A Torch Against The Nightby Sabaa Tahir Book Review

Title: A Torch Against The Night

Author: Sabaa Tahir

Publisher: Razorbill; Penguin Random House

Publication Date: August 2016

Genre: High Fantasy

Rate: 4.5/5

Synopsis:

After the events of the Fourth Trial, Martial soldiers hunt the two fugitives as they flee the city of Serra and undertake a perilous journey through the heart of the Empire. Laia is determined to break into Kauf—the Empire’s most secure and dangerous prison—to save her brother, who is the key to the Scholars' survival. And Elias is determined to help Laia succeed, even if it means giving up his last chance at freedom. But dark forces, human and otherworldly, work against Laia and Elias. The pair must fight every step of the way to outsmart their enemies: the bloodthirsty Emperor Marcus, the merciless Commandant, the sadistic Warden of Kauf, and, most heartbreaking of all, Helene—Elias’s former friend and the Empire’s newest Blood Shrike. Bound to Marcus's will, Helene faces a torturous mission of her own—one that might destroy her: find the traitor Elias Veturius and the Scholar slave who helped him escape...and kill them both.

           

I received a review copy of this book from Penguin Random House Global. So much thanks for sending me a copy of the book I requested. As I always love and cherish their books to the deepest parts of my heart.

            How could I even begin to review a book I loved so much as this one. It’s really hard to summon the words. But I must.

            I love the voices of Laia, Elias and Helene in my head while reading this book. They are so real and vivid. As if I’m really hauled to the Empire and Serra and witnessing everything with my own two eyes. The heartbreak and hopelessness that leaks on every page is so palpable I really can’t honestly find the air to breathe. I’m awed and at the same time loathed the brutality of it all. I hated like I’ve never hated anyone before the antagonist, the Commandant, the Emperor, and the Night Bringer.

            I was so frustrated throughout the whole book though because Helene just doesn’t deserve that too much pain. My heart is breaking all over again for her just as I’m writing this but I know she’s stronger than any character I’ve ever read and she’s going to withstand it all, have her revenge, and finally be loved. She needs to be loved. She must be. For all she’s gone through. All those power, authority, fierceness, and loyalty spent on the wrong things and wrong people are too much to handle even for me.

            Bleeding hells. I love Elias Veturius too much, it hurts. He’s so committed and loyal to the girl (shh it’s Laia lol) who honestly is too stupid sometimes but I can’t really blame her because one can be desperate for care and love especially in dire times. It was Elias’s fault in the first place so how could I hate Laia, she just loved and care too much which is definitely the flaw on her armor.

Fault me perhaps but I needed more Laia and Elias from the beginning of the book. I was definitely starving for the both of them but circumstances just couldn’t keep them together. It hurts. I’d say this book is a too excellent sequel except for the romance part because I definitely felt deprived. Well crafted, well organized an definitely make you feel the feels! Btw look out for plot twists! They’ll gonna catch you unguarded,

Sabaa is a very very very good author and writer and I really really really hope to meet her in person one day (and Renee Ahdieh as well, her soul sister). I just love them and their books so much. Hope you come to the Philippines soon. Seriously if you haven’t picked up An Ember in The Ashes and A Torch Against The Night, you’re missing out the best books of the year. So go on then! Read these first before the others on your TBR list!

I made some fanarts for A Torch and An Ember and they're actually available on my RB shop! Just click the images below.

 

Rose & Thorn by Sarah Prineas Book Review

Title: Rose and Thorn

Author: Sarah Prineas

Publisher: HarperTeen; HarperCollins

Publication Date: October 2016

Genre: Retelling

Rate: 4/5

Synopsis:

           

After the spell protecting her is destroyed, Rose seeks safety in the world outside the valley she had called home. She’s been kept hidden all her life to delay the three curses she was born with—curses that will put her into her own fairy tale and a century-long slumber. Accompanied by Griff, the handsome and mysterious Watcher, and Quirk, his witty and warmhearted partner, Rose tries to escape from the ties that bind her to her story. But will the path they take lead them to freedom, or will it bring them straight into the fairy tale they are trying to avoid?

I received an advanced review copy (arc) of this book from HarperCollins International. So much thanks for giving me the chance to read it before it can be released to the public. As I always love and cherish their books to the deepest parts of my heart.

            I’ve not yet read enough retellings (of the fairytales) to say I’m really into retellings. I’ve probably have read a two or more. This particular book is about a retelling of Sleeping Beauty in the most exact and realistic events possible that we could relate to this modern times. As it has been said it retells the story in a “big, bold way.”

            Yes, it does in fact. I’ve loved fairytales all my life but after reading this book I think I kind of understand something that I wasn’t able to before not yet reading this book. It is basically a story of a girl who had been protected and is now fighting against the default tale we know. Here the Stories (Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the beast, etc.) is meant to happen again and again and again in an unending cycle experienced by different persons.

            Rose, our main character (MC) is trying and fighting to escape her destiny or might as well say it her enemy(the Story itself). She wants to make her own choices, make use of her will and love who she wants. She doesn’t want to be another girl who will sleep for another hundred years. The love interest here is my favourite kind; the guy who shuts people out because they think of him as unfeeling and is not capable of love. Find out how these two will find their way to each other.

            This book is just of the medium pace but I find myself wanting to read the following chapter after the next just because. This book has all the most significant and topics of this present time, abuse, sexuality, love. And yes I’ve never read a fairytale come to life retelling as bold as this one. Might as well grab one if you see it in a bookstore somewhere.

The Secret Heart of A Note by Stacey Lee ARC Review

Title: The Secret Heart of a Note

Author: Stacey Lee

Publisher: Katherine Tegen; HarperCollins

Publication Date: December 2016

Genre: Cute Contemporary

Rate: 4.5/5

Synopsis:

Sometimes love is right under your nose. As one of only two aromateurs left on the planet, sixteen-year-old Mimosa knows what her future holds: a lifetime of weeding, mixing love elixirs, and matchmaking—all while remaining incurably alone. For Mim, the rules are clear: falling in love would render her nose useless, taking away her one great talent. Still, Mimosa doesn’t want to spend her life elbow-deep in soil and begonias. She dreams of a normal high school experience with friends, sports practices, debate club, and even a boyfriend. But when she accidentally gives an elixir to the wrong woman and has to rely on the lovesick woman’s son, the school soccer star, to help fix the situation, Mim quickly begins to realize that falling in love isn’t always a choice you can make.

           

I received an advanced review copy (arc) of this book from HarperCollins International. So much thanks for giving me the chance to read it before it can be released to the public. As I always love and cherish their books to the deepest parts of my heart.

Did you know that heartbreak smells like Blue Berries and love smells something sweet and cold (but I won’t yet tell what it is) you’ll know it when you read it.

I never really thought the sense of smell and plants could be very, very interesting. That is just what Miss Stacey Lee did with her book. She put in the sense of smell as the top sense of a person (to be specific; an aromateur) and made the scents of plants as an indication of someone’s feelings and personality. I’ve read books in which the MCs (main characters) can see colors or auras of people and associated them with how they feel, but I’ve never really encountered a book like this one on the sense of smell except a bit on werewolves and some characters that could turn into some animal form. I adored this book because it was extraordinary and because I’m partial to reading very original concepts.

            So Mim here is like the girl in which the future generations are dependent to and their spider web-thread-aromateur linage. She’s her mother’s apprentice while having high school. She could smell your unique scent or notes (as called in this book). Their nose is like a thousand times more powerful than the ordinary noses. She’s fighting for the life she wants and what her mother and basically the whole universe is expecting her to live. It’s either fall in love or lose your power in her case her extraordinary sense of smell). I’ll leave it there for you guys to figure out. I wouldn’t want to spoil anything.

            This book has the perfect blend of fluffiness, lightness, romance and so much interesting facts about plants. This is another book you could read in one sitting if you’re industrious enough or no other stuff to do. It is also one of the most adorable books I’ve ever read in the history of YA. And right now I just so badly want to know what my scent is and what my heart notes are. Let me guess I probably smell like despair, broken dreams, and hopes and it could be like antiseptic or some banana or coconut lol. Anyway read this book when it comes out (on December!) You’ll love it as much as I did. I just know.

The Rose and The Dagger Book Review

Title: The Rose and The Dagger

Author: Renee Ahdieh

Publisher: Penguin Teen

Publication Date: April 26, 2016

Rating: 1001 Stars

 

What can I say? I just keep on daydreaming about Shazi and Khalid even now that I’m done reading it and have even read another book.

So, feels. I can’t say anything but feels. I’m dumbfounded, dumbstruck, speechless. Everything I was expecting from this book and more have been laid out on the pages of this book. Someone asked me on twitter if this is duology or series is good. It’s more than good. Good times a thousand and one.

Shaharzad is the queen of all queens in YA. I loved that as a queen she’s too fierce for her own good but still the fiercest of all anyways. She’s determined and very firm in all her resolves. Her loyalty for love is a thing of beauty in here. She was the first one who saw through all the layers and walls of Khalid before seeing the beautiful and broken boy inside him. She’s smart and strategic. She’s sacrificial and loves unconditionally. All girls must have to be like her. She’s the real perfect epitome of a queen. She deserves to be respected and more.

Khalid. All I need are more Khalids in YA books. All people thinks of him as the murderous monster boy king when in fact and deep inside he’s just a beautiful boy with a broken past. He has all the right reason for doing what he did and maybe he might have did wrong in the past but he rights it because he found peace and love in Shazi. As I have a thing for beautiful monsters like him I can’t help but swoon and feel fierce love and admiration for him.

The Perfect Balance. Do you ever read a chapter so many times you think you can even write that chapter yourself or direct a scene from it. Seriously this chapter got all the feels out of me. I just can’t. So much tension. So much romance. So much love.

After all those days that my book is delayed from the mail, it’s worth it. It’s so worth it that I didn’t read my kindle copy before my book arrived. This is my ultimate favorite series and I love it fiercely it hurts so much.

I just want to thank Renee for this book. For the characters she wrote that will stay in my heart and consciousness forever. And can I also say I think she is so very lucky to have her husband Vic. Which is probably who Khalid is based from. Thank you from the moon to the moon, Renee.

I don’t know what you are doing with your life if you’re not reading this series yet because obviously you’re missing a lot. You’re missing the best thing in YA ever. Most of all you are missing Khalid. I’ll miss him though, but I’ll probably just reread the books when I miss them. And I’m probably going to name my kids Shazi and Khalid when the time comes.

A Season for Fireflies ARC Review

Title: A Season for Fireflies

Author: Rebecca Maizel

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: June 16, 2016

Rate: 4/5 stars

This advance reader’s copy is generously given by HarperCollins International and Epic Reads. All the thanks, book shimmy and publisher love for my favorite publisher ever!

I think this book has the best setting in the history of all contemporary books I’ve read. What I’d give to see all those fireflies. At my place you even barely see a single one, on fields on a damp dusk.

At first I thought I could finish reading this in a short time but I got distracted but as I went with the story I found it good. I hated that Penny disregarded Kylie as if she wasn’t there when it was her worst but I cannot blame her because it’s not her fault. I like her litchensomething in her skin looks pretty cool in my imagination.

Also it’s good to know that hierarchies in high school can be broken by a person who by some circumstances can like the queen bees and the theater geeks in this book. I adored Wes and Penny’s love story. The love story that is meant to be first love, and how to act on it and feel it. People tend to block things and feelings out which I often do an also tend to ignore people without anything as much as an explanation, I tend to shut people out, like Penny but this book woke me. Now I’m thinking it’s not as bad to show people how you feel rather than hiding it for yourself because it’s—should I say deadly in the case of Penny so might as well.

And look at that dreamy orange cover. That’s like the color of falling in love or first love or a love so radiant it would feel like making a terrarium of fireflies. This is one gem of a love story you shouldn’t miss. It’s sweet and on point. I hope you get to read it.

Emmy and Oliver Audiobook Review

Title: Emmy and Oliver

Author: Robin Benway

Publisher: Harper Audio

Narrator: Phoebe Strole

Release Date: June 23, 2015

Rating: 5/5 Stars

This is the perfect book for a childhood love story. Like, that story wherein you fall in love with your childhood neighbor best friend. Which I bet doesn’t happen it real life but it’s still like, cliché.

But this book kinda makes you feel that magic without making it mainstream or anything like that. Oly is this kid next door who got kidnapped by his own father. (What kind of parent does that?) But it happened and he kind of left everything like his mom, his childhood crush, and his best friends without a trace for 10 years and then boom one day he’s back and reclaiming the places in everyone’s heart, especially Emmy.

It’s a kind of complicated thing with the parent who hauled him away because he just wants to be with his son. (Maybe some parents do that after all) Oly loves him even if everybody judges him to be a criminal. We just have no right to judge because people have their own reasons why they do what they do and maybe it’s twisted but still it can be justified.

Emmy is the kid who get’s over protected by her parents because of what happened to the kid next door and maybe that’s what Em made her do the things she does secretly like surfing and applying for college when her life is all planned out. Maybe some of us don’t want our lives handed to us in a silver platter. Maybe we want to work some things with destiny or fate or what our heart truly desires.

I love this book. It’s a refreshing read. And most of all I love that Phoebe Strole narrated it. (Boy, do I ever listen to Phoebe a lot. I love more than love her voice.) Please reconsider and listen to this wonderful audiobook.

Get your audiobook here: Audible

The Fall of Butterflies ARC REview

Title: The Fall of Butterflies

Author: Andrea Portes

Publisher: Harper Collins

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Publication Date: May 16, 2016

This advance reader’s copy is generously given by HarperCollins International and Epic Reads. All the thanks, book shimmy and publisher love for my favourite publisher ever! 

All thoughts in this review are my own.

You know with every Andrea Portes’s novel that from the first page you read you would not expect a happy ending with rainbows and unicorns and stuff like that nope. She straightforwardly tells you it’s not like this in this book. Change your perspective. This is what I love in every book she writes because it’s very authentic and original. Unlike any book you’ve ever read.

Willa’s narration is a very witty one. Her thoughts are very smart and even if not well thought she manages to think straight connecting those things up. And even if it isn’t very organized, that is how people think, like, in real life. If you put your literally exact thoughts in a book this is what it will look like or (read like). She’s this girl-a misfit (like in most of Andrea’s books) in a new town-searching for the right place and people to fit in. And thank God, she found it for herself. Because that’s what people do in life, get lost and the maybe by any chance find their way back.

What’s better than a book full of feels? Books which have the characters you relate to the most. It’s like really scary. Like this thing really happens to you sometimes and you’re scared because you think you are the only person experiencing it or doing it but somewhere even in a fantasy world there may be someone like you. And there’s no such a great thing than a book that can put your thoughts in the exact words you can never string together.

Remy is the kind of person I only allow myself to get attached to be honest. I’m like Willa, in some significant ways. Willa is the person in the background and Remy is the "thing", that expensive painting and Willa is the wall she hangs in. Remy takes things to make her feel like she’s in love with everything and everyone but it come with a cost and that is, her slowly slipping away from everything. If this book didn’t make me think of things to try because of Remy I would be kidding you. But thank God again I’m not like her nor I’m like the guy in this book. I’d take this pretty ordinary life of mine, thank you. But it’s tempting though but I’m not giving in.

I had been wondering what the title means as I read page by page and now I think I get it. Sometimes butterflies aren’t meant to always fly or flutter or sip nectar in the garden. Some get pinned in science experiments, some fall to the ground unnoticed. Butterflies can never fly as high as an eagle because if they do they would fall to the ground and die. Better be content in the garden they are right now.

Another excellent book by Andrea! And look at that gorgeous cover. Just stare at it for a moment. I know you're tempted. Give in. You got to get yours.

Pre-order your copy here: Amazon\B&N

Lost in Love ARC Review

Title: Lost in Love

Author: Susane Colasanti

Series: City Love #2

Publication Date: May 16, 2016

Rating: 5/5 stars

This advance reader’s copy is generously given by HarperCollins International and Epic Reads. All the thanks, book shimmy and publisher love for my favourite publisher ever!

I can’t tell you how much I love this series and all its warm fuzzies and random acts of kindness things. This book makes me want to be a nicer, kinder and a better people person. I guess that’s what good books do they make you want to change because of the how you relate to what the characters do and their personalities.

I love Sadie, Rosanna, Darcy all the same and equally, because they’re three different girls who have different stories, lives, and beliefs about love. The only thing they have in common is they’re city love for New York. The place feels beautiful and all majestic as told in their different point of views and it makes you want to reach that place someday even if you’re from the other side of the world. I love how the girls deal distinctly about their relationships, especially heartbreaks. It actually gives you an idea how to deal with it even if you’ve never been into a relationship. All the boys in this book are boyfriend goals but Donovan is my favourite. I can relate to all of the girls but I’m more of the Rosanna of the three.

I adore books about girl power and amazing sisterhood goals so much. They’re not just focused on a love triangle or saving the world but on minimal events that really happen in real life.

You gotta get this book if you love fluffy, light, and super adorable contemporaries. Even if you don’t you gotta get it still. Susane now is my second favourite contemporary author next to Kasie West. I love love love love this series so much it hurts.

Pre-order your copy here: TBD

The Crown ARC Review

Title: The Crown

Author: Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection #5

Publication Date: May 3, 2016

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Read first: The Heir Book Review

           

Heads up. It wasn’t as good as the Section Series, not enough to compare to Maxon and America but it’s good enough to get me over my months of book slump.

I love how Kiera makes her plot and the light and fast flow of every book she writes. It’s not dragy or anything but it lacks the magic. I didn’t recognize this Eadlyn in this book because she’s the exact opposite of the Eady I’ve read on The Heir. She’s not super bitchy anymore and she’s forgivable, understandable and a mental cry baby. Well I would suppose it’s because of what happened to her mother. But it’s a good change though it was a super fast transition I would say.

I am just happy it did not end how a lot of people thought it was going to end. A bit cliché still but I’m good with it. I’ll have you also know that I’ve only read The Heir and The Crown because of my love for Henri, Maxon and America. I’m not a big fan of Eadlyn but I am for her parents. I love them til I get 90 and forget who I am. And I’m the founder of #TeamHenri. He’s just so precious and so sweetly joyous. I am happy that I got to know him. I’d marry him first hand even if I don’t understand any single word he says. I love him forever and ever and ever.

I can’t wait for you guys to read it and tell or tweet me what you think.

Pre-order your copy here: TBD

Showers of books giveaway

Coming soon!

Thanksgiving & mystery giveaway!

It’s been quite a long time since I did a blog giveaway. I always do monthly Twitter giveaways but I miss doing it on my own blog. ​ This is also a celebration and thanksgiving giveaway because I’m already a degree holder and I’m through with college. This is also in celebration of my new business and personal website. It had been quite a rollercoaster ride-college-how we’d overcome all those people who did not want us to march and get our diplomas in due time. So it’s payback time to people who’ve always supported me in my life and bookish career ever since. Thank you a thousand times over. Guess what I’m giving away? Yes, you’re right it has something to do with books. But no, you don’t know because it will be a mystery box of books I’ll say though that they may contain ARCs, finished copies, used and brand new books. All books will be in the YA or NA genres and swags if I’m feeling generous. *winks* ​ Also I’ll be giving away $10 to join in any of my internet programs/businesses. http://mightazerie.weebly.com/online-home-biz.html ​All you have to do is fill up the giveaway tab via rafflecopter and do as you’re asked. No big deal. I would love for you to win this because I assure you this prize is awesome plus you’ll have an investment to start working with. a Rafflecopter giveaway Just a friendly reminder that all entries will be checked and invalid entries will be deleted. Thank you! So that’s about it. All I’m asking for now is that you’ll pray for me during my review classes for my licensure exam this October God-willing. And I hope you will always be there in every step of the way. Thanks for joining!

The 5th Wave Movie Review

The 5th Wave Movie

Rick Yancey

Chloe Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson, Alex Roe

January 21, 2016

Rating: 8.5/10 stars

Every reader wants nothing more than to see their favorite books come to life whether it be on the big or small screen as a TV series or a movie. They want to see how the actors portray the characters that had only been on the reader's imagination and hearts.

It is inevitable, yes, to compare the book to the movie. Often readers say that the book was better, which in fact is in always true but it's hard to say anything because the movie and the book are completely two different forms of media and should they be compared it isn't really an accurate basis of anything. The movie is only a mere representation of the book and not necessarily the whole book itself. If a book will be turned exactly as it is with the dialogues and all it would take as long as how a reader read the book and movies runs only for about two hours at most. I&m not going to focus on the book but the movie and we'll judge it more as a viewer than as a reader.

It had been 3 years since I've first read the book, sometime on June 2013. Not actually read but listened to the audiobook narrated by Phoebe Strole. It's a science fiction slash dystopian book which I enjoyed reading. It was the kind of book that would make you gasp and hold your breath as you turn the page. As far as I can remember back then, the movie stayed true to the book. As the scenes on the movie played, memories keep on flooding back in my head and I remember what happens next. It's hard holding yourself back to spoil your friends, to be honest. But really the movie was more than good.

As a viewer myself I think the movie would be quite interesting to people of any age because it's the story of a family who was torn apart by nature and the circumstances that the world is ending. Teens would relate to Cassie played by Chloe Grace Moretz, the main character, in what they would do for the people they love if they have the courage and the heart. Every scene is action packed and every turn is full of suspense. Who doesn't want to see a movie who would make their heart pound and their ears ring right? In pursuit of finding her little brother, Cassie outfaces the challenges along the way. She fights for her right of life and she rises against insurmountable odds. Like what are the odds of teenagers against an army of Others? But still she keeps on pushing and even trusts someone who must have been her enemy if he was one of the Others. Risks and sacrifices are made in order to defeat the enemy. It was hard and heartbreaking to watch this movie but overall it would teach us to hold those things that keeps us alive and keeps us human. Why should you watch this movie or try to read the book? The plost twist. I tell you the plot twist was really good and the ending will make or break your heart.

The actors did a great job in making the viewers see what the readers saw through their eyes in reading the book in which most movie adaptations doesn't. Not to mention that some of the cast are just new and unpopular actors that would surprise you of their acting skills. Chloe has played other young adult characters from books like Mia from If I Stay, and as Carrie from a horror movie entitled as is. That makes her one the most sought out teens and girl crushes in Hollywood today.

Not giving up is what makes us who we are. Fear, pain hope and love is what makes us human. Let us never lose them and hold them tight so as not to lose our humanity no matter what happens. Let us have the courage to fight for what we are given and those that we love. Loss and grief shouldn't get the most out of but let those be our guide to push back and give what's left of us so that what we'll gain will be nothing compared to what we have lost.

Reawakened by Colleen Houck Audiobook Review

Reawakened

Reawakened Series #1

Colleen Houck

Penguin Audio

5/5 Stars

I had been into Mythology since what I can't even remember, maybe since I started reading books. I started with Greek mythology as my foundation and I continued my booknerd journey since then. Don't get mistaken though, I know Mythology isn't real and I don't believe in them. It's just that it is good to lose yourself in these kind of worlds but you'll never find yourself on them.

I'm partial to audio books, especially if they're narrated by Phoebe Strole. I didn't read this one, I listened to the narration of Phoebe. I had this audio since the book was released last year and I just little by little finished by listening to it whilst I'm traveling home from the uni. This book about 12 hours and I listen to 2 hours everytime I travel once a week.

This as well is my first audio book review and I've listened to a few narrators from the past and it's just that I'm too drawn to Phoebe's soothing voice not to listen to her narrate for me. She's very good in narrating because she captures every moment and emotions with only just her voice and diction and I love that in this book, I can still determine who what was saying even if there is more than 3 people having conversation in the story. Trust me she's the best narrator I've ever listened to and you would not get bored or get sleepy or get tired in listening but you'll find yourself intently listening at her bewitching voice. It's like you're watching a movie in your head and Phoebe is doing all the audio for you.

Let's get to the story. Now Liliana Young is the typical New Yorker rich and sophisticated girl that in all ways changed and became as Lily because of the mind blowing adventures she had with not just one but three reincarnated princes of Egypt. You learn here a lot about Egypt and it's gods. And you get to see here how an Egyptian prince from the past adapts to the technologies and events of the future to keep the enemies at bay. This book is all about sacrifices. Totally about sacrifices.
What I totally adore while listening to this book is how many couple times my heart broke. I couldn't even count. I love and hate that Lily had been too frequently rejected and pushed away. But no matter what she stayed there at Amon&s side. That's loyalty and love at it's deepest and it really touches your heart. I love that no matter what immortal or not have both the ability to fall in love because we can't choose who we'll love. It just does. I loved how Colleen did write the three brothers though. Even if they're not of the same flesh and blood they are brothers through and through.

Heart breaking and heart mending as this book is you should read it or try listening to it because I loved every bit. I couldn't wait any longer for the Sequel #RECREATED I'm sure there would be more epic adventures to listen about and more romantic tension to sate.

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard Book Review

Truthwitch

Witchlander Series #1

Susan Dennard

TorTeen

5/5 Stars

This will be my first book review for the year. You have no idea how we, Witchlanders, have waited so long for this book. I got picked for the Earth Clan in the search for Witchlanders by Susan. Nicola and Jada. Though I had struggles in keeping  with the Clan Heists because of activities in the uni and exams to pass, not to mention the time zone differences on Twitter Chats despite all those and the little participation I had, I can say that it had been an honor and a privilege to be a Witchlander and most of all it had been so much fun.

I could say that Truthwitch is one of that books that met all the expectations of the readers. Exceeded it even for some. For about 6 months the hype for the book never died down and when the book was released of course it came out as a NYT best seller, congrats to Susan! She deserved it all the well.

Now let's talk about the book. In this book you'd see Voyagers or Pirates if that's what you wanted to call them and avatars, I'm kidding on that last part. I meant witches, not the witches that do potions and stuff but witches that has different kinds of elemental magic. Some abilities are very rare and these abilities are in possession of the main characters in this book. How downright appealing would it be to be a walking lie detector test or a scent tester in another sense.

I liked Safiya, not for being the trouble maker that she is but that firm stand on everything that she believes and the loyalty for the not so many people she loved. She's the not so typical headstrong, independent and seductive girl you'd read in YA books. Now you could ask what makes her different. It's her love for Iseult. For that unbreakable friendship bond they shared. As for Iseult, she's the sweet girl that doesn&t need saving, she&s the one saving the day and her best friend. If there's something I admire the most in Iz, it's her heart.

A book is not complete without the romance and here I could qoute &some lovers started off as enemies and some enemies started off as lovers&well in this case you have to read the book to figure things out. Ask me who I ship and I'll tell you it's Iseult and Aeduan. This book in fact is full of hot guys. Hot-controlling-gentle guys all girls long to read about.

This is the first book I've read by Susan and because of Truthwitch I'll read all the books she had past written and will write once I get the time. If you don't read this book then you'll definitely miss out on all the epicness and awesome stuff. If you've read or you're reading books by Sarah J Maas-Susan&s threadsister, then you must, all things considered read Truthwitch.

The Capture by Tom Isbell ARC Review

The Capture

The Prey #2

Tom Isbell

HarperTeen

4/5 Stars

How often do you get to read a heartbreakingly beautiful book? This book are one of those. A book that so utterly heartbreaking you keep on questioning yourself why you keep on turning and turning the pages.

So this is the second book of The Prey trilogy. A dystopian post-apocalyptic series that should make your heart race faster on how these characters survive and try to continue to live. It's also a book full of suspense you'd be at the edge of your seats.

I almost had no time to read this because of the upcoming midterm exams for the uni but if you want something you'd definitely find a way, right? I finished this book in just 2 nights, started reading past 12 and stopping at half past 3 am. I wouldn't have put it down if I could still help it but I needed sleep too. 

The story on this one is different from the first one. The first book is about escaping those heartless people who wanted them dead and finding a safe haven. But now it's plot is about salvation. How only 8 teens try to save their comrades-the remaining LTs and Sisters. A few people would be willing to sacrifice their lives for people they hardly know but these teens just have the right heart to do so even if the odds to beat their enemies are hardly on their side. Lost, revenge and love all fuels their desire to save which was lost and battered. No matter how many times they're on the verge of death they keep on holding on to some hope that they will succeed.

Book and Hope&s relationship in this one is too frustrating I keep on reacting too openly while I was reading. Hope just don't want to let herself get attached to Book because of the huge possibility, enormous even that he wouldn&t be able to save him and the heartbreak would literally kill her through grief so she keeps on pushing and pushing and pushing him away. Book on the other hand is too stubborn to keep his feelings to himself and to let her push him away, like he doesn't understand. It may be frustrating but I understood, when you've been through so much it's hard to trust even if you&ve come to love that person and the world is ending love is just but a distraction and weakness. I love that no matter how these two push each other away, they keep on coming back to each other, they keep on saving one another. And I think that's what love is all about: saving and sacrificing for the person over and over again even if it go unnoticed and even if may cost him his life.

My favorite dystopian books are the post-apocalyptic ones because I learn a lot about surviving. Who knows when they'll come in handy one day. I like that this book is both alternating told in first and third persons ànd I'd like for authors to write the way Tom does. Like the first book, this is full of suspense that readers shouldn't miss. It's all about courage, and doing what's right no matter how hard and whatever the cost. And you know what else is right? Read this book.