Book Review: Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Summary: One boy . . . One dragon . . . A world of adventure. When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands.

Rate(1-10): 7

Book Review: The Awakening by Kate Chopin

The Awakening by Kate Chopin
Book Summary: This story of a woman's struggle with oppressive social structures received much public contempt at its first release; put aside because of initial controversy, the novel gained popularity in the 1960s, some six decades after its first publication, and has since remained a favorite of many readers. Chopin's depiction of a married woman, bound to her family and with no way to assert a fulfilling life of her own, has become a foundation for feminism and a classic account of gender crises in the late Victorian era.

Rating(1-10): 7

Book Review: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Goodreads Synopsis: The terrifyingly prophetic novel of a post-literate future. Guy Montag is a fireman. His job is to burn books, which are forbidden, being the source of all discord and unhappiness. Even so, Montag is unhappy; there is discord in his marriage. Are books hidden in his house? The Mechanical Hound of the Fire Department, armed with a lethal hypodermic, escorted by helicopters, is ready to track down those dissidents who defy society to preserve and read books. The classic dystopian novel of a post-literate future, Fahrenheit 451 stands alongside Orwell’s 1984 and Huxley’s Brave New World as a prophetic account of Western civilization’s enslavement by the media, drugs and conformity. Bradbury’s powerful and poetic prose combines with uncanny insight into the potential of technology to create a novel which, decades on from first publication, still has the power to dazzle and shock.

Rate(1-10): 7.5

Book Review: The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Book Summary: Set in the harsh Puritan community of seventeenth-century Boston, this tale of an adulterous entanglement that results in an illegitimate birth reveals Nathaniel Hawthorne's concerns with the tension between the public and the private selves. Publicly disgraced and ostracized, Hester Prynne draws on her inner strength and certainty of spirit to emerge as the first true heroine of American fiction. Arthur Dimmesdale, trapped by the rules of society, stands as a classic study of a self divided.

Rate(1-10): 7

Book Review: Allegiant by Veronica Roth (Divergent #3)

Allegiant by Veronica Roth
Divergent #3
Book Summary: The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. 

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. 

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

Liana's Summary: Tobias has finally escaped the claws of his parents, and Tris has escaped her boundaries as well. This new life takes adaptation, and they are faced with hardships, dangers, and ups and downs in their relationship. They must learn to trust each other, they realize, after a plan goes terribly wrong... Can they grow to cooperate and realize that they are for each other, or will they separate?

Rate(1-10): 7

Book Review: Fallen by Lauren Kate

Fallen by Lauren Kate
Book Summary: There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce – he goes out of his way to make that very clear. But she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, Luce has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret...even if it kills her.

Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, FALLEN is a page-turning thriller and the ultimate love story.

Liana's Summary: When Luce is sent to Sword and Cross, she knows her parents fear her enough to send her someplace like that. When she meets Daniel Grigori, she knows something is up. And then she meets Cam. Torn, Luce doesn't realize what either of them are.. 

Rate(1-10): 7

Book Review: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Book Summary: Sent by their mother to live with their devout, self-sufficient grandmother in a small Southern town, Maya and her brother, Bailey, endure the ache of abandonment and the prejudice of the local "powhitetrash." At eight years old and back at her mother's side in St. Louis, Mayais attacked by a man any times her age-and has to live with the consequences for a lifetime. Years later, in San Francisco, Maya learns about love for herself, and the kindness of others, her own strong spirit, and the ideas of great authors ("I met and fell in love with William Shakespeare") will allow her to be free instead of imprisoned.

Liana's Summary: Marguerite grows up with her brother Bailey in Stamps, Arkansas, staying with their grandmother, Annie Henderson. They do not consider themselves to have a mother and a father-- so when, suddenly, they meet with their parents once again, they see them as strangers. Well, at least Maya does. Maya is sexually assaulted by a man three or four times her age- and must live with it as she grows up.

Rate(1-10): 7.5

Book Review: Not a Drop To Drink by Mindy McGinnis

Not a Drop To Drink by Mindy Mcginnis
Book Summary: Regret was for people with nothing to defend, people who had no water. 

Lynn knows every threat to her pond: drought, a snowless winter, coyotes, and, most importantly, people looking for a drink. She makes sure anyone who comes near the pond leaves thirsty, or doesn't leave at all.

Confident in her own abilities, Lynn has no use for the world beyond the nearby fields and forest. Having a life means dedicating it to survival, and the constant work of gathering wood and water. Having a pond requires the fortitude to protect it, something Mother taught her well during their quiet hours on the rooftop, rifles in hand.

But wisps of smoke on the horizon mean one thing: strangers. The mysterious footprints by the pond, nighttime threats, and gunshots make it all too clear Lynn has exactly what they want, and they won’t stop until they get it….

With evocative, spare language and incredible drama, danger, and romance, debut author Mindy McGinnis depicts one girl’s journey in a barren world not so different than our own.

Liana's Summary: Water was scarce. Lynn had to defend her pond, and protecting meant shooting all those who dared to come near it. With her mother's face being the only face that she'd ever known, it wasn't hard to shoot everyone and anyone. But when she gets to know Stebbs, Eli, Lucy, and Neva, Lynn starts to think about it. Those people and animals are just trying to survive. Just like her. Mindy McGinnis takes you on a journey through the futuristic United States, where there is not a drop to drink..

Rate(1-10): 7

Book Review: Descended by Debra Ann Miller (Fallen Guardian Saga #1)

Descended by Debra Ann Miller 
(Fallen Guardian Saga #1)
Book Summary: Destiny has two ways of crushing us…by refusing our wishes…and fulfilling them.

Vie had no idea when she descended into the small town of Newcastle, Wyoming that she’d find herself mesmerized by the mysterious and alluring eyes of one Carter Stone. And Carter believed he knew everyone that lived in his rural town until the day he locked eyes with Vivian Thorne. He couldn’t help but wonder what was different about this girl he had known all of his life.

He was right, Vie was the beautiful young Guardian that had been sent to their world looking for Carter and she did so merged in the vessel of the Thorne girl. Their meeting sparks a passionate romance between the two and soon after they embark on their journey to uncover the secrets of a past that they begin to realize they both shared. Their forbidden connection unleashes a war with disapproving parties and the lovers find themselves on a mission to uncover the truth of their not wholly human existence and their unbreakable bond.

Darkness falls as Lucian returns to settle a score with them and their lives take a thrilling and terrifying turn. The only way for Carter to stop Lucian and save the one he holds most dear is to unlock the secrets of his past and unleash the powers within him. What are the chances that two raindrops, flung from the heavens, will merge on a windowpane? Gotta be fate!Deeply passionate and extraordinarily suspenseful, Descended captures the struggles between doing what is expected of you and unleashing your destiny, between fulfilling prophecies and desires, between loyalty and love.

Liana's Summary: Vie is sent on a mission, to take over Vivian Thorne's body. She must find Carter Stone, the Chosen One, and help him discover his true self. But in all this-- Vie might end up falling in love with Carter-- and that can lead to a lot of things.

Rate(1-10): 7

Book Review: Sylo by D.J. MacHale

Sylo by D.J. MacHale
Book Summary: Does Tucker Pierce have what it takes to be a hero when the U.S. military quarantines his island?

Fourteen-year-old Tucker Pierce prefers to fly under the radar. He’s used to navigating around summer tourists in his hometown on idyllic Pemberwick Island, Maine. He’s content to sit on the sidelines as a backup player on the high school football team. And though his best friend Quinn tells him to “go for it,” he’s too chicken to ask Tori Sleeper on a date. There’s always tomorrow, he figures. Then Pemberwick Island is invaded by a mysterious branch of the U.S. military called SYLO. And sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option for Tucker, because tomorrow may never come. 

It’s up to Tucker, Quinn, and Tori to uncover the truth about the singing aircraft that appears only at night—and the stranger named Feit who’s pushing a red crystal he calls the Ruby that brings unique powers to all who take it. Tucker and his friends must rescue not just Pemberwick Island, but the fate of the world—and all before tomorrow is too late.  

#1 New York Times bestselling author D.J. MacHale brings his brilliant plotting and breathless pacing to SYLO, the first in this ultimate end-of-the-world adventure trilogy.
Liana's Summary: Tucker Pierce doesn't try hard enough. He doesn't live up to his potential, his parents say. He always backs away before he can humiliate himself by trying, his best friend tells him. When Pemberwick Island, his home, is invaded by SYLO, and there's a mysterious man named Feit who tries to get Tucker to try a drug that can send power channeling through every vein of the body-- Tucker's world turns upside-down..

Rate(1-10): 7.5

Book Review: Persephone's Orchard by Molly Ringle.

Persephone's Orchard by Molly Ringle.
Book Summary: The Greek gods never actually existed. Did they? Sophie Darrow finds she was wrong about that assumption when she's pulled into the spirit realm, complete with an Underworld, on her first day at college. Adrian, the mysterious young man who brought her there, simply wants her to taste a pomegranate. 

Soon, though she returns to her regular life, her mind begins exploding with dreams and memories of ancient times; of a love between two Greeks named Persephone and Hades. But lethal danger has always surrounded the immortals, and now that she's tainted with the Underworld's magic, that danger is drawing closer to Sophie.

Liana's Summary: When a dude wearing strange clothes enters her dorm room, clearly stressed, needing help, and somewhat lost, Sophie couldn't do anything but try to help him. But where does that lead her? It leads her to Adrian Watt. It leads her to another realm. But what will that lead to? Danger.

Rate(1-10): 7

Book Review: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevive Tucholke.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke.
Book Summary: You stop fearing the devil when you’re holding his hand…

Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White’s sleepy, seaside town…until River West comes along. River rents the guesthouse behind Violet’s crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard. Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more? Violet’s grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery...who makes you want to kiss back. Violet’s already so knee-deep in love, she can’t see straight. And that’s just how River likes it.

Blending faded decadence and the thrilling dread of gothic horror, April Genevieve Tucholke weaves a dreamy, twisting contemporary romance, as gorgeously told as it is terrifying—a debut to watch.

Liana's Summary: When the panther-hipped River West comes into Violet White's life, things start to happen. Eerie things. Scary things. Violet starts to suspect River.. what could he be? But why should she suspect him? She likes him. A lot. There's something going on with River. Something Violet needs to know.

Rate(1-10): 7.9 (Not quite an 8. But close enough, right?)

Book Review: Lucid by Adrienne Stoltz and Ron Bass.

Lucid by Adrienne Stoltz and Ron Bass.
Book Summary: What if you could dream your way into a different life? What if you could choose to live that life forever?

Sloane and Maggie have never met. Sloane is a straight-A student with a big and loving family. Maggie lives a glamorously independent life as an up-and-coming actress in New York. The two girls couldn't be more different--except for one thing. They share a secret that they can't tell a soul. At night, they dream that they're each other.

The deeper they're pulled into the promise of their own lives, the more their worlds begin to blur dangerously together. Before long, Sloane and Maggie can no longer tell which life is real and which is just a dream. They realize that eventually they will have to choose one life to wake up to, or risk spiraling into insanity. But that means giving up one world, one love, and one self, forever.

This is a dazzling debut that will steal readers' hearts.

Liana's Summary: Sloane and Maggie haven't ever met. But they live each other's lives. When Maggie's asleep, she's Sloane. When Sloane's asleep, she's Maggie. Their worlds are on the verge of colliding. And they have to choose one life to wake up to. That means giving up one life, and living the other-- but the question is, which life to choose?

Rate(1-10): 7

This is really an amazingly written book. The characters have.. character. There's really no other way to put it.

If you decide to read it, don't think about it too much when you're done or you'll make your head hurt, because this is flat out freaking inception right here.

Basically, Sloane and Maggie are each other, but they're themselves. Okay, that probably doesn't make sense. So, basically, when Maggie dreams, she dreams of Sloane's day. When Sloane dreams, she dreams of Maggie's day. It's a whole, giant concept that's hard to grasp. The romance is perf, so I'm not complainin'!

Anyways, I think I didn't want to give it a full rating because I was terribly confused, and I think I still am. The ending was brilliant, but, as I said, I'm confused. It's not really something that's explicable.

I enjoyed the applied humor. Oh, my, God. Some of the shit in here made me laugh so hard.

But yeah, if you think you'd like this book, go ahead and give it a try.

Quotes

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

"Still, I'm comforted by the belief that someone solid and decent is there to fall back on."

D'awww.

"Guys are weird."

You can say that again.

"It means I want to kiss you."

Oh.. okay..

"Thomas really does like me."

No, he doesn't

"You."

Oh. Another shocker LOLOL

"I am in love with Andrew."

omg I ship this so hard it hurts

"It was me,"

I don't know how to react to this
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That's that. What do you think of this review?(:

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

Book Review: Life of Pi by Yann Martel.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel.
Book Summary: Life of Pi is a masterful and utterly original novel that is at once the story of a young castaway who faces immeasurable hardships on the high seas, and a meditation on religion, faith, art and life that is as witty as it is profound. Using the threads of all of our best stories, Yann Martel has woven a glorious spiritual adventure that makes us question what it means to be alive, and to believe.

Growing up in Pondicherry, India, Piscine Molitor Patel - known as Pi - has a rich life. Bookish by nature, young Pi acquires a broad knowledge of not only the great religious texts but of all literature, and has a great curiosity about how the world works. His family runs the local zoo, and he spends many of his days among goats, hippos, swans, and bears, developing his own theories about the nature of animals and how human nature conforms to it. Pi’s family life is quite happy, even though his brother picks on him and his parents aren’t quite sure how to accept his decision to simultaneously embrace and practise three religions - Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam.

But despite the lush and nurturing variety of Pi’s world, there are broad political changes afoot in India, and when Pi is sixteen, his parents decide that the family needs to escape to a better life. Choosing to move to Canada, they close the zoo, pack their belongings, and board a Japanese cargo ship called the Tsimtsum. Travelling with them are many of their animals, bound for zoos in North America. However, they have only just begun their journey when the ship sinks, taking the dreams of the Patel family down with it. Only Pi survives, cast adrift in a lifeboat with the unlikeliest oftravelling companions: a zebra, an orang-utan, a hyena, and a 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.

Thus begins Pi Patel’s epic, 227-day voyage across the Pacific, and the powerful story of faith and survival at the heart of Life of Pi. Worn and scared, oscillating between hope and despair, Pi is witness to the playing out of the food chain, quite aware of his new position within it. When only the tiger is left of the seafaring menagerie, Pi realizes that his survival depends on his ability to assert his own will, and sets upon a grand and ordered scheme to keep from being Richard Parker’s next meal.

As Yann Martel has said in one interview, “The theme of this novel can be summarized in three lines. Life is a story. You can choose your story. And a story with an imaginative overlay is the better story.” And for Martel, the greatest imaginative overlay is religion. “God is a shorthand for anything that is beyond the material - any greater pattern of meaning.” In Life of Pi, the question of stories, and of what stories to believe, is front and center from the beginning, when the author tells us how he was led to Pi Patel and to this novel: in an Indian coffee house, a gentleman told him, “I have a story that will make you believe in God.” And as this novel comes to its brilliant conclusion, Pi shows us that the story with the imaginative overlay is also the story that contains the most truth.

Liana's Summary: Piscine Patel finds himself stranded on a boat in the middle of a Pacific with a 460 pound Bengal tiger-- and of course, he's scared out of his wits. Soon, he realizes that he's glad that the tiger is alive. That way, he knows he's not alone. Forced to turn to the most desperate measures, Piscine knows that he has to do anything to stay alive, and wait for himself to be saved by someone.. if that someone comes at all.

Rate(1-10): 7

Most people open this book because they're curious and they want to know what it's about. Well, I'm one of those people.. People were raving about this, and I knew I had to give it a try. So-- my overall opinion? Was it good? Yes. Was it worth my 15 dollars? Not really. I liked it, but it isn't exactly the best book ever.

I liked:
-How this book teaches us a lot about the animal kingdom-- very interesting!
-The ending. If there's one reason to read this book, holy hell, it's the ending. well I would have enjoyed it that much more if my French teacher didn't spoil the ending for me gosh

I disliked:
-How the first 100 pages was Piscine talking about his life to give some background. Well, 2 or 3 pages are enough to give background. Get on with the plot already!
-The writing was very.. flat. Sort of. Piscine's not a very good narrator. He just says things very plainly. I don't really know how to explain this..
-Piscine..

There was the good and there was the bad. I'd say that Life of Pi would be quite enjoyable to some people and very boring to other people. To me, it was alright. Yann Martel wouldn't really keep me up all night reading his writing.

I'm eager to watch the movie! Just found the link.. I'll be watching it soon.

Book Review: The Dragon and the Pearl by Jeannie Lin. (Tang Dynasty #2)

The Dragon and the Pearl by Jeannie Lin.
(Tang Dynasty #2)
Book Summary: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COURTESAN OF THEM ALL...

Former Emperor’s consort Ling Suyin is renowned for her beauty; the ultimate seductress. Now she lives quietly alone—until the most ruthless warlord in the region comes and steals her away....

Li Tao lives life by the sword, and is trapped in the treacherous, lethal world of politics. The alluring Ling Suyin is at the center of the web. He must uncover her mystery without falling under her spell—yet her innocence calls out to him. How cruel if she, of all women, can entrance the man behind the legend...

Liana's Summary: Lin Suyin is known for her beauty, for her seduction. But she never believed she could love someone truly--until she met Li Tao. Li Tao doesn't mean to fall for her. But he did, in the end. What it could mean for both of them, no one knows. Both lovers are trapped in the midst of politics, and they know they have to do something about it.

Rate(1-10): 7.5

I have mixed emotions for this book.

I liked..

-The setting. I like the Tang Dynasty- that's what got me interested in this series. The fact that it's a Chinese historical-fic. That's not something you see every day!

-Jeannie Lin's writing. It's actually quite poetic sometimes, and she's very, very descriptive. 

-How the main character is Lin Suyin. She didn't really show in the first book, Butterfly Swords, and I'm glad that we got to know her better, now, because she's actually an interesting character. 

-The cover. It's so gorgeous, and after the story I realize what it symbolizes. The title, too.

I disliked..

-How there wasn't much character development at all. This is a series, yes, but there are different characters in every book of this series and I would have expected more character development from the characters present.

-The pacing. It was pretty slow at first and it didn't really help how all they wanted to do was have sex.. it was only near the end where 'shit got real'. Honestly the whole time I was wondering when she was gonna get prego.

-The erotica. I mean, I know some people enjoy that, but erm. 

Quotes.

"Her lips parted as his explored hers."

BUT THEY JUST MET!

"Give me one night."

How awkward this is

"You are very beautiful."

D'aaaaaaaaaw!

"..muscled chest.."

Ooh so he's muscly

"The hard line of his arousal.."

oh merde he's got a boner -__-

"Li Tao has marked you with our symbol. The dragon and the pearl."

omg everything makes sense

"You're with child?"


omg duh what did he expect

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That's it. What did you guys think of this review?(:

Book Review: Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza.

Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza.
Book Summary: Mila 2.0 is the first book in an electrifying sci-fi thriller series about a teenage girl who discovers that she is an experiment in artificial intelligence.

Mila was never meant to learn the truth about her identity. She was a girl living with her mother in a small Minnesota town. She was supposed to forget her past—that she was built in a secret computer science lab and programmed to do things real people would never do.

Now she has no choice but to run—from the dangerous operatives who want her terminated because she knows too much and from a mysterious group that wants to capture her alive and unlock her advanced technology. However, what Mila’s becoming is beyond anyone’s imagination, including her own, and it just might save her life.
Mila 2.0 is Debra Driza’s bold debut and the first book in a Bourne Identity-style trilogy that combines heart-pounding action with a riveting exploration of what it really means to be human. Fans of I Am Number Four will love Mila for who she is and what she longs to be—and a cliffhanger ending will leave them breathlessly awaiting the sequel.

Liana's Summary: Mila is a normal teenage girl-- at least, that's what she tells herself. Her world is flipped upside down when Kaylee, her 'friend', flings her violently from the back of her truck, and Mila's arm splits open. But instead of flesh and blood and human organs, she sees a machine. She's Mila 2.0, and she's a runaway. When the government is close enough to find her, Mila and Nicole are forced to run-- to Canada. Whatever Mila's leaving behind-- must be left behind. For now.

Rate(1-10): 7.5

I've been wanting to read this book for quite some time now, and I can't say that I'm disappointed! However, I think the cover is the best thing about this whole book..

I liked..
-Of course, the cover. It's so gorgeous.
-The fact that she's an android. I mean, that's AWESOME! She has all these cool abilities and everything.
-The romance. I hope more of it will develop in the rest of the series. I have a feeling a love triangle is coming up.
-The action near the end of the book. It was absolutely amazing and kept the readers at the edges of their seats.

But. I disliked:
-The main character, Mila. She's cool and all but I feel like sometimes, she's just kind of annoying. I don't know. I like the fact that she's an android but I don't like the fact that she's one of those protagonists-in-denial (that I strongly dislike).
-The plot. It was kind of slow, but it was still good. Somewhat. It was very dry until the last quarter of the book, where things started to get interesting.

Overall, this book was alright. I thought it would be better, but it was still good.

Quotes!

"Want to trade cell numbers?"


LOL ALREADY WHAT


"..he was touching me with thick, firm fingers."


okay that's not cute


"Except his eyes."


Oh my god is she seriously gonna comment about his eyes NO THIS ISNT THE RIGHT GUY MILA


"That red flush crept over his cheeks again."


Dangit she's making him blush
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That's it. What did you guys think of this review?(;

Book Review: The Glass Swallow by Julia Golding.

The Glass Swallow by Julia Golding. 
(Companion to Dragonfly) 
Book Summary:Rain
She designs exquisite stained glass for the windows of her city. But the law is clear — it is forbidden for girls to be part of the glassmaker's guild. To keep her secret hidden, she leaves home and travels to the strange new country of Magharna.

Peri
When he witnesses Rain's capture by a gang of bandits, both his fate and his heart becomes tied to hers. They escape the outlaws, but Peri and his family of falconers are untouchables who are scorned by all, and Rain is not allowed to be part of their lives.
Can Rain and Peri's love survive the prejudices against them? And with the city on the brink of disaster will they be able to stop their world from smashing apart?

Liana's Summary: Rain Glassmaker sees an adventure as an adventure, not a dangerous endeavor to a foreign city. But, when she faces a bandit attack, it's all up to her to make the decisions-- after all, she's the only one they left alive, only due to the brave Peri Falconer. As the two slowly find romance, the city is already this close to destroyed- so will the romance last? Will Rain and Peri work well together, to find out what to do next?

Rate(1-10): 7.8

There I go, with the decimals again. I dunno, I don't really think it deserves a 7 or an 8, for that matter. It's too good to be given just a 7.5.. Well, you see my logic.

Anyways. Since I liked the first book lots, I had decided that I wanted to read the companion book. And no, I was not disappointed at all! In fact, I liked it a lot, although it wasn't as good as Dragonfly.

I'm glad that this wasn't exactly continuing Ramil and Taoshira's story, because they don't really deserve to go through any more adversity after all they've already been through, and I'm just glad to say that they lived happily ever after.

So, Rain, the protagonist, is a stubborn and adventurous character, and independent, and realistic. She's insecure sometimes and a whole chunk of defiant. She shows that, in a sexist world, women can do something that matters and that's pretty amazing. 

Peri. I got excited when he first came to be introduced to the story because I knew that he was the character that Rain was to fall in love with, or at least, meet, but knowing Julia Golding's writing style, I knew there was gonna be at least a little romance, right? Peri is a great guy. He gets angered easily, although I feel like it's sorta a version if irritated worry. He worries too much, LOL. I find that somewhat annoying and somewhat cute. His exterior is calm, however, like I said, he's always worrying for the people who he cares for. 

The romance is so cute. It's not really love at first sight and it's not too strong like I LOVE YOU SO MUCH I'D DIE FOR YOU. Actually, I'm a fan of that hardcore strong romance, but Julia Golding romance is just FLIPPING TOO CUTE TO HANDLE. 

The setting is absolutely perfect, I love it.

You can tell I loved this book. 

Quotes!
Note: Quotes may not be perfectly identical to the ones in the final print version, since the version I read from was an ARC copy.


"The poor boy's in love with you--"


D'awww LOL.

"She'll have to marry one of us,"


AIN'T NO COUSIN OF YERS WANNA MARRY YAH

"Cousin, would you do me the very great honor of entering into a betrothal with me?"


SAY NO

"..but will always need a man to shield you."


HOW SEXIST. This is why I like Rain so much. She proved that sexism does nothing to stop her, or discourage her from anything she wants to do.

"I'm sorry you have to touch me,"


it's okay, when you two get married you're gonna touch each other all the time (THAT WASN'T SUPPOSED TO BE DIRTY OMG)


"It didn't help that he was still the most attractive Magharnan she'd met."



-giggling in a corner creepily-

"Why must you find this girl?"


Because, MOTHAAAR, of true love

"Do you trust me, Rain?"


This is so Aladdin I'm about to cry

"..and stole a kiss,"


YES YES LOL

"You are not fighting,"



It's because she's a girl innit

"Oh, don't stop. I was enjoying that."


I can't help but laugh so hard at this quote. Oh Peri, you're so q.

"Listen, sweetheart,"


AWWWWWW THEY CALL EACH OTHER SWEETHEART OMG THEY'RE TOO CUTE I CAN'T

"I think I want to kiss you again,"


Then do it

"You're wrong."


You tell him, girl!
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That's that! What did you think of this review? (;

Book Review: Where She Went by Gayle Forman.

 Where She Went by Gayle Forman.
(If I Stay #2) 
Book Summary: It's been three years since the devastating accident . . . three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.

Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Juilliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future-and each other.

Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

Liana's Summary: Adam and Mia have been separated for 3 whole years. They've both changed. They think that they'll never see each other ever again, but, that thought is contradicted when the two cross paths one night, explaining things, starting things over. Making new changes.

Rate(1-10): 7.5

This is the sequel to If I Stay, which I read 2 years ago, not to mention forgetting some of the details. Honestly, that wasn't even the best book ever. I felt like falling asleep on some parts, but I guess that's just me discovering that Contemporary books aren't my thing.

Since in If I Stay, Mia was in a freakin' coma, and she was the one narrating, I didn't get to know her that well from another person's point of view. One of the things I like about this book is that Adam is narrating, instead of Mia. So we can see Mia from his point of view.

Adam. Well, this is interesting, ain't it? In If I Stay, he seemed like a totally different guy. Or maybe I don't remember that well. He smokes now, gets angered at the smallest things, yells at people, and throws tantrums. He's a rock star rising to fame, and yet when the paparazzi comes he loses his composure and that sort of affects his stardom a little.

Mia, on the other hand, didn't change as much, if I'm allowed to say. Honestly, I don't know. From what I collected together about her in the first book, she was like that in the second book.

This was seriously a quick read. Finished in a few hours in one sitting. The story revolved around one or two days.

When I finished the first book, I was just like, "UGH NO I'M NOT READING ANY MORE GAYLE FORMAN," but I seemed to change my mind, since I was told the second book was better than the first, which is somewhat true... But, more accurately, I think they're both Gayle Forman style. I grudgingly opened this book and was faced with satisfaction. I like how Forman explained the stuff from If I Stay and made everything right again.

Quotes!

"I pull a cigarette from my pocket.."

Oh gosh, Adam! What happened to you?!

"..so butterflies scared me."

Butterflies scare me too

"I need a cigarette."

No you don't you just want one

"Because I hated you."

That escalated quickly..
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That's that.

What did you think of this review?(;

Book Review: The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour.

 The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour.
Book Summary: Colby and Bev have a long-standing pact: graduate, hit the road with Bev's band, and then spend the year wandering around Europe. But moments after the tour kicks off, Bev makes a shocking announcement: she's abandoning their plans - and Colby - to start college in the fall. But the show must go on and The Disenchantments weave through the Pacific Northwest, playing in small towns and dingy venues, while roadie- Colby struggles to deal with Bev's already-growing distance and the most important question of all: what's next? Morris Award–finalist Nina LaCour draws together the beauty and influences of music and art to brilliantly capture a group of friends on the brink of the rest of their lives.

Liana's Summary: Bev and Colby have promised one thing. After they graduate high school, they forfeit all college applying chances. And fly to Europe. Colby hopes they can fall in love. When The Disenchantments have their band tour, Bev tells Colby she applied for college. And Colby doesn't know what to do. Planning for 5 years- and, boom. Bev just quits. So. What now?

Rate(1-10): 7.5

I took really really long on this book. Like, a whole week. But anyways.

I knew that this was Contemporary just judging by the cover.

And, judging by the cover, I thought the narrator would be a girl. And then. "I'm a guy." And I'm like, WHAT. FJFSLJSDJFLDSFJLSD OK.

Yeah. This book is basically what I explained in the summary. The whole thing is just them going on the tour and Colby repeatedly asking Bev "WHY WHY WHYYYYY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME EARLIER?" There was this minor mystery. It was pretty cool. It was a little side-dish to everything else. The whole plot is basically one week. Just one. And that's what I like about this book. Nina LaCour didn't say anything like, "And the day was over." She recorded every important detail each and every day of that week.

Another thing I liked about this book was that the voice was pretty authentic. I just love it when a Contemporary novel has a real voice. It just makes up for everything I don't like.

This book (I mean Jasper) taught me a lot about tattoos. Mainly because of Jasper. Maybe I should just take off 'this book' and put Jasper. But no. It's all the author's knowledge.

Which leads me to Jasper. Okay you know what. I'll just do character discussions.

Colby- He's pretty cool. But he's mean sometimes. And I understand why. But I don't really like him that much as a narrator and main character. At least he likes to read?
Bev- Okay I don't like her. What makes her think she can ditch Colby like that? And all those times she lied to him. And she said she would quit smoking. But no. She acts like she's tough. But she's just sort of insecure on the inside.
Meg- I like her way better than the rest. (Except Jasper). She's really nice and carefree and I totally just LOVE LOVE LOVE her attitude.
Alexa- She's super nice. You hardly hear her curse at all. Yep.
Jasper- Okay you guys. You've been waiting for this one. What is Liana raving about. LOL. Anyways. This character. Jasper. He's super amazing. (And yeah, because of his name, too.) He's just so nice and cool about everything and he can cheer someone up by just talking to them. He's polite and he has this sense of buoyancy in his tone. And most importantly, he's a damn-good tattoo artist. And what he did at the end for Colby just made me love this character even more.

And yes. I think it's time for quotes. (Really less!)

"..I'm a guy."

Oh dang. What was I expecting.

"..this badass breathy thing."

Love the descriptive words, Colby. Totes.

"So she knows."


"And masculine taste in books."


"..he writes Be back in like an hour or something and sticks it on the window with black tape."

Ha. Funny. Another reason I love Jasper. LOL.

"Tulips?" he asks. Then he says, "Okay, bro. I guess tulips are cool."


Okay. Rock the tulips, Colby.
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And that's it! What did you think of this review? (: