Book review: Unbreakable

Author: Kami Garcia
Genre: YA Supernatural
Rating: 4/5 stars

SYNOPSIS:
I never believed in ghosts. Until one tried to kill me.

When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She doesn’t know that paranormal forces in a much darker world are the ones pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into Kennedy’s room and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon — a society whose five members were all murdered on the same night.

Now Kennedy has to take her mother’s place in the Legion if she wants to uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to destroy the demon — battling the deadly spirits he controls every step of the way.

Unbreakable was well fast paced. It wasn’t slow and it wasn’t too fast either. I loved the pace. Every page left you with the who what whys and every chapter ending left you railing on the edge of your seat.

The supernatural element was the subliminal theme present in the story. There are spirits. Some that are evil and can attack you. While the others are harmless and just stuck here not being able to move on. The demon has a lot of power but yet can’t exactly control everything so in turn sends spirits off to do his bidding. The scenes with the ghosts were uber creepy and yet I somehow still loved it at the same time?

The characters are flawed and relatable. Kennedy Waters is an artist with photographic memory. After the events with her mother’s death and the teens quest to find the objects, she doubts herself and where she belongs. I feel like many can relate to that. To not belonging anywhere.

There was a little romance. I think some may be disappointed but I feel there is potential for that to grow in the next book so I am definitely looking forward to that in book two, Unbound.

I think anyone will enjoy this read and fans of Supernatural. I haven't seen the show yet but I don't know...I just got that vibe.

Mehray's reading corner #2

Greetings and salutations people of the world (:

I just realised that I haven't written a post on here for like 3 weeks.... yes, 3 weeks !

ugh it's not my fault though that my Uni is driving me insane with assessments and shit >.<

speaking of, next week is my last week so YEEEEEAY *party time*

Hopefully I'll be able to post up more reviews such as Unwind by Neal Shusterman (which is half done) and Blood Red Road by Moira Young (which I haven't exactly started on but I want to do a review on it because it was just a fantastically amazing book, despite the annoying grammar *eep*)

Anywaysss, let's jump right in to what I'm actually here for shall we ?

Last read:

Rebel Heart (Dust Lands, #2) by Moira Young 

Synopsis:

Danger. Betrayal. Destiny. Passion.

The superb sequel to Blood Red Road, the most exciting YA debut of 2011

Saba has rescued her kidnapped brother and defeated the fanatical Tonton. But the price to be paid for her violent victory is terible. Jack has disappeared – and can no longer be trusted. A new and formidable enemy is on the rise in the dustlands. No one is safe. And Saba must confront the terrible secret hidden in the darkest depths of her soul.

Currently Reading:

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Synopsis:

It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will be busier still.

By her brother's graveside, Liesel's life is changed when she picks up a single object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Gravedigger's Handbook, left behind there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery.

So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her accordian-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever there are books to be found.

But these are dangerous times. When Liesel's foster family hides a Jewish fist-fighter in their basement, Liesel's world is both opened up, and closed down.

In superbly crafted writing that burns with intensity, award-winning author Markus Zusak has given us one of the most enduring stories of our time.

Next to-be-read:

Hourglass (Hourglass, #1) by Myra McEntire

Synopsis:

One hour to rewrite the past... 

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn't there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents' death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She's tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson's willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may also change her past.

Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he's around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should've happened?

Anddd, that's all for my current reading corner. I'm still trying to figure out what to read next but that will come in due time so I'll worry about it later on ^_^

As you can probably tell, I ended up loving Blood Red Road so much that I just had to get my hands on Rebel Heart straight away and ohmylord, this series just became one of my favourites. I definitely loved Rebel Heart just as much as I loved the first book (maybe even a bit more coz of the sexy DeMalo action we got? *screams*) But, you don't want to get me started on that, trust me... I'll be here forever haha.

Okay calm down now Mehray... *clears throat* moving on, I'm really liking The Book Thief so far. I'm only 150 pages in so I got heaps more to go but from what I've read I know I'm going to like it. Though I'm heaps scared because of the pain which is yet to come so yeah. I gotta prepare myself for that =/

Last but not least, Almera definitely knows why I got Hourglass *cough* coverporn *cough* hahaha. I'm looking forward to reading this book (not only because it has a gorgeous cover) but because it seems really interesting. Plus, it's got a fantasy/paranormal/sci-fi/supernatural element to it so I feel like I should really enjoy it.

Until my next post, ave atque vale.

Book review: Spark

Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Genre: YA Paranormal/Urban Fantasy
Rating: 5/5 plus cookies


Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally. Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can't. So when an arsonist wrecks havoc on his town, all signs point to Gabriel. 

Layne is strangely drawn to him. She understands family problems, and she understands secrets. She has a few of her own.

Gabriel can't let Layne known that danger is right at his heels. But there are some risk he can't help taking.

The fuse is lit...



It was great coming back to the Elemental Series. I have missed Gabriel so much.

Spark continues about a week or so after Storm. It is in both Gabriel and Layne's point of view. Gabriel is my favourite out of the brothers and so I was so excited for this one and I can now say it is definitely without a doubt my favourite even if I haven't read the others yet. Gabriel is in a constant battle with himself because of his powers. He can control his powers but at the same time, he can't. The lure of the fire calls to him, literally, and it is difficult for him to pull away. And because of this, he pushes his loved ones away, particularly his twin brother, Nick, whom he had always told everything to.

While his inner struggles continues, other problems arise such as the fires breaking out all over town. Of course, he would be the obvious suspect, but he's not doing it.

Meanwhile, Layne Forrest is the shy "brainiac" at school who is constantly bullied by everybody at school. Them bitches. STAY AWAY FROM MY BABY. She has her own secrets and you can't help but be proud of her because she is so strong in the sense that she doesn't let her parents or the people around her influence the way she is. She's got that "look, I'm not going to be the person you want me to be. I'm just going to be me while I read my books and ride horses" vibe. Can Layne be my best friend please and let me hold you because you are beautiful and amazing and I just love you so much okay?

Overall, Spark was quite action packed with the fires and Gabriel's non-involved involvement with it and there's of course, more Gabriel witty and sexiness.

The romance between Gabriel and Layne is quite beautiful. They're both drawn to each other yet believe the other couldn't possible be into the other which is very frustrating and you're just like:

And other times my Gabriel x Layne feels are as follows

Until my next review *three finger salutes*

Btw, the cookie monster is basically me/Gabriel. He and I are one and the same. We're meant to be. O T P. Brigid ships us too. [x]

Currently reading:

It feels weird not posting in a while so here's an update on what I am reading at the moment.

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux flies to London for the start of a new life at boarding school. But her arrival is overshadowed by a sudden outbreak of brutal murders, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific work of Jack the Ripper.

'Rippermania' grabs hold of London, and the police are stumped with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory has seen their prime suspect on the school grounds. But her friend Jazza didn't see anyone.

So why could only Rory see him? And what is he planning to do next?

I am liking it so far. It started off quite slow or maybe that's just how it felt to me but now it's picked up and I'm just like: 

Almera's reading corner

Hello cookies!

I've been informed forced by Mehray to do one of these so here are my currently reading and the books I will be reading next.

CURRENTLY READING:

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

SYNOPSIS: 

When historian Diana Bishop finds an alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library, it's an unwelcome intrusion of magic into her carefully ordered life. Though Diana is a witch of impeccable lineage, the violent death of her parents while she was still a child convinced her that human fear is more potent than any witchcraft. 

Now Diana has unwittingly exposed herself to a world she's kept at bay for years; one of powerful witches, creative, destructive daemons and long-lived vampires. Sensing the significance of Diana's discovery, the creatures gather in Oxford, among them the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, a vampire geneticist.

Diana is inexplicably drawn to Matthew and, in a shadowy world of half-truths and old enmities, ties herself to him without fully understanding the ancient line they are crossing. As they begin to unlock the secrets of the manuscript and their feelings for each other deepen, so the fragile balance of peace unravels...

NEXT TO BE READ:

1. Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

SYNOPSIS:

He could feel flames coming through the floor, looking for him. Sparks and ash rained down. He wasn't going to make it. He was going to fail. Again. Then a hand closed over his wrist and pulled, hard.

Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can't. So when an arsonist wrecks havoc on his town, all the signs point to Gabriel.

Layne is strangely drawn to him. She understands family problems, and she understands secrets. She has a few of her own.

Gabriel can't let Layne know that danger is right at his heels. But there are some risks he can't help taking.

2. The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson 

SYNOPSIS:

Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux flies to London for the start of a new life at boarding school. But her arrival is overshadowed by a sudden outbreak of brutal murders, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific work of Jack the Ripper.

'Rippermania' grabs hold of London, and the police are stumped with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. Rory has seen their prime suspect on the school grounds. But her friend Jazza didn't see anyone.

So why could only Rory see him? And what is he planning to do next?

GUYS! GUYS! GUYS! I AM LOVING A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES SO MUCH I'M ABOUT TO EXPLODE BC FEEELS OVERLOAD! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAND, I'VE BEEN WANTING TO READ THE NAME OF THE STAR SINCE FOREVER! Just ask Mehray.

ALSO, I AM SO EXCITED FOR SPARK. HOLA SEXY GABRIEL

 Anyways, bye guys. I'll get back to ADOW.

Mehray's reading corner #1

Greetings and salutations (:

While I work on a few of my reviews that I want to post up on the blog I thought in the meantime I'd share my current read and the upcoming books I've got on my never ending to-read list.

Let's get to it !

Currently reading:

Blood Red Road (Dust Lands, #1) by Moira Young

Synopsis: 

In a lawless future land, where life is cheap and survival is hard, Saba has been brought up in isolated Silverlake. She never sees the dangers of the destructive society outside. When her twin brother is snatched by mysterious black-robed riders, she sets outon an epic quest to rescue him. The story's searing pace, its spare style, the excitement of its fabulously damaged world, its unforgettably vivid characters, its violent action and glorious lovestory make this a truly sensational YA debut novel.

To-read list:

1. Monument 14 (Monument 14, #1) by Emmy Laybourne

Synopsis:

Fourteen kids. One superstore. A million things that go wrong...

Fourteen kids stranded inside a superstore. Inside they have everything they could ever need. There's junk food and clothes, computer games and books, drugs and alcohol... and without adult supervision they can do whatever they want.

Sounds like fun? But outside the world is being ripped apart by violent storms and chemicals leaking into the atmosphere that, depending on blood type, leave victims paranoid, violent or dead. The kids must remain inside, forced to create their own community, unsure if they'll ever be able to leave. Can they stop the world they've created inside from self-destructing too?

2. Mila 2.0 (Mila 2.0, #1) by Debra Driza

Synopsis:

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.

3. Partials (Partials Sequence, #1) by Dan Wells

Synopsis:

The only hope for humanity isn’t human.

In a world where people have been all but wiped out by a virus created by part-human cyborgs called ‘Partials’, and where no baby survives longer than three days, a teenage girl makes it her mission to find a cure, and save her best friend’s unborn child.

But finding a cure means capturing a Partial…

By the way, if you haven't already noticed, they all have something in common heh...... they're all Dystopian reads <3 I am a huge huge Dystopia fan so I'm really excited to get into these books.

But I've gotta say, I'm finding it really difficult to get into Blood Red Road because of the grammar and writing style. I've never read anything quite like this book and I honestly feel like throwing it across the room due to my frustration. However ! Since I've heard so many good things about it I'm forcing myself to get over the annoying grammar and continue reading. I guess I just need a good overdose of patience.

Anyhow, ignoring what I just said, how gorgeous is the cover though ?? I am in LOVE. And don't even get me started on Mila 2.0... Absolutely GORGEOUS (I'm a total sucker for beautiful covers. It's my kryptonite *shhh* just ask Almera)

Until my next post, ave atque vale.

Book review: Storm

Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Genre: YA Paranormal/Urban Fantasy 
Rating: 5/5

Do you have any idea what that feels like? To know everyone thinks you're something you're not?

Right before school started, Becca was just an ordinary girl with ordinary high school girl problems. Until traumatic events led her to be the talk of the school thanks to her douche bag twat arsehole cuntface of an ex-boyfriend. 

Then one day she saves Chris from getting the beating of his life and then both of their lives are in danger.

Characters

I loved all the characters. I applaud Brigid for her spectacular way of writing them because you can't help but love them all. Well, excluding Drew, Becca's ex-boyfriend, and his mates.

What I loved about Becca Chandler, our female lead, is that she's strong. She's strong despite the fact that people are always spreading shit about her. She doesn't let it get to her. She ignores it. Although throughout the book you cannot help but wish she stood up for herself more. Nevertheless, by the end of the book she does and let me just say, it was so badass. 

Chris Merrick, our male lead, our very very sexy male lead. Oh hubba hubba. Okay, get a grip. You're writing a review. *clears throat* Anyway, Chris is the youngest of the Merrick brothers. All of whom are very sexy too. Like how does Becca even stand in their presence because I think I would just faint or burst from the amount of sex appeal they hold.

He and his brothers are different. They have powers. Powers of one of the elements: water, air, fire, earth and spirit. They're very powerful and dangerous. And it's because of these powers they possess, they are marked for death. They're marked because the other Elementals fear them and try to take them out at any opportune moment they can find. All the brothers are fantastic characters and bring a certain aspect to their family dynamic. It is both hilarious and amazing to watch read because I rarely come across YA novels that have large families and demonstrate that family banter which I just absolutely love.

Hunter is the "New Kid" and is another sexy dude.

What I loved about Hunter is that he challenges Becca. She gets out of her awkward shell and takes risks with him and her confidence begins to shine. Shine bright like a diamond baby. Anyways, he seems too good to be true, right? Right. Turns out Hunter has a secret of his own. DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUUUUN...

Plot

It enthralled me right from the very start. Storm is in both Becca's and Chris's POVs which is great because they are both so different yet they are so amazing together. They help each other when the other is at their worst. With the love triangle situation, you can't help but love both guys. Well, maybe that's just me. But I was rooting for one of them. Oops. Sorry Hunter. Anyway, the plot wasn't slow paced and wasn't overly described or stretched out longer than it needed to which I loved by the way. Thank you, Brigid. I want to attack hug you. There were quite a few fast paced action sequences which keeps you on the edge of your seat and leaves you hyperventilating and in some, you can't help but scream in frustration. Also, the comedic timing is unparalleled and perfect and you can't help but want more. 

Quotes
**You'll notice once you've finished reading them that most are Gabriel quotes because well, he's my favourite.**

"You do his homework?"
"Just the math. It's a miracle he can count to ten."
"I can count to one." Gabriel gave him the finger.

"Maybe we should put some money on it, see how long it takes Chris to get her wet." - Gabriel.

"Do something!" she cried. "Can't you build a wall of ice, or -"
"Are you kidding?" he said. "I'm not an X-Man! This is -"

"I wouldn't go out with him if someone paid me. Ugh, that's just -"
"You know I can hear you, right?" called Michael.

Michael wrapped his hand around the hilt. Then he lifted it, cocked the hammer, and put the barrel against [retracted]'s forehead. "Now where the fuck are my brothers?"

"Hey, Law-and-Order. Let him go." - Gabriel.

"Chris asked me to bite him first."
Gabriel gave him a disgusted look. "You are one sick bastard."

P.S. If you've read the book, you'll understand why their names are in those colours.

Until my next review...