Amber Rain by Alyssa & Celesta Thiessen Book Review

Amber Rain
by Alyssa Thiessen & Celesta Thiessen

ASIN: B00I8S5CMM
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia
Publication: February 3rd, 2014
Source: Story Cartel

Ellie Lauder and her family grew up in an underground shelter. They are the descendants of the survivors of the amber rain, an astronomical tragedy that brought human to the brink of extinction. Although population in the shelter are numbered, Ellie and her three brothers was always bullied by kids of their age.

Her father wasn't exaggerating; she was at the top of her class. Not that it won her any friends. Not that anything would. Why do they hate me so much.

Most of the time her brothers stood out for her, but they were always the odd one out, an outcast. There was one incident that forced her to fight back, and Ellie being sick of always being bullied decided to runaway and eventually discovered a secret entrance that leads to the surface. A place where she thought was gone forever.

The  world wasn't opening up and swallowing her. This was outside. This was above. She looked into the sky again. Sun. Clouds. It was so much bigger in real life, so much brighter - so much more terrifying.

My Impression

At first I thought the story would be like "The City of Ember", but visualizing the technology they have here in Amber Rain, I already guessed not. It would pass for a middle grade genre if it weren't for some violent settings. It was an easy read and I really felt like the book is for ages 14+.

I wasn't really enticed by the book cover, I was actually wondering about the connection between the title Amber Rain to the the Girl looking at the wilderness. As I read the story it does makes sense after all. 

The story was okay for me, it kept me reading till the end of the book without pausing. I guess the mystery behind their existence, their history and the mystery of what's waiting for them outside the shelter made me held on. I was actually also waiting for Ellie to fight back and get even with the other kids. I guess, it touches some nerves. LOLx.

I also liked the minimal twist in the story, about Ellie finding out who she really is and the switch! I really liked that part. I was like... TIME TO KICK SOME BULLIES GUTS! 

Although the ending isn't a cliffhanger type, I find myself looking forward in knowing what's going to happen next, how will they survive, how will everyone get along and how those hanging romance bloom.

Rating:  4 Stars

Plot: Well paced story.

Page Turner: In most part

Continued?: Yes.

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend:  I had a hard time visualizing Lee, River and Will. So, no.

About the Author

Celesta Thiessen

Official Website ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter

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18 Truths Jamie Ayres Book Review

18 Truths
by Jamie Ayres

ISBN: 1620074478 (ISBN13: 9781620074473)
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Mystery
Publication: January 24th, 2014
Source: Net Galley

From Goodreads Synopsis:

Lying is unbearable, betrayal is inevitable, and choosing which path to take is impossible.

Olga Gay Worontzoff ended her senior year as an eighteen-year-old girl totally in love with Nate, enjoying their new romance and about to attend the university of her dreams. Now she's spending her summer in the weird subculture of the Underworld, with charmingly witty and powerful angels, and problematic demons, trying to rescue Conner, the best friend and secret crush she was unable to save during a freak accident.

But Nate has other things on his mind, mainly Grace. She's their first assignment as joint guides, and Olga's feeling hurt and jealous. His mysterious behavior has Olga questioning everything she believed about him and now she must decide whether to stick to their plan, or follow her heart. Unfortunately, a series of mistakes threatens everyone around her and plants Olga in the center of cosmic events much larger than she ever imagined.

Only one thing is certain: the chilling truths uncovered during her journey will leave no one untouched.

My Impression

I was totally dumbfounded by this book. First and foremost, the cover. It was really enticing and mystifying. My first impression was, "Okay, book under a teen & young adult genre, possibly has to do with paranormal alien or magic stuffs.". Uh-uh... how wrong I was. The title is quite catchy too. I haven't read the first book though, but I wasn't lost while reading this one. 

While I was reading it, I eventually realized that this book would offer me such an inspiring story and it did! I actually highlighted several quotes that I would that would be a perfect share to my love ones and friends. There were those scenes, (as simple as it is...) that will touch your heart deep because you know that it happen in real life and would basically be the exact thing you'd say if it did happen to yours.

"Well, first of all, every child deserve a grandma to spoil them, and mine won't have one. You know what? Bump all of that,  every child deserves a mother to love them. I can't even love myself."

The originality of the book blew me away. Never did I thought of anything like this, I mean NEVER! I did knew the saying "Life after death" but I haven't really thought about living it as the author visualize it in the book. I could only say one thing... COOL! How would you like to live the "same" way as you did here in earth while under the angel supervision and knowing... Literally knowing, that you're just one step closer to either heaven and hell. I super loved the world building in this one, it seems logical and believable. Well, perhaps except for this one... 

Ash handed Nate and me a backpack.

"School supplies?" Nate asked, shaking the bag, his eyes wide.

.

.

"And, not exactly. You don't need to worry about graduating. You nee to worry about warfare. You'll find binoculars,  a Bible, a crucifix necklace to wear that's been anointed with oil, Grace's case file, the roles you're playing in this after-death purification process, a copy of your Spirit Guide Insurance Policy, your daily meditation guide, cell phones, a tranq gun, an Angel Phonebook with who to call for specific problems, your Limbo passports in case someone needs to see your ID, Spirit Guide For Dummies 101, etc. --"

And the humor! Geez, I think I caught myself smiling like a hundred times while reading this. 

Before I died, the only religion I knew had been Star Wars. ~Conner

Do you want to go straight to H-E-double hockey sticks? ~Nate 

Okay, I know that's not the best funny verse in this book but really, it made me smile. Olga is all so human with all her imperfections. There were times that I'd like to smack her head for wanting everything and not being contented with what she has. She is selfish that way and I find her so unfair. It was like reading a "reverse harem manga" [when a lead girl is being liked by most of the the boy character in the story] which is cute if it is a manga, but not that cute when it comes to novels.

Nate or Conner? Nate showed his dark side only to protect Olga which means he's do everything for her and would fight for her no matter what. While, Conner would do too. Wait, looking at this point of view I could understand Olga now. I can't possibly choose between the two of them.   Okay, maybe I'll choose Riel instead.

Rating:  4 Stars

Plot: Slow paced. Dragging in most chapters

Page Turner: Not really.

Continued?: Yes.

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend: Still confused.. but yes, there are three possible candidates here.

About the Author

Jamie Ayres

Official Website ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

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The False Prince Book Review

The False Prince
by Jennifer Nielsen

ISBN: 0545284139 (ISBN13: 97805484134)
Genre: Children Fantasy, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Mystery
Publication: April 1st, 2012

From Goodreads Synopsis:

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point -- he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. but Sage's rival have their own agendas as well. 

My Impression

This was the first book I read which got a male protagonist POV. What amazes me the most is how I often flip the cover to check if the author is "really" a female. The way I visualize Sage, he is a 100% male. The author did bring out her masculine side in the form of Sage. 

Sage is an awesome character, I liked him very much. He is a good sort of rebellious teen, doing what he like, not letting other manhandled him. He is very intelligent. I admire him for being a quick thinker and a thorough planner. Like he's always 10 step ahead of the other characters. Though I already got a hint about the "truth" in the earlier chapters, I think it's his attitude that gave him away. 

A person can be educated and still be stupid, and a wise man can have no education at all.

I wasn't really impress by the book cover though, it looks boring for me. But all in all I like the story, though it was a very slow paced. I enjoyed how Sage outwit every character in the story. 

Conner answered, "Mrs. Turbeldy warned me that you have a history of running away. Where did you go?" 

To church of course. To confess my sins."

Though I "DID" like the story... I don't think anticipation is high enough for me, to read it's other sequels. There's no loose ending to hang into, no romance ( well, there are two possibilities, but I didn't find it interesting enough  )  to watch out for. So... there you go....

Rating:  4 Stars

Plot: VERY slow paced. Detailed

Page Turner: Not really.

Continued?: Yes.

Recommended: Yes. I think... ✖‿✖

Book Boyfriend: 15 years old is tooo young for me.

About the Author

Jennifer Nielsen

Official Website ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

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Book Quotes [01]

This is my first post for Book Quotes. I was thinking to make this one so that you could share the knowledge, fun or inspiration of each quote. ❤

This is why I don't like sharing my book, some just don't understand. Books are "SCARED"! I remembered I let my friend borrow a book from me. I made it clear that she must take good care of  it. She did promise, but when the book was returned.... . She actually told me that it was just a tiny fold in the corner page. "A TINY FOLD!!!!" plus the book spine are full of curls. It was my favorite book! From that day on, I never let anyone borrow my books ever again. (Call me selfish and all, I learned my lesson the hard way!) I don't even care whenever she tease me for having a OCD when it comes to books. Like DUH! NEVER will I let you touch my books again!  

I do have hots for bad ass boys... who doesn't? Even there's a wide blinking "DANGER" sign on their forehead. I find them thrilling and challenging. 

I super agree. 

Well, I thought so too. ^_^

As much as I dislike my huge Calculus book, I know deep inside it's the only one who'll redeem me from failing. (✖╭╮✖)

If it'll make you feel better, it's a good way to share your pain with someone you know you can depend on. 

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You are Mine Book Review

You are Mine
by Janeal Falor

ISBN: 0989743209 (ISBN13:9780989743204)
Genre: Fantasy Magic, Young Adult, New Adult, Paranormal Romance,
Publication: May 6th, 2013
Source: Author

In Serena's world women are precious commodities to be traded, a trophy for display and just for giving birth. Now that she is of age, her father will trade her to warlocks who would buy her for how much magic she has in her blood. 

A warlock could ask to buy me at any time. There's nothing I can do about it. I follow mother from the room, bowing my head with the hope that it will keep further attention from me. But it's too late to hope. I will always be owned.

 No matter how she dislike the idea of being owned she doesn't have the right to say or show it. If she does, it will be an act of disrespect and will be punished cruelly, or much worst she will be tarnished. She'll be an outcast, bald, inked and worthless for the rest of her life.

As she readied herself for her new warlock owner, a very unexpected situation happens. Her ownership was won by a foreign barbarian. Confusion was all that fills her head, when she realize that her new master is not what she imagine to be. 

We pass the Envadi. I clench my shaking hands and risk a peek back. His gaze meets mine, though he's still speaking to a servant. I trip and hurry to right myself, this time sure to watch where I'm going. Though I don't look again, I feel his gaze still on me. What is he planning to do to me?

My Impression

When I was reading this book, I can't help but imagine Khal Drogo and Khaleesi. Actually they are the ones who were reenacting the characters inside my head. 

Yeah, yeah, I know. Serena has dark hair and all, but you can't blame my internal DVD player. They just appeared out of nowhere.

Anyway,  I found this book very unnerving.  I'm an independent woman, grew up being always relied on, expectations from me are high (Which frustrates me most of the time). So I see myself as a very capable human, I value my worth and quite proud of it. Reading how women in this book were degraded, controlled and owned, makes me furious. 

"Very good pedigree," he mumbles."Father most impressive. Mother's Father is Devon Mullshire. His and his Fathers' powers were excellent. Simply excellent."

 What the heck is she? A dog? Geez! How the author emphasized that the women in the book were merely a commodity, really touched some nerves. It was believably great. I'm still on the verge of teleporting there and start a rebellion myself.

 As I read the first few chapters, I found it very disturbing ( as a female who believes in equality ),  compelling in a way that you wanted to find out how Serena, being who she is, will bring change to their current state, how she could tap into her own power proving that women are also an important part of the society and anticipating how Serena and her new owners' relationship will bloom into a beautiful love story.

Rating:  4 Stars

Plot: Nerve wrecking. Intriguing

Page Turner: Not really

Continued?: Yes.

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend: If he looks like Khal Drogo. YES!(｡♥‿♥｡)

About the Author

Janeal Falor

Official Website ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

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Pierced Book Review

Pierced

by J.C Mells
ASIN: B00CAW3G86
Genre: New Adult, Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Urban Fantasy
Publication: April 9th, 2013
Source: Story Cartel

Pierce grew up practically alone. Her mother was a drunk and a drug addict who abandoned her in a vampire compound. She was sexually and physically abused during her childhood days, making her create two alter ego.

Yeah, I have Mildred and Veda Pierce living in my head, so what? My name is Pierce and it makes sense to me, and that's all that matters.

She had been locked up for 10 years in the compound under a man who raped and drugged her. Now as she escaped, she has been on the run together with her ten-year-old brat who she whole heartedly wish to give a normal life. 

Mia is real, isn't she? I mean I have two 1945 film characters living in my head. Why not create an imaginary ten-year-old travelling companion too?

My Impression

After I finished the book, I realized that being loony can be very cool and funny. I was really blown away by how Pierce is. This book let me journey into a girl's psychotic mind. The funny thing is, it never felt like "She is cracked in the head." It felt like she is trying her best to preserve her sanity, it seems logical for me that her brain works like that. She is intelligent, she is different, she is not normal (in every way).

The book is dragging in the first few chapters, I honestly thought that I would actually learn how to cook tender steak and kidney pie and many other recipes from Pierce (cooking tips and tricks), but the author made it so that the reader would understand her thoroughly. To get to know her world, and mind you it's completely strange. She has two other Pierces living (yup... alive and kicking and cooking) inside her head. One represents her confidence and the other is her conscience. The only thing I didn't like in the story was Pierced attachment to classic movies in which I can't relate to.

At first I thought it will be full of sparkling handsome vampires, but no. This book is never what I expect it to be.

I liked the plot, it's really compelling. Once a new character is introduced you look forward to know them more and what role will they play in the story. I also like the way the author didn't give to much info about Pierce herself. I guess that's what's thrilling about this book. There's still so much to learn about her and she is such an interesting yet bizarre protagonist.

Rating: 5 stars

Plot: Very interesting

Page Turner: In the latter part

Continued?: Yes.

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend: Surprisingly I've got Mildred in my head too.

About the Author

J.C. Mells

Official Website ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

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Origin Book Review

JenniferL. Armentrout

ISBN: 1622660757 (ISBN13: 9781622660759)

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance

Published: August 27th, 2013

Note: Synopsis taken from Goodreads

Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything. 

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on? 

And will they even be together?

HOLY. ALIEN. BABIES. Errm... Sorry, it's just that the cover is just so beautiful. Burning the world concept in the background, model Daemon pissed off but still gorgeous and those abs. DAYUM!

Anyway, I really wondered how this book could be as exciting as the third book Opal. But boy, I wasn't disappointed. Kathy being captured by the Daedalus isn't as boring as I thought it would be. The truth and lies behind everything got me wondering all over again. 

Daemon and Kathy's reunion got me all teary eyed. Yeah, I honestly never expect to be touched by it, but I guess it got something to do with Daemon's POV. How he saw Kathy as the only girl he loves, how he is deeply in love with her, and how much pain he is emotionally. 

"My heart stopped. My entire world came to a halt. I walked forward, and my step faltered. Only at the last possible second, I caught myself from hitting the floor on my knees. The back of my throat and eyes burned." -Daemon

Kathy is my ideal heroine. She is not weak, as I say in my previous reviews, not a damsel in distress (even though Daemon wants her to be one). She makes mistakes, sometime can be annoyingly stubborn, she is not perfect. She is selfless, she thinks and stand for what she believes in. I admire her for handling everything on her own.

"She attacked several members of my team."

A smile spread across my face. That's my girl. "So sorry to hear that." - Daemon to Nancy

And there was Archer, I was really mystified by him, being the silent type, by-stander but someone who cares character that he is. He is certainly someone to watch out for in the next installment.

"Well, aren't you just a special snowflake," Daemon murmured.

"That I am." Archer's lips quirked into a half grin.

I just wanted to say something to Blake...  You got that coming dude... You certainly got that coming!

This book certainly got a pretty good hold on me. The story line is good as it progress to it's end. And speaking of "end", geez... the ending of this book... . There goes Jennifer Armentrout's soul sucking ending. There's still so much to look forward to and more than enough reason to anticipate the final book.

Rating:5 stars and counting...

Plot: Action pack, Jaw dropping

Page Turner: Yes.

Continued?: Yes.

Recommended: Yes.

Book Boyfriend: Completely awed.

 

Jennifer L. Armentrout

Official Website ✿ Email ✿ Blog ✿ Facebook ✿ Twitter ✿ Goodreads

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