Review Legend

Legend by Marie Lu

First Book in Legend Series

Bookologist Analysis: This book was a typical dystopian  novel, but instead the characters were a lot more interesting (hehe).

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills. 

Day... don't they have the coolest name in sci-fi books, I mean seriously. The name is killer. Each day is twenty four hours, in a moment you live, in a moment you die (paraphrase of Day). This guy is a “criminal” (he’s more like a sci-fi Robin Hood) mastermind who supposedly failed his Trials (a test that decides your life with a physical, interview, and written test aka extreme SAT).  I just really connected with Day because he has this undying devotion to his family, despite what he could accomplish. He’s loyal till the end even if it means sacrificing himself for the greater good.

June... or Junebug as Metias (her brother) calls her. She’s a genius prodigy. On her Trials she got a 1500/1500- the only person to ever do so. She’s at Drake the best university in the Republic at 15, and oh, by the way she also graduates early with flying colors (straight As). June actually despite some smart people stereotypes loves her brother. I mean because of supposed murder is how she meets Day (really they were meant to be). She is strong and connects the dots. Getting through your brother’s death with his murderer, being so close to you, is something to be proud of. 

I felt the book was almost a cliché. The one thing I loved though is the characters. It is not every day you get to read about two geniuses both in FIRSTPERSON (my favorite person). The only other books like this I can think of is Artemis Fowl, but that is more fantasy. The climax I felt was a little fast. It could have been a more twisting plot. I mean I predicted the ending halfway through the book. Overall however I like the book with the tension (romantic and killer and socioeconomic) between Day and June.

The author did a complex job of building this world up. The poor sectors and ultimate testing were nice broad things. I fell head-over-heels-in-love with the little details. The different types of knots people use, where their meat comes from, and special gun types – these are the types of things that make you feel like you are there in person.  This book is over all a good one. This is going to become one of the required fantasy/sci-fi books like the Hunger Games and Harry Potter.

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Sorry, it's short! I have a lot going on with school and the holidays coming up. I might get another post up by 2014, but I'm not sure. However, comment, read, and follow. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year!

Review Inside Out & Back Again

Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai

Stand Alone

Bookologists Analysis: This book pulls your heart out at the sight of war then mends it back together as you see Ha’s journey through America.

For all the ten years of her life, Ha has only known Saigon: the thrills of its markets, the joy of its traditions, the warmth of her friends close by, and the beauty of her very own papaya tree. But now the Vietnam War has reached her home. Ha and her family are forced to flee as Saigon falls, and they board a ship headed toward hope.

This is the moving story of one girl's year of change, dreams, grief, and healing as she journeys from one country to another, one life to the next.

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So, sorry I haven’t been around for a while because I was rereading the Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead. I can’t review them because I’ve already read them and it goes against my morals to review books then I couldn’t give my honest reactions on the plot, character, and writing….

I might get in a filler post in soon though; I’m not sure. This was a real simple book that I read on the side. It’s a bit more juvenile, but it’s still great.

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Imagine living in a world where you have fresh papaya in your backyard, you could buy 999 grams of pork from an outdoor market in your city, and your country was in a war against Communists in the north.  Now get back in that hole of imagination you have created, now your dumped where you get fried chicken, can’t communicate with your class, and are in the rolling hills of Alabama.  Wham, your life is changed inside out (ha-ha, get it; it’s the title of the book).

This is what happens to Ha (like the laugh, it’s a Vietnamese name). She’s ten years old and her biggest sins are putting her big toe on the ground first and pinching the girl who sits next to her in class. Does she have anything to do with her country being at war with North Vietnam (Communists)? No, but this story is about how war affects everybody and how those changes can affect those people.

Bravery spans all ages and times. Ha is brave because despite being a transplant in a foreign country and land she decides to persevere. Her arm hair is being pulled at school yet she stills stands up to the boy. Family is there for everyone (despite Father who was MIA for about the last seven years). Brothers are there for sister, mother there is for her children. It is heartbreaking to see this story affect the story. The ultimate moral though is that change can help you.

 I just love how this book is written how a ten year old would remember the story (this is based on Thanhha’s experiences). The writing however sometimes is confusing because it is such a juvenile writing style. Though, if your look for an honest book about the Vietnam War from a non-military perspective in a YA/juvenile look this is the best.

Review The Scorpio Races

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

Available Now

Stand Alone

Bookologists' Analysis: The horses of water are starting the season of the highly dangerous and somewhat intoxicating book The Scorpio Races.

A spellbinding novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater.

Some race to win. Others race to survive.

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line.
Some riders live.
Others die.
At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.
Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn't given her much of a choice. So she enters the competition - the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.
As she did in her bestselling Shiver trilogy, author Maggie Stiefvater takes us to the breaking point, where both love and life meet their greatest obstacles, and only the strong of heart can survive. The Scorpio Races is an unforgettable reading experience.

The Scorpio Races took a while for me to get through, the book was structured delightfully, but you couldn't throw off the feeling that something was missing. The action was all but absent except in the end scene featuring the actual Scorpio Races. This book is all about relationships that each character has, a reputation everybody knows, and the culture of the isolated island of Thisby.

Puck and Sean switch first person narration (which I prefer over third person because you then really know what is going on with them) in the book which lets you see the push and the pull between them. Puck is the first woman in the Scorpio Races, being a race for men on blood thirsty horses. She breaks these unspoken rules to ride as a woman on regular horse (not pony). She has a wild side that shines through her. Sean is a quiet four year reigning champion of the Scorpio Races who is the trainer/groomer at the local stable called Malvern Yards. They meet each other as enemies, which we all know creates perfect chemistry. They have a bittersweet slow relationship that build from acquaintances to partners.

This book would be a wonderful book for a book club because this book is all about relationships and reputations. On the remote island of Thisby you know everybody’s reputation and who they are, you know what they are, and who knows who. Here are some questions:

How does Sean Kendrick’s reputation precede him when he meets Puck Connolly for the first time?

Gabe is planning to leave the island, how does that affect how Finn and Puck view him?

How did Puck Connolly's parents death affect her?

Sean Kendrick is a relatively quiet person, how does Puck lead him out of his shell?

This story is about never giving up. To quote the old saying, “If there is a will there is a way.” That if you keep on going something great will happen. For example, Puck wants to win the Scorpio Races to save her home with the prize earnings, despite being the first woman to compete, she does. Second, Gabe wants to leave the island that is haunting his nightmares, having his sister compete in a highly dangerous event doesn’t stunt that passion. The book The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater has similar lines.

The writing of this book tells a wonderful detailed story that is the hallmark of Maggie. Another bad hallmark though is slow books the plots are too intricate or too hard to follow. The language was beautiful and the action was minimal. This is a great slow book.

The book will remind of you of slow waves that pound the island of Thisby lulling, but at any moment waiting to crash on the beach to signify the blood wavering scream of the capall usice. This is one of Maggie Stiefvater's earlier reads.

Review Fiery Heart

The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

Available Now

Book Four in Bloodlines

Sequel to Bloodlines (#1), The Golden Lily (#2), The Indigo Spell (#3)

In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure—and re-education—looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this thrilling fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe.

Lately, I find that not a lot of books are grabbing my attention, but boy did this book. I mean look at that cover (despite the fact I thought Adriana had more hair) could it not be hotter. This book left me undone and it was a lot more serious than the other Bloodline books.

The Fiery Heart is about how Sydney is starting to grow up and not take everything she has grown up with for granted. I mean the Alchemist are starting to look a lot more different (brainwashing and over exaggerated). Magic is not something that is necessarily evil if it can help you. Moroi aren't soulless evil creatures that are damned.  For those who have read Vampire Academy, Sydney was this insecure goody two shoes, now she this ultimate rebel to the Alchemist. Her brain is working to her advantage in most cases.

How could we go one without talking about Adrian Ivashkov party-boy, spirit user extraordinaire.  Adrian is creeping in to your heart with his wit and devil-may-care attitude. He despite being twenty-twoish has now only started to take on responsibility. He's curbing his drinking and smoking. Sadly though spirit is starting to catch up on him. No one is safe in this book.

Now to other characters, Jill-the one person who know EVERY little thing.  I mean seriously who would want a teenager getting involved in a highly illicit relationship that is not even her own? Eddie Castile is thrown in the back, that's sad this guy has had his best friend killed, a suckish romantic interest and is just forgotten; that disappointing to me.  Trey and Angelina are also put on hold with bad excuses about Warrior of Light beliefs, trying to be good, and 'oh I don't know if he/she is interested'. 

This book's plot took a different turn with Zoe. She wants here sister, so badly because her mother and father are getting in a divorce battle. I mean Mr.Sage views everything as a tool, even his own daughters; I mean seriously, who comments if their daughter gains 5 pounds and still looks great. Her mother on the other hand isn't stable with jobs or education, but wants to salvage a normal teenhood for Zoe despite the Alchemists' and their ideas. Who is the better choice to support?

Now, drum roll please..... the main plot. This book is about maturity. That sometimes you have to get older to live.Life moves on and so do you, that way the problems that are shot at you don't hit the center of the target. We have to learn that not everything we believe, do, or accept is the best. Sydney ends up in the place she least wants to be, but she know that this is the consequence to her actions with Adrian. That she has to be strong for love.

This book was heartbreaking. I mean Sydney and Adrian definitely brought the romance, hotness, and steaminess up a notch. But you could see that things were sacrificed in the process, such as Zoe, Jill and Eddie, and Syd's human friends who were not mentioned at all.  The main characters were developed very much, but the minor characters could have been more. Plus, I loved the  changing first person narration with Adrian and Sydney.Still Richelle managed to keep Bloodlines fresh.

Hey comment and tell me what you think!

Waiting On Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly book blogging tradition by Jill @ Breaking the Spine (http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/). This is where books that we are desperately waiting for get a special spotlight. Pssst, it's a recommendation that you be on a look out to for these books.  Th I have not decided if I'll do this biweekly or monthly you'll just have to wait and see. 

 Broken by Marianne Curley

Published: March 2014 (April 2014 in the US, if you can't get a Aussie version) 

Series: Avena 

Sequel to: Hidden (Book 1 in Avena)

Ebony is not quite human. She’s descended from Avena, an otherworldly realm caught between warring light and dark forces. But she doesn’t feel like she’s in danger . . . until her boyfriend Nathaneal almost dies protecting her. Now Nathaneal is in jail for revealing his powers to the enemy, and Ebony’s only ally is jealous Jordan, who’d love to break her and Nathaneal up.

But when Jordan announces he has a connection to Ebony’s missing birth father, she can’t help but be intrigued. The two make a plan to find him, but it quickly goes awry, and Ebony finds herself in the treacherous heart of Avena. She has no choice but to navigate this perilous world—or die trying. 

Fantastical and emotionally powerful, this epic inter-world romance series will appeal to fans of Laini Taylor and Cynthia Hand.

I fell in love with Hidden at start with the cover, I mean seriously who doesn't love a cover with feathers.  The book then preceded with an assumed romance between Ebony and Jordan and them boom that romance is split apart with a dark prince and a soul mate (Nathaneal).  The tension was immense and the mystery great. Can't wait to see what Broken plays with.

Review World After

World After by Susan Ee

Available Now

Book Two Penryn &The End of Days

Sequel to Angelfall

In this sequel to the bestselling fantasy thriller, Angelfall, the survivors of the angel apocalypse begin to scrape back together what's left of the modern world. When a group of people capture Penryn's sister Paige, thinking she's a monster, the situation ends in a massacre. Paige disappears. Humans are terrified. Mom is heartbroken.

Penryn drives through the streets of San Francisco looking for Paige. Why are the streets so empty? Where is everybody? Her search leads her into the heart of the angels' secret plans, where she catches a glimpse of their motivations, and learns the horrifying extent to which the angels are willing to go.

Meanwhile, Raffe hunts for his wings. Without them, he can't rejoin the angels, can't take his rightful place as one of their leaders. When faced with recapturing his wings or helping Penryn survive, which will he choose?

I've always adored and worshiped the combinations of sci-fi and fantasy and romance. Susan Ee blew me away with her combination. I mean what better way to do it than with angels that cause the end of the world and civilization with a very unusual hierarchy. Plus, this angel that the protagonist needs to help her, but eventually falls in love with. And that angel is about to become fall with a side of dry humor, sarcasm, and butt kicking included. BAM!

This book started out right where Angelfall ended. The book was a blur at the beginning with so many things happening. Penryn was assumed dead because of no heart beat haven't they heard of  drugs that slow your heart beat, seriously that is all the scorpions do people. Paige is having a lot of time dealing with being, to be frank, is viewed as a monster.

I just found the sword weird. I mean really a thinking word that thing is smarter than me. The sword even gets ashamed when Penryn uses it because she is such a bad swords-women. The sword intimidates other swords because it is so powerful, despite all of this I love you Pooky Bear.

This book was slow at the beginning with thinly veiled  predictable outcomes. The prison and ideas were something my fortunetelling cat could figure out (not that I own one........). I liked that we got more of glimpse at the angel's plans which were not predictable. The mention of the real world made this book seemed more urban fantasy than Angelfall.

Raffe, I mean seriously where did he go? The great chemistry with the dry humor and snarkiness were gone sadly. I loved though that Penryn often thought about Raffe with just a slip up, such as Raffe would have loved that. The few moments we see him through the sword he is always so commanding and authoritative. Raffe's wings the demon ones just break me up with the stomach knotting.

This book is great, the storyline is wonderful.The writing however is a little dodgy as the descriptions and ma moments are wonderful, but I feel the action writing could use a bit of help. I love the way the books feel and the chemistry of the not-so-perfect characters.

FAVORITE QUOTES

"I'm pretty sure I saw Zuckerburg digging the latrine dish beside Raffe at the camp a few days ago. I guess a billion dollars doesn't buy much respect..."

"This is not just an angel sword. She's an archangel sword. Better than an angel sword, in case that's not clear. She intimidates the other angel swords.

"He's a monster. She's a monster. Who else is going to accept her without considering her a freak, much less understand what she's going through?"

"When he looks at me, it's the look of someone noticing a person for the first time, proving yet again that an angel's arrogance knows no bounds. Which, now that I think about it, increases the likelihood that this is Raffe."

Review Onyx

 Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Book Two of Luxen Novels

Available Now

Bookologists Analysis: This book was romantic with a beautiful subplot of a lost sibling and evil twisted supposed friends.

 Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than the Arum has come to town…

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

Okay, so right after I read Obsidian I knew I had to read this. The cliffhanger with Katy leaving Daemon was too big to resist. The tension runs high with this book between Daemon and Katy, with the usual cuddling and hot steaming kissing and just the overall issue of too much romance that wants to make you melt into a senseless puddle on the floor.

Blake, meet Blake. He's new straight from Santa Monica, what is with new kids and West Virginia I mean seriously, West Virginia needs a life. He's a surfer a blogger and cute. What could possibly go wrong? I found that I like Blake as one of those best guy friends you have. The ones who know you, but you would never ever date. Blake of course has different ideas. We seem him as sometimes a bit off, but never take assumptions for a granted.

I miss Dee. Dee was the first person we met in West Virginia. She was the only non-jerkish alien. She was our best friend. We start to feel her drift away, despite the best friend relationship we have with her. This awesome girlfriend just floating away WHY? WHY? I believe that some of the best relationships in YA sci-fi/fantasy are the girl best friend one because they are always so close.

Katy now has the freak accidents and they are creepy with the whole books flying off shelves literally re imagined.   Daemon for once has no idea what to do. The Source is something like The Force it runs through everyone and everything, people/aliens have various degrees of control of it.

This is a short review I know, but its a great book. The book is sometimes slow because of the lack of relationships outside of Daemon and Blake that Katy is missing and that is really sad. I am a big advocate of best friend strong relationships. I hope that picks up for Opal. See ya!