Novelissima

Monday, April 15, 2013

BOOK REVIEW: Breaking Point (Article 5 #2) by Kristen Simmons

I recently got my hardback copy of Breaking Point by Kristen Simmons. I won it from a giveaway about a month ago and have been waiting for it since then. I've read the first book and I was totally blown away so I was really looking forward to getting this one. Anyhow, the story takes off a few weeks after the events from the first book took place.

I must admit that it took me a while to finish this book. I have a lot going on at the moment and I had the night shift but then again I did finish it. This book is amazing. Probably one of the best dystopians I've read. And I have read a lot of dystopians. It's one of my favorite genre. I really liked the characters. None of them were annoying in anyway and that's a plus for me. I liked Ember even if I had a bit of a hard time understanding her reasons for doing whatever it is that she's doing. And as for Chase. Deym! He's as tough as nails and he's also hot to boot. Anyhow, I really enjoyed reading this novel. Probably as much as the first one if not more. It was fast paced and probably one of those books that you just want to keep on reading.

RATING: 5/5 stars

Oh yeah, Kristen Simmons is just soooo awesome. You should tweet her. :)

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Stacking the Shelves #17

Stacking the Shelves is a new meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews, which is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in a physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or from the library, review books and of course ebooks!

My laptop has gone AWOL on me so I'm leeching from my cousin's. Anyhow, I got a couple of books from TBD, TOR Teen, Fullybooked and Booksale.

From Tor Teen and JeanBookNerd Breaking Point (Article 5 #2) by Kristen Simmons

From Booksale Graceling by Kristen Cashore

From FullyBooked Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3) by Cassandra Clare

From TBD Legend (Legend #1) and Prodigy (Legend #2) by Marie Lu

So what did you guys get this week?

BOOK REVIEW: Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3) by Cassandra Clare

I know this deserves a proper review but as I've mentioned in another review I wrote a few minutes ago my laptop's gone AWOL on me. But I've just can't keep it to myself how awesome this book is. This would probably be my favorite among the three. I really enjoyed reading this. It made me cry a lot. I didn't want to finish this and yet at the same time I had this urge to just keep on going. I'm definitely going to miss Tessa, Will, Jem and all of the characters that I've come to love. The ending was certainly very unpredicatable and I see a possible cameo of certain characters from TID to TMI. This novel also answered a lot of questions that has bugged me from the moment I started reading both TMI and TID. And I honestly can't wait for the finale of TMI next year. I think this had a very bittersweet ending. The epilogue actually made me cry. Anyway, I soooooooo love this book and I'd give this 10/5 stars if only I could.

PS: Yeah, I know. I'm kinda' late in reading this and all. It did take me a while to get my hands on a copy. That's how in demand it is until now. I will definitely write a proper review soon.

RATING: 5/5 stars

BOOK REVIEW: Things I Can't Forget (Hundred Oaks #3) by Miranda Kenneally

The third Hundred Oaks novel, Things I Can't Forget is probably my least favorite in the series. I have yet to replace Catching Jordan in my top Hundred Oaks novel and to be honest I'm a bit disappointed with this book. I think it lacked the charm that the first two novels had.

Personally, I couldn't really relate to the heroine Kate. I had problems with her attitude and she somehow irked me. It actually took me a while to finish this .I think the heroine was overly dramatic and too annoying for my taste. It did have an awesome story line and I did love the fact that Will, Parker, Jordan and Sam made cameos. I also liked the love interest. He was sweet and awesome and he actually made the book more lovable.

Overall, it was still a decent read. Probably not as awesome as the first two but still a decent read.

RATING: 3/5

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

BOOK REVIEW: Tiger's Curse (The Tiger Saga #1) by Colleen Houck

I know, I know. this has been out for quite some time now but it took me a very long time to pick Tiger's Curse up. Why did it take me this long to pick this up? Anyhow, I'm glad I started this series now because I don't think I can wait that long to finish this series. Anyway, the novel is told in the heroine, Kelsey's, POV.

I have to admit that I have this love-hate relationship with Kelsey. I like her most of the time but towards the end I think her insecurities got the best of her. Honestly, this girl has zero confidence. I have no idea why she keeps on putting herself down but she always does. Especially towards the end. Anyway, I think Ren and Kishan made up for whatever hatred I have towards Kelsey. I seriously fell in love with Ren and Kishan. I don't even know who I want more. Haha. I think both brothers have their own unique appeal and for some reason I'm finding it difficult who to like more. I just feel awful about not starting this as soon as it got published.

Overall, I really enjoyed the merging of the romance and the adventure aspect of the novel. I couldn't put this book down. I didn't even want to go to work because of it. I loved all of the characters. Mr. Kadam, Ren, Kishan and yes, even Kelsey. I told you we have this love-hate relationship thing going on. I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on the second book. Off to find a copy somewhere. Now I know why it's always out of stock in our local bookstores.

RATING: 5/5 stars

Monday, March 25, 2013

BOOK REVIEW: Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Saving June would be my first Hannah Harrington novel. I was actually very excited to read this even though I'm not really a big fan of tearjerkers. I'm actually a very happy person but from time to time I also want to get in touch with my emotional side. Anyway, the story is told in Harper, June's younger sister's, POV.

This was a very quick read for me since it was only 200 something pages and to be honest it was really well-written as well. The story starts of during June's funeral and is narrated by Harper. I really loved Harper. She appears to be really unemotional with regards to her sister's unexpected death but deep inside she was really hurting. She feels like she has to fill her sister's shoes now that she's gone, her family is falling apart and for some reason she feels so lost so she decides to do one last thing for her sister. Her best friend Laney and Jake, a friend of June's, decides to accompany her on this road trip that she decided to go to. Anyway, I really enjoyed the road trip aspect of the story. Kinda' reminded me of Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson and Two*Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt. I loved all of the characters. Harper was strong and very loyal to her friend. The same goes with Laney. And the fact that she tried to be strong for Harper even if she was going through some stuff as well really touched me. As for Jake, seriously Jake is such a dream boat. He hid some things that I guess he shouldn't have but he is just so dreamy. I just can't find it in my heart to dislike him.

Anyhow, I don't really want to spoil anything so I'll just keep this short. The novel is a very quick read. It was written in a way wherein the more depressing or rather emotional aspect of the story was turned into something a bit happier. I really loved reading it. The only person I probably hated quite a bit was Aunt Helen. I think she likes sticking her nose in other people's business too much. I know she wasn't trying to be evil or anything but sometimes too much is just too much. The novel wasn't just about love and all the simple crap. It was much more deeper than that. I think the issues tackled in this novel are really relevant in our society today. Anyway, I would definitely read more from Hannah Harrington.

RATING: 4/5 stars