Book Review: The Host by Stephenie Meyer.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer.
Book Summary: Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring one of the most unusual love triangles in literature, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel about the persistence of love and the essence of what it means to be human.

Liana's Summary: Melanie doesn't want to leave her body. But of course. Why would she? Wanderer, a soul, has been placed in Mel's body-- and Wanderer is struggling. Melanie constantly throws memories at Wanderer, filling their heads with the images of Jared and Jamie--her loved ones. So when they stumble upon a group of people and reunite with the people that Mel has ever cared for, they find love and friendship. Sort of.

Rate(1-10): 8.5

Since I haven't read a 600 page+ book in a while, let's take a moment to congratulate me. LOL.

Interesting. I've been wanting to read this one for a while, mainly because it was by Stephenie Meyer and I wanted to see what else she could write about besides vampires. (I'm sick of vampires. Unless we're talking Vampire Diaries. I will never get sick of Vampire Diaries.) There were a lot of mixed reviews to this one. The majority of people thought it was alright. Some thought it sucked and some thought it was fab. Me? I think it's between okay and fab. In other words, yes, it was worth my 10 ish dollars.

I think Stephenie Meyer is a really great writer, actually. I just didn't like the Twilight series as much as I hoped to, probably because of the content-- but reading The Host has helped me realize that she is a very descriptive writer. It's just, every page is full of description and it's so visual that I don't know what the movie people were thinking when they did the cast.

Speaking of the movie.. well, I'm still looking forward to watching the movie. (Jake Abel! I can't!!) I think I'm fine with everyone BUT Melanie. Saoirse Ronan is a really great actress. I can see that already in the trailer, but she just doesn't look like Melanie. And they got the whole soul color thing wrong.

The plot was well-organized. However, there weren't any, I think, plot twists. I don't know. Isn't that what gives a reader the pleasure of reading it? Plot twists? But yeah. It was still finely organized.

Character discussions.

Melanie- She wasn't our primary narrator, and I don't think she was the protagonist either. But we've gotten to know her pretty well, through Wanderer. She's a very violent and aggressive girl that cares for her loved ones and would rather die than see them hurt. Yaknow, that kinda person.

Wanderer- Ah, our protagonist and narrator. I liked her a lot, although she did seem a bit fobby at first about how to live like a human. She felt like a parasite the whole time, except it wasn't even her fault. But yes, she's very brave. And it's kinda tragic how she and Melanie shared the same body-- it made the romance complicated..(The romance was just weird. But good. Sorta. I liked the development with Ian the most. Gee, I wish I could write romance like that.)

Ian-I just knew it LOL. (Why did I imagine Jared hotter than Ian like what was I even thinking geez now when I watch the movie--) Ian's a great guy.. period.

Jared- At first, he was just being really bitter and defiant and just plain mean but then I think he loosened up. He was in love with Mel the whole time and he just sort of accepted/befriended Wanderer? I guess.

There are much more characters that you should definitely meet, but I won't discuss them now.

The Host has been such a page turner. I can't wait for the next.

Quotes:

"Welcome to Earth, Wanderer,"

Is this where the story starts

"..his lips came down hard on mine.."

Oh okay

"My name is Jared Howe."

Ahh so this is Jared..

"He kisses me again,.."

Oh okay

"He really is beautiful."

Okay then

"I could share a bed with...you."

Whoa there

"But you're seventeen, Melanie. And I'm twenty-six."

WHAT?!

"So beautiful that you must be fictional."

This is probably a really good pickup line but ok

"I lifted my eyes to the man's face."

Gasp.

"..his mouth pressed against mine."

Okay

"I think Ian likes you too much."

Hell yah he does

"I like you very much, Wanda."

And there it is

"No!"

YES

"I need you to kiss me, Ian. Now. Please."

Okay..

"I hardly needed the romance, but maybe he did."

That's mean!

"My cantaloupes are dying. Somebody do something about that, hear?"

This is why I love Jeb I swear

"I was mean."

Hell to the yah you were

------------

That's that. What do you think of this review?(:

Book Review: Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood. (Born Wicked #2)

Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood.

(Born Wicked #2)

Book Summary: With the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers. And after Cate's friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers—if Cate is willing to endanger everyone she loves.

Cate doesn't want to be a weapon, and she doesn't want to involve her friends and Finn in the Sisterhood's schemes. But when Maura and Tess join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she'll do whatever it takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices. Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war.

In the highly anticipated sequel to Born Wicked, the Cahill Witch Chronicles continue Cate, Maura and Tess's quest to find love, protect family, and explore their magic against all odds in an alternate history of New England.

Liana's Summary: Cate is still guilty for leaving Finn, but she had to do what she had to do. With the whole who-will-become-the-witch-of-the-prophecy thing going on, Cate is as busy as ever. Cate cares about everyone that she loves, of course, and she'd do anything to herself to keep them safe. With everything being  a gigantic mess, it pulls Cate and her loved ones further apart-- whether she likes it or not.

Rate(1-10): 8.5

I received an ARC copy from Penguin Teen in return for an honest review. (This book comes out in 10 days!)

I was never a big fan of witches.

Even after reading Witches by Roald Dahl. Even after reading all of Alex Flinn's witchy books. Ermahgerd. I just can't.

BUT. Jessica Spotswood. Oh, my, God. She writes with real magic!

I think I only bothered to read Born Wicked because of Andrea Cremer. LOL. This one time, I went to her book signing, and up came the question of fictional hot guys. And then she started raving about Finn Belastra. Gardener, freckled, red headed, wears glasses, reads books. (That's hot. Sorta. LOL.)

After reading Born Wicked, to be honest, I wasn't really sure if I wanted to read Star Cursed much less finish the whole series. But, an opportunity to get an ARC came by, so I was just like, hey! Why not?!

That was a really good decision to get an ARC.

I fell head over heels in love with this book. I loved it. (This was the first book that I've ever bothered to annotate. (Annotating is fun. You guys should give it a try.)

Okay, so, a review is a review and I think I should talk about Cate. And Finn. And Maura. And Tess. And you know.

Cate was normal ol' Cate. Finn was normal ol' Finn. Maura was annoying ol' Maura and Tess was nice lil' Tess. One thing, out of everything, that annoyed me the most was the arguments that Cate and Maura had. I'll just say it, I dislike Maura with a burning passion. I mean, if she were in Cate's position as the narrator and main character, I would probably hate Cate (that rhymes) with a burning passion. Either way, I hate the arguments they have. But of course, I sympathize with Cate more since she's the main character. The thing is, they don't do well with each other mainly because Maura has a very rushy personality and Cate has a let's-slow-down-and-think-it-through personality. And plus, they're plenty jealous of each other.

This plot was completely ERMAHGERD. I can totes say that again. (ERMAHGERD.) That ending, though. I don't do well with books that make me angry..

I want the next book, now! That cliffhanger.. ugh..

Quotes

Note: This is an ARC copy. All quotes may not match those of the final print's.


"I hate the Sisterhood for separating us."


Well there's really no one to blame BUT THYSELF


"..forbids women from working outside the home."


WHAT?!


"..forbids that girls should be taught to read."


WHAT?!!!


"And the handwriting is Finn's."


And now the story starts


"Where we can look after each other,"


Awww.


"His lips work their way from my temple to my cheekbone."


This is too cute I can't


"Put your faith in me, and I'll see to it that we both get what we want."


I'm scared should I be scared


"He likes the pretty ones.."


Oh.. OH...


"I wonder what he looks like with nothing on at all."


Naked? Eheh.


"If I'd stayed in Chatham, refused the Sisters, would we be married by now and sharing a bed every night?"


YES DAMMIT


"Then the door slams open, and we spring apart."

WHAT A KILLJOY UGH


"It's not fair."


HELL YEAH IT IS


"..don't you know me at all?"


WELL DO YOU KNOW HER AT ALL


"I want to be your husband, Cate."


I can't omg omg


"I'm the strongest witch in this room, that's who."


That's right. You go, Cate!


"You just can't stand that I'm more popular than you!"


No. She just can't stand that you're so annoying. omg.


"I'm done playing nice."


That was playing nice?


"I believe in you, Cate Cahill, and in us together."


AWWW


"I love you, Cate Cahill. You are beautiful and brave and strong."


I'm crying LOL
----------------
That's it. What do you think of this review?(:

Book Review: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick. (Hush, Hush #2)

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick.
Book Summary: Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but at least she got a guardian angel out of it. A mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever (if that's possible) and what's worse, he seems to be spending time with Nora's archenemy, Marcie Millar.

Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Patch hadn't been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude, Nora finds herself drawn to him - despite her lingering feelings that he is hiding something.

If that weren't enough, Nora is haunted by images of her murdered father, and comes to question whether her Nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death. Desperate to figure out what happened, she puts herself in increasingly dangerous situations to get the answer. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts.

Liana's Summary: Patch has been acting quite mysterious lately, and Nora senses that something's up. So when Marcie Millar tells her that she saw Nora's boyfriend (mysteriously) standing outside her house, Nora confronts Patch about it, only to be faced with a wall of ice that causes her to break their relationship. So what can she do? As she discovers more and more, she realizes how dangerous this can be..

Rate(1-10): 9

At first, I thought this was too mainstream to read. 

But I was wrong.

Mainstream is good. LOL. Sometimes.

I have to give Becca Fitzpatrick credit on this one. Hush, Hush was absolutely fabulous. It compelled me to want to read more of the series, so I continue on to Crescendo. Am I satisfied? MORE THAN EVER. This was a wonderfully written book!

At first, I didn't like the book much because all the characters annoyed me. I absolutely despise annoying characters. (I mean, who doesn't?) I'm starting to realize that all the characters aren't as annoying as Nora or Marcie.. But still, I guess it's author talent that makes a character that needs to be annoying, well.. annoying. But in the end, I didn't mind that all the characters were that annoying because of the completely beguiling storyline. That storyline was completely AMAZING. I can't believe Becca Fitzpatrick managed to string everything together because this plot just connects so well with itself I can't--

Nora, our protagonist, (our oh-so-annoying protagonist) is a very.. annoying..(obviously), oblivious, and indecisive girl. She'll just get on your nerves. Apparently, she was really angry at Patch, her.. guardian angel ahem ahem.. But the thing is, she's very indecisive about what to do. And oblivious. And really stupid. But you know..

Vee, her best friend, is absolutely amazing. (You can't he;p but imagine her as Rebel Wilson. She looks like her, and her humor and attitude are almost the exact same..) I know I said I disliked all the characters, but Vee might be just an exception....

Patch. Yeah, he's pretty hot. LOL. Um, I still kind of dislike him though. Because he's just really mysterious. Many people may find that hot, but I think it's just.. annoying. I know there's a deeper side to him that I didn't see YET. Hopefully I'll see that in the rest of the series.

Which means, yes, I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the Hush, Hush Saga which has become all the rage.

And, for those who've only read the first book, and are unsure about reading the rest of the series, (you, Dalena, LOL) GO AND READ IT BECAUSE CRESCENDO WAS SO MUCH BETTER THAN THE FIRST BOOK OH MY GOD AND THE FIRST BOOK WAS ALREADY VERY GOOD. Okay. That's it!

Quotes:
Note: This is an ARC copy. Quotes may not completely match those of the final print's.


"..and accepted a hideous-looking teddy bear with matted purple fur."


I think I laughed harder than necessary


"His name is Rixon..."


gasp


"How could he think this didn't have anything to do with us?"


Just shut up already omg


"..and I knew I was upset.."


Why..


"I'm trying to feel bad," I said, "but it sounds like you're concerned enough for the both of us."


Just stop it


"I have a right to be angry."


No you don't


"I trust you."


Fabulous


"..I smacked the heels of my hands against his chest, knocking him back a step."


I laughed even if it isn't funny..


"When I kiss my boyfriend, I want to know he feels it!"


Ou, snap.. that's cold..


"As soon as I said it, I regretted it."


That's what I thought


"Had I really broken up with him?"


The only one to blame.. IS THYSELF


"..nothing I said or did could realign the stars."


CHEESY MUCH


"..but Patch caught my hand, trapping it against his body."


HA


"..definitely a man's ring."


How do you know a woman can't have fat fingers?


"He kissed me, and I answered so hungrily I thought my lips would bruise."


Her indecision irritates the hell out of me


"..three-paragraph essay on amino acids.."


Since when do you have to write essays for Chem..


"Yeah, about that. I'm sort of having a change of heart."


NOOO


"But it's wrong."


NO IT'S NOT


"I'm not taking the diary."


YES YOU ARE


"No," I said firmly.


YES LIANA REPLIED FIRMLY


"The wall of ice between us fell away."


uGH


"I wanted Patch."


Hell yeah you do



"I want to stay out here, with you."


That's perverted


"I'm not going to read the diary. I'm going to give it back."


NOOO


"But I was scared to confront him."


Hell yeah you are


"I was reassigned to Marcie,"


WHAT TO THE ACTUAL HELL


"..he yanked the knife up and sliced blindly."


NO I'M SCARED


"Don't get too excited, but I bought you a little something.."


AWWW THAT'S SO CUTE


"Are you crazy?" I said.
"Crazy about you."


BEST PICKUP LINE EVER I SWEAR


"Jev?"


JEV OH MY GOD I CAN'T. That's hot.
---------
That's that. What do you think of this review?(:

Book Review: Paper Towns by John Green.

Paper Towns by John Green.
Book Summary: 
Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs back into his life—dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows.

After their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues—and they’re for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees of the girl he thought he knew.

Liana's Summary: Quentin has loved Margo Roth Spiegelman for who-knows-how-long. So, when she barges into his house through his window demanding that he drive her around, what does he do? He agrees, of course. And that's when he really realizes how much he loves her. He's eager for her to be part of his life. He's eager to sit with her at lunch, exchange smiles, talk more and more. However, on the next day, she has become a mystery. And Q does what he has to do.

Rate(1-10): 8.5

Well, okay. I've heard a lot of good things about this book. It's very mainstream, so mainstream that I saw a classmate reading this book the same time I was in math class. What-a-coinkydink. I don't mind that it's mainstream. I just dislike the fact that mainstream-ness and praise seem to be on the same train. Because, well, just because it's so mainstream doesn't mean it's good, right?

Don't get me wrong. I really liked this book. John Green is amazing. I still think he's a writing god. (Somewhere beneath Mr.Sparks. HAHA.) The beginning was killer.

Well, I'll just flat out say it. The thing that's keeping it from getting a full rating-- John Green tends to write books with somewhat the same plot. And the general plots.. well, generally.. include these:

-A guy. Not a jock, not a total loser. Just a normal guy with a normal family with a normal life with normal insecurities and worries.
-A girl. Suicidal, perhaps, with her own view of the world. Crazy and free. 
-Guy falls for girl. Girl doesn't quite fall for guy as much as he falls for her, BUT we don't know that because the story is usually in the guy's point of view.
-There's always that best friend that is either lovable or dislikable or just whatever-able.
-Something bad happens. Like a death, a disappearance, etc etc.
-Guy tries to do something about it.
-John's humor. (I swear, he is one funny guy.)

I kind of noticed that after reading Looking for Alaska, and then An Abundance of Katherines, and then Paper Towns. Abundance wasn't as similar to Looking for Alaska as Paper Towns was, but Abundance still included most of the things on that list. Out of all John's books that I've read, I still like Fault In Our Stars the most, because it was the most original.

A mon avis, this is what puts Nicholas Sparks above John Green on the Writing God thrones.

But even still, I gave this book an 80% rating because I liked it. I really liked it. John Green has this way of writing that is completely admirable and engaging to the reader. He has a fabulous sense of humor that might get you a six-pack from laughing, who knows, and he is great at spinning up inside jokes and little things that mean little to the ordinary person but a lot to the everyday J. Green reader. You get what I'm saying?

So I want to talk about this book more in depth instead of talking about the amazing John Green in general.

Paper Towns seemed to be a favorite among many people, like I said, and I just wanted to read it. Yes, it was worth my 10 dollars. (Yes, ten freaking dollars.. YAY) And plus, I was in desperate need of a good contemporary book. So why not Paper Towns?!

The main character, Quentin, whom we may call Q, is a very.. normal guy. He's been bullied by bullies growing up, he's a good student, perf attendance (dat's hawt) and he narrates with such a VOICE that screams 'JOHN GREEN!!' He is basically in love with Margo Roth Spiegelman, whose name we see very often in this book. That wasn't a spoiler because it's in synopsis anyway, for heaven's sake. So basically, one night, Margo comes up to him and talks to him for the first time in years. And the plot escalates. I won't say anything else lest I spoil something..

But yeah, overall, the whole story was just very engaging. Definitely a page turner that keeps you goin' till the very end.

Quotes:

"..beside her boyfriend.."


Why does she have a boyfriend?!


"Bro, I saw your mom kiss you on the cheek this morning, and forgive me, but I swear to God I was like, man, I wish I was Q. And also, I wish my cheeks had penises."


Oh my God I can't


"You just love my big ass."


Of course he does -winkity wink wink-


"I was wrong."


Oh my God I'm scared should I be scared


"..but I was smiling."


D'aaw this is so cute


"You're just a really loud, awkward ninja," Margo said, "but we are both ninjas."


Okay I don't know why I find everything Margo says to be quotable like seriously


"..but I need to find her."


Hell yes you do


"Okay. Good. Because I have to pee."


THIS IS WHY I LOVE BEN OKAY
-------------------------------
That's it! What do you think of this review?(: