Review: Angel Burn

Angel Burn by L.A Weatherly (#1 in Angel Trilogy)

Synopsis from: Shelfari.com
Published by: Candlewick

Willow knows she's different from other girls, and not just because she loves tinkering with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into the future and know people's dreams and hopes, their sorrows and regrets, just by touching them. She has no idea where this power comes from. But the assassin, Alex, does. Gorgeous, mysterious Alex knows more about Willow than Willow herself. He knows that her powers link to dark and dangerous forces, and that he's one of the few humans left who can fight them. When Alex finds himself falling in love with his sworn enemy, he discovers that nothing is as it seems, least of all good and evil. In the first book in an action-packed, romantic trilogy, L.A. Weatherly sends readers on a thrill-ride of a road trip - and depicts the human race at the brink of a future as catastrophic as it is deceptively beautiful.

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This story was amazingly beautiful from the moment I started. Weatherly flips it around- angels are the bad guys while the killers are good. I wasn't so keen on reading the book, but then I really got into it. It was just so exciting, and I enjoyed how she changed the POV's every few chapters or so. It was nice to know what each character was thinking, especially Alex. I like how Willow and Alex start out hating each other, but learn to change that.

ALEX! Oh, my gosh. He was amazing. I felt myself longing for the chapters in his POV. I liked hearing his thoughts and what he was thinking of the situation. Especially when it was about Willow. He was always pushing her away, telling himself that he couldn't love her, but he seemed vulnerable in that way. He is one of those guys who doesn't really want to share his feelings with others, and likes to be closed off at first being opening up to anyone. Those flash backs really gave me an insight into his past. The death of his family seemed to change him. He didn't seem to really care about anyone, and little about himself. But, who wouldn't like a guy who sees his family killed because of angels, and still goes out, trying to rid of all of them? I think it makes him brave that he would still do his job, even after his family was wiped out because of them.

Willow was different from other girl characters that I've read before. Sure, she can be girly like all girls, but this is the first book where the girl knows how to fix cars. Yes, yes, it may not surprise you, but this is the first. I liked how she showed up Alex by telling him what was wrong with car and being all I'm the expert, move over. I love it when girls just push over guys because they know they know better.

Raziel, seemed to be a very interesting character. He seemed scared of Willow, not only because she was the only half-angel, but the only half-angel that could destroy all of the angels. I can't help but laugh at how silly he sounds sometimes because he's the leader of the angels and he's afraid of one girl and an assassin.

Rarely do books like this come around where the author twists everything so that we're looking at the story a different way. Actually, this is the first book where angels have been portrayed as the bad guys and the killers the good guys. I've been hectic about reading the next book that I'm practically tearing my hair out every second I'm not reading the second book, Angel Fire, which happens to look like this:

Angel Fire by L.A Weatherly (#2 in Angel Trilogy)

Synopsis from: Shelfari.com
Published by: Candlewick

Angels will never be seen in the same way again. Gorgeous, charismatic Alex has the courage and skill of a trained Angel Killer. Unique, dazzling Willow has the beauty and power that comes with being half-angel. As the power of the malevolent Church of Angels grows, now it's up to Alex and Willow to train a new team of Angel Killers. Willow soon finds her half-angel identity met with hostility by some of the other AKs, while privately, she must wrestle with the knowledge that her father, Raziel, is a depraved, evil angel. However, while life in the AK training camp is tough, at least Alex and Willow are together. But when Alex discovers that the death of his brother and fellow Angel-Killer, Jake, was linked to a secret CIA mission to defeat the angels, he is forced to leave the camp to complete his brother's work... without Willow. Alex promised Willow he would never leave her, but with the fate of the human race at stake, destiny has ruled that Alex and Willow must be parted once more...

I can't bare to wait until January until this book comes out. What I hate the most is that in UK, the book is coming out October 1st, which is over two months earlier than we're getting it! I am very pissed, but am very happy that I'll be able to read the book.

Cover Release: Insurgent

I spend a lot of time on the internet, basically looking for more books to read, or searching up release dates. I also look for updates, whether it be on other books coming out in series, or cover releases, such as this wonderful one:

Isn't it a beautiful thing? It is an amazing cover for Insurgent, the second book in the Divergent series. The sign is for Amity, and in the background, it is the train. The one that the Dauntless use all the time.

I can't wait for it to come out in May of next year! So excited! (Thank you wonderful cover designers. I praise you for your amazing work!)

Review: Divergent

Divergent by Veronica Roth (#1 in Divergent)

Synopsis from: Shelfari.com

Published by: Katherine Tegen Books

In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being

who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris, and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together, they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes-fascinating, sometimes-exasperating boy fits into the life she’s chosen.

But Tris also has a secret: one she’s kept hidden from everyone, because she’s been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly-perfect society, she also learns that her secret might be what helps her save those she loves . . . or it might be what destroys her.

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This book was a must read from the moment I saw it. The cover is amazing, and I applaud the jacket artists for such wonderful work. I absolutely love dystopian books, and this one was perfect. The tests make me feel like I'm in a different world, and I like how real it felt when I was reading it. There was no mistaking the fact that the author put countless hours into this book.

Beatrice (or Tris), is portrayed as a character who doesn't think she is enough. She doesn't find herself pretty, or selfless enough. When she chooses dauntless, she has to cover up all her feelings by being brave and not really caring that much about herself that is. I love how she isn't afraid to stand up for herself or others, and how she protects Al from Eric.

Now onto the boys. Or boy for that fact. Four is shown as someone who doesn't believe in the beliefs of the dauntless. He seems strong, but vulnerable at the same time. I loved how he took interest in Tris and tried to make her stronger by punishing her. I couldn't get enough of him and longed for the scenes that he was in. I felt myself melt whenever he said something that was sweet. By the end of the book, I was a puddle of nothingness.

The plot of the book was very simple, but it felt complicated because of how long it look Tris to figure out what was going on. But that's what I liked about it. It wasn't one of those books where it took forever, but it was quick. Sure, the book is around 500 pages, but it didn't feel like that. It was probably because it was just so damn good!

I recommend this book to people who like to read stories about strong girls. And, for people who enjoy dystopian as much as I do. The second I finished, I felt myself wanting the second book in my grasps.

Review: Tiger's Curse

Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck (#1 in Tiger Series)

Synopsis from: Shelfari.com

Published by: Splinter

Passion. Fate Loyalty.

Would you risk it all the change your destiny?

The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever.

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Great cover: Check

Great title: Check

Great weight: Not really

The first thing I noticed about this book was how heavy it was. Weird thing to say, but it was true. It wasn't the greatest first impression, but the book turned out to be very interesting. I would myself falling asleep the first few chapters, but as soon as I got to the part where Kelsey found out her tiger was actually human, I snapped out of my daze. The chemistry between them is instant, even though Kelsey isn't sure what to make of it. I mean, hello! He's a prince and he's standing right there! I usually get sick of stories where they have to keep searching for a "treasure," but this wasn't the same. Maybe it was because they fought a lot. Yes, that has to be it. And who doesn't love a book where two brothers are fighting over the same girl?

Now to the boys. Ren, Ren. I longed for you in each scene. He was so interesting, and very humorous, which I adored. Plus, he's tanned and he is ripped! (Not literally.) Who can resist a boy like that? I thought it was the cutest thing when he tried to kiss Kelsey, but then, it was all broken when she said no. My heart cracked a little, and I tried not to cry. He's romantic, and can be very frustrating, but I still love him. Kishan, his brother, isn't seen much in his book, but it's obvious that he likes Kelsey as well. When Kelsey made her big decision at the end of the book and he made a move on her, I wanted to slap him. But, still, I can just picture the black panther like tiger in front of my eyes, as well as the human boy inside. He seems more intense, and not too patient.

This book was a one nighter. I couldn't but it down for one second, not even to pee. Which is expected, but still. I stayed up late just to finish this book. I couldn't stop reading because every chapter would present a new challenge for Kelsey, whether it had something to do with the prophecy or her personal life.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy action and adventure stories. This definitely delivered on both, and not to mention the romance between the characters. It left me drooling for the second book!

Review: Starcrossed

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini (#1 in Starcrossed)

Synopsis from: Shelfari.com
Published by: Harper Teen

Set on the island of Nantucket, Starcrossed tells the tale of Helen Hamilton, a young woman whose destiny is forever altered when she meets Lucas Delos and tries to kill him in front of her entire high school. Which is terribly inconvenient, not only because Lucas is the most beautiful boy on the island, but also because Helen is so achingly shy she suffers physical pain whenever she is given too much attention.

Making matters worse, Helen is beginning to suspect she’s going crazy. Whenever she’s near Lucas or any member of his family she sees the ghostly apparitions of three women weeping bloody tears, and suffers the burden of an intense and irrational hate. She soon learns that she and Lucas are destined to play the leading roles in a Greek tragedy that the Three Fates insist on repeating over and over again throughout history. Like he namesake, Helen of Troy, she's destines to start a war by falling in love. But even though Lucas and Helen can see their own star-crossed destiny, they're still powerfully attracted to each other. Will they give up their personal happiness for the greater good, or risk it all to be together?

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I'd never heard of this author, Josephine Angelini, until my friend mentioned her book, Starcrossed. The moment I started reading this, I couldn't put it down. I waited forever to get the book from the library (yet, the library. I can't buy all of my books.) But, it was worth the wait! I usually don't like third person POV's, but this was an exception! It was very enticing, and the action didn't stop for a second. I also, however, enjoyed it when Angelini switched the characters point of view. I'd be reading from Helen's POV, and the Lucas'. Oh, and now that I think about it, I LOVE Lucas!

He's sweet, and funny, and he's romantic, to an extend however. The way that Helen describes him makes me want to melt like an ice cube on a hot summer day. I also, however, feel bad for Lucas, in a good way. He's always pushing himself away from Helen, even though he wants her so bad. (Maybe even more than I want him *giggle*) And when he got mad at Hector, not to mention fought him, for following Helen, I nearly fell out of my chair! He shows two sides in this story: Mean Lucas, then Nice Lucas. I prefer Nice Lucas much more than the other.

Helen is the definition of strong, but also vulnerable. She stood up for herself, and didn't want to be bossed around by anyone. (Like Hector, who kept punching her in the face and told her to hit him back.) But, there is also this unstable part of her that can show sometimes. And who doesn't like a girl who is literally invincible to any kind of weapon? (I'm looking at you Creon. Knives will not work.)

Claire, claire, you are the craziest best friend I have ever met. I mean, who deliberately tries to kill her best friend just to test out a theory? But I loved her sense of humour and how witty she could be at some times. And not to mention she's Japanese!

This book was amazing and I recommend you to read it as soon as possible! The end however, tore my heart out. I was nearly suffocated at the lies Helen was being told, and nearly drowned in my own tears. But, on the bright side, it does hint that there will certainly be a second book to come up. (And, I read about this on Shelfari.)

Oh, and people! Don't forget to go the YA Confidential to enter the giveaway for their Launch! The contest is only opened until October 7th. (Which is, ahem, plenty of time.)

Giveaway (#1)

YA confidential is giving away a critique from an agent or an ARC!

Here's what you can win:

Agent critiques:

Agent Sarah LaPolla from Curtis Brown LTD. Offering a QUERY CRITIQUE.

Sarah LaPolla is an associate agent at Curtis Brown, Ltd and has an MFA in creative nonfiction from The New School. She represents a wide range of YA, including contemporary/realistic fiction, mystery, and light fantasy. She would love to see more magical realism, horror and thriller and is drawn to edgy/ dark stories, engaging narrators and strong female protagonists. Sarah has a literary blog, Glass Cases and is active on Twitter at @sarahlapolla.

Agent Vicky Motter from Andrea Hurst & Associates is offering a FIVE PAGE CRITIQUE (Winner should also subit a brief synopsis.)

Vicky has a BA in English Literature from Western Washington University. She loves all things weird, fantastical, morbid, and romantic. She's always reading and looking for books that Transport her to new lands and allow the imagination to run rampant. She has a special love of unique plots, dark themes, strong characters, an engaging voice, and a witty humour. She accepts almost every genre of YA. However, a few genres she do

es not accept are: time travel, superheroes, low fantasy (in which our world is the primary world and the protagonist is transported to a secondary world, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe style.) Her blog, can be found here.

Now onto the actual ARCs, which are, of course, of AMAZING books! (I'm telling you, this is what every wants.)

ARC of Shatter Me by Tahera Mafi

Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

ARC of The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

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 chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

ARC of Legend by Marie Lu

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.

ARC of Crossed (Matched #2) by Ally Condie

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion,

an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Finished copy, donated by Diana Fox, of Fox Literary Agency.

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

Fateful by Claudia Gray

Finished copy, donated by Diana Fox as well of the Fox Literary Agency.

It's about a servant girl named Tess in 1912, who wants to escape from the house where she works, and most particularly the lecherous young lord of the manor. But that's not her biggest problem. While on a voyage to America, where she plans to escape and start a new life, she meets Alec, who's ruggedly handsome, fabulously wealthy, intelligent and yet so clearly troubled that she'd rather not fall for him, but she does. That also is not her biggest problem. Alec, it turns out, is a werewolf ... one cursed to change every night, unless and until he surrenders his independence and joins the Brotherhood, a pack of violently misogynistic werewolves who have been tracking him for months. You'd think that would be their biggest problem, wouldn't you?

But no. Their biggest problem -- though they don't know it yet -- is that they're aboard the RMS Titanic.

To enter, click THIS to go to the YA confidential website and enter the contest.

And remember, this contest is opened internationally and closes Friday, October 7th.

New!

Hi! So I just started my blog here on blogger. I've tried doing tumblr before, but it hasn't really worked out, so I decided to try out blogger, and so far, I'm liking it! (for the five minutes I've been a blogger.) I'll try (emphasis on the try) to do one of possibly more book reviews everyday.

I'm so excited to start this, even though no one will probably join my blog. I've seen so many other blogs with hundreds of followers and I faint a little every time. I hope that you enjoy my blog (and hopefully join it *fingers crossed*) and tell all your blog buddies about it!