#BookReview Cogling by Jordan Elizabeth

Cogling
by Jordan Elizabeth Mierek

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Steampunk, Sci-Fi, Romance
Publication: January 25th, 2016
Format: ebooks
Source: Author/Publisher
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

When fifteen-year-old Edna Mather tears an expensive and unfamiliar pocket watch off her little brother's neck, he crumbles into a pile of cogs right before her eyes. Horrified, Edna flees for help, but encounters Ike, a thief who attempts to steal the watch before he realizes what it is: a device to power Coglings—clockwork changelings left in place of stolen children who have been forced to work in factories.

Desperate to rescue her brother, Edna sets off across the kingdom to the hags' swamp, with Ike in tow. There, they learn Coglings are also replacing nobility so the hags can stage a rebellion and rule over humanity. Edna and Ike must stop the revolt, but the populace believes hags are helpful godmothers and healers. No one wants to believe a lowly servant and a thief, especially when Ike has secrets that label them both as traitors.

Together, Edna and Ike must make the kingdom trust them or stop the hags themselves, even if Ike is forced to embrace his dark heritage and Edna must surrender her family.

I didn't read a lot of steampunk. But I wanted to give this book a chance since I have previously read Jordan Elizabeth's work in Gears of Brass Anthology and enjoyed it. I was glad I did. I wasn't expecting this book to be this good. I was definitely blown away.

In Cogling, children were kidnapped and forced to work in factories. Their dreams were taken away. These children were replaced by a Coglings—clockwork changelings, to fool their families. Edna Mather watched her brother turn into a pile of cogs before her. When Ike, a thief who wanted to steal her watch, explained to her about coglings, Edna asked for Ike's help to rescue her brother.

I love the author's voice and writing style. The author did a great job describing the world in the book. The setting was perfect. It felt almost like a movie. There are the human, hags, ogres, foxkin and other interesting creatures. 

I was amazed at the characters development in the story. I wasn't a big fan of Edna at first, but she grew on me. She's strong and won't stop at anything until she gets her brother back. Ike is definitely swoon-worthy. He may be a thief, but he had a good heart and was always looking after Edna. But, my favorite character in the book is Rachel. She was this pampered rich young lady, who Enda worked for. But she sort of grew up and she surprised me with her transformation.

Cogling is a great fantasy-steampunk read for the young adult. I may not be the target audience, but I enjoyed this book wholeheartedly. There are some romance, friendship, adventure, conspiracy and fighting with a few twists along the way. If you love a good fantasy read, you should definitely read this book.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review.

Review: Everything You and I Could Have Been If We Were not You and I by Albert Espinosa

Everything You and I Could Have Been If We Were not You and I
by Albert Espinosa

Genre: Adult, Sci-fi, Fiction
Publication: May 26th, 2015
Format: ebook
Source: ARC, NetGalley
Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter 

Can you imagine a future where everyone has given up sleeping?

From the creator of the television series Red Band Society and author of the international bestseller The Yellow World comes this uniquely special novel.

What if I could reveal your secrets with just a glance? And what if I could feel with your heart just by looking at you? And what if --in a single moment-- I could know that we were made for each other? Marcos has just lost his mother, a famous dancer who taught him everything, and he decides that his world can never be the same without her. Just as he is about to make a radical change, a phone call turns his world upside down.

Albert Espinosa has a peculiar talent for generating immediate congeniality around him, for shifting people's moods toward the positive and for reconciling them with themselves and the world, when needed.

I wanted to read this book when I heard that the writer was one of the writers for Red Band Society, and I adore the show so much. But, um... I'm not sure what this book was about. I mean, if I were to judge the book by its title, I would probably guess that 'Everything You and I Could Have Been If We Were not You and I', was a romantic kind of book. But this book isn't really about romance. I think that this is one of the weird book I sometimes pick up to read.

The main character, Marcos, had a gift where he was able to read people's memory. So he worked for the police so that he could use his gift. He had recently lost his mother, and Marcos decided to take a drug that will make him give up sleeping forever. I don't understand why anyone would give up sleeping. I love sleeping!

'Everything You and I Could Have Been If We Were not You and I', was a strange book. I wouldn't say that the book was bad, or it was written badly. And I wouldn't say that I didn't like the book. I thought that the writing and the story were okay. I didn't really understand what this book was about. The story and characters were a bit strange, but fascinating. There were a bit of romance and a bit of sci-fi with an alien appearance. But I wouldn't really categorize this book as a romantic or a sci-fi. In the end, I was so curious about the book that I finished it. In the end, I was hoping that the story didn't end like that. I was a bit shocked by the ending. It was a bit sudden and I wish there was just a little bit more to it.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review.

Review: Into the Void: Star Wars by Tim Lebbon

Into the Void: Star Wars (Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi #1)
by Tim Lebbon

Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction
Publication: Published April 1st, 2014 by LucasBooks
Format: Paperback, 338 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Twitter

On the planet Tython, the ancient Je’daii order was founded. And at the feet of its wise Masters, Lanoree Brock learned the mysteries and methods of the Force—and found her calling as one of its most powerful disciples. But as strongly as the Force flowed within Lanoree and her parents, it remained absent in her brother, who grew to despise and shun the Je’daii, and whose training in its ancient ways ended in tragedy.

Now, from her solitary life as a Ranger keeping order across the galaxy, Lanoree has been summoned by the Je’daii Council on a matter of utmost urgency. The leader of a fanatical cult, obsessed with traveling beyond the reaches of known space, is bent on opening a cosmic gateway using dreaded dark matter as the key—risking a cataclysmic reaction that will consume the entire star system. But more shocking to Lanoree than even the prospect of total galactic annihilation, is the decision of her Je’daii Masters to task her with the mission of preventing it. Until a staggering revelation makes clear why she was chosen: The brilliant, dangerous madman she must track down and stop at any cost is the brother whose death she has long grieved—and whose life she must now fear.

I decided to read a Star Wars novel after a long time, and was glad that it wasn't that bad. Lanoree was summoned by the Je'daii Council for an important mission - to investigate and prevent the Stargazer from leaving the Tythan system and travel out of the galaxy. To do that, Lanoree have to search for her brother, Dal who was believed to lead the cult.

I think it was interesting to see a female lead in the Star Wars novel. Lanoree was a great character and I enjoyed her adventure to search for her brother, Dal. The supporting characters were awesome.  Some of the characters are likeable and memorable. I especially love Tre Sana and hope to see more of him soon.

I found the story to be a bit confusing with constant flashbacks of Lanoree and Dal during their training with the force. And it took me a while to get used to the story era. The Je'daii are not the same from the Jedi from the movies. For instance, Lanoree used swords instead of lightsaber.

Sci-fi was not the usual kind of book I usually read, but, Into the Void was definitely an enjoyable read. It was packed with action and I do enjoy Lanoree as the main character.

Review: The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd

The Madman's Daughter (The Madman's Daughter #1)
by Megan Shepherd 

Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Publication: January, 2013 by Balzer + Bray
Format: Paperback, 420 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Sixteen-year-old Juliet Moreau has built a life for herself in London, working as a maid and trying to forget the scandal that ruined her life. After all, no one ever proved the rumours about her father's gruesome experiments. But when she learns he's alive and continuing his work on a remote tropical island, she's determined to find out if the accusations were true.

Accompanied by her father's handsome young assistant, Montgomery, and an enigmatic castaway, Edward, Juliet travels to the island, only to discover the secret of her father's new life: He experiments on animals so that they resemble, speak, and behave as humans.

Torn between horror and scientific curiosity, Juliet knows she must end her father's dangerous experiments and escape her jungle prison before it's too late. Yet as the island falls into chaos, she discovers the extent of her father's genius - and madness - in her own blood.

The Madman’s Daughter was not the kind of book that I usually read. I didn’t read a lot of horror and I'm not really a fan. But once I see the cover of The Madman's Daughter, and read the synopsis, I knew that I wanted to give this book a try.

Juliet Moreau worked as a cleaning maid in a medical school after her father’s scandal and her mother’s death. When she saw one of her father’s diagrams, she began to investigate it, hoping that her father has returned to London. But she met Montgomery, a servant boy from her childhood. Juliet then convinced Montgomery to take her to her father.

This story was supposed to be inspired by The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells. I haven’t read or seen the movie yet. But The Madman’s Daughter was definitely a great read. I like Megan Shepherd’s writing. I admit that I wasn’t really into the book at first. I’m not into horror, and that thing with that rabbit at the beginning was disgusting (poor rabbit!). Besides, I think that the pace was a bit slow for my liking. But after a while, it was hard to put down the book. I’m shocked to find out what Juliet father did on the island. But I love the mysterious surrounding around the island and I am very curious to know what was going to happen to everyone. 

There was a twist at the end of the book that I did not expect. But I still like the book (more than I think I would). I can’t wait to read the next book and find out what will happen to Juliet, next. I would recommend this book to horror/mystery lovers.

Review: Exposure by Kathy Reichs

Exposure (Virals #4)
by Kathy Reichs & Brendan Reichs

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Publication: April 10th 2014 by Arrow
Format: Paperback, 432 pages
Source: Own
Connect to Kathy: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Tory Brennan - great niece of Dr Temperance Brennan - and the Virals return for their most terrifying adventure yet.

Morris Island has barely had a chance to return to normality after the high profile trial of the Gamemaster, when two local students seem to vanish into thin air.

Tory Brennan and the Virals pack, move quickly in their attempts to discover what has happened to their twin classmates. But the pack's canine powers are growing wilder, and it is becoming ever harder to conceal the secret which protects them.

When Tory and her friends find evidence of blood in the students' basement, they realise that the disappearance is no game.

But in order to save the twins, the Virals must risk the exposure of their powers, and in doing so put even their own lives in terrible danger.

I’m excited to see what the Virals are going to face this time. In Exposure, the Virals relationship has changed, since the last event with the Gamemaster, especially between Tory and Ben. It was fascinating to see how the Virals are going to get back together as a pack. 

I must admit that I wasn’t really intrigued by the case of the missing classmate at first. But, the writers did a great job in building the plot. I am excited to see the Virals back with another adventure and danger. Their powers are getting stronger and harder to control. I’m very happy to see Chance Claybourne. He made the story much more interesting. He just won’t stop until he finds out the Virals’ secret, to prove his sanity. 

I have to say that Kathy and Brendan Reichs did a really great job in writing this book. Exposure is packed with excitement! It was very hard to put down the book. I need to find out what happen to the Virals. I love Tory and the Virals. Hi and Shelton never disappoint to humor me. Exposure ended with a brilliant cliffhanger. I can’t wait to read the next book! 

Review: Code by Kathy Reichs

Code (Virals #3)
by Kathy Reichs

Genre: Crime & Thriller, Fantasy, Paranormal, Sci-fi, Young Adult
Publication: January 2013
Format: Paperback, 416 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Tory Brennan, great niece of Dr Temperance Brennan, and the Virals return for their most terrifying adventure yet.

Life appears peaceful on Loggerhead Island - rescued from financial disaster, the research institute is flourishing once more. But the tranquility is quickly shattered when Tory Brennan and her technophile gang discover a mysterious box buried in the ground.

A seemingly innocent treasure hunt soon turns into a nightmarish game of puzzles, as it becomes clear that one false move will lead to terrible, explosive consequences.

The clock is ticking. Can Tory and the Virals crack the code in time to save the city - and their own lives?

I enjoyed the first two books of the Virals series. But I can’t bring myself quickly enough to read the third book, probably because of the cover. The third book didn’t match the first two books. This wouldn’t be good for my collection.

In the third book, Tory and her friends return with their next adventure when they discovered a mysterious box on their treasure hunt. But this treasure hunt turned badly when their lives, the people around them were at stake. Now, Tory and the Virals have to crack the puzzle in time before somebody dies.

It was exciting to see the Virals back. I can’t wait to see what kind of adventure the Virals will face next. I have to say that I weren’t as interested in the puzzle that the Virals found at first. I thought that the book was a bit slow paced at the beginning. But Kathy Reichs was really good with the story building. I found myself wanting to know what it is about the game and who is it that wanted to kill the Virals. I wanted to know more about the Virals’ power. I was so excited when Chance made his appearance. I'm curious about what he knew about the Virals and how he will fit in the story.

Virals was definitely as exciting as the other books, although, probably slow paced as compared to the two. I enjoyed reading this one and I can’t wait to read the next book, Exposure!

Review: Doctor Who: The Bog Warrior by Cecelia Ahern

Doctor Who: The Bog Warrior (Time Trips)
by Cecelia Ahern

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Science Fiction
Publication: May 2014
Format: Kindle Edition, 42 pages
Source: Netgalley
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Arriving on the planet Cashel, the Tenth Doctor witnesses a strange masked ball. To guarantee peace, Prince Zircon has to choose a bride from the Bog People - dead men and women who have been resurrected as slaves. Or as warriors. But Zircon is in love with the enslaved Princess Ash, whose parents were deposed and executed by the current Queen. As usual, the Doctor has walked right into trouble, and it's up to him to sort it out.

I was really excited to read this short story. I have never read any of Cecelia Ahern’s work even though I’m a fan of Chick Lit. I thought that this was a great opportunity for me to sample her work.

I find that the idea with the bog people was very interesting. However, the story was a bit rushed. I wish the author would take the time to explain more about the planet, the people, the bog people and Queen Xenotime's witchcraft. I was a bit disappointed with the doctor’s characterization. The Doctor doesn’t sound like the 10th Doctor that I knew. Although the writing was alright, I don’t think that the author’s writing style suit science fiction. 

Overall, this was an okay read. Entertaining, but just not good enough.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review: The Future of Us by Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler

The Future of Us
by Jay Asher & Carolyn Mackler

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Time Travel, Young Adult

Publication: January 2012

Format: Paperback, 356 pages

Source: Own

Connect with Jay Asher: Website | Facebook | Goodreads
Connect with Carolyn Mackler: Website

It's 1996 and very few high school students have ever used the internet. Facebook will not be invented until several years in the future. Emma just got a computer and an America Online CD. She and her best friend Josh power it up and log on - and discover themselves on Facebook in 2011. Everybody wonders what they'll be like fifteen years in the future. Josh and Emma are about to find out.

I was very excited to read The Future of Us after reading the summary. I was intrigued by the idea of finding about your future through the internet. 

Emma just got a computer. When she and her best friend, Josh, logged on into the computer, she found out about Facebook and their life in 2011. I think it is interesting to see how a small action that Emma and Josh took could alter their future. It was fun reading this book in both Emma and Josh’s POV. But mostly, I enjoyed reading it in Emma’s POV. She wasn’t a likeable character, but I thought she sounded more… human. It was interesting to see how she was going to change her fate when she assume that she wasn’t going to be happy with her future husband. Then, starting from that, she continued to try and changing her future to be better, to be perfect. But in the end, nothing can really satisfy her. 

The Future of Us is a fun, quick read that you can finish in one sitting. I think anyone who was a 90’s kid with a computer back then would find this one nostalgic.

Review: The Reluctant Assassin by Eoin Colfer

The Reluctant Assassin (W.A.R.P. #1)
by Eoin Colfer

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Time Travel, Young Adult
Publication: April 2013
Format: Hardcover, 321 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook

Riley, a teen orphan boy living in Victorian London, has had the misfortune of being apprenticed to Albert Garrick, an illusionist who has fallen on difficult times and now uses his unique conjuring skills to gain access to victims' dwellings. On one such escapade, Garrick brings his reluctant apprentice along and urges him to commit his first killing. Riley is saved from having to commit the grisly act when the intended victim turns out to be a scientist from the future, part of the FBI's Witness Anonymous Relocation Program (WARP) Riley is unwittingly transported via wormhole to modern day London, followed closely by Garrick.

In modern London, Riley is helped by Chevron Savano, a seventeen-year-old FBI agent sent to London as punishment after a disastrous undercover, anti-terrorist operation in Los Angeles. Together Riley and Chevie must evade Garrick, who has been fundamentally altered by his trip through the wormhole. Garrick is now not only evil, but he also possesses all of the scientist's knowledge. He is determined to track Riley down and use the timekey in Chevie's possession to make his way back to Victorian London where he can literally change the world.

I was so excited when I found out that Eoin Colfer had a new book, W.A.R.P. I was even more excited when I found out that there will be time travelling in this one. The beginning of The Reluctant Assassins was captivating. I found that whatever was happening to Riley was a bit mysterious. I wanted to know what happened and what will happen to him. Then, there’s Chevron Savano, a very young FBI. The two met and found themselves in a run from that evil Garrick.

I think The Reluctant Assassins had a potential to be a great read. But sadly, this book did not really grab me. The plot was good, but there is something lacking in this one. The middle part of the book—that part where Riley and Chevie ran from Garrick—was a bit bland. I love Eoin Colfer’s writing and dialogue that makes me laugh, but I think it didn’t really work with this one. Perhaps I would enjoy this series after a few more books just like I did with Artemis Fowl.

Review: Clockwise

Clockwise (Clockwise #1)
by Elle Strauss 

Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy
Publication: March 2013
Format: kindle
Source: Netgalley
Connect: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Wattpad |

Casey Donovan has issues: hair, height and uncontrollable trips to the 19th century! And now this—she’s accidentally taken Nate Mackenzie, the cutest boy in the school, back in time. Awkward.

Protocol pressures her to tell their 1860 hosts that he is her brother and when Casey finds she has a handsome, wealthy (and unwanted) suitor, something changes in Nate. Are those romantic sparks or is it just “brotherly” protectiveness?

When they return to the present, things go back to the way they were before: Casey parked on the bottom of the rung of the social ladder and Nate perched high on the very the top. Except this time her heart is broken. Plus, her best friend is mad, her parents are split up, and her younger brother gets escorted home by the police. The only thing that could make life worse is if, by some strange twist of fate, she took Nate back to the past again.

Which of course, she does.

Casey, the heroine of the story was a normal girl who has to deal what most teenage girl has to deal with. But what’s special about Casey is that she can ‘trip’, or time travelled to the 19th century and one day Casey accidentally taken Nate, the cute, popular guy in school back to the past. How is she going to explain about this?

Clockwise by Elle Strauss is one of the books that I didn’t expect I would be enjoying so much. At first, I was a little bit sceptical what with the setup—Casey, the not so popular, liking the cute, popular guy in school and she also had issues with one of the popular girl in school. But things got a little bit more interesting once Casey accidentally took Nate into the past. We get to see Casey in a different light. I think I like Casey more when she travelled to the past. She’s a lot more confident, reliable and funny.

I definitely enjoy the story as it goes on. The characters are fun. The story flowed nicely with the past and present.  There are lots of moments that made me smile. Clockwise by Elle Strauss is definitely a fun and cute story. Clockwise by Elle Strauss is available for free on Kindle.

Book Review: Seizure

Seizure (Virals #2)
by Kathy Reichs

Genre: Adventure, Crime-Thriller, Mystery, Paranormal, Science Fiction, Suspense, Young Adult
Publication: Published October 1st 2012 by Young Arrow
Format: Paperback, 491 pages
Website: viraltheseries
Author:  Website, Facebook, Twitter

The second novel in the Virals trilogy from #1 bestselling author and inspiration for the TV series Bones - Kathy Reichs!

Ever since Tory Brennan and her friends rescued Cooper, a kidnapped wolf pup with a rare strain of canine parvovirus, they've turned from regular kids into a crime-solving pack! But now the very place that brought them together - the Loggerhead Island Research Institute - is out of funding and will have to shut down. That is, unless the Virals can figure out a way to save it!

So when Tory learns of an old Charleston legend about a famous she-pirate, Anne Bonney, whose fortune was never found, she can't believe her luck - buried treasure is exactly what she needs to save the Institute on Loggerhead! Trouble is, she and her friends aren't the only ones looking for it. And this time, the Virals' special powers may not be enough to dig them out of trouble . . .

I love Virals! The combination of surprises, suspense, mysteries and adventure goes really well together. I remember how surprise I was after reading Virals since I didn’t expect that I would enjoy the book. Therefore, I am super excited to read Seizure, the sequel to Kathy Reichs’ Virals novels.

 Seizure picks up not long after Virals ended.  Tory and her friends were slowly learning about their powers after they contract a parvovirus in the first book. They learned that the University is shutting down the research facility where their fathers work. The Virals need to safe the research facilities or they’re going to separate from each other. To save the research facilities, they’re going to need a lot of money. This was when Tory learned about a certain pirate called Anne Bonney whose treasure was never found.

Reading Seizures reminds me a bit to Indiana Jones. The treasure hunting and adventures were absolutely heart-pounding. If it was made into a movie, I would totally watch it. Kathy Reichs is really good in writing mystery and suspense. The dialogue/conversation between Tory and her friends are better than the first book. And definitely funnier! I get to see how the Virals tried to figure out how to control their power and how their strength vary from each other’s. I love that there was lots of unexpected twists in the book. I love how I couldn’t predict who the bad guy in the book is.

I can’t wait to read the next book to the series: Code. There are lots of things to be discovered about the Virals and their powers. And I’m interested to know what/how Chance will fit in the later books as I have the feelings that he will make another appearance in later books.

Book Review: A Confusion of Princes

A Confusion of Princes
by Garth Nix

Genre: Young Adult, Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Publication: May 17th 2012, HarperCollinsChildren'sBooks
Format: Paperback, 337 pages
Purchase: A Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix

You’d think being a privileged Prince in a vast intergalactic Empire would be about as good as it gets. But it isn’t as great as it sounds. For one thing, Princes are always in danger. Their greatest threat? Other Princes. Khemri discovers that the moment he is proclaimed a Prince.

He also discovers mysteries within the hidden workings of the Empire. Dispatched on a secret mission, Khemri comes across the ruins of a space battle. In the midst of it all he meets a young woman named Raine, who will challenge his view of the Empire, of Princes, and of himself.

A Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix is a story of Khemri’s three death and how he reflected on his three lives. It reminds me a lot to video games with its concept of multiple lives. Prince Khemri was stolen from his parents in order to become a prince. There are millions other prince like him all fighting against each other and one of them will become the Emperor.

I must admit that I didn’t really enjoy A Confusion of Princes. I think that there are too many characters and most of them weren’t completely developed. It’s kinda confusing to figure out who is who and what really happen to Khemri. I didn’t enjoy the book at the first half of the book where most of it was about Khemri and his adventure – how he went to the Navy, how he went through his mission until he met Raine. But I’m guessing that I didn’t enjoy the book because I didn’t enjoy science fiction very much. Nevertheless, A Confusion of Princes is an okay book.

Book Review: Virals

Virals (Virals #1)

by Kathy Reichs

Genre: Crime-Thriller, Mystery, Sci-fi, Suspense, Young-adult

Publication: First Published November 2010

Format: Paperback, 454 pages

Website: viraltheseries

Kathy Reichs is the author of Temperance Brennan series that have been adapted into the TV show, Bones. I’ve read the first book, Déjà Dead last month, and didn’t like it as much because it’s a bit heavy to my liking. And for that, I have little expectation for Virals.

Tory Brennan is fourteen years old. She’s smart, fearless, pretty, and she a dog lover. Her curiosity was influenced by her aunt, Temperance Brennan. She lives quietly with her father, Kit after her mother died. She had a group of nerdy and techie guy friends, Hiram, Ben and Shelton.

It started when they found an old military dog tag. Tory and her friends sneaked into the lab (where her father work) to use a machine to clean the tag. It was then when they found a wolfdog, infected with a parvovirus trapped into a secret lab. Determined that the wolfdog was trapped for an illegal research, they decided to kidnap it. It’s not like the parvovirus could infect human. But, what they didn’t know is that the dog was infected with a new parvovirus. And the virus is transmitted to them. The four of them; Tory, Hi, Ben and Shelton have to solve a mystery when the dog tag led them to the discovery of human bones, while fighting the new virus infecting their body.

Like I’ve said, I’ve little expectation for Kathy Reichs’ Virals. I thought that this book will be about a crime solving teenagers, more difficult science terms and nothing more. I was wrong. It was more than that. Kathy Reichs’ added in a bit of twist with the parvovirus which infected those kids. The virus turned the kids into something else – virals. I was really surprised when I actually like the book. A lot! There were a lot of surprises, suspense, mysteries and bits of romance which makes me wanting to read more and more. I couldn’t stop myself. I couldn’t put the book down. Yes. It was that good.

I totally recommend you to read this book. Especially if you’re a mystery lover. There’s a lot of unexpected twist and suspense up till the last chapter. You’ll love it.

Book Cover’s Description

Fourteen-year-old Tory Brennan is as fascinated by bones and dead bodies as her famous aunt, acclaimed forensic anthropologist, Tempe Brennan. However living on a secluded island off Charleston in South Carolina there is not much opportunity to put her knowledge to the test. Until her and her ragbag group of technophile friends stumble across a shallow grave containing the remains of a girl who has been missing for over thirty years. With the cold-case murder suddenly hot, Tory realizes that they are involved in something fatally dangerous. And when they rescue a sick dog from laboratory on the same island, it becomes evident that somehow the two events are linked.

On the run from forces they don’t understand, they have only each other to fall back on. Until they succumb to a mysterious infection that heightens their senses and hones their instinct to impossible levels. It’s becoming clear that the island is home to a secret that has driven men to kill once. And will drive them to kill again… 

Book Review: Mockingjay

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3)

by Suzanne Collins

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Sci-fi, Fantasy

Publication: August 2010

Format: Paperback, 398 pages

I was really eager to read Mockingjay after the second book. I just have to know what happened to Katniss and the other characters. How will they survive?

In the Mockingjay, I think, many of the characters changed after what they have been through – with the destruction of district 12. Gale grew cold and bloodthirsty. Prim becomes more independent. Katniss, who readers wanted to grow strong, showed the opposite side where she went mental and vulnerable. She felt that she was responsible of what happened – of the death of many people. And it all sparks with the act she pulled in book one. It’s like that in life. When something so drastic happen into our life, we will be force to either grow up or go weak. 

Suzanne Collins' characterization and portrayal in this book is amazing! She portrayed of what will happen in a war. That death and sacrifices will makes you either go strong or frail. Some grow strong for the sake of the people that they love. Some grow strong for the sake of revenge. Some go weak because they couldn’t face the loss of their loved one. 

I found myself thinking over the book once I’ve finished them. I couldn’t believe what had happened to the characters and how Suzanne Collins ended the games. There was so much death of characters that I loved. Although I didn’t like how Suzanne Collins ended some of the characters life, I couldn’t deny that this is indeed a good book (and series).  It's the kind of book that makes you really think.

Book Cover’s Description

My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains--except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.

Book Review: Catching Fire

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2)

by Suzanne Collins

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction 

Publication: 2010

Format: Paperback, 391 pages

I was really looking forward to read the second book of The Hunger Games series after the first one. I couldn’t help but to wonder what would possibly happen after Katniss and Peeta were crowned as victors of the 74th Annual Hunger Games. And I wonder what the capitol (or President Snow) planning.

Catching Fire is amazing! There were quite a number of times where I sat up straight with my jaw dropped because I was too shock Σ(゜ロ゜;)!! to learn what had happened. I was left gasping with each surprise and twist. In Catching Fire, Katniss found out that the capitol (or President Snow) wasn’t too please with her act of picking up berries in the last game might have ignited a revolution. Now the capitol is planning something to stop the uprisings in some district and ensure that things went back to how it was before.

I like how Suzanne Collins she described things, events and how she played with Katniss emotions. I like how I can see how Katniss grew throughout the book—where Collins showed her weaknesses and strengths. It makes her characters much more realistic. I love how Katniss and Peeta both wants to protect each other. I like Gale much more when I first watch the movie (because in my opinion, Liam Hemsworth is hotter than Josh Hutcherson), although Peeta sounds a lot more hotter in the book. Haha. I'm glad that Gale made a lot more appearance in this book.

Catching Fire is certainly an engrossing read. I was captured by Suzanne Collins’s writing style that I read every sentence and word carefully because I didn’t want to miss anything—her portrayal details. 

I definitely enjoyed the Catching Fire more than The Hunger Games. But that was probably because I have seen the movie first before I read the book. I look forward to read the next installment to the series: Mockingjay, as Suzanne Collins left me with cliffhanger!

Book Cover’s Description

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won in defiance of the Capitol and its harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry -- and now it wants revenge. Full of plot twists, this riveting sequel to the New York Times bestseller is guaranteed to keep young readers on the edge of their seats!

Book Review: The Atlantis Complex

The Atlantis Complex (Artemis Fowl #7)

by Eoin Colfer

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Publication: August 2008

Format: Paperback, 384 pages

Website: Artemis Fowl

Buy: Amazon, Book Depository

I’m finally done with Artemis Fowl’s book 7, The Atlantis complex. You probably noticed that I’ve been posting reviews on Artemis Fowl’s series this month. That is because I’m having an Artemis Fowl’s saga marathon. I’m reading them between my brother’s wedding preparations and been staying up late for a few days :D. 

In The Atlantis Complex, Artemis Fowl summoned the fairies to Iceland to present ‘THE PROJECT’ he been working on to save the world from global warming. But the fairies noticed that something is wrong with Artemis. Some of the things that the fairies noticed were: Artemis was counting his words; he’s obsessed with number five and was paranoid with number four (which means death in Chinese).

The fairies then diagnose Artemis with Atlantis Complex or what we call a multiple personality disorder, a psychosis common among guilt-ridden fairies which probably triggered because of the guilt he felt for involving his mother with the fairies (and putting her in danger) in the last book.

And suddenly, they are under attack from giant robots! Artemis thought that he was having another delusion (because of the Atlantis Complex). He thought that the robot wasn’t real. And Holly was forced to stun Artemis to save him (before Artemis did anything stupid) from the robots.

Because of the stun, Artemis is now in the second stage of Atlantis Complex. He started to develop another personality. His alter ego called Orion. The thing about Orion is that he is a lot nicer than Artemis. He speaks differently and wouldn’t stop professing his love to Holly which is really annoying since Holly and Foaly really need his help with the giant robots problem.

The thing about The Atlantis Complex is that, I’m not sure whether to like it or not. Well, Artemis wasn’t his usual self as he was replaced by Orion. I thought that the plot wasn’t as good as the other book. Although, I have to say that I do enjoy Orion’s profession of love towards Holly. It was comical!  And I like that I get to see Foaly in field for action instead of instructing Holly behind his computers. But still, I was a bit disappointed with this book.

Book Cover's Description

Criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl has summoned an elite group of fairies to Iceland. But when he presents his invention to save the world from global warming, he seems different. Something terrible has happened to him.

Artemis Fowl has become nice.

The fairies diagnose Atlantis Complex (that’s multiple personality disorder to you and me)—dabbling in magic has damaged his mind. And now the subterranean city of Atlantis is under attack from vicious robots and nice Artemis cannot fight them.

Can fairy ally Captain Holly Short get the real Artemis back—before the mysterious robots destroy the city and every fairy in it?