Book Review: Ash by Malinda Lo.

Ash by Malinda Lo.
Book Summary: Cinderella retold

In the wake of her father's death, Ash is left at the mercy of her cruel stepmother. Consumed with grief, her only joy comes by the light of the dying hearth fire, rereading the fairy tales her mother once told her. In her dreams, someday the fairies will steal her away, as they are said to do. When she meets the dark and dangerous fairy Sidhean, she believes that her wish may be granted.

The day that Ash meets Kaisa, the King's Huntress, her heart begins to change. Instead of chasing fairies, Ash learns to hunt with Kaisa. Though their friendship is as delicate as a new bloom, it reawakens Ash's capacity for love-and her desire to live. But Sidhean has already claimed Ash for his own, and she must make a choice between fairy tale dreams and true love.

Entrancing, empowering, and romantic, Ash is about the connection between life and love, and solitude and death, where transformation can come from even the deepest grief.

Liana's Summary: When Ash's father dies, she is in the mercy of her cruel stepmother and her stepsisters. They treat her like a mere maid and makes her do all the dirty work. The day that Ash meets Kaisa, her heart starts to feel true love, despite that Sidhean has already claimed her.

Rate(1-10): 7.5

I have this thing for retellings. Like, it's the same but only different. It's unique and original at the same time as it was adapted. I've been meaning to read this for a long time, and i think the only reason I brought it up to the top of my TBR list is because Malinda Lo is coming in for an author visit! How exciting. Anyways, I've already read her newest novel, Adaptation, and it was really good! She's a good writer!

Ash was a Cinderella retelling, as all know, with a lesbian twist. I don't know why, but I was kind of disappointed that she had spoiled that for us that Ash was actually a lesbian. It would have been a really cool twist. 

I don't think I hated her stepmother as much because I just hate all stepmothers in Cinderella retellings, so it's just like an instinct, you know?

When I first got my hands on this book, the first thing that came across my mind was that it was smaller than I had ever anticipated. It was only 260-something pages. Despite that, it was still a pretty nice and short read that I enjoyed thoroughly. Ash is sometimes an annoying little brat (despite her being 4 years older than me) and sometimes dislikable. Just a warning for those who hate annoying protagonists..

The romance was pretty good, between Ash and Kaisa, but one part of me wishes that she had ended up with Sidhean.. I mean, he loved her and everything!

Quotes~

"I am to have a stepmother, and two stepsisters,"

And this is when everything starts

"Stop it-- don't say that!"

Why is she so annoying

"..like he was worried."

AW HE'S WORRIED

"..despite the fact that he was twenty years older than her."

Ew... reminds me of Paris and Juliet LOL EW which brings on a whole other level of speculation of how it would be like if Juliet ended up with Paris

"You have no respect for me or what I have done for you,"

What have you done for her really

"It is agony,"

Poor Sidhean it's ok we all love you -sobs-
-----------

That's it! What do you think of this review?(:

Book Review: Splintered by A.G. Howard.

Splintered by A.G. Howard.
Book Summary: This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.
When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own.
Liana's Summary: Alyssa can hear them- the bugs and the flowers. Apparently, it runs through the females in her family, starting from her great-great-great grandmother, Alice, the Alice that went to Wonderland. Alyssa never plans on stepping through that mirror, to go to Wonderland. She never meant to take Jeb, her best friend, with her. Down into the rabbit hole, following the White Rabbit. Or was it even a rabbit in the first place? As romance develops, so does Alyssa's independence, when she realizes no one is going to rescue her. She's going to have to rescue herself, along with Jeb. But can she do it?

Rate(1-10): 9.5

When I first heard about this book, I was pretty excited to read it. Nope, I am not disappointed. Actually, I'm very, very impressed, hence the high rating. Actually, when I first heard about this book, I didn't even know it was an Alice in Wonderland retelling. I mainly wanted to read this because it was a new release in the YA category. And, knowing me, I go for all the new releases.

First off, the cover. The cover is so cool. It looks like it should be scary (extra scary for me since I despise bugs like crazy) but it's really not.
The synopsis is very, very captivating. An Alice in Wonderland retelling? How cool is that?! This is actually the first and only one I've read. Honestly I'm kinda sick of princess retellings. LOL.

Okay, so. One of the best things about this story is that the main character, Alyssa, is actually a descendant of THE Alice. Alyssa just goes to Wonderland AFTER Alice has visited it. Which is just so cool. I mean, the Disney version is kinda off..

There was character development in Alyssa that I noticed and liked, and I love the fact that she KNOWS she's a different person afterwards. She was pretty useless in the beginning and she couldn't be alone. But afterwards, when she realized that no prince in shining armor was gonna save her, that she had to save herself, I liked her as a main character that much more. You can see her strength building up throughout the story.

The beginning of this book was sort of slow, but maybe that's because I took forever to read this due to my procrastination.

There were many plot twists, plot twists that just make you gasp out loud. I swear, A.G. Howard, what a great job! And this is a debut novel too! Her writing is just absolutely amazing. There was suspense and adventure, and that's what I love in a book!

The romance was perfect, and I think a love triangle has already developed. Although, right now, it's clear who she wants to be with. Of course this is a series (series are the shit right now, I don't even know why), and tbh I can't wait to see what happens in the second book (although this would have done fine as a stand-alone), which I just found out a few seconds ago is called Unhinged and will be released in 2014. Pretty cool title, right? 

Overall, this was one hell of an awesome ride! Definitely a recommendation!

Quotes!

"..weaving our fingers together."


AWWW THEY HOLD HANDS

"Butterfly!"


OMG WHY DID THEIR MOMENT GET RUINED 

"Hi, Tommy-toes,"


omg that nickname I can't

"I'm waiting inside the rabbit hole, luv. Find me."





"You'll have to kill me to get to her,"


d'aaaaaaw sho cute

"I'll always come back for you, Al."






"Elfin knight, do you wish for pleasure on your quest? I can provide it, if you so desire."


ehl oh ehl awkward
I probably laughed harder at this line than I should have. Maybe because I have a dirty mind and I'm a terrible person. LOL.

"Your voice is a song. Say it again."





"Hands off, you son of a bug!"


It's all good no one needs to remind me why I love Jeb

"..when I can touch you instead." He presses his mouth to mine.


THIS IS SO CUTE I'M GONNA DIE

"You're not to touch my precious booty, remember? Get thee behindeth me, Jebbeth."


oh my effing cheezits

"We don't have that kind of time.."


cos' ain't nobody gat time fo time

"No matter what happens, we'll find each other again. You're my lifeline. You always will be."





"You judge too harshly. I do want to save my friends. It just happens that I can save myself in the process."



Why does that quote sound so familiar

"Have I commented on your loveliness tonight?"


No. Just no

"..I turn into his embrace and hug him in the moonlight."



UNDAH THE MOONLIGHT AS WE STARE IN THE SEAAA THE WORDS YOU WHISPERED I WILL ALWAYS BELIEVE
lol this is q

"You want me. Admit it."


Always and forever will be the modest one
-------------
That's it! What did you think of this review?(:

Book Review: The Storyteller's Daughter by Cameron Dokey.

 The Storyteller's Daughter by Cameron Dokey.
Book Summary: In a faraway kingdom, a king has been betrayed. Deeply hurt and bitterly angry, he vows never to be deceived again. Unfortunately, the king's plan to protect himself will endanger all of the realm's young women, unless one of them will volunteer to marry the king - and surrender her life. To everyone's relief and horror, one young woman steps forward. The daughter of a legendary storyteller, Shahrazad believes it is her destiny to accept this risk and sacrifice herself. On the night of her wedding to the king, Shahrazad begins to weave a tale. Fascinated, the king lets her live night after night. Just when Shahrazad dares to believe that she has found a way to keep her life — and an unexpected love - a treacherous plot will disrupt her plan. Now she can only hope that love is strong enough to save her.

Liana's Summary: A king has been betrayed. He's furious-- therefore, he promises himself to never be deceived or betrayed by a woman ever again. However, his promise to himself puts all women in his kingdom in horrid danger.. unless one of them stands up and sacrifices herself. The king is doubtful. Should he trust her? Or should he not?

Rate(1-10): 8

Have I mentioned that I love Cameron Dokey's retellings? SO SO MUCH.

So, this one is a retelling of The Arabian Nights. This wasn't as good as the author's other retellings, but it was still good.

I haven't read the original story of The Arabian Nights, but I've read another retelling of it in Girls to the Rescue.

The narrator-- whoever that may be (It can be Cameron Dokey herself)-- is very conversational and acknowledges the reader. I find that kind of interesting.

My absolute favorite thing about Cameron Dokey is that she retells the original story in her own way and adds all these little details to make the whole thing more authentic, and make the characters more authentic as well.

This was a short and very interesting read, 78 pages in PDF. I'm excited to read the rest of her retellings!

Well, quotes.


"..she flew into a rage so great that her heart burst, and she died."


LOL WHAT

"Who is she? What is her name?"


Just imagine Haymitch saying "Whoa! So eager!" Right here and right now. LOL.


"..the possibility for love."


HA

"..and heaved it back into the ocean."





"Do you trust me?"


This is so... Aladdin.


"A great silence seemed to settle over them--"



-awkward-


"Then his lips found hers and neither spoke aloud at all."


AWWW IT'S ABOUT TIME


"Take this woman away."



---------------
That's that!
What did you think of this review? (:

Book Review: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer.

 Scarlet by Marissa Meyer.
(Lunar Chronicles #2)
Book Summary: Cinder returns in the second thrilling installment of the New York Times-bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother and the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she has no choice but to trust him, though he clearly has a few dark secrets of his own.

As Scarlet and Wolf work to unravel one mystery, they find another when they cross paths with Cinder. Together, they must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen who will do anything to make Prince Kai her husband, her king, her prisoner.

Liana's Summary: Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. And no one cares to continue the search any longer. This makes Scarlet furious. So what else can she do? When she encounters Wolf, a mysterious, wolfy guy, she decides to trust him, even if she doesn't know if she should. She finds herself finding clue after clue, closer to her grandmother each time. Meanwhile, Cinder, who's trying to break out of prison, has an unexpected companion, Caswell Thorne, cocky and arrogant, who might or might not help her. When Cinder and Scarlet's paths intersect, they know more than to just sit there and do nothing. They are going to take action.

Rate(1-10): 10!!

Why was this book so perfectly written. So PERFECTLY WRITTEN. BRB CRYING.

I've been waiting for what seemed like an eternity to read this book. A whole entire year or more. This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2013, and when I got my hands on it, I was totally going to cry.

Like Cinder, Scarlet has a beautiful and attractive cover. When the cover reveal first came out, I was just fangirling so hard because it was so beautiful and at that moment I swore (we were infinite) that this was definitely going to be about Little Red, while Cinder, of course, was about Cinderella.

Usually the second book of a trilogy or series is the 'preparing for battle' book. I guess you can consider Scarlet to be one of those books, based on the huge cliffhanger at the end.

I highly recommend that everyone read The Queen's Army, the short story between Book 1 and Book 2, first, before reading Scarlet: Click here. Because that's what I did. And it helped, really. It helped explain some concepts I wasn't familiar with, and in Scarlet, I was able to connect those and be like OMG OH. And I seriously love moments of realization. The Queen's Army will not spoil anything for you, it'll just explain some concepts. When I first read it I had no idea how it connected to SCARLET at all, but when I read Scarlet, I was able to connect and analyze.

Character discussions-

Cinder- She's the fabulous lady mechanic protagonist that everyone (or at least I hope everyone) loves. She's smart and independent and the last thing she needs is a guy to complete her. I find it really cool how she's a cyborg-- but people just think it's creepy. Huh. The only thing that annoyed me about Cinder was that she can't get over the past. Which was like, 2 weeks ago. LOL. But seriously. It annoyed me so much..

Scarlet- When I first met her, I was just like, OU SNAP, FEISTY! I imagined her to be so much younger than 18, but I guess she can be a feisty 18 year old.. no matter how bad that sounds. However, later in the story, she got some character development on her, which is a good thing. I don't even think she was aware of her own changing. But she definitely changed. She became more.. jaded from what she saw and what she's been through. Otherwise, I find her a pretty good protagonist.

Thorne- I'm serious when I say BEST CHARACTER EVER IN THIS WHOLE ENTIRE BOOK. I love him. He's so arrogant and cocky and so freaking HOT. Why is he so hot. He reminds me of Jace Wayland and NO ONE REMINDS ME OF JACE WAYLAND (except Will. And Thorne.)Hopefully Cinder will open her eyes and see who exactly is the right guy for her.

Wolf- I learned about his background reading Queen's Army. I find that he's sort of fobby at some things, LOL. But yeah, he's pretty awesome! Especially tolerant, too.

Kai- KAI, CAN YOU PLEASE GO AWAY. I HATE YOU I HATE YOU YOU STUPID IDIOT PRINCE/EMPEROR JUST GO AWAY I HATE YOU SO MUCH WHY ARE YOU SO HOT I HATE YOU

Iko- Yay! Iko's back! Let's just thank Cinder for being an awesome mechanic. Iko's pretty awesome. That's.. really all I have to say LOL.

I seriously love Marissa Meyer's writing style and story line and plot creation omg I just love this idea.

Now I have to wait for book 3, CRESS. Are you freaking kidding me I am so going to die. After waiting more or less than one year for Scarlet I have to wait another one for Cress. Marissa Meyer's gonna kill me omg.

Overall, this book was GREAT and it was totally worth the wait. Highly recommended!!

(Fabulous) quotes:

"It was my irresistible charm that convinced you, wasn't it?"

"Is it just me, or is this a big moment in our relationship?"

AND IN THAT MOMENT I SWEAR WE WERE INFINITE  I knew Thorne was my favorite character.

"She could brainwash him."

"No. She wouldn't take advantage of him,.."

"Linh Cinder."

omg. Kai. If you hate her then please stop thinking about her because no one likes you and it's torture to read your point of view because everyone hates you

"His prison photo showed him flippantly winking at the camera. Kai hated him immediately."

Oh my God I love Thorne so much. Who winks in their mug shot? NO ONE. BUT THORNE. I love him so much omg afkjaksad

"We're having another moment, aren't we?"

Yes yes you guys are 

"Whatever he'd once felt for Cinder-- or thought he'd felt for her--was over."

Good because everyone hates you, KAI

"Eww, is that an ID chip?"

HAHAHAHAH OMG THORNE JUST SAID 'EWW' I'M IRRESISTIBLY FALLING IN LOVE WITH THIS CHARACTER

"..buried one hand into her mess of curls and kissed her back."

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

"We can run away,"

To the other side of the wooooooorld

"Crazy in love. She's gorgeous."

"Now that was definitely jealously I heard."

-wink wink winkity wink wink twitch wink- Okay I don't even know anymore LOL.

"I love you too. My brave, stubborn girl."

"..when she heard footsteps echoing down the corridor."

HOLY SHIT

"If it wasn't such a repulsive thought, I might take advantage of you here, now that we're all alone,"

"It was Wolf."

Wolf to the rescue!

"She is mine,"

Yes she is

"Things have changed."

NO -hiccup sob- THEY -sob hiccup- HAVEN'T -wail-

"You're alive."

Duh.

"And then I'm going to stop hiding."

--------

Okay I'm just going to admit that a variety of those quotes are Thorne quotes

What did you think of this review?(;

Book Review: Skinny by Donna Cooner.

 Skinny by Donna Cooner.
Book Summary: Hopeless. Freak. Elephant. Pitiful. These are the words of Skinny, the vicious voice that lives inside fifteen-year-old Ever Davies's head. Skinny tells Ever all the dark, unwhispered thoughts her classmates have about her. Ever knows she weighs over three hundred pounds and that she'll probably never be loved, and Skinny makes sure she never forgets it.
But there is another voice: Ever's singing voice, which is beautiful and strong but has been silenced by Skinny. Partly in the hopes of trying out for the school musical-- and partly to try and save her own life-- Ever decides to undergo a risky surgery that may help her lose weight and start over.
With the support of her best friend, Ever begins the long uphill battle toward change. But demons, she finds, are not so easy to shake, not even as she sheds pounds. Because Skinny is still around. And Ever will have to confront that voice before she can truly find her own.

Liana's Summary: Ever Davies is a 302 pound 15 year old. And no one talks to her because she's fat. At least, that's what Skinny, the voice inside her head, says. Ever believes Skinny. If her mom hadn't died, she wouldn't be in this situation right here. She would have so much friends. She could wear whatever she wanted to wear. Skinny jeans. Tank tops. Booty shorts. So she decides to go through surgery. The surgery that'll change her life, forever. The surgery that will make her skinny.

Rate(1-10): 9

This book is actually pretty good.
Let me take a moment to thank my book buddy, Cindy, for letting me have the opportunity to buy this. (High school sucks. No book orders!)
When I first saw this book in person, I was like, IS IT SERIOUSLY THAT THIN. Wow. And since I don't really like thin books, to be honest, I was really discouraged to read it for a long while. But yesterday, I just needed a quick short read and SKINNY, with 260 pages, was the perfect book to read at that time. So I picked it up.
The cover is actually pretty interesting and the main thing that made me want to read it in the first place. It has a lot of SKINNY on it, doesn't it? It kinda represents a lot.
I judged this cover and title by thinking about someone being too skinny for their own good. Idk. The cover doesn't have an overly obese girl on it. But oh-ho. I was so wrong, because this book was about a fat girl that gained weight because of depression. She was introverted, depressed, and always mad at everyone. I never liked her and still I don't like her that much. But she changed from the beginning to the end, for the better. Ever. What an interesting name, right?

So the title is actually named after Ever's own conscience. We all know that there ain't no voices in our head all the time except for our own. Skinny was a kafjslka;jskldjfaklsj and that's just the reflection of Ever. Skinny was the actual antagonist. But the thing was? The whole thing was just an internal conflict.

Let me discuss the romance. I don't think it's really romance romance because they're only 15 and saying "I love you" is really awkward. I think it would go better with "I've liked you since.." But it's still super cute and Ever was seriously BLIND. Ugh.

So Rat reminds me a lot of Simon Lewis from The Mortal Instruments. Then again, a lot of nerdy hot guys remind me of Simon. But SIMON WILL ALWAYS BE HOTTEST AHAHAHA--

This story actually teaches quite a lot.
-About the weight-loss surgery.
-Insecurity.
-Overcoming your fears. Facing them instead of cowering away.
-That the stepsisters in Cinderella aren't that evil after all.

I kind of like to consider this a fairy-tale retelling. It's a lot like Cinderella. With quite a lot of twists. (; It's a very interesting read and I swear I didn't really smile until the end because it's some depressing book. Until the end. LOL.

The author wrote with quite an authentic voice: it was really good. I think her experiences on gastric-bypass surgery allowed her to write fluently about it in her book.

Anyways, quotes!

"You're really, really fat,"


Oh, little kids. They just know what to say.

"He's a geek jock. Perfect."


omg. A girl's fav.

"I'm proud of you, Ever."


What the hell is this? Her own father doesn't like her because she's FAT. What kind of dad is that? This just makes me really mad and like ugh UGH UGH JUST UGH he's proud of her for losing weight! LF:JDKLFJDSF

"3.95 GPA average.."




I bet she has a C average. Ew.

"But you never asked me."


UGH CAN I JUST SLAP HER
SHE'S TOO INFATUATED WITH THE WRONG GUY

"I miss you and me."



"I couldn't have done any of it without you."


Never.

"Then he kisses me,.."

------
And that's it! What did you think of this review? (;

Book Review: Bewitching by Alex Flinn.

Bewitching by Alex Flinn.
Book Summary: Bewitching can be a beast. . . . Once, I put a curse on a beastly and arrogant high school boy. That one turned out all right. Others didn't. I go to a new school now--one where no one knows that I should have graduated long ago. I'm not still here because I'm stupid; I just don't age. You see, I'm immortal. And I pretty much know everything after hundreds of years--except for when to take my powers and butt out. I want to help, but things just go awry in ways I could never predict. Like when I tried to free some children from a gingerbread house and ended up being hanged. After I came back from the dead (immortal, remember?), I tried to play matchmaker for a French prince and ended up banished from France forever. And that little mermaid I found in the "Titanic" lifeboat? I don't even want to think about it. Now a girl named Emma needs me. I probably shouldn't get involved, but her gorgeous stepsister is conniving to the core. I think I have just the thing to fix that girl--and it isn't an enchanted pumpkin. Although you never know what will happen when I start . . . bewitching.

Liana's Summary: Kendra's been helping more people after that boy Kyle, whom she turned into a beast to teach him a lesson- ending with him finding his true love. However, it hasn't always worked out for everyone Kendra has encountered. She meets Prince Louis, the mermaid Doria, and Emma, the girl who isn't exactly perfect. Not all of them can have happy endings though- it all depends on what is set out for them.

Rate(1-10): 9

So, I haven't read Alex Flinn in a while! I really love her books. (With the exception of Breathing Underwater. Mmm. No. That book was a no-no for me.)

This book is actually pretty good. I liked it. I've been wanting to get to know Kendra better after I read BEASTLY, but then actually, in this book, it's just in 3 people's point of views. Yep, Emma, Doria, and Prince Louis. With Kendra's commentary. Which is quite entertaining.

The thing I liked was that she kept going back to Emma's story. I mean, I would have screamed if she didn't go back to Emma's story. I liked her story the BEST. She's not fat, she's not skinny. She's not gorgeous, she's not ugly. She's just NORMAL. But the thing is, fitting in is hard. And everything gets worse when LISETTE comes along. God, I hate that girl.

That moment when the antagonist has a fake cover. FAKE FAKE FAKE. It just pisses me off so much. Ugh. I didn't hate Voldemort as much as her. You know why? Because everyone knew that Voldemort was evil and they did everything to stop him. I hated Dolores Umbridge as well. But they aren't even worse than Lisette. I had to clench my teeth and clench my fists and curse under my breath whenever something bad happened.

Aw man. I hate a lot of characters in this book. I think I only like Kendra. That's it.

Well then, it's time for quotes!

"Only when I got there did I realize who that someone was. Warner."


"I placed a pea.."
Oh no. I hate that story. Princess and the Pea is so stupid it's ridiculous.

"And you are a mama's boy of the worst kind."


"..still single."
Darn.

"Oh, and Warner? His family moved to Orlando.."


"It was Warner.."
OH MY GOODNESS OH MY GOODNESS AHHH

"My cell phone tone signaled that I had a text. I picked it up. It was from Warner."

Oh yes.
------------
Realize how much I cared about WARNER WARNER WARNER. Ridiculous. After what he did, I just can't.

Anyways, that's it. What did you think of this review? (:

Book Review: Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George.

 Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George.
Book Summary: When Petunia, the youngest of King Gregor's twelve dancing daughters, is invited to visit an elderly friend in the neighboring country of Westfalin, she welcomes the change of scenery. But in order to reach Westfalin, Petunia must pass through a forest where strange two-legged wolves are rumored to exist. Wolves intent on redistributing the wealth of the noble citizens who have entered their territory. But the bandit-wolves prove more rakishly handsome than truly dangerous, and it's not until Petunia reaches her destination that she realizes the kindly grandmother she has been summoned to visit is really an enemy bent on restoring an age-old curse. The stories of Red Riding Hood and Robin Hood get a twist as Petunia and her many sisters take on bandits, grannies, and the new King Under Stone to end their family curse once and for all.

Liana's summary: It's now Petunia's turn to be the main character- the heroine in this last book of the Westfalin series. Years ago, Galen sealed the gate between the world of Kingdom Under Stone and their world with a silver chain. It is now breaking. The dark princes are trying to come out once again. So it's up to the princesses to defeat them once and for all. But will they fail? Or be victorious? Will everything be alright? Or will things fall into disaster? And meanwhile, will Petunia find her love?

Rate(1-10): 10

Just. Wow. For starters, I thought that this book was fabulous. I loved it!

And I have to say that JDG's covers attract me like crazy. I love her covers. Especially the covers of the Westfalin trilogy. When I first heard of this, I was like, YAY! The third book of the series! The antagonists most likely die! I'm not gonna spoil anything, just going to say that I was happy with the outcome.

It has been brought to my attention that people didn't really like this book because they had no idea it was the third in a series and they were all lost, blah, blah, blah. Well, clearly, it isn't the author's fault that they didn't know. If they didn't know they should have just stopped reading it, not give it a low rating just because.

So, I would have been really happy if Jessica Day George wrote 12 books for each princess in this series, but I guess that's too much to ask and too much to read. LOL. But still. It would have been entertaining! But then there would have been a case of why-aren't-the-antagonists-dying-yet.

I am a huge fan of Jessica Day George and I just love her books. Reading this book reminded me of how much I enjoyed reading her writing!

Out of all three girls, Rose, Poppy, and Petunia, I like Rose the best. She seems really mature and she is really responsible and strong. Poppy was alright, I liked her. But then Petunia? I liked her well enough, it's just that she didn't really seem strong but she was trying to be strong. That's all. Sort of like an insistent tomboy that says she's a boy but still acts like a girl.

Okay, so the main male role, Oliver. I just KNEW that he was going to be the lucky one. THE lucky one. That was to fall in love with the girl? Yep! I LOVE OLIVER. Like he's so fabfabfab I can't believe it. Great character, and definitely worthy to be the main male role!

This book has parts that make you double over and laugh, parts that make you want to cry, parts that cause readers to smile because of their romantic cuteness, and parts that you have to resist the urge to flip tables. Yes. Quite some twists.

And now. It is time for the quotable quotes.

"What's she doing? Simon's voice was hushed.

Oh my goodness. They're watching her pee. This is just...

"Petunia?" Oliver snorted. "Like the flower?"



Duuuuh.

Oliver just looked hurt.



Petunia turned and pushed his chest, nearly sending him onto his rump with surprise. "Run, you fool!"



"..Poppy took the arm of her bethrothed, a tall blond young man.."

Christian!

"Then she was once the lover of the first King Under Stone,"



"Poooooppppy," moaned her sister.

You can't really emphasize Poppy without making the word look like "Poopy." LOL.

"Bloody hell,"

It's Ronald Weasley time isn't it.



Petunia struck Kestilan across the face as hard as she could with the grimy silver hairbrush.

Oou, snap!

"Halfway here, Petunia saw a rosebush in full bloom and tried to pick some of the flowers."

Oh my goodness Petunia.



He leaned around, and her heart started to thump. He was going to kiss her.

Oh my god! (: Yay! It's about time.

But before he could..


------------------
And, that's it! Hope you enjoyed this review! (:

Book Review: Belle by Cameron Dokey.

 Belle by Cameron Dokey.
Book Summary: Belle is convinced she has the wrong name, as she lacks her sisters' awe-inspiring beauty. So she withdraws from society, devoting her time to wood carving. Secretly, Belle longs to find the fabled Heartwood Tree. If carved by the right hands, the Heartwood will reveal the face of one's true love.During a fierce storm, Belle's father stumbles upon the mysterious Heartwood—and encounters a terrifying and lonely Beast. Now Belle must carve the Heartwood to save her father, and learn to see not with the eyes of her mind, but with the eyes of her heart.

Liana's Summary: Belle is insecure. She's worried that her name does not match her face, for she thinks she is no 'Beauty.' When they start to get poor, they have no other choice but to sell all their belongings and move to a new home in the country. Her father goes to work, and he doesn't return until two weeks later. He tells them about his trip- and they find out that Belle has to go repay his debt to the Beast who lives in the Wood. Cameron Dokey writes an enjoyable retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

Rate(1-10): 7

Like I've said in the past Cameron Dokey books (or maybe I haven't said it, we never know, and I'm too lazy to check), I wanted to read more of her books after reading GOLDEN. I loved Golden. Like, a lot. A LOT ALOT. But then the rest of Dokey's retellings were a bit of a disappointment. D: I have one more Cameron Dokey book to finish and that's all I have access to. :c

So then, as you know, this story is actually a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Usually I enjoy retellings if they're really unique and different from the original story, like, in Incend, I have said it's a Rapunzel retelling. But I'm adding a bunch of stuff. I hope it's going to be good. Gah! In this book, Dokey adds a bit of extra stuff. The plot isn't that different. We all know that Belle is going to go back home, and the Beast is going to be heartbroken, and then she goes back and admits she loves him, and then he gets alive again, and then he turns into a charming young man, prince or not, doesn't matter, and they live happily ever after. SO expected. In GOLDEN, though, what caught my attention was that Rapunzel wasn't trapped in a tower. And she wasn't the girl with long, flowing hair. She was bald, and she knew the witch wasn't her mother, and the witch was NICE. That's why I liked it.

Well. Uh, I suppose it's good. I prefer Alex Flinn's retellings. (: Not that I don't like Cameron Dokey's, though.

So uh, yeah. It IS a really good CLEAN romance that I enjoyed. Even though the romance is a bit awkward and sudden. It's not as bad as the romance in Shadow by Jenny Moss. (Every single time I run into a not-bad-but-not-so-good romance, I just mention Shadow by Jenny Moss. I'm such a mean book critic. D: It is meant for little kids.. Ugh.)

What got me confused was that the Beast would ask her to look him in the eyes and she would say "No, I can't." But I don't know WHY! It's so darn confusing.

Now that I've talked about retellings (mostly to myself since no one looks on this blog. D:), I realize that Disney's versions are hardly accurate. They're made appropriate for little girls. But then no one would know Sleeping Beauty got raped.

Enough babbling. Time for quotes!

"Maybe I don't want to," she answered.
"And maybe you're a phony," I replied.

(x Good comebacks!

"And perhaps I could flap my arms and fly to the moon.."
Absurd imagination. o_o

"Will you give me the pleasure of taking you in to lunch, ma Belle?"
MAH BELLE? I just thought of Justin Bieber. (mah, babeh, babeh, babybaby!)

"Why does anyone ask a question? Because I want to know the answer."
YES. THE STUBBORNNESS. I LIKE.

"Celeste was sitting there, a young man by her side."
Gasp! Oh wait, you mean the dumb one? Eww.

"You're the youngest. You get blamed by default."
Whoa, whoa! Hold on there. OPPOSITE WAY AROUND. I'm the older one, so I KNOW.

"..'till I dripped a great puddle of water on the floor and heard my stomach growl."
You know what kind of visual image I just had?

"..will find anything at all. I may not, but we all know Papa cannot. In which case perhaps and if may be stronger than they sound.."
This is my favorite line. For now. (:

"Company, for one thing," the Beast replied.
Ugh. Really?

"Look at me, Annabelle," he demanded in that fierce, compelling voice. "Look into my face, into my eyes for the span of time it takes to count to five. Look at me and let me see you. Look at me and free us both."
Look at him... uh. (Annabelle! She's named after you, Annabelle, if you're reading this. ;D )

"..calling my name, begging me to answer, and cursing me, all at once."
LOL. This is so funny though. "WAKE UP! I NEED YOU! CURSE YOU SO BAD ANNABELLE!"

"Gaspard."
Okay. That name isn't cute.
---------------------
Besides my protest to the name Gaspard, I liked this book. (Like I've said a billion times in this review.)

-

 Now, I'm moving on to The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston, since I've had a long, long, long, break from classics and historical books. It looks pretty good!

Book Review: Sunlight and Shadow by Cameron Dokey.

Sunlight and Shadow by Cameron Dokey.
A Retelling of The Magic Flute.
Book Summary: Mina was born on the longest night of the darkest month of the year. When her father looked at her, all he saw was what he feared: By birth, by name, by nature, she belonged to the Dark. So when Mina turned sixteen, her father took her away from shadow and brought her into sunlight. In retaliation, her mother lured a handsome prince into a deadly agreement: If he frees Mina, he can claim her as his bride. Now Mina and her prince must endure deadly trials -- of love and fate and family -- before they can truly live happily ever after....

Liana's Summary: Mina's parents are the King and Queen of Day and Night. They oppose each other, though. Mina has lived with her mother for sixteen years, and the plan is to send her to her father as to let him pick a proper husband for her. When Mina meets the love of her life, her father doesn't approve and insists on making her marry the man of her choice. Now they have to get through trials- one that can kill them, before they can do anything at all.

Rate(1-10): 6.9

I don't even know the story of The Magic Flute. Omg. I should have read that before I read this book, for I was utterly lost for a moment.

On Goodreads, I rated it 3/5, so I suppose that is a 6.9. Whatever, it's close enough. Erm, I think I kind of liked it. I don't know. I read it online again, just like I read The Wild Orchid online. And like The Wild Orchid, I am not satisfied at the romance turnout. a;fljdaldja Whyyyy. I'm not saying that all of Cameron Dokey's books are like that, since Golden was to my satisfaction. <3 Well, if you get easily irritated at character first person POV change every chapter, don't read this book. Thank goodness, the chapters are short, because I get frustrated because of that, aha. Anyway, I procrastinated so much during this book, because I wasn't paying attention. I'm never reading an online book again unless I have to. Ugh. I've just been told by a professional that I procrastinate. :c I didn't even know I was a good designer. Jeez, take a sanity test and the people know all about you. Things that you don't even know about yourself.. it's scary. Okay, back to the book. What kind of name is TERN? I imagined him fat and lazy the whole time. Even if he wasn't. It isn't a good thing to imagine especially when he's... "THE ONE." Sorry Tern, but I still don't like you. The characters are: Tern, Mina, Gayna, Lapin, and Statos. There's so much, I'm not even sure if that's all. I love Lapin the most. ehhehe. So. Quote reactions.

"Her name is Gayna."

Gayna? Hm. I don't like this Gayna.

"..bidding the satisfaction of seeing me cry."
Dokey does this too much.

"Oh, Lapin."

Oh, you! How cute.

"But that does not mean I have the brains of one."
:3 I like Lapin.

"I am a prince, and my name is Tern."
TERN WERN DERN PERN CERN. I no like.

"Welcome to your new home."
-cough- Faggot.

"Don't you think it's a little too late to be concerned of that?"
OOOU. Right in the gut.

"The daughter of the Queen of the Night bears the evil eye."
So mean. I hate you officially.

"My eyes are two different colors."
OH MY GAW. GRACELING.

"...she could be ugly."
You're ugly.

"How long have you loved him?"
HAH. That's a joke. He no want you.

"Statos must never see that smile."
But he will. You poop.

"Give her more time," I wanted to cry.
GIVERMORETIME. PLS. D:

"You have control over her body."
I thought wrong. Sorry. :x

"He can be annoying, especially when he's right and he knows it."
Oh, how cute!

"For I am told that my eyes change color according to the light."
OOH. That's cool.

"Bring Gayna to me at once."
:OOO

"Well, don't just lie there. Go and rescue her."
Oh, brave Lapin. How wise of you to tell Tern.

"And I threw my arms around him.."
omg. YAY. (':

"I don't just think it. I know I do."
PERVERT ON THE LOOSE.

"Will you love me, do you think?"
PERVERT ON THE LOOSE.

"Why don't you give each other a kiss and be done with it?"
LOL. Lapin. This is why I love you.

When will I find love?
FOREVER ALONE. Poor Lapin. D; I'm here for you!

"The music of my heart."
Oh yes.

"I've just never seen one fly through the air..."
LOL. Okay. Lapin and his sense of humor.

" You are Gayna,.."
wtf. omgomgomgomg. -pedoface-

"I tell you, I will not!" Statos shouted.
BRAT.

"No! Wait!" I cried.
Wait, whaaaaaat just happened.

"Lapin!" Mina cried. "Spy!" the Lord Sarastro said.
This just made me laugh. Not sure why.

"I did my best to make a bow..."
How cute. :3

"For she has had my heart from a week after she was born."
AWH. You belong together.

"You cannot trust him. He serves the Queen of the Night. "

No one can trust you! ajfdalkjf

The fires of hell, I thought.
:o

"The first kiss that we had shared. It wasn't much like other first kisses, I think."
PERVERT ON THE LOOSE. Yep, still don't like him.

"But the touch of them so filled my heart with music that, for the instants the kiss lasted, I no longer heard the fire nor felt its heat."
PERVERT ON THE LOOSE.

See how pitiful he is, " the voices of hell jeered at me. "He refuses to admit what must come, even now. " With a cry of frustration, I tore the fabric of my tunic, exposing the place where the flute lay in its sheath, just above my heart. 
"Mina, " I said again, and felt her hands upon mine, willing them to be still. 
"It's all right, Tern. I understand what you would have me do, " she said. "But, in spite of your pain, I think the solution to this trial is for my heart to solve, not yours. For I have watched your suffering, and longed to end it, and is that not what love does? But only if you trust me. " 
"I will. I do, " I said. 
And I watched her smile.

This part had to be read by me when there was sad music on the TV. Omg. No, I did not type all that. I merely copied and pasted, aha. The advantages of reading an ebook.

"Never had I seen a more beautiful sight."
PERVERT ON THE LOOSE.

"I love you, Tern."
CURSE YOU. KJFDSL:JF LIANA DISAPPROVES.

"But dry them first. I cannot see them truly if you weep."
Poop. Let her cry.

Oh, Tern, I thought.
>:T

Statos fell to his knees, his head bowed down.
AHA. AHAHAHAH WHAT NOW.

"But, if you will give me what I ask, I will render up all my lord's secrets to you,.."
YOU TRAITOR. I HATE YOUR GUTS MORE THAN TERN'S NAME.

"You would have me be alone, then?" Statos asked.
FOREVER ALONE. And deserving it! ehehhe

And, everyone, that is the end of my reactions. I think I pay less attention when I'm reading online. Thank goodness they're pretty short. I really got confused when I read this, because there are no chapter titles when the POV changes abruptly. But, anyway, here's the reading link if you want to read it.  

http://www.onread.com/fbreader/1414418/ 

That is all, for I am tired. I will never read an ebook on the comp again, omg. 

Book Review: The Wild Orchid by Cameron Dokey.

The Wild Orchid by Cameron Dokey.
A retelling of 'The Ballad of Mulan.'
Book Summary:  Wielding a sword as deftly as an embroidery needle, Mulan is unlike any other girl in China. When the emperor summons a great army, each family must send a male to fight. Tomboyish Mulan is determined to spare her aging father and bring her family honor, so she disguises herself and answers the call.But Mulan never expects to find a friend, let alone a soul mate, in the commander of her division, Prince Jian. For all of Mulan's courage with a bow and arrow, is she brave enough to share her true identity and feelings with Prince Jian?
Liana's Summary: Embroidery? Sewing? Weaving? Mulan prefers sword-wielding or archery to that. Mulan is a girl who thinks that her father hates her. Her dearest wish is to get to know him. When that wish is granted, how does Mulan feel? Her father faces a threat of deja-vu, and so Mulan takes his place in fighting the Huns. When she meets (not-so-handsome) Prince Jian, Mulan realizes something. Something that she never realized before. And I'm not telling you. Because that's spoiling.

Rate(1-10): 8.5

It was pretty good! I took, like, 3 hours reading this. ._. I had to read it online. Here's the link, if you want to read. It's a high recommendation!-

http://www.onread.com/fbreader/1414420/

There was no file of it on 4shared.com to download, so ald;asjlfsd I had to read it online. :c Whale, that does make bookmarking and highlighting quotes easier. I'd rather hold a real-life paper book.

So. I just got the urge to read all of Cameron Dokey's retellings, because..

1-I love retellings. Incend is a retelling!
2- I liked her retelling of Rapunzel, so I decided to read more of her retellings.

I don't think I'm going to read her other books, BESIDES her RETELLINGS. I like her retellings. :3

Enough about retellings. Okay, so in this book, her best friend is named Li Po. Really? Li Po? I'm Chinese and I don't even know what that means. All I can think of is Pear Old Lady. And there's Prince Jian( Prince Sword), Prince Guang (Prince Light.), and Prince Ying( Prince Silver.) Awkward names! I got disturbed. So here's my thoughts without spoiling:

I WANTED HER TO END UP WITH THAT GUY BUT SHE JUST ENDED UP WITH THAT ONE OTHER GUY AND I GOT SOOO MAD AND THAT GUY.. IT'S SO DARN SAD. D;

I really like Li Po. I think he's my favorite character. Yep. He is. And way hotter than 'that one other guy'.
Another reason I like Cameron Dokey is that she doesn't use complex vocab so I don't have to end up updating my vocab journal. (x Like I did with Prince and the Pauper. Ugh. A whole page, front and back. That's why I'm taking a break. Unfortunately, my next book to read is another Cameron Dokey book ONLINE. D; Sighhhhh. Well. Behold! Quote Reactions!

"Do so quickly or you will make me angry."
>:T

"..both my parents hoped that I would be a boy..."
What's with Asians wanting boys? :c

"I would soon be old enough to become a bride."
What. You're 13.

"..not for the fact that Min Xian still insisted on giving me my baths from time to time."
._.

"..closed his fingers over mine."
:OOO YES. <3

"I love you, Mulan."
"And I love you."

SEVEN YEAR OLD ROMANCE. AWH.

"You aren't thinking of asking me to marry you, are you?"
OOOOU. THIS IS GETTING GOOD. SAY YES, LI PO. SAY IT.

"It would seem that your daughter has grown into a son."
WHAAAAAAT. Omg! Her wish. Is granted. (':

"You knew I would do this?"
SHE KNOWS EVERYTHING. :OOO FORTUNE TELLER.

"If you die, I'm never going to forgive you, or myself."
AHH. This is why Li Po's my fav. Despite his Pear Old Lady name.

"Little Archer."
Archer.  Archer from Fire by Kristin Cashore? dafjfakd;daj ARCHER..

"The point is that I don't want you to die."
NO. YOU DON'T, OR ELSE YOU CAN'T BE TOGETHER! <3

"My name is Gong-shi,"
Gong-shi? -_____-'

"..it's because I'm worried about you."
AWH. Him doing his big-brother role. <3

"Prince Guang was the most handsome man that I had ever seen.."
Whoa, whoa! You're going with Li Po, young lady. Not the Prince of Light.

"To my astonishment Prince Jiang reached out and hauled me upright."
DON'T TOUCH HER!!!

"Who are you?"
She's herself. Don't ask. Please.

"He would judge what I could do on the basis of my sex."
SEXIST.

"..just barely brushing Prince Jian's.."
UGH. GET AWEY! I NO LIKE YOU.

"It was a gift from Hua Wei,"
:OOOO

"Now China's fate lay in mine."
YES. YOU HERO. FIGHT, MULAN! FIGHT!

"As ---- toppled backward,.."

NOOOOO!!!!!!!

"..my arrow caught him beneath the chin.."
YES. HHAHAHAHAH.

"He eased me upright, helping me to drink."
 I don't like. :c

"I am sorry."
D':

"Mulan," he said simply. "My little hero of China."
(':

"Prince Jian has asked to speak with you. He is nearby.."
This so reminds me of the part in Disney's Mulan where Shang asked if Mulan 'lived there'. Shang is so lame. "Um, you fight good."

"..trying to ignore the way my heart quickened."

I DON'T APPROVE!

"Will you walk with me?"
-narrows eyes-

"..though he kept his hand on my arm."
YOU RAPIST. I STILL HATE YOU. I AM NOT SATISFIED BY THIS TURN OF EVENTS. </3

"It is because I love you."
NOOOOOOOOO. WHY. Fine. Whatever.

"I know my name,.."
Yeah! She does! >:(

"Will you marry me, Mulan?"
akljdl;fajfdajfak IT IS ALL RUINED. D: But you see, at least there is some romance. I must take it or leave it.

And that, is all! You see, I was so not satisfied of the turn of events. You'll see. I highly insist that you read it! (: That is all. So bye! I shall get on with reading now.