years is a lot of time and nothing can be same. However, Kyra grew up with the story, she became stronger and I liked her as a heroine.
Kyra’s family was not my favorite. But I loved her dad. I wish there was something more about him. I wish Kyra would have listened to him before
I didn’t happen to connect better the other characters, except for Tyler; he was really cute and adorable. He was, in my opinion, the best character of this book, a little too perfect, but impossible to forget.

The Romance:
The romance in the other hand was so sweet, but it was a little like insta-love and I would appreciate if Kyra and Tyler spent more time trying to resolve the mystery that involved in the love drama.
Except fot that, they were perfect together, and it didn’t bother me if it was strange –it was- because Tyler was Kyra’s ex-boyfriend’s little brother. The romance wasn't cheesy, it was realistic and cute.

The Ending:
The ending was the best part of the book, there’s still mystery, but many questions were answered. It had me on the edge of my seat. It was mind-blowing. It was heartbreaking and phenomenal.

Overall, The Taking is an amazing sci/fi read, with mysteries, great characters and a plot that will have you asking for more.

**A huge thank you to the publisher for the copy of this book**

2

Jan 27, 2014

Book review: Uninvited by Sophie Jordan


Uninvited (Uninvited #1)
Author: Sophie Jordan
Pages: 384
Buying links: Amazon/ B&N/ TBD
Source: eARC received for review
Summary:
When Davy Hamilton's tests come back positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS)-aka the kill gene-she loses everything. Her boyfriend ditches her, her parents are scared of her, and she can forget about her bright future at Juilliard. Davy doesn't feel any different, but genes don't lie. One day she will kill someone.
Only Sean, a fellow HTS carrier, can relate to her new life. Davy wants to trust him; maybe he's not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.
The first in a two-book series, Uninvited tackles intriguing questions about free will, identity, and human nature. Steeped in New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan's trademark mix of gripping action and breathless romance, this suspenseful tale is perfect for fans of James Patterson, Michelle Hodkin, and Lisa McMann.


 

***A huge thank you to Harper Teen and Edelweiss for this eARC***

I didn’t read any book by Sophie Jordan before Uninvited. I always wanted to try her Firelight series but somehow I never did.
So, when I had the chance to read an early copy of Uninvited I was almost jumping with excitement.
Uninvited is unique in its genre. I’ll never be tired of dystopian books and science fiction and one of the things I’m always looking for is the originality of the world the authors create, and the world of Uninvited definitely was something I never saw before.

To be fairly honest I’m not a huge fan of the Davy, the main character. The thing is… she wasn’t a good girl, but she wasn’t a bad girl, either. Davy was just a self centered and narrow-minded girl through almost the whole book, I was annoyed and even wanted to skip pages until reality shakes her... and it did, that's when the Uninvited turned better.
But Davy isn’t the essence of the book, what makes of Uninvited a book I’ll never forget is the whole topic about discrimination that the author brings throughout the lines.
You’ll see, in a world where you have a test to tell you, you have Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS) there’s a lot to tell about! But Sophie Jordan picked the topic of discrimination… and when I say discrimination I mean, everyone avoid the carries like the worst virus, even Davy, a carrier…
The book was beautifully written, it was a fast paced read. The conversations were well created and the characters perfectly developed. 

Although I really enjoyed this book I still have questions that never were answered, and some other things that didn’t make sense (I hope the next book answer these things)
The love story was a little fast but it was perfect for a book like this.
And… okay, I feel like I’m just pointing the things I didn’t like, but really, Uninvited is a great book.
It’s an action packed story that will have you on the edge of your seat.
If you're a fan of science fictions and thrilling reads, you have to check it out!

0

Nov 22, 2013

Book review: Volition by Lee Strauss


Volition
Author: Lee Strauss
Series: Perception #2
Pages: 219
Buy it: Amazon/ TBD
Summary:
What doesn't kill you...
Zoe Vanderveen is on the run with her captor turned rescuer, Noah Brody.
They're in love.
Or at least that’s what he tells her. Her memories have returned but her feelings are dreamlike—thin and fleeting. Her heart can’t be trusted. Just look at what happened with Taylor Blake.
Senator Vanderveen’s new team of cyborg agents are in hot pursuit, and a reward for their capture is broadcast nationwide. Record breaking cold and snow hinder their escape. Someone dies helping them.
And their fight for survival has only begun.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17231974-volition?ac=1 



 Perception by Lee Strauss was one of my favorite books last year. It's been a while since I read this wonderful sci/fic masterpiece, but I was dying since then to read the next installment.
Volition starts right where Perception ended. With Zoe losing her memory and Noah trying to rescue her.

Zoe's grandfather is now the president is he's creating an army of cyborgs, getting ready for a war. One of my favorite things about this series is that I loved the bad boys, I didn't remember why; I just knew the bad boys were great and now, with Volition I like them even more.

While Zoe and Noah are on the run they take us to an incredible adventure with danger, pain, unexpected twists and turns and an adrenaline roller-coaster. This is a fast passed read. Every chapter is something you don't want to miss.
The tension between Zoe and Noah is there every second; you end up wanting to know what will happen to them. Are they going to be happy and in love again? Is Zoe going to remember how much she loved Noah?
The "love triangle" was the only thing I didn't like about this book. Noah and Zoe were perfect for each other and the story was so perfect alone, that the third love interest wasn't necessary.
Even though I enjoyed every part of this book, it wasn't as amazing as the first book (but it was good!) 

Lee Strauss did a great job with the world-building. I loved the setting of this book even more than Perception. The cyborgs were so freaking awesome! Except Cinder, I never read any other book with cybors and Mrs. Strauss made me love them.

Every character of Volition was strong, brave, and perfectly created. The good guys, the bad guys, there wasn't a thing I didn't like about them!
So was the ending. That was a stunning ending. I'm dying to read Contrition as soon as possible! I'm sure it will be as amazing as Mrs. Strauss writing has been.

On a personal-very-personal-note: *I* think these books need a cover re-design. I read this book because I was lucky enough to have the ARCs for reviews, but if it wasn't the case, I'd probably never pick the Perception Trilogy. I added that cover to "Top Ten covers I wish I could re-design" on my Spanish blog and all my readers agree with it. The background is really good, but the symbol and the font aren't as cool.

This trilogy is one of the best sci/fic rides I read and every reader deserve the chance to read it!




 
2

Oct 14, 2013

Book review: Across a Star-Swept sea by Diana Peterfreund


Across a star-swept sea
Author: Diana Peterfreund
Series: Companion novel to For darkness shows the stars.
Pages: 464
Rating: 5/5 stars
Source: ARC provided by publisher for review.
Summary:
Centuries after wars nearly destroyed civilization, the two islands of New Pacifica stand alone, a terraformed paradise where even the Reduction—the devastating brain disorder that sparked the wars—is a distant memory. Yet on the isle of Galatea, an uprising against the ruling aristocrats has turned deadly. The revolutionaries’ weapon is a drug that damages their enemies’ brains, and the only hope is rescue by a mysterious spy known as the Wild Poppy.
On the neighboring island of Albion, no one suspects that the Wild Poppy is actually famously frivolous aristocrat Persis Blake. The teenager uses her shallow, socialite trappings to hide her true purpose: her gossipy flutternotes are encrypted plans, her pampered sea mink is genetically engineered for spying, and her well-publicized new romance with handsome Galatean medic Justen Helo… is her most dangerous mission ever.
Though Persis is falling for Justen, she can’t risk showing him her true self, especially once she learns he’s hiding far more than simply his disenchantment with his country’s revolution and his undeniable attraction to the silly socialite he’s pretending to love. His darkest secret could plunge both islands into a new dark age, and Persis realizes that when it comes to Justen Helo, she’s not only risking her heart, she’s risking the world she’s sworn to protect.






My thoughts.

Across a star-swept sea is the breathtaking sequel to For darkness shows the stars by Diana Peterfreund.
This companion novel is a retelling of The Scarlet Pimpernel, beautifully created and with unforgettable characters. 

In this new book we have Regs and Aristo instead of Posts and Luddite.
Persis Blake is an Aristo whose frivolous life hides her alter ego, Wild Poppy, the most famous spy all over New Pacifica.
I’m thrilled to say that this book was even better than For darkness shows the stars. To say that I loved it to pieces is not enough for such an amazing master piece.
Diana Petefeund did an amazing job creating a story than once again mixed perfectly the old fashioned ways on a modern and technologically advanced setting. The words, the descriptions, the story telling, everything was perfect!

I am not a person that really enjoys reading from different POVs because sometimes they’re not well created or they're confusing, but while reading Across a star-wept sea I never had that problem. Each character was unique and so, it was their voice.
Persis, the Wild Poppy is one of the best heroines I have ever known. I loved Elliot in the first book, she was strong and brave, and she was really mature and serious. But this Persis Blake was totally different to Elliot. She was funny and elegant, loyal and so smart. And when Persis was the Wild Poppy it was entirely different as well: Brave and intelligent, cold but always trying to help the people that needed her the most.
Justen in the other hand is a medic who’s trying to fix the mistake he made in the past. His POV was utterly different from Persis’s because he was more logical and thinks like a scientist. Justen is brilliant. And while we see the fake relationship he and Persis had, we learned to understand the way he sees the world.
There are also POVs from Justen’s sister and cousin. They’re so important because they tell and show the story of the other side.

The politics and aristocratic conflicts are well based and make the story more believable and understandable.
 The romance was well made, it wasn’t insta-love (thanks God!), but it grew slowly as the main characters start knowing each other. Both of them knew they couldn’t fall in love, but they did, they see through the facades make a beautifully real love story.
And for those who were pining for a Kai-Elliot cameo. They are in the right place and at the right time. The Cloud Fleet play an important role in the last part of the story. They are back bringing with them all the things we loved –and hated –before.
On my personal opinion, this book is one of the best of the year. There wasn’t a moment I didn’t like it, I never got bored and I enjoyed every part of it.
Across a star-swept sea is an unforgettable story about love, friendship, justice and equality. A must read.

 

5

Jul 4, 2013

Shades of earth by Beth Revis



Shades of earth
Series: Across the universe #3
Author: Beth Revis
Pages: 369
Goodreads AVG Rating: 4.22
Summary:
Amy and Elder have finally left the oppressive walls of the spaceship Godspeed behind. They're ready to start life afresh--to build a home--on Centauri-Earth, the planet that Amy has traveled 25 trillion miles across the universe to experience.
But this new Earth isn't the paradise Amy had been hoping for. There are giant pterodactyl-like birds, purple flowers with mind-numbing toxins, and mysterious, unexplained ruins that hold more secrets than their stone walls first let on. The biggest secret of all? Godspeed's former passengers aren't alone on this planet. And if they're going to stay, they'll have to fight.
Amy and Elder must race to discover who--or what--else is out there if they are to have any hope of saving their struggling colony and building a future together. They will have to look inward to the very core of what makes them human on this, their most harrowing journey yet. Because if the colony collapses? Then everything they have sacrificed--friends, family, life on Earth--will have been for nothing.
FUELED BY LIES. RULED BY CHAOS. ALMOST HOME.


 
 

10 Reasons why I loved Shades of earth

1.    The first chapter was awesomeness

2.    Even though Amy was always annoying and childish this time she finally grows up and starts thinking the way she must’ve since the beginning

3.    Elder was a great leader. So good, so strong.

4.    The writing was so wonderfully well describing. It was like being part of the world of Amy and Elder. I could understand everything I could practically pictured every little detail.

5.    The aliens. Oh man! It was unexpected. Though, sometimes I had that vague feeling of wisdom, I never thought it could be possible. And then, BANG! The WOW factor never disappointed.

6.    The language: Beth Revis always writes smart words, smart terms, smart phrases, and smart conversations. This time wasn’t the exception.  It felt like it was reading real words from someone that was there, in Centauri Earth!

7.    The mind-blowing action never stopped. Each chapter (like a good friend said) was like a mini cliffhanger. I enjoyed the double POVs and show the actions goes from Amy to Elder and the other way around.

8.    The characters. Like I said, I didn’t like Amy when I started this series, but all the losses, and the bad things that happened to her, makes her stronger, more mature and selfless. Elder was a lovely sweetheart like always, there’s nothing I don’t like about him! Kit, Amy’s parents, even Chris, I loved every old and new character in this book.

9.    The romance. Well, they never said the famous 3 words but it was damn cute! Of course, the romance was stronger and purer and sweeter on Elder’s side, but Amy’s feelings were obvious and as beautiful as his!

10.    THE DAMN FUCKING ENDING.
And this is how every series must to end. Just like Soul Screamers, TID, Dilirium, etc. There must be sacrifices, and losses, and and a lot of tears. An emotional rollercoaster. This is the kind of ending I, every reader deserve!!
 
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Jul 2, 2013

Book review: The death cure by James Dashner




The death cure (Spanish edition)
The maze runner #3
Author: James Dashner
Pages: 325
Goodreads AVG Rating: 3.82
Summary:
Thomas knows that Wicked can't be trusted, but they say the time for lies is over, that they've collected all they can from the Trials and now must rely on the Gladers, with full memories restored, to help them with their ultimate mission. It's up to the Gladers to complete the blueprint for the cure to the Flare with a final voluntary test.
What Wicked doesn't know is that something's happened that no Trial or Variable could have foreseen. Thomas has remembered far more than they think. And he knows that he can't believe a word of what Wicked says.
The time for lies is over. But the truth is more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine.
Will anyone survive the Death Cure?


 

WARNING.
THIS IS NOT A REVIEW.
 

My thoughts.

Okay…
Okay…
Oh, I don’t know what to say…
Well, I re-read The scorch trial about a week ago, because I didn’t remember what really happened except that I stopped liking Teresa. I was glad back then because I loved that book even more, but after reading The death cure I’m not sure if that was a great idea… You’ll see, The scorch trial was so awesome that I had the biggest expectation about the last book in this series, but I don’t feel really happy with the ending.
The death cure wasn’t bad at all, but it wasn’t AS good as the other two.
… Oh man, I have this bittersweet feeling and I don’t know what I’m exactly feeling, I feel like I’m disappointed, but at the same time I feel good because the ending-ending was unexpected and surprising.
Did I like it? Yes
Did I enjoy the writing? Yes
Did it have a good plot? Yes
Were the characters good? Yes
Did it blow me away? The ending, yes!
Was it addictive? Yes
Did I cry? No.
...
And that was the problem.
James Dashner did an amazing job creating a good plot for this book with action, twist and turns and important deaths. It could have been perfect except that this time the author didn’t gave us time to grieve and mourn the deaths.
Thomas was a strong character. Brave and loyal. And this time he is not just following orders, he’s making his own way to live the way he and his friends deserve. Minho and Newt were as important as always and against all odds, I ended up liking Teresa again and  end up with this bad taste about Brenda, I didn’t hate her, but didn’t like her either, I just couldn’t connect with this character.
Like I say before the ending was the best part. It ended where all begun.
And the epilogue was the saddest and… craziest thing I ever read, I still don’t know what to say about it.
That’s why I’m just rambling trying to describe what are my thoughts about The death cure… and is just bittersweet.
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Now GO HERE and check the first official movie photos!!!
*sighs* I wish I could have see them before, my mental images could've awesome!


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