Oh My Francis: 2013 READING CHALLENGE

Showing posts with label 2013 READING CHALLENGE. Show all posts

[Book Review] Clockwork Angel

Title: Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1)

Published: August 31st 2010 by Simon & Schuster

Source: Paperback Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Dystopia
Amazon • Goodreads • Website

Synopsis

The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London’s dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters—including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them.

First of all I want to say that I haven't read the TMI series yet, so the reincarnation of TMI's main characters to Tessa and Will is not a problem for me.

I picked this book knowing that it's better than CoB as many readers say, yes I enjoy reading this book, I really do, but after reading this book and Clockwork Prince I am now in doubt if I will still enjoy the TMI series, and if I will continue to finish this series.

I love the world of Shodowhunters, it's something unique that a paranormal world could offer, and it all takes place on Victorian London, so hurray! I finally lived in London. The story was very compelling despite of it being slow paced. I love Cassandra Clare's writing it is very descriptive and detailed, sad to say that this is the main reason why I struggled to finish it, feels like it ruined the good parts of the book. The characters development are well written, I love how complicated their story is, how they sacrificed, their struggles, how they protect one another. I don't like Tessa though, I'm really not into a fictional girl with a severe I-can't-move-on I-can't-get-him-out-off-my-head syndrome.

Overall a lovable book.

Shatter Me [Book Review]

Title: Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1)

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Published: November 15th 2011 by Harper

Source: Paperback Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Dystopia

Amazon • Goodreads • Website

Synopsis

No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal, but The Reestablishment has plans for her. Plans to use her as a weapon. But Juliette has plans of her own. After a lifetime without freedom, she's finally discovering a strength to fight back for the very first time—and to find a future with the one boy she thought she'd lost forever.

Title: A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire #1)

Author: George R.R. Martin

First Published: August 1st 1996 by Bantam Books

Source: Mass Market Paperback Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy

Amazon • Goodreads • Website

Synopsis

Summers span decades. Winter can last a lifetime. And the struggle for the Iron Throne has begun.

As Warden of the north, Lord Eddard Stark counts it a curse when King Robert bestows on him the office of the Hand. His honour weighs him down at court where a true man does what he will, not what he must … and a dead enemy is a thing of beauty.

The old gods have no power in the south, Stark’s family is split and there is treachery at court. Worse, the vengeance-mad heir of the deposed Dragon King has grown to maturity in exile in the Free Cities. He claims the Iron Throne.

Title: I am Number Four (Lorien Legacies #1)
Author: Pittacus Lore
Published: August 3rd 2010 by HarperCollins
Source: Paperback
Genre: Young Adult, Sci-Fi
Amazon • Goodreads

Synopsis:

Nine of us came here.
We look like you.
We talk like you.
We live among you--but
We are not you.
We have powers you dream of having.
We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books--
But we are real.
They caught Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all.
I am Number Four. I am next.

Review:

Everyone of us knew what this book is all about, either you have read it already or just saw it at the bookstore or in goodreads and read the synopsis or you're a big fan of the movie. But I'm going to write my own opinion anyway.

Earth is not the only planet that sustains life, there were few more, like the planet Mogadore; a poisoned dying planet, and also there was the planet Lorien; an advance planet where Lorics lives, Lorics are very similar to humans except that some of them possesses a supernatural powers they called "Legacies". Planet Lorien was attacked by the Mogadorians for their resources, many Lorics were killed, those who are left have escaped and end up living here on Earth.

We all know 9 Garde have escaped together with their own Cepans. 3 are dead, and the 4th which is John Smith is on the run. The hunt was in order to protect the other Gardes, but once the Gardes are with each other the charm that protects them will be destroyed. But, if they were with each other the Mogadorians have nothing to do but to surrender.

Question: Why does the Mogadorian wants to kill Four and the rest of the Gardes?
Answer: So they can conquer and inherent the Earth without any hindrances.

This book is really amazing, although it's a fiction I still love the possibility of a life somewhere, the possibility on what will happen to our planet if we stop to care for it. This book is also very rich in history, it's very convincing that Lorics played a great part in our civilization, that was one of the factors that made this book very interesting. After reading this book I really really got disappointed at the movie, the movie didn't give any justice, they changed almost everything.

Back to the books, the characters are all amazing, Four, Sarah, Six, Mark James, Sam, Bernie and the rest even the Mogadorians are cool. Mark James and Sam are my favorites. Fast paced, beautifully written. I recommend this amazing book for an amazing reader like you. Go grab and read it!

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Pittacus Lore is Lorien's ruling Elder. He has been on Earth for the last twelve years, preparing for the war that will decide Earth's fate. His whereabouts are unknown.

http://www.iamnumberfourfans.com

Gone by Michael Grant [Book Review]

Title: Gone (Gone #1)
Author: Michael Grant
Published: June 24th 2008 by Katherine Tegen Books
Source: Paperback

Summary from Goodreads

In the blink of an eye. Everyone disappears. GONE.

Except for the young. Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not one single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. Just as suddenly, there are no phones, no internet, no television. No way to get help. And no way to figure out what's happened.

Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents--unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers--that grow stronger by the day.

It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen, a fight is shaping up. Townies against rich kids. Bullies against the weak. Powerful against powerless. And time is running out: On your birthday, you disappear just like everyone else...

Review:

If you're looking for a book that will creep you out, stay you up all night, get paranoid, and sleep with lights on (that's the exact thing happen to me). Then grab and read this book.

Gone.
The book started with Sam wandering at his school then suddenly in an instant his professor has gone, everyone 15 and up has also gone.

What will you do if you were trapped inside this dome which they called the FAYZ? With no way out, with no elders for guidance, bullies do rule, with kids starting to mutate, not just kids but also animals do mutate. Everything is just getting worse.

The greatest thing I love about this book is responsibility. Everyone needs a leader, a protector, someone who will tell them the best thing to do, and they see Sam has a potential for it, but Sam didn't want to, yet he grabbed it and defend those who are in need. And there was these characters like Mary who takes care of the infants, Albert who runs a fast-food restaurant, and Dahra who takes care of the injured, they take those responsibilities to help, no one told them to do those things, and when things got worse, they can't complain but they can quit, yet they didn't. Every one of them have responsibilities to give strength and hope to one another.

Michael Grant style of writing is great, it was clearly written, shifting from one person's story to another, and it's not confusing. The book doesn't focus on Sam's story alone, yeah he's the main character so he gets the main attention, well except from Sam there was also (as far as I remember) a story of Albert and Mary at Perdido Beach, Lana at the wilderness, Caine the antagonist, and some story happening on Coates Academy and Perdido Beach. The book was written in 3rd person.

The plot is amazing its so different, I can't think of a book that is a bit similar to this one. The world-building is also amazing, you'll feel like you were part of the book seeing everything in front of your eyes and kicking Drake's face (he's the most arrogant, brutal, worst antagonist I've ever read). The fighting scenes are very well written and when things gets into the peak point you'll read with an open mouth and a big eyes, that's how amazing this book is. There's no big changes on character build-up, 'cause its obvious that there's still 5 more books. Definitely it's a page turner, it has over 500 pages that I didn't notice at first, but it doesn't matter. It's a great read you'll never regret it.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Michael Grant (born July 26, 1954) is an American author of young adult fiction, the co-creator and co-author of the Animorphs and the Everworld book series, and also the creator and author of Gone and The Magnificent 12 series.
Grant was raised in a military family, attending ten schools in five states, as well as three schools in France. As an adult, he became a writer in part because "it was one of the few jobs that wouldn't tie him down to a specific location." According to the back flap of one of his books: "He lives in California with his wife, Katherine Applegate and their two children, and far too many pets." He currently lives in Irvine California. In the Gone series, there are currently five books: Gone, Hunger, Lies, Plague and Fear, but there will be at least one more, Light, which the author has said will be the conclusion to the series. It is supposed to end up on the market in 2013. A new book called BZRK was released in 2012.

http://www.facebook.com/authormichaelgrant

Hush, Hush [Book Review]

Title: Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush #1)
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Published: October 13th 2009 by Simon & Schuster

Summary from Goodreads:

A SACRED OATH
A FALLEN ANGEL
A FORBIDDEN LOVE

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.

Review:

This book took me by surprise, I really have no plan to buy a book that day, but when I saw this one lurking at the side with $4.99 price (that's P175.00) who cant resist? I'm running like hell, I immediately bought it.

I think everyone of us believes in angels may it be a guardian angel, or a fallen one, as long as its angel. I believe they were there following us and protecting us. But what if that angel is in human form, we maybe even encounter them but we just didn't notice who they are.

This is my first angel/nephilim book. I even don't know about these nephilims thing, so now I know, half angel + half human = nephilim. Great!

Patch and Nora, I love them, I love Patch doing those thing to Nora, although it turned out that his intentions are not that good, I really like Patch character you will really think that he's hiding something and that's the one thing that keeps me reading 'cause I want to know what it really is. And Nora, the name feels flat for me, but she's sexy, she know she's attractive and beautiful but she don't want to get noticed, I can't find anything wrong about her character.

This book is surprising, and intriguing at the same time. At first it was this man who got close at this girl, that revealed he is a fallen angel and there's a story behind that, on why he want to get close tho this girl, on what his real intention is, and there was this mysterious characters that wants to get revenge and the other that wants them to get separated, and so on. I was bit surprised that these angels have some abilities rather than to fly. And that thing makes you keep reading. The ending was just OK, no cliff-hangers, it feels like it's not a series and have no sequels, it makes a good stand-alone. After reading this I really have no idea on what will happen to the next book. Definitely I will still buy the sequel.

That's it, for those of you who have no interest in reading this book just like I do, you should give it a try. You won't regret it. I promise. Thanks for dropping by.

Rating: 4/5

About the Author

Becca Fitzpatrick grew up reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden with a flashlight under the covers. She graduated college with a degree in health, which she promptly abandoned for storytelling. When not writing, she's most likely prowling sale racks for reject shoes, running, or watching crime dramas on TV. She is the author of the bestselling HUSH, HUSH Saga. HUSH, HUSH Saga are in stores everywhere! Worldwide.

www.beccafitzpatrick.com

Catch Up Reading Challenge [Update]

I'm going to add more books to my Catch Up Reading Challenge. As of now I haven't read any books from my first list, but I already ordered 2 books and hopefully I will start reading them by May. So, here are the list of books that I really need to catch up.

1. Cinder by Marissa Meyer
2. Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon
3. Shatter Me bi Tahereh Mafi
4. Legend by Marie Lu
5. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
6. Graceling by Kristin Cashore
7. Gone By Michael Grant
8. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

If I still have a time and money of course, I will read the Harry Potter (yeah you read that right Harry Potter), and Percy Jackson Series, and the Lost Hero both by Rick Riordan.

2013 Book Bingo Reading Challenge

Up again for some reading challenges, god it's addicting. :D. This reading challenge is hosted by Kristilyn of Reading in Winter and Anne of Creativity's Corner. The mechanics are easy, you just have to fill those boxes the Bingo way. This is just for fun, I know I can't mark all of them, but let's see.

Read more rules and guidelines by clicking any of the link.

2013 Catch Up Reading Challenge

I'm up again for some challenges, this time it's Catch Up Reading Challenge; my second reading challenge for 2013, Hosted by Tammy of Books, Bones & Buffy. The goal is simple: “Catch Up” on some books you've been dying to read. Same as Tammy, I will take this challenge to catch up the complete series of books that I'm dying to read, and I’m giving myself the entire year of 2013 to do it!

1. Select the books you’d like to “catch up” on during the year. I’ve decided not to put a minimum or even a limit on this number. It’s really up to you. My list has (8) books on it.

2. Grab the challenge button and post it on your sidebar.

3. Do a Catch Up Challenge blog post listing the books you’d love to finally get to read in 2013. Include the button in your post and link back here, if you don’t mind:)

4. Every time you read one of your catch up books, write a review and let me know about it in the comment section of this post. I’d love to see what you’re reading! You can easily find this post again by clicking the Catch Up Challenge button on my sidebar. It will take you right back here.

5. PRIZES!! For every ten bloggers or reviewers that sign up, I will have a giveaway. And for each of your challenge book reviews, you’ll get an entry into the giveaway. Giveaways will be spread out during the year to give you time to read and review your books.

6. You don’t have to have a blog to participate! You can post reviews on Goodreads too, just let me know in the comments where to find your review.

So, here are the books I plan to read:

1. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness - It's been on my top list on my TBR shelf on Goodreads for so long. Yay! I'm so excited.
2. The Maze Runner by James Dashner
3. Hounded by Kevin Hearne - I love Urban Fantasy <3
-Due to availability I will just read their first books-
4. Enclave by Ann Aguirre - It's a battle between Legend, Graceling, Matched, and Uglies series. So, Enclave won.
5. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
6. I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore - Now it has a boxed set, I will definitely buy it.

That's it, My Catch Up list for 2013 (I don't know if I can still add some). If you're Interested, just click the above image and sign up.

[Update 2-25-13] I really have lots of books that I really want to read, and I don't want them to be left behind, and these are the books that you will see below. Read the full post here.

2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge

These past few days I have read lots of lots of reading challenges that will happen next year, but this one really gets my interest, this reading challenge suits me best, I love the idea.

So, I finally decided to join this reading challenge. This will be my first.

Here is my List

2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge is Hosted by Megan Likes Books and Auntie Spinelli Reads.

The goal is to read at least one book featuring each of the following paranormal creatures: