Book-o-Craze: Reading Challenges 2013 - Reviewed

Book-o-Craze: Reading Challenges 2013 - Reviewed: My 2013's resolutions included achieving my goal to read 100 books. Every year, I participate in Challenges, but sadly, I can never ach...

Book-o-Craze: One Howl 2013 - Challenge Reviewed

Book-o-Craze: One Howl 2013 - Challenge Reviewed:  With 2014 just around the corner, a review of the Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Romance books I read all year, is much needed! This yea...

Book-o-Craze: BCC's Zombie Reading Challenge 2013 - Reviewed

Book-o-Craze: BCC's Zombie Reading Challenge 2013 - Reviewed: With 2013 coming to a closure, and soon giving its turn to 2014, it's time for a review of the books I read this year. My goal for 20...

Review of Matt and Elena- First Date by L.J. Smith

A quite short review for a short story, but for one that was totally worth the reading, and thus getting 5 stars!

Haha, this was quite a start for a series I've been planning to start for some time!

This short story describes the first date of Matt and Elena.
I don't know what will go on between them on the rest of the books, but this was really an ideal date.
Although, almost nothing went as planned, the author managed to show in the best way, that real feelings of love are not built in money and glittering things, but on smaller, that are more significant!

Towards the end, the story took a quite dream-like turn, but it showed us how other people would perceive their attitude, so it was welcome.

P.S. I think I like Matt very much, so it will be a shame if he's ignored in the rest of the series...

xcx

Review of Catching Fire (THG #2) by Suzanne Collins

 I've noticed that the blurb of this book is quite vague, so I figured that was for nothing to be exposed. And, now I totally understand why!

Well, in the beginning the events went by quite fast. Sometimes I even felt that they were moving beyond my grasp. I wasn't sure if some events happened or were mentioned merely as plans of the future. So, I had to go back and read it all over!

But, then, when it came down to the "good" stuff, it felt like a punch in the gut. I even felt breathless. I couldn't believe it. And, I won't say more, because I want, I need, for the other readers to feel exactly the same things. I don't want to spoil anything.
This book was an amazing experience, and it should stay that way for everyone.

I'll just comment on the fact that Katniss made me very irritated sometimes, but generally I found she has grown up considerably since the last book.
And, of course Peeta! I've grown to love that boy. He even got me all teary-eyed at some point.
I think I finally lean to one of the boys of this love triangle.
Well, probably because Gale was quite good, at some points, but he'd never match Peeta, in my mind!

And, of course I have to mention that the third part of this book went by so quickly, with so many details, events, surprises, emotions, intensity.

Oh, gosh. I so desperately want now to get my hands on the third installation...

xcx

Review for The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The pages of this book flew by so quickly, considering that for the most part of yesterday and one day before yesterday I wasn't even at home!
I enjoyed it far more than I had anticipated, so 5/5 stars from me, for this book.

Actually, some time ago, when confronted with the idea of adding them to my "to-read" list, I had refused. I found the idea of picking kids, or teens, and puting them in an arena to fight 'till death was quite shocking for my tastes, the author succeded to deliver the story in quite an admirable way.

Although, there was much death (24 people had to fight for the victory) it wasn't described in a gruesome way. Some deaths were quick and sudden, others not so much. There was stress and anxiety 'till the very end. The book itself ended in that way. The plot managed to keep me constantly on the edge and interested, almost literally absorbing the words.

I have to admit that even though the main heroine, Katniss, didn't have exactly many things common with me, she was strong, I admired her, and accepted her right from the beginning. The kind of life she leads has made her this tough. And, she's lucky she survives it, so, yeah!

And, something that might be considered as a spoiler, so don't go on reading if you haven't read the book, yet...

I know everybody is teaming up with either Gale or Peeta. I felt compelled to team up, too, quite a few times throughout the book. But, then, I was thinking that Peeta wouldn't be exactly my choise, considering his early behavior. And, he has cried way more times in that book than Katniss... But, then again, he's been so utterly sweet with her, that it made my heart hurt in the end. I actually felt like crying for him. Poor guy. And, then, there's another problem. I hadn't exactly imagined him like the actor that will play his role in the movie -I saw the whole official trailer just today-, so I was a bit compelled about it.

And, then, there's Gale. Well, he hasn't made a move, although he implied something at the very beginning. And, I actually seemed to like his personality. He's not featured a lot in this book, but I'm positive the next will be full of him. I hope. I have to have a whole impression about him, in order to take sides, finally. But, well, I'm not gonna say anything more because I'm anxious to see what his reactions will be after The Hunger Games have been finished. He saw much kissing going on, and if he really feels something about Katniss this would be the right time to make his move. Or, not?

I'll hop to the next book to find out!


All in all, can't wait to watch the movie!!

xcx

Review of Shadowfever (Fever #5)

I ended the final -for now- book of this series in just 2 days with reading from morning to night, and breaks for food and sleep. (A little socializing happened, too, but anyway, back to the point!)

Whoa!
This book blowed my mind away.
It starts out bad. Intense feelings, grief that clutches the heart.
The relationship between Mac and Barrons is getting bad, then better, then who knows what. They are fitting for each other, but still make me have conflicted thoughts. I absolutely love them, though, conflicted feelings, or not.

And, don't even get me started about all the unexpected elements of that book.
If the previous books constituted of many surprises and weird situations, then this one beats them all. Whenever you dared believe something, BOOM!, came the slap in the face. Although, I'm sure a slap in the face wouldn't make such a noise, in my mind it seemed like a bomb. And, after you accept the impossible, something else comes to the surface. And, then another surprise, and then another. All coming too naturally, in a very well orchestrated way.
Gosh, I can't even start counting all the things that blew away my mind. In every chapter I was holding my breath. Death, tragic and fateful discoveries, deception, passion, all in one.

And, above all, Karen Marie Moning is a master in psychology.
I've noticed that in all her books she doesn't rush to give you all the answers, while in the same time leaving open many windows. She lets you think about a new discovery, digest it, start thinking it as logical, and then suddenly it's erased for something lighter that sits better in the stomach. From a weird and almost bad possibility, you are taken to a worse one that makes you uneasy, and then back to something that might be bad -or at least, not quite good- but better than the all the other potentials. What I'm saying is vague, I know, but I absolutely do not want to ruin this great experience for anyone. And, I'm not only talking about that particular book, but the whole series.

xcx

Trying to Review Dreamfever (Fever #4)

Oh. My. God.

I'm breathless...
That's all I am!
After my latest review of the previous installment to these series which was quite short for my likes, as I was dumbstruck, I was hoping to be able to write more about how much I enjoyed this fourth book.
But, with that kind of ending, anything I was going to mention has been erased from my mind.
Actually, the only thing I can think right now is these phrases "Please don't let it be him. Please don't let it be him. PLEASE! Don't let it be him..." and "Ugh, I have to keep on reading. I can't. I have to! I can't! I..." You get my point.

I think if I actually tried to verbalize my thoughts I wouldn't be able to form a coherent phrase while staggering for words.
Ugh.
I just want to go bury my face into Shadowfever. But, I can't. It's too late.
Gah!
I'm hopeless.
And, I only remember one -ONE!- thing of all those that thrilled and excited me about this book and I had included in my mental review. That Karen Marie Moning must have much knowledge about Psychology.

But, that's it.
All the others? Well, they're coming slowly at me.
But which to mention first?
My totally confusing and mixed-up feelings about Barrons? About anyone in this book? About Mac's relationships with them?
The totally unexpected turns of events? The whirl of emotions I'm currently stuck in?

Geez, I think this review is totally incoherent.

But, isn't that the whole point? To get so into the story of the main character that you experience their feelings? Fragments of them, of course, but still...

xcx

Review for Vampire Academy: The Graphic Novel #1

Well, of course, the storyline was well-known to me, although I must admit there were some details that I was perfectly delighted that I had the chance to come across to, again!
The characters also known, and quite loved I might say!

While reading this comic book, and although I'm not exactly a fan of this type of book, I felt the thrill of reading Vampire Academy all over again!

For this great opportunity and only, I'd never even regret or have second thoughts about reading it!

My only objections?
The character that was most succesfully drawn, in my opinion, was only Christian Ozera (talking about the main heroes only).
Next, would come Rose Hathaway! She was quite charming but definitely not the beauty that was described in the books, or even the one I made with my imaginations!
Then, Dimitri Belikov, just because there were some scenes were he was actually good-looking. But, still, not the God Badass described or even imagined.
And, then? Lissa Dragomir. Gosh, I didn't like her at all. Humph.

But, anyway, I know how hard it is to draw, and I absolutely have no talent in this area. And, anyway, I always had a problem imagining those favorite characters of mine. Dimitri & Rose are absolutely idolized by me and probably nothing will ever match them in my mind. Not a drawing, not a person, an actor, nothing.
And, I guess that's the case with every other huge fan! The disadvantage of a great, successful book, I guess... 

xcx

Bloodfever (Fever #2) by Karen Marie Moning Review

Wow, that was truly amazing.
And, the most outstanding and awesome fact about this book was that it made me grow even fonder about the main heroine, especially, and some other important characters, in general.
I couldn't, wouldn't think it possible when I finished the first book of this great series that I could come to like Mac and the way she changes.
I would never believe that it wiould actually be possible for her to grow more mature in a every book, every single event she has to face and experience.

Indeed, her new experiences, demonstrated to this book, have helped Mac grow up some more, and come to understand and appreciate in a better way things and people. She's getting better at reading people and getting an insight of their actions and personalities, something I truly appreciated.
I'm a bit troubled by the relationship she and Barrons are building, but I've come to like it, too. We'll just let the events unfold and see how it goes, I guess, huh?

I have only a small -and quite insignificant, I know, haha- comment to make about this phrase taken from the book: Turned out PHI was not the twenty-third letter in the Greek alphabet but Post Haste, Inc.
PHI is not the 23rd letter in the Greek alphabet, but the 21st. Hehe!

Oh, and well, we started with phrases, so I felt like mentioning another one that I really liked.

Question: When you’re one of the few people who can do something to fix a problem, just how responsible does that make you for it?

Answer: It’s how you choose to answer that question that defines you.

For now, I won't say anything else about this book, or this series in overall, just that I absolutely recommend it.
Oh, and, of course, that I can't wait to start reading the next installment.
And, something more, haha, that I'm planning on doing it real soon!

xcx

Review for Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning

Phew.. Well, where to start with this book...

This was amazing! I never thought I'd like it so much!
The main heroine is MacKayla, Mac for short, whose name I didn't like in the beginning, but gradually I came to realizing that it's unique, at least for me, just like her! So, it absolutely suits her.

I'm searching for a way to avoid giving away any spoilers, I really do, but I'm not comletely sure I can manage it.
It's just that this book was so different from what I'm used to.
And, from what I was expecting, too.
It was totally better.

It inspired me in many ways, and actually showed us a heroine that isn't a fool. One that doesn't go needy for excitement and adventure. She realizes from the very beginning that it's dangerous, and knows that can't go back to her former life, although she wants it almost more than anything. But, that's what captivated me from the very beginning. That she did want to go back to a simple, boring life. She didn't need a really shocking and traumatizing experience to come to her senses. She was so mature as to realise very fast what's going on.

And, I also enjoyed very much the fact that she wasn't naive.
She knew she couldn't trust anyone.
She might have had Barbie looks, but she's clever.

So, I guess I should talk about Jericho, er Barrons, now.
Hehe, I think 'speechless' pretty much summarizes my feelings.
Anyway, he's not really my type, but, it isn't Mac's either.
And I can totally picture her falling for him in the future, so, I guess I'll just keep on reading and we'll see how it goes. :D

I also liked the way Karen Marie Moning writes, as this is the first of her books I've ever read. I loved the way it was shown as Mac had flashbacks from some years in the future.
So, the aftertaste indeed is a positive one, as I utterly enjoyed this book with the storyline and the heroine.

xcx

Laura und das Labyrinth des Lichts (Laura #6)

Reviewed for the "Reviews from Depth of Time" Marathon.

Reviews from Depth of Time

Well, I read those books awhile ago, and If I'm not wrong this particular day I ended that book (or, it was one of the previous, I've completely mixed the books of the series up, in my mind) I was having a pajama party with my cousin, and I stayed up alone 'till 5am just to end it. So, wow... These books have really affected me!

I decided to hide the rest of what I'm writing because it contains huge spoilers. I don't remember for which book exactly but, seriously, it would be awful to ruin it for anyone!
I just have to pass on my indignation! 

Spoiler Alert frm here on!
Consider yourselves warned!

[I have to admit I liked every single character on these books and one of the few I adored, and wouldn't have mind to see pair up with Laura was Alaric...
AND OH! Did he really have to DIE???
In one of the books, I'm not sure which, but I think it was the fifth one, it is implied that he dies, and when I read that I was actually devastated! I was so depressed.
And then Peter Freund comes and shows Alaric again in the next book! And, after awhile, BOOM, Alaric gets killed, or, anyway it's implied again that he is dead. And, this time it wasn't so cruel because I had already been depressed about that in the next book. But, just like with the previous time, I was waiting, expecting him to show up again! Up until the last page I was hoping, reading with an anxiety.
For the last few years, I've been quite disappointed by that fact, and even though Laura finally got together with Phillip, I still felt a little odd.

Now, there's a seventh book, and I'm really hoping Alaric will appear alive and well. I don't know how, but hope always is the last one to die. (hide spoiler)]

xcx

Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy #6)

Reviewed for the "Reviews from Depth of Time" Marathon.

Reviews from Depth of Time

Wait, wait, wait!
As I was browsing the books I've read and reviewed I couldn't find this one. And, I've been asking myself how could that have been possible?
This is one of the most amazing end-of-series books I've read.
And, of course, it is, seeing as it belongs to the series I love the most. But, still, I couldn't believe I haven't reviewed this. I still can't. I'm thinking that maybe I'll find my review somewhere hidden in my blog. But, anyway...

This was AWESOME!
Throughout the whole book I was really tense hoping that everything will go well for Rose. The situation between her and Dimitri was left in an awkward moment, too. In the beginning I dare say I was a little disappointed by their first interactions, but then of course Richelle Mead cleared completely the situation.

And, now I'd like to say a little something about Adrian, too, but I'm afraid it might contain some spoilers, so consider yourselves warned.

Adrian shares his part of faults in this relationship and I can't really expect him to be surprised with the way things ended up being. He just learned the wrong way, and that's the only reason why I feel sorry for him. But, also he did what he did in the beginning of the book, only to save Rose, and that's why I deeply admire him. Even if before I was almost anti-Adrian, now I'm much calmer and ready to admit each part's fault for this relationship's outcome. And, I'm quite excited to see more of him in the future. But with a different girl. And, I have the exact one in my mind. For Rose only Dimitri is the one and the only! Love like that can be surpassed or avoided, so they can't really help it.

Nevertheless, I was pretty excited with the way this book unfolded and couldn't really believe it. I kept going back and back to read and reread how things advanced to this point. Before I ended the whole book, that is. And, with the end I got even mor excited, although this time it was a bit conflicted. My feelings for the breaking of the bond between Rose and Lissa, were. It was a little strange knowing that things would never be exactly the same for those two again. But, this gave the chance to Rose to be completely with dimitri not fearing all the time that she might suck Lissa's shadows and darkness. As for Lissa, it gave her the chance to privacy. Something she had lost and should have missed!

My personal feelings were a little conflicted towards the end, of course, because from one side all these excited things occurred, but from the other, those series were quickly coming to an end. Every page that I turned was a constant conflict, but a totally pleasant one!

To sum up, this book is absolutely recommended, of course, and offers a great end for the most amazing series.

xcx

Vampire Academy (by Richelle Mead)

Reviewed for the "Reviews from Depth of Time" Marathon.

Reviews from Depth of Time

I actually read that book a while ago. Soon, it will be two years. It first got into my hands accidentally one day when I had visited the bookstore. I remember that at the time I was experiencing my vampire-phase, so what really first caught my eye was that word in the title. Then, I noticed the word Academy and thought that it would be a good story. Then I actually had in mind some books I considered to be my favorite and I had got obsessed with boarding schools and that did it. I instantly decided to buy that book. But, I was wrong about one thing... This book wasn't good. It was way more! It was beyond great for me!
But, let's take it one at a time...

Richelle Mead has a unique and amazing ability to write. From the first page she can get you hooked with her unique storylines, her characters, the way she describes things and situations. She can actually make you "see" what the heroes are watching, and experience their exact feelings.

So, that's why Rose made me like her from the first few pages. She is the type of person I admire, and actually would be content to be like her even just for a little. But, also, the way her feelings and the situations she was in, were described, it could really make you experience the exact same things.
When Rose was happy, I was, too. When Rose was upset, I did, too! And, when actually Rose felt in love with someone, I fell along with her, too!

And, that was the magic with her love story. I was unlinke other heroines that fall in love with someone just for their looks. Before they have actually a chance to get to know the other person. For Rose, it was gradual and that made the difference. That's the reason why her love interest is the one and only character I really, trully, deeply love! He's the one, for Rose, and that makes me feel like he's the one character for me, too! Always special, always unique.
The one I compare with every other guy I read about.

All in all, I should say that when I first laid hands on Vampire Academy I didn't have a standard. I didn't actually have a book that has mesmerized me that much that I start comparing with every single piece of work I read. I only had some major favorites. That's not the case anymore.
Due to this book, now I have very high standards for every single story I can get my hands to. I have even found that many books on my favorites' shelf don't really deserve to have a place next to my all time favorite and her story. I know it's unfair, but I do actually give a chance to other authors and stories. And, of course, other series from Richelle Mead haven't amazed me as much.
It's just this one for me. The one book and series that fit my personality completely. But, I still hope that someone someday will give me an equal, if not bigger, satisfaction!

So, never stopping reading for me! I suggest that to everyone!

xcx

"Reviews from Depth of Time" Marathon

Lately, I've been thinking about all the books I've read and never actually got a chance to write a review about them. There are thoughts I have for every single book I've ever read and I decided it would be a good idea to share them, even now. Even after much time has passed since I first read them. The majority of the books I was thinking about when the idea first hit me, is on my "favorites" shelf. Books that I read before I even had an account on Goodreads. Books that have marked me. They were my companions. In summers and weekends. Whenever I had time. Pleading for the time they were going to be released to come any faster. Among the pages of all those books I've found pieces of myself. Pieces I don't want to lose and certainly not to forget.

So, this marathon, I decided, would give me a pretty good motivation to go back so many memories and daydream about all the sentiments they offered me. Some of these books are for children, some for young adults, but when it comes to actually good pieces of work, the only outcome can be admiration and companionship.

That's the reason why I will write some Reviews, now, from a Depth of Time, for mainly books that marked me. They are creations that never actually leave my mind. I will probably write reviews, also for books that didn't really do that much of a click to me as much as others did, but the point is to write about the feelings they inspired to me. Because, I don't read books just for fun, at least not most of the time. I like really being in the heroes' situations and living what they do. If a book can really inspire that to me, then it's a memorable one.


For all these reasons, and many more, I'd also like it very much if other reviewers would want to participate in that Marathon. It will last 48 hours (from 19.1.2012 7pm to 21.1.2012 7pm) and at the end I will share in my blog my favorite reviews, signed by the reviewer.

xcx

My review for "Kitty & The Midnight Hour"

While reading that book I actually felt so many conflicting emotions.
But, mainly, I was looking for a way to post a review spoiler-less...
Because, what's the point of all those reviews if future readers can't actually read them?
So, my opinion on this book will be short, but I just need to share my thoughts.

The fact that amazed me in the most part, about this book, was the psychological and personality development of the heroine through the book and her experiences.
Chapter after chapter, you thought she was getting stronger and stronger, prouder and prouder.
I actually got very proud of her myself!
I have to admit, at the beginning I didn't really think of her personality very fondly. She just wasn't the type of the protagonist you usually imagine and like to read about. Kitty Norville used to be a girl that just left things the way they are. Didn't mind being treated badly if it meant she wouldn't be on anyone's bad side or harmed. Kitty was a scaredy cat!

But, I'm amazed to say that all this changed, and I got so excited about it. Even though there was too much brutal violence for my liking in some parts, I just avoided picturing those specific images with details inside my head. And, don't worry. It was just two to three places that actually had me grimacing. And, I really don't like violence, so yeah...

So, I totally recommend it to any werewolf fans.
It was a really good read for me, and I ended the book in about 6 hours.

I hope I didn't give much away.
Only a hint. Why all the good guys have to be gay? ;D (A general impression... Or not.)

xcx

"From Paris With Love"

Are you an action-movie fan? Want to see a lot of gunshots and generally action on a movie? Do you want to watch it with a friend or friends, but they prefer a more like comedy style?
Are you yourself a fan of movies that combine action with comedy??
Then this is the movie for you!

From Paris with love is a movie that has a lot of action AND comedy.
With the awesome John Travolta starring the movie couldn't be anything less.
I recommend it to all of you. There were many times I laughed even while on a situation that could cost the heroes' lives. Strange, huh?



xcx