Game by Barry Lyga Review

"I Hunt Killers introduced the world to Jasper (Jazz) Dent, the son of the world's most infamous serial killer.

When a desperate New York City detective comes knocking on Jazz's door asking for help with a new case, Jazz can't say no. The Hat-Dog Killer has the Big Apple--and its police force running scared with no leads. So Jazz and his girlfriend Connie hop on a plane to the big city and get swept up in a killer's murderous game.

Meanwhile, Jazz's dad Billy is watching...and waiting."

Wow! Game is a really special book that is similar to tv shows like Criminal Minds, CSI Investigation, The Closer, and all the rest of the many and plentiful CSIs. (I don't watch a lot of tv, unless it is Criminal Minds.) Perhaps the closest tv show to the books (I Hunt Killers and Game) is Criminal Minds. They both use profiling and have some remarkable similarities between some of its characters. For example, Agent Jennifer Jareau and Jasper Dent have similar backgrounds and character traits. (Ex: father is a serial killer, they use their knowledge for good instead of bad, and they don't want to be like their fathers [I don't think this include Agent Jareau though. She never stated anything like this in Criminal Minds].) 

I wouldn't recommended this to young teenagers because of heavy graphic/inappropriate scenes and words. There's a lot of gross/murderous/bloody dreams that Jazz dreams in his sleep. Remember the dreams he gets in I Hunt Killers? Well, those dreams are still there. (Poor Jazz. I feel sympathetic towards him.) And now time matters more than every ever since his great old pop from the deepest pit of hell is out of jail by escaping from prison. Every second Jazz waste, every second is the difference between a dead person and a living one. 

The plot is outrageous. Serial killers, especially the ones written by Barry Lyga, are always surprising and unexpected. The most unexpected people usually turn out to be the killer(s) in the book. (Like the victim's fake/impostor father from the previous book. Very clever of the killer even though he's a little deranged.) The author's writing is always addicting. The tone gives off a thump-thump-thump feeling of nervousness and anticipation. 

The ending is twisted in the wrongest way possible. How could Jazz's own father do that to his son? Oh wait, he's a serial killer. My bad. Billy Dent is beyond deranged. He's sick yet normal on the outside. He wears a clever calm/normal face that's his hunting face. (Apparently he smiles a lot. *Shivers*) The world around him is like a big game. He plays smaller ones and make up new games. Creeper. 

Told from Jazz, creep serial killers (including dear old Dad), and girlfriend Connie, Game is one crazy ride. Make sure you buckle up.

Characters:

Jazz, oh Jazz. I feel so sorry for that kid. He had a messed up history and the ending made his story seem even more terrible. Connie once said in Game that Jazz appeals to her because of his tortured bad boy look. I hate how Jazz sometimes gets sidetrack by the things going on around him. One of his last thoughts in Game is "At least Connie will be safe." (Or something like that. The quote isn't always perfect.) Oh Jazz, how much you don't know. 

Billy Dent is the fictional man who ever lived. I think there are a few exceptions, but he is on the list. Definitely on the list. 

Rating: Five out of five

Variant by Robison Wells Review

"Benson Fisher thought that a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life.

He was wrong.

Now he’s trapped in a school that’s surrounded by a razor-wire fence. A school where video cameras monitor his every move. Where there are no adults. Where the kids have split into groups in order to survive.

Where breaking the rules equals death.

But when Benson stumbles upon the school’s real secret, he realizes that playing by the rules could spell a fate worse than death, and that escape—his only real hope for survival—may be impossible."

Variant is a good novel with crazy Lord of the Flies conflict. Remember Gone by Michael Grant? Or that horrible/dreadful book called Lord of the Flies you had to read and analyze back in high school? Yeah, Variant is similar to Lord of the Flies, but with a better plot, better characters, and modern day language. Yay! Still better than reading Lord of the Flies. (Although Lord of the Flies is just plain insane, which makes the synopsis, summaries, and plot appealing. The concepts, places, and themes of Variant and Lord of the Flies are much different.) 

With a humorous tone, Variant is guarantee to never bored you. Unless you're that type of reader that just can't seem to settle down with a good book. (I am obviously not that type of reader. I would not be writing this today if I was.) Variant is kind of a futuristic/robotic kind of book. I don't know when Variant is set, but I can tell it is somewhere in the future because there are some...oh, wait. I'm getting ahead of myself.

The plot is so exciting. Benson's journey navigating Maxfield's creepy and possibility evil terrain has been above my expectations. The beginning is quite shocking and odd, yet also somewhat predictable and foreshadowed. If you read the synopsis before reading the book, the beginning is full of "Don't do it, Benson. Don't do it. Don't be an idiot and fall for that trap" chants. 

The ending, the ending, the ending. (I do know many of my reviews have similar formats and beginnings. I'll try my best to not adopt it for my next review.) Whoa! That is a killer twist at the end. Spoiler Alert because I have to do this. Wow! Jane is still alive, after all this time. I wonder if she's an android or not. Hmm... This will be an interesting question for the sequel of the Variant. So basically, anyone who is dead or named dead in Maxfield Academy is actually alive and well? What the... That's so strange. It's safe to read now because it's the End of the Spoiler. 

Characters:

Benson is unpredictable. Due to his "knowledge of tv", Benson is proven to be tougher and stronger than most of his peers. I don't like him very much, because I think he's too reckless and has no sense of self-preservation. For a guy who isn't interested in girls, he is suddenly interested in the wrong time and setting? That's a little odd step outside of his character because, if I recall correctly, he swears off girls.

Jane is sort of a mystery of intrigue. There's something off about her from the very beginning and she hides it quite well. I wonder if Jane will become a great love interest and join Becky in the fight for Benson's love.

Rating: Four out of Five.

What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang Review

"I should not exist. But I do.

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t . . .

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable-hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet . . . for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything."

Wow! I love What's Left of Me. Reminding us about wants, needs, and hope, What's Left of Me is a beautifully written book. What's Left of Me is recommended to twelve and up because there isn't any inappropriate scenes although it may change in the second book. (It's possible, but I'm not sure if it is going to happen. There's definitely chemistry between some characters, but it doesn't guarantee any kissing or make out sessions.)   

The plot, the plot, the plot. Oooo! I love it! There's so many memorable scenes from the deep eye moments with our favorite boy, Ryan, to the dark persuasive conversation with Doctor something. Kat Zhang's writing is amazing and addicting. What's Left of Me is a great book to read if you are waiting for another book to come out.

The ending of What's Left of Me makes me want more, more, more of Kat Zhang's new twisty series. I hate how the ending ends, but for me to like What's Left of Me, there has to be a good cliffhanger. Thankfully there is a cliffhanger, no matter how many times I stick my tongue at the cover of the book. 

Told from Eva's POV, What's Left of Me is a curious story of a girl who is almost as if she's stuck in a coma or in a dream where she can't move anything. What's Left of Me is a great book to read. Buckle up.

Characters: 

Eva, of course. She's the one stuck in a "coma." Well, not exactly, but she's on one side of a one-way glass. She can see everyone, but they can't see her. All they see is Addie, until Eva/Addie's hybrid status is discovered. I like how Eva narrates What's Left of Me. She hides away her secrets until she really has to reveal them, giving What's Left of Me a good amount of mystery and intrigue. 

Addie is more of a rich girl/spoiled kid type. I don't really like her, but she's more of a lonely bratty girl who is like a little lost sheep, but no one really wants to hang out with her. 

Rating: Four out of Five

Escape Theory by Margaux Froley Review

"Sixteen-year-old Devon Mackintosh has always felt like an outsider at Keaton, the prestigious California boarding school perched above the Pacific. As long as she’s not fitting in, Devon figures she might as well pad her application to Stanford’s psych program. So junior year, she decides to become a peer counselor, a de facto therapist for students in crisis. At first, it seems like it will be an easy fly-on-the-wall gig, but her expectations are turned upside down when Jason Hutchins (a.k.a. “Hutch”), one of the Keaton’s most popular students, commits suicide. 

Devon dives into her new role providing support for Hutch’s friends, but she’s haunted by her own attachment to him. The two shared an extraordinary night during their first week freshman year; it was the only time at Keaton when she felt like someone else really understood her.  As the secrets and confessions pile up in her sessions, Devon comes to a startling conclusion: Hutch couldn't have taken his own life. Bound by her oath of confidentiality—and tortured by her unrequited love—Devon embarks on a solitary mission to get to the bottom of Hutch's death, and the stakes are higher than she ever could have imagined."

Remember Thirteen Reasons Why (Jay Asher)? If you love that book, you'll probably love this one too. They have the same type of character. They have the same type of unrequited love. They have the same kind of inner torture of the main character, in this case, Devon Machintosh. But, of course, there is some differences. For example, the guy in Thirteen Reasons Why has some voice recording of why the girl would commit suicide, but Devon has nothing. No explanation. No goodbye note. Only memories of him and her in the kitchen, making pancake and talking about life, school, and some other important subjects. 

Enough comparing these two books. They are very different than most people would think. 

Told from Devon's POV, Escape Theory is full of mystery and hidden secrets, scary dark sides and shady deals. Escape Theory is recommended to people ages fourteen and up. They better be mature too, because there is a lot of the wrong/inappropriate content. Immature boys would laugh, laugh, laugh, and giggle in all the wrong parts. 

Escape Theory is amazing. The plot get thicker and thicker with every dirty secret Devon uncovers in her shrink sessions. Escape Theory oozes mystery and intrigue. I can't help but keep reading. The author's writing is amazing. Devon feels real and alive, in my eyes. She is like, right next to me, reading over my shoulder and wondering what the heck am I saying. (What the heck am I saying?) 

The ending. The ending. Ahhh! It feels great to have closure. Escape Theory delivered the awesome ending. I hate the fact that Hutch is dead. 

Characters: (Naw, just Devon.)

Devon, the star of Escape Theory, is struggling with her feelings. As her memories resurface from the past and hidden, she wonders if it is possible that Hutch didn't kill himself. Instead, she wonders if he was murdered. With her obsession with Hutch's death and suspicious thoughts, she digs through the dirty secrets of the school and the Hutchins family. 

Rating: Four out of Five

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein Review

"Oct. 11th, 1943-A British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France. Its pilot and passenger are best friends. One of the girls has a chance at survival. The other has lost the game before it's barely begun.

When "Verity" is arrested by the Gestapo, she's sure she doesn't stand a chance. As a secret agent captured in enemy territory, she's living a spy's worst nightmare. Her Nazi interrogators give her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution.

As she intricately weaves her confession, Verity uncovers her past, how she became friends with the pilot Maddie, and why she left Maddie in the wrecked fuselage of their plane. On each new scrap of paper, Verity battles for her life, confronting her views on courage, failure and her desperate hope to make it home. But will trading her secrets be enough to save her from the enemy?"

Code Name Verity. Now the only reason I read this type of book is because of the book, United We Spy. I just can't wait for that book to come out. So soon, so soon. I must have read the previous books many times over. Eeee!

Okay, fangirl moment over.

Code Name Verity is an amazing, addicting, and stunning book, set in the WWII time. Or so my friends say. Obviously, I beg to differ. I don't get it. What is so appealing about Code Name Verity? Or at least in the beginning. What I feel in the beginning is boredom. Just boredom. I practically rolled my eyes in boredom and tiredness.

The plot is good. I love how exciting the middle and end part of the book. All the events and storytelling directly from the characters make Code Name Verity more exciting and awesome. The writing of the author is simply beautiful and bittersweet. Something horrible is going to happen, but you don't want to what exactly is going to happen. Someone is going to die, but you don't want to know who. Someone is going to live, and you want to know who. Code Name Verity is very compelling and heartbreaking, or at least towards the end of the book.

In the middle of the book, towards to the start of Maddie's POV, Code Name Verity gets more interesting. Remember the quote:

"One of the girls has a chance at survival. The other has lost the game before it's barely begun."

Guess who is who. At first it appears as if Verity is the girl who has a chance at survival, because we think Maddie is dead. Well, it turns out Verity is the one who lost the game before it's barely begun. That's some trickery on the author's part.

The ending, like the book, is bittersweet. I love how heartbreaking the ending is, because one dies while the other lives. Verity, or Julia, isn't a traitor after all. She's a hero, who asked her best friend to do the most inevitable thing possible. I like how everything becomes better and more beautiful. The beauty of Code Name Verity stands out the most in the end.

Characters:

Verity, or Lady Julia, is a tough gal who never is afraid of staring down the enemy. She lies easily and is ingenious. Verity, if she lives in modern day, could have been the best actress in Hollywood. Her little attitudes, like her hatred of people calling her "British" (she prefers being called "Scottish"), is humorous and brings Code Name Verity some life into it.

Maddie, or some name that starts with a K, is a female pilot in the army. While a little less humorous than Verity, Maddie is a serious women who takes every job seriously, while Verity has a little fun doing her spying.

Rating: Three out of Five.

Embers & Echoes by Karsten Knight Review

"Fan the flames: A teen goddess fires up her search for love and family in this sequel to Wildefire.

Ashline Wilde may have needed school to learn that she is actually a reincarnated goddess, but she’s ready to move beyond books. She leaves her California boarding school behind and makes for Miami, where she meets a new group of deities and desperately seeks her sister Rose, the goddess of war. But she’s also looking for love—because even though her romance with Cole had to be snuffed, Ash is a volcano goddess—and she doesn’t get burned."

I'm surprise to find myself supporting Team Cole after all he has done to everyone including Wes, Ashline, Eve, and well, everyone. I totally hate the fact that I still like Cole after all those things he'd done. Grrr... Why do I like him so much? On second thought, I don't want to know why. Cole creeps me out; no matter how dashing or irresistible he is.

Told from Ashline's POV, Embers & Echoes is the warmup act of the entire series. I'm not even kidding; the author is acting as if this is only the beginning, not the worse. I thought Wildefire is the warmup up act, but no! Compared to Embers & Echoes, Wildefire is like a little book walking baby steps while using training wheels or a training cane. Whatever. I think you get my point. The battle hasn't even begun and there's already people or goddesses or gods dying. (I think at least seven people died in this book. Roughly that number. It's a little more than Wildefire, but these people are like closer to home. Home meaning Ashline.)

The plot of this book is just...Wow! I really enjoyed everything Embers & Echoes has to offer. Characters die. Characters go cry like a wailing baby. Characters disappear. With this type of conflict, the plot is guarantee to always keep moving and never stop until the final battle is here. (Final battle may happen in the next book. Hopefully, but not likely.) The writing of Embers & Echoes is entertaining and addicting; I can't help and hold on tight to the covers of the book as I read through the words.

The ending, the ending, the ending... The ending is amazing; I love how desperate and hopeless the ending seems to be. It makes an interesting beginning for the next book.

Characters:

Ashline is a little slow in this book. I thought there will be more of kicking butts rather than waiting and flirting with some guy. (Yeah, I'm still loyal to Cole. Damn it!) Ashline has gotten over of killing people until like later in the book. I'm surprise that Ashline is over with Cole in a heartbeat; I thought it will be a tiny bit longer because...well, I thought Cole means a lot to Ashline. Apparently not.

Cole...Damn You! I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, Cole. Why? Why? Why? I really hate how blind you are sometimes, Cole. Well, Cole is the ultimate bad boy in this series.

Rating: Four out of Five

Crazy Rich: Power, Scandal, and Tragedy Inside the Johnson & Johnson Dynasty by Jerry Oppenheimer Review

I won a copy from Goodreads First Reads.

"From the founders of the international health-care behemoth Johnson & Johnson in the late 1800s to the contemporary Johnsons of today, such as billionaire New York Jets owner Robert Wood "Woody" Johnson IV, all is revealed in this scrupulously researched, unauthorized biography by New York Times bestselling author Jerry Oppenheimer. Often compared to the Kennedy clan because of the tragedies and scandals that had befallen both wealthy and powerful families, Crazy Rich, based on scores of exclusive, candid, on-the-record interviews, reveals how the  dynasty's vast fortune was both intoxicating and toxic through the generations of a family that gave the world Band-Aids and Baby Oil. At the same time, they've been termed perhaps the most dysfunctional family in the fortune 500. Oppenheimer is the author of biographies of the Kennedys, the Clintons, the Hiltons and Martha Stewart, among other American icons."

Okay. The Johnson & Johnson family is crazy! Remember the advertisements that always says, "Johnson & Johnson: A family company."  Yeah, I don't think so. (Then again, they may be referring to the family of companies owned by the Johnson & Johnson Company, not the Johnson family.) This book, Crazy Rich: Some long subname, depicts the Johnson & Johnson family as a typical rich family lusting after women, men, and cold, hard cash. (Basically like the disrespectful, scornful, and lazy family that stars in The Ultimate Gift, excluding the grandfather. The grandfather is a good man that converts his grandson to the good morals of life.) 

To be truthful, I don't really care about the Johnson family. Or the Kennedy. Or the Hiltons. Whatever. I find this book interesting, for about the first quarter or third of Crazy Rich. Then it gets really nasty and boring. Divorce, divorce, divorce, divorce, divorce. That's what happen within the first ten or so chapters. And what happened throughout the entire book, with many more divorces. I can't help but roll my eyes out with every divorce this book mentions. Really? Oh, look someone got divorce again. For the freaking third time. I'm getting sick of this, there's like a divorce happening on every page. Okay, I might be exaggerating, but I know there's a divorce or marriage mentioned with every chapter. 

If this author ever rewrites this book, he should not just add a family tree, but also a huge list of the Johnsons and who they married. I can't keep track of them without the classic pen and paper. There's too many divorces and deaths and marriages and scandals and even more divorces. 

With every page, Crazy Rich tells the mysterious ways, strange scandals, and terrible tragedy that happened to the Johnson family. The voice that narrates Crazy Rich always keeps the same biographic tone. 

The synopsis, I have to say this, is so...Okay, I'll just get to the point. "Dysfunctional Family"? Yeah, I think that's a huge understatement. I don't think the Kennedys are this crazy. Are they? Who knows if they have a closet of skeletons bigger than the Johnsons.? 

Rating: Three out of Five

Wildefire by Karsten Knight Review

"Every flame begins with a spark.

Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her.

But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school—being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger—Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood…and she’s one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own.

With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time…

And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm."

Wildefire is a fascinating spark for the beginning of, what looks to be, a great series. Wildefire is a book of a war between gods and goddess, and the "Cloak" and the gods. 

Wildefire's plot goes up and down, exciting yet also amazing. I was so into this book, because of the synopsis and the kicking-the-cheater's-butt beginning. (Yeah, Ashline's boyfriend cheated on her with another girl. Ashline and her sister beat them up pretty well.) Knight's writing is addicting yet also serious and crazy. The entire book scream "Warning! Warning! Warning! There's a lunatic in this book so watch out! People are out of their minds!" and etcetera, etecera, etecera. 

The ending is so "...and then the plot thickens." My eyes just went wide; my mind blank. I was so surprise by the shocking twist. That is the epic twist of the entire book. It makes me realize that this book, this series is just warming up for the battle. 

Told from Ashline's POV, Wildefire is guarantee to burn some of our characters. It doesn't mean Ashline will be doing the burning, though. 

Characters:

Ashline is a fairly normal girl, if you don't include the part that she is a volcano goddess. Ashline is unpredictable and a little stormy. 

Colt, Colt, Colt, Colt is the star of the story. It's mainly because he's the big twist at the end which makes him the big guy/big character in the book. Every person who died, every person who lost someone in Wildefire can thank Colt for doing that. Is it crazy to be cheering for him despite what he's done?

Rating: Four out of Five

Hillari's Head by Tim Stutler Review

I won a copy from Goodreads First Reads.

"Paralegal Kristina Orris has moved to San Diego seeking a new life – a  normal life. She is burdened by the memory of Hillari, a sister with an oversized head and disfigured face. Home-schooled by a protective single father, Kristina herself had a vexing speech impediment and rarely left the house while growing up. But after her dad died, she knew she couldn’t stay. Kristina dreamed of being a lawyer. Pursuing such a goal might prove painful for any cloistered, mumbling orphan; but it would be impossible yoked to Hillari. At 18, Kristina abandoned her home, her past – and Hillari.

Now, eight years later, Kristina meets attorney Gideon “Duck” Ducker, “the single homeliest man she had ever laid eyes on.” But she instantly bonds with the warm, self-effacing lawyer. Kristina takes a paralegal job at Duck’s law firm, where the two are thrown into the most tumultuous and fascinating case of their lives. Everything is coming together nicely for Kristina. Only one thing prevents her from becoming the confident, fulfilled woman she longs to be: the swelling burden of guilt and shame over her past. But is it too late to redeem herself?"

This review will be short.

Hillari's Head is an entertaining book. I know it probably isn't very appealing to many readers, but it is pretty appealing to me. Probably because my brother is similar to Hillari (he has autism), but mostly because I relate to Kristina, or at least at first. Hillari's Head is great and inspiring, especially to those people or siblings of children with disabilities or unique features of physical form. It is easy for me to connect with Kristina and understand how she feels.

The beginning of Hillari's Head is amazing. I got suck right into the story and didn't stop until halfway through the book when I had to eat lunch. (Hey, reviewers have to eat too.) The plot of Hillari's Head goes up and down. Just when I think everything will be okay, it's a huge no-no and bad-bad-bad. I love how close (personal) and crazy the plot gets. The author's writing is okay. I mainly got sucked into the story by the synopsis and Kristina's blog snippets.

The ending of Hillari's Head is so sad. I almost cried, but no. I think I much stronger and resistant than I used to be, so I don't cry that often as before.

Told from Kristina's POV, Hillari's Head is an fascinating book with crazy gunman and hilarious dead lawyers.

Rating: Four out of Five

The Year of Shadows by Claire Legrand Review

I won a copy from Goodreads First Reads.

"Olivia Stellatella is having a rough year.

Her mother left, her neglectful father -- the maestro of a failing orchestra -- has moved her and her grandmother into his dark, broken-down concert hall to save money, and her only friend is Igor, an ornery stray cat.

Just when she thinks life couldn’t get any weirder, she meets four ghosts who haunt the hall. They need Olivia’s help -- if the hall is torn down, they’ll be stuck as ghosts forever, never able to move on.

Olivia has to do the impossible for her shadowy new friends: Save the concert hall. But helping the dead has powerful consequences for the living . . . and soon it’s not just the concert hall that needs saving."

The Year of Shadows is an interesting title for a ghostly, paranormal, supernatural, and middle grade/young adult book. But it is somehow fitting, for a book of shadows and darkness, ghost and shades. (The synopsis is accurate.) Overall, I think the Year of the Shadows is great! It's a good book for children around the age of eleven and up. (I read books like these when I was in third grade, so don't worry, parents.) The cover looks great, doesn't it? (For those of you wondering what's up with the cat, I can't tell, but the cat's name is Igor and plays an important role in Year of the Shadows.)

The Year of the Shadows starts off on a good foot. We meet Olivia who hates her father, her mother, and almost everyone (and everything) except her nana. With Olivia narrating, Year of the Shadows is exciting, bearable, and ghostly (and a tad shady) entertaining. Olivia just move into the concert hall, because of "The Economy." From just this, it is obvious that Olivia lives around the time of the 80s or even the early 90s or the time involving a economy recession. 

The plot is totally surprising! I'm shocked by the twist close to the end of the book. I'm not going to tell you because that will just ruin the surprise. (And how I love spoiling surprises!) The author's writing style is addicting, and interesting. I never had the thought of abandoning this book, like many books I've read before. (Example: Legacy, The Death Cure) 

The ending. The ending. Beautiful. That's a good word for it, to sum it up. It is a...oh wait, that's spoiling the book. I shouldn't do that. Oh well, there's only one word for it, for now: Beautiful.

Characters:

Olivia, at first, looks like a lunatic from what I'm reading. She talks to cats (Igor) and...Wait, I'm getting ahead of myself. Olivia is a lonely girl, who isn't afraid of doing anything that is outrageous and mad. She's friendless, in the beginning, and pushes everyone away to protect her heart from being broken, ever again. Her mother left before the book started, and her father's in a deep amount of debt and in his deep pile of feelings. Olivia pretends to only care about her nana, but it's just a mask, an act.

The boy in Year of Shadows is sweet and adorable. He's frequently pushed by Olivia, figuratively. 

Rating: Four out of Five

Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury Review

"Agnes Wilkins is standing in front of an Egyptian mummy, about to make the first cut into the wrappings, about to unlock ancient (and not-so-ancient) history. Maybe you think this girl is wearing a pith helmet with antique dust swirling around her.

Maybe you think she is a young Egyptologist who has arrived in Cairo on camelback.

Maybe she would like to think that too. Agnes Wilkins dreams of adventures that reach beyond the garden walls, but reality for a seventeen-year-old debutante in 1815 London does not allow for camels—or dust, even. No, Agnes can only see a mummy when she is wearing a new silk gown and standing on the verdant lawns of Lord Showalter’s estate, with chaperones fussing about and strolling sitar players straining to create an exotic “atmosphere” for the first party of the season. An unwrapping.

This is the start of it all, Agnes’s debut season, the pretty girl parade that offers only ever-shrinking options: home, husband, and high society. It’s also the start of something else, because the mummy Agnes unwraps isn’t just a mummy. It’s a host for a secret that could unravel a new destiny—unleashing mystery, an international intrigue, and possibly a curse in the bargain.

Get wrapped up in the adventure . . . but keep your wits about you, dear Agnes."

I don't understand. Why do people hate Wrapped so much? (Yeah, I was checking up on reviews of this book before I even thought of these words.) I liked it because of the nice touch of Egyptian, Napoleon, espionage, and British. I know the cover is a little weird; I've been putting the book off for two years before deciding it is worth a try. Good for me, I put it off because the second book in this series is going to be release next year. (How lucky! I don't have to be torture as long.)

The beginning of Wrapped is amazing. It starts off almost right away with Agnes about to cut into a wrapped Egyptian mummy. The analogy between Agnes and the mummy is used cleverly by the author. We see a tiny peep of the works and mind of Agnes Wilkins. The plot of Wrapped is very exciting and amazing. Although, I'm not sure whether the Greek or French words are correct or not, but I wish the author put translations in, instead of letting me guessing the words. I can read some Latin words, but I don't know Greek.

The plot is amazing. I love it. Even though there are some deaths, all the events and unexplainable events make Wrapped more and more intriguing. I can't put the book down. After reading Etiquette & Espionage, I have to admit, Wrapped is the winner. Wrapped may be shorter (I think it is shorter) than Etiquette & Espionage, but the writing is more compelling and interesting. Even though there are some annoying Jane Austen or "A Lady" references, Wrapped is still a good book.

Wow! The ending is totally the final showdown. I'm in love with the ending. I'm so stuck in my feelings. The ending is perfect. Not cry-worthy, but perfect. It is a true Happily Ever After. But in a world of espionage, there's no Happy Endings, only a time of breaks and happy periods. The book Wrapped may be over, but there is another book coming soon. (In 2014! Plug your ears! I'm going to squeal! *SQUEAL*) There is a tiny cliffhanger and some loose strings, but it is a perfect candidate for a sequel that will come out next year. Yay!

OMG! Caedmon's POV. What do you think?

Characters:

Agnes is somewhat adventuress and free spirited. She is different than those shallow girls who love nothing more than good old gossip. She is obsessed with Jane Austen, but not too obsessed like it has to mentioned in every page. She likes boys who look like her dream Mr. Darcy. (Ugh! Another girl who likes Mr. Darcy's looks) On the plus side, Agnes is excellent with languages and people (usually).

Caedmon is good, but there's not really much chemistry between Agnes and him. I hope the author makes an improvement in the second book.

Rating: Four out of Five

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo Review

"The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfill her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance."

Shadow and Bone is amazing. I regret ever putting off this book. I waited like a week before deciding to actually read this book. (A week, that is a pretty short time.) Shadow and Bone stars the Grisha, who are feared, lonely, and powerful, in their magical abilities. Don't you dare to put off this book.

The beginning of the Shadow and Bone starts off with Alina and Mal being analyze for a Grisha ability. I don't usually really care about beginnings, but Shadow and Bone really made a good first impression, in my eyes. The plot of Shadow and Bone is really jagged, but has a positive slope until the end. (Great, I'm going mathish again.) The twist that ended all twists made my jaw dropped. To the ground. I need to start washing it again; there's dust from the floor, figuratively, of course.

The writing of Shadow and Bone is pretty. I'm afraid if I tear my gaze away from it; it will be shattered and ugly like a wine bottle that has fallen to pieces on the ground. The writing, to put it in simple words, is fun and irresistible. It's addicting; I can't help but read this book.

The ending, the ending. Wow, I love how the author puts the beginning and ending in third person. She makes me feel as if I'm zooming into these lives, in the beginning, and zooming out, in the end, using a great big telescope or binocular. Anyway, the ending is really touching (not crying material), and really sweet. I'm going to go nuts for the second book.

Told from Alina's POV, Shadow and Bone makes a hilarious and epic adventure to be read and experienced.

Characters:

Alina is an orphan who serves as an assistant to a cartographer (map maker). She's often lonely and sad because of the fact that she's a orphan. Her only company is her best friend and big crush Mal. She would sacrifice everything just for Mal, like suppressing her Grisha powers to be with her crush. Alina is young and naive. She doesn't really expect deception and evil from the very people who stink of it.

Mal...Mal...Mal. He's a jerk sometimes. I don't know what Alina sees in him.

The Darkling is a complicated character. Well, I hope so, because, if not, then I will be sorely disappointed if the Darkling has the mentality and personality as Lord Voldemort.

Rating: Four out of Five

Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger Review

"It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to Finishing School.

Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is a great trial to her poor mother. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper manners—and the family can only hope that company never sees her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. So she enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.

But Sophronia soon realizes the school is not quite what her mother might have hoped. At Mademoiselle Geraldine's, young ladies learn to finish...everything. Certainly, they learn the fine arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but they also learn to deal out death, diversion, and espionage—in the politest possible ways, of course. Sophronia and her friends are in for a rousing first year's education.

Set in the same world as the Parasol Protectorate, this YA series debut is filled with all the saucy adventure and droll humor Gail Carriger's legions of fans have come to adore."

OMG! I love reading this book as I wait for Ally Carter's United We Spy's release date. (So, so soon. It will be September 17 soon.) Etiquette & Espionage is a spy book, obviously. (Anyone know any other good spy books? There's a lot of time for me to kill. I'm a fast reader and I need a book a day. I can't wait for United We Spy. Did you read the first chapter? It was awesome!) 

Etiquette & Espionage is an exciting debut from the ever awesome author Gail Carriger. It is an amazing to read this book! I'm so lost in the pages and words. I love this book that I was practically begging for it to be a little longer. (It's about three hundred pages, so...I know, I'm crazy for wanting a book to be longer than a whopping three hundred pages.)

Etiquette & Espionage's plot is a twisted game of lies and deception. Ha! In the beginning I was so lost like a little sheep among the wolves. Sophronia (what a strange and beautiful name) is on her newfound adventure. She is trying to uncover lies from truth. I don't know how she does it, but she does it. Gail Carriger's writing is addicting! I swear I can't stop reading Etiquette & Espionage from the very beginning, because of how intriguing and surprising the book is. I love the characters, no matter how evil or odd or gross or dirty they are whenever they are finishing a job. 

Whaa! What a good ending! I'm left wondering if this is the end or not. (I checked Goodreads. They say it isn't, so readers who haven't read Etiquette & Espionage should wait.) The ending is the most humorous and delight ending ever craft by a debut author.

Characters:

There's Sophronia with no love interest. (Come on, she's fourteen.) She is clever, ingenious, witty, and outrageously hilarious. She's adventuress and always looking for something in her life. She is not interested in being 'normal.' She doesn't want to go to the ball, unless a dangerous weapon may appear again at the ball. She doesn't want to go to parties, unless she has to stalk someone dangerous. She doesn't want to do normal activities, unless she has to spy on someone. 

The girls at the Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality are quite mischievous  not in the bad way. Some of them are bored and simply shallow. Others are skilled in the arts of deception. 

Rating: Four out of Five

The Summer Prince by Alaya Dawn Johnson Review

"A heart-stopping story of love, death, technology, and art set amid the tropics of a futuristic Brazil.

The lush city of Palmares Três shimmers with tech and tradition, with screaming gossip casters and practiced politicians. In the midst of this vibrant metropolis, June Costa creates art that’s sure to make her legendary. But her dreams of fame become something more when she meets Enki, the bold new Summer King. The whole city falls in love with him (including June’s best friend, Gil). But June sees more to Enki than amber eyes and a lethal samba. She sees a fellow artist.

Together, June and Enki will stage explosive, dramatic projects that Palmares Três will never forget. They will add fuel to a growing rebellion against the government’s strict limits on new tech. And June will fall deeply, unfortunately in love with Enki. Because like all Summer Kings before him, Enki is destined to die."

The Summer Prince is not what I expected. To be truthful, I expected fairies or some odd witches who can control the seasons. Maybe it's a hopeful thought inspired by The Iron Fey (written by Julie Kagawa). The Summer Prince should be named The Summer King instead because there isn't a Summer Prince in the book. (Another random thought of mine).

The Summer Prince is narrated by June Costa. Remember the term "starving artist?" Well, that's what June Costa seems to be. Underrated. Underappreciated. Invisible. Silent. Hidden. Worthless until dead. The Summer Prince tells of June's adventure and times through Palmare Tres. The Summer Prince is an Young Adult, Dystopian, and Futuristic book. The Summer Prince is amazing, and stunning. Every moment is surprising yet also random, or at least in the beginning.

The Summer Prince's plot is entertaining. Every moment is a moment I don't want to miss. The Summer Prince isn't crying material, but it is close, like many good books. As I think about this book over and over again, The Summer Prince gets better and better. The writing is somewhat confusing and the author didn't do a really good job of explaining the futuristic words (dialects). I had to guess the meanings because the words are so odd, and replaces nouns. 

WOW! What a beautiful ending! I never dream the ending was going to be like that. (MINOR SPOILER ALERT) I thought that Enki was going to defy his destiny and live with June forever or at least until death. But no. He isn't going to. (END MINOR SPOILER) I almost, almost cried at the end. 

Characters: 

June is unafraid of being on the wrong side of law. She sees things in a whole different perspective than normal people. We see a king, but she sees an artist. A possible friend and maybe even more than that. (Or at least she likes to think so). June struggles with her identity and roles in her life. She doesn't know what to do and is going in circles until she met Enki. All because of a boy, like always.

Enki is trapped within a pretty and rich cage. He's fearless, scandalous, and unafraid to do something totally outrageous, like upsetting the Queen and even boldly daring the Aunties. (I have no idea who are the Aunties, but they seem to be advisers to the Queen and hold some power). I can see why June is so smitten with Enki. 

Rating: Four out of Five

Far Far Away by Tom McNeal Review

I received an ARC copy of Far Far Away from Random Buzzers.

"It says quite a lot about Jeremy Johnson Johnson that the strangest thing about him isn't even the fact his mother and father both had the same last name. Jeremy once admitted he's able to hear voices, and the townspeople of Never Better have treated him like an outsider since. 

After his mother left, his father became a recluse, and it's been up to Jeremy to support the family. But it hasn't been up to Jeremy alone. The truth is, Jeremy can hear voices. Or, specifically, one voice: the voice of the ghost of Jacob Grimm, one half of the infamous writing duo, The Brothers Grimm. 

Jacob watches over Jeremy, protecting him from an unknown dark evil whispered about in the space between this world and the next. But when the provocative local girl Ginger Boultinghouse takes an interest in Jeremy (and his unique abilities), a grim chain of events is put into motion.

And as anyone familiar with the Grimm Brothers know, not all fairy tales have happy endings..."

I always have a passionate love for the Grimm Brothers, especially their collection of stories. From the tragic story of Cinderella (the stepsister married the prince) to crazy stories with bloody endings (like Snow White because her stepmother was forced to wear hot [like a fire hot] shoes till she drops dead at Snow White's wedding dance). Disney movies always screw stories up, don't they? Anyway, Far Far Away isn't an exact fairy tale retelling. It has similarities to Bluebeard, but instead of a wife, we have children told to never, ever, ever visit a room in the baker's basement.

Far Far Away, overall, is an awesome book, full of ghost, Grimm, and romance. I don't know how Tom McNeal did it, but he put some little childish emotion into his writing. Everything in Far Far Away is gorgeous and beautiful. I love how the author adds the fairy tale tone and the normalness to the book, despite the ghost, the tv game show, and the child who can hear ghosts.

Far Far Away's plot is amazing. I can never bear to put the book down, not even for a moment to eat or read another book that may be better than Far Far Away. The plot entertains readers for every second, never letting the attention of the readers to be distracted elsewhere. The author's writing style is unique; I don't know why, but it's different. Maybe because it has a lot errors and is unlike other books I've read. (The book I'm reading is an ARC.)

The ending is b-e-a-utiful! (Jim Carrey style) I never expected the ending to be like this. I knew the ending will be a 'Happily Ever After,' but I never dreamed the 'how' of the question "how it (the ending) became a 'Happily Ever After.'"

Told from the deceased Jacob Grimm, Far Far Away is similar to The Book Thief because they are both told by narrators who are invisible to the people they pay close attention to. (Although, Jeremy can hear Jacob Grimm, but not see.)

Characters:

Jeremy Johnson Johnson is a young boy who has an incredible ability to hear ghost. His mother abandoned his father and him, at a young age. She died while trying to find her 'Happily Ever After.' Jeremy Johnson Johnson is insecure about many things, yet plays an innocent boy who is curious about the possible world of the opposite gender. Jeremy, in the end, manages to grow a bit and develop his own armor and skin to protect himself from enemies and bad insults. His father (and dead mother) is a bit of a sore subject for Jeremey. 

Jacob Grimm narrates Far Far Away. His problems aren't as obvious as Jeremy's problems, but they are there. One obvious problem is moving on. "Forgive but never forget" that sort of thing. (Moving on means moving off the earth and into the mysterious light.) His ending is b-e-a-utiful! 

Ginger is the one and only love interest for Jeremy Johnson Johnson in Far Far Away. She's an adventuress and a sporty, athletic girl. Ginger plays a major part in Far Far Away.

Rating: Five out of Five

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood Review

"Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.

Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word... especially after she finds her mother’s diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family’s destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.

If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other." 

Born Wicked is a story of three sisters, troubled by a prophecy and hiding from the Brotherhood. Set in a (most likely it is) Puritan community, Born Wicked delights fans of witches and the Salem Trials in Massachusetts. The Cahill sisters are advanced for girls at that time. They are prettier, more educated, more knowledgeable, more attentive, and excellent actresses (for Cate, but not the others). The Cahill sisters are also naive, silly (two of them), and fearless.  

Born Wicked isn't the type of book that really sticks to reader's head. There is no powerful emotion/event overwhelming the reader. It is fun to read, and readers will absorb it for a short term. But in the long run, they will forget it, eventually. 

Born Wicked's plot is entertaining, but not really a rollercoaster like Superman from Six Flags. It is more of a Ferris Wheel, than a rollercoaster. There is some parallel events that kind of suggest a Ferris Wheel, but the end is where riders get off. Born Wicked needs more dialects. Seriously, I don't have that 16th century dialects vibe. No really special/funny use of wording, no odd words. Little dialects, yes, but much is needed. 

The writing of Born Wicked is okay. All the sentences fit together, paragraphs make chapters, and chapters create a story. The descriptions about witches are somewhat confusing.  

Characters: 

Cate Cahill is the "weak witch" of the trio. Yeah, right. Your sister may be able to change an entire garden without saying a word, but what about your other sister? Anyway, Cate sometimes is annoyingly irritating in the book. I hate how she listens to other people and, for many times, let them control/manipulate her. I hate girls like that.

Finn is interesting. He is a boy, who may be poor, but is very scholar-ish. I want to find out what is his story, especially his thoughts in the closet scene. 

Rating: Three out of Five

The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa Review

"Don’t look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.

That is Ethan Chase’s unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he’d dare to fall for.

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister’s world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myth and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten."

Yay! It's The Lost Prince. Remember The Iron Knight? (If you haven't heard of it, read the first book, The Iron King.) Thought that is the last book? Yeah, it isn't, but thank the skies that it isn't. With a new series, the Iron Fey is back ready to kick butts. I never realize how much I missed the Iron Fey until I spied this book in the Richmond Library in Canada. (Yeah, this is another book from my short summer vacation.) Okay! Somewhat give me a fan, I need one! This is hot, hot, hot! I love the Iron Fey and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this! This above every book in the library. Seriously, it was like as if there was a halo around the cover.

I love the plot! In the beginning, Ethan Chase is pretending to be someone he is not. He wants to be normal, be a regular human begin. He resents the Faery world and hated our beloved prince, Ash of Unseelie Court. Well, now of the Iron Realm. I always like Julie Kagawa's writing. She makes everything, every emotion, every word, every moment, every cat real and beautiful. Kagawa is skilled in switching between POVs, from Meghan's wondrous view of the Fey to Puck's mischievous and humorous look of the world to Ash's mysterious, cold, and serious mind to Ethan's deep hatred and loathing to the Fey.

I never realize how much I love Grimalkin until he utter "Your family does have a knack for getting into trouble." It is such a shame that Ash, Puck, and Meghan never appeared together in The Lost Prince. Puck is there, but never with the rest of the gang. Meghan and Ash (Meghan is the one who is mostly speaking among those lovebirds) appear only in the throne room. Glitch and some rats decides to show his face. And finally, the anticipated child of Ash and Meghan makes his debut.

The ending is leaving me in a disoriented state. All these flutter questions are flying in and out of my vision. What happen to Ethan? What will happen to the fey? What's up with the Forgotten Queen? Why is Ethan called The Lost Prince? Oh wait, this is a cliffhanger. Damn it!

(Well, I can't wait for The Iron Traitor. It's the second book.) 

Characters:

Ethan is awesome. He is certainly not Meghan's innocent, little, baby brother anymore. Bah! This kid, or man, kicks butts. Ethan, like what I said before, hates the land of the Fey. He doesn't like them, he doesn't like the cats, and he doesn't like suspicious deals. It's funny how everything changed because of a girl. A normal girl who is a simple reporter and photographer from the newspaper. 

Keirran is the nephew of Ethan. Wow, did I just say that? Ethan is the uncle despite the fact that Ethan and Keirran are about the same age.  Keirran is naive and young, due to the fact that his parents overly protects him. I hate how stupid and reckless he sometimes get. (On second thought, he's always like that.) I have this weak mental power to whack fictional characters in the head. I try and try, but I don't think it's working because Keirran is not learning from my whackings. 

Rating: Five out of Five

Fyre by Angie Sage Review

"Now that Septimus, Jenna, and Beetle are fourteen years old, they have assumed larger roles in their Magykal world. Beetle is the Chief Hermetic Scribe of the Manuscriptorium and Jenna will soon be Queen, but Septimus is still battling the remnants of the Darke Domaine, which will remain until the power of the evil Two-Faced Ring is destroyed forever. To accomplish that, the ancient Alchemie Fyre must be relit—a task that sends Septimus to the very origins of Magyk and Physik, testing both his skills and his loyalties to ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand and Alchemist Marcellus Pye.

In a journey that encapsulates the entire Septimus Heap series, Septimus continues to discover who he is and expand upon his Magykal power and skills. fyre weaves together every character from the series and incorporates many of the Magykal places from each book. Written with Angie Sage's distinctive humor and heart, Fyre is the grand finale that celebrates the greatest Magyk of all: When the Fyre inside is kindled and when the Time Is Right, anything is possible."

I always love Angie Sage's Septimus Heap series. Fyre and Darke will always be my favorite books of the seven books. It's sad that this book will the last of the series. Yeah, right. The last. *Snorts* People, this book isn't the last. Actually, there will be a series following the Septimus Heap series, thankfully. Although it will be focusing on another character, there's a good chance that our favorite characters, like Septimus and Queen Jenna, will make an appearance in the new series.

I love the plot of Fyre. I didn't even expect this crazy disaster to happen. Whenever the final countdown goes down, Angie Sage's writing always makes the adventure and experience seem even more exhilarating and breathtaking. I can't help but want to read Fyre over and over again. Unfortunately I borrowed this book from Richmond Library in Canada, far from where I live. (Yeah, I read this book over summer vacation. And I live in the states, by the way.)

The section with the endings is amazing. I love the little humor injected whenever possible. Especially involving the fake Septimus Heap and his mother. (The 'good riddance' part is so hilarious.) The author somehow made every ending seem precious and beautiful at the same time. I don't know how is that possible, but it is. What I love the most is that little one sentence in the paragraph of the last ending of a certain special character. Readers learn that...drum roll, please...that there will be a sequel series!!! *Squeal* I can't believe it. There is going to be another series. I thought I was going to spend the day crying because Fyre is the last book involving Septimus Heap.

The POVs are awesome. It hilarious to see characters interact in their small world without realizing that something was amiss and more evil than their little problems in their little world. The POVs are a great part of Fyre, no matter what other people say.

Characters:

Septimus Heap is a nice fourteen year old. He change a lot over the series and is somewhat braver, smarter, and more ambitious, in the end. It's stunning to see a little, shy, quiet young boy grow up into a powerful, high-ranking brilliant Wizard.  

Queen Jenna or Princess Jenna change in her own way. It is so interesting to see a I-don't-wanna-be-a-queen princess accept her birthright. A major change in Fyre. 

Rating: Five out of Five