Review: The Savage Grace (The Dark Divine #3) by Bree Despain

The Savage Grace (The Dark Divine #3)

by Bree Despain

March 13, 2012:  EgmontUSA

"A troubled soul. An impossible choice. A final battle.

Wrestling with the werewolf curse pulsing deep inside of her, Grace Divine was finally able to find her brother, but it nearly cost her everything.

With her boyfriend, Daniel, stuck in wolf form and Sirhan's death approaching, time is running out for Grace to stop Caleb Kalbi and his gang of demons. If she fails, her family and hometown will perish. Everything rests on Grace's shoulders.

The final installment in The Dark Divine trilogy brings Daniel and Grace's love story to a breathtaking conclusion."

Review

The book was thick.  I think I was a bit surprised on how long it was compared to the first two books.  Then again, how can you tell a story where The Lost Saint ended, and tie up all that loose ends?  Bree Despain beautifully (and magically) weaved the conclusion to the Dark Divine trilogy.

Grace continues to fight her inner wolf, as she continues to fight to get Daniel back.  There's also the matter of the Shadow Kings, and Sirhan's demands.  I love that she really grew from her experience in The Lost Saint.  She's still assertive now, but listens to other people, and the control she's struggling to hold over the dark wolf inside of her.  It's really a hard situation to be into: in Grace's shoes. 

The story, seems to me, can be broken into parts.  First, the reclaiming of Daniel from being stuck in wolf form.  Secondly, dealing with demons and some personal issues.  And third:  Sirhan, the challenge, and the inevitable betrayal. 

I love that Bree manages to wind the story in a spiritual undertone, and emphasizing that love and faith, not just to a higher being, but to other people as well can we save each other.  There's a saying that "we cannot save people, we can only love them." 

Waiting on Wednesday: Defiance by C.J. Redwine

Defiance

by C.J. Redwine

August 28, 2012:  Balzer + Bray

"Within the walls of Baalboden, beneath the shadow of the city’s brutal leader, Rachel Adams has a secret. While other girls sew dresses, host dinner parties, and obey their male Protectors, Rachel knows how to survive in the wilderness and deftly wield a sword. When her father, Jared, fails to return from a courier mission and is declared dead, the Commander assigns Rachel a new Protector, her father’s apprentice, Logan—the same boy Rachel declared her love for two years ago, and the same boy who handed her heart right back to her. Left with nothing but fierce belief in her father’s survival, Rachel decides to escape and find him herself. But treason against the Commander carries a heavy price, and what awaits her in the Wasteland could destroy her.

At nineteen, Logan McEntire is many things. Orphan. Outcast. Inventor. As apprentice to the city’s top courier, Logan is focused on learning his trade so he can escape the tyranny of Baalboden. But his plan never included being responsible for his mentor’s impulsive daughter. Logan is determined to protect her, but when his escape plan goes wrong and Rachel pays the price, he realizes he has more at stake than disappointing Jared.

As Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can’t be killed and an army of assassins out for blood, they discover romance, heartbreak, and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making."

Another August release that I'm excited for!  

Music Monday: Lego House by Ed Sheeran

I can't believe I haven't shared this song yet on Music Monday!  I'm in-love with this song; you can't help but feel when it plays.  And I adore the music video!  It's smart and I can't think of anyone else who can pull it that good than Rupert Grint!♥

I'm out of touch, I'm out of love
I'll pick you up when you're getting down
And out of all these things I've done I think I love you better now

I'm out of sight, I'm out of mind
I'll do it all for you in time
And out of all these things I've done I think I love you better now

- Lego House by Ed Sheeran -

Review: Archangel's Kiss (Guild Hunter #2) by Nalini Singh

Archangel's Kiss (Guild Hunter #2)

by Nalini Singh

February 2, 2010:  Berkley

"Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux wakes from a year-long coma to find that she has become an angel-and that her lover, the stunningly dangerous archangel Raphael, likes having her under his control. But almost immediately, Raphael must ready Elena for a flight to Beijing, to attend a ball thrown by the archangel Lijuan. Ancient and without conscience, Lijuan's power lies with the dead. And she has organized the most perfect and most vicious of welcomes for Elena…"

Review

Elena does not only have to contend with the fact that she is now an angel - an angel that is also the lover of the powerful archangel, Raphael; but also with the threats in her life brought about by her position in the archangel's life.  She has to learn how to adapt to being an angel fast, and the politics involving the cadre.  It's a good thing that she is a hunter-born and retains her skills as a guild hunter because she will need it if she wish to live. 

I fell in-love with Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series, and this second book did not let me down.  It still packed with the gripping mystery and action, fueled with just enough heat to make readers curl their toes in delight.  She managed to balance the interplay of the different characters in the series without losing sight of the story, or their letting the characters loose their personality.  It just makes them even more interesting! 

The mature contents of the book makes this off-limits to kids.  Like the first book this contains sexual themes, gore and violence, and use of explicit language. 

Waiting on Wednesday: Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

Glitch
by Heather Anastasiu

August 7, 2012:  St. Martin's Press

"In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy."

Looking forward to this book!  Action-packed?  Bring it on! 

TMI Movie News: We have our IZZY!

Cassandra Clare just shared a new update on the casting for City of Bones movie adaptation.  We have our Izzy!  Jemima West, who stars as Vittoria in The Borgias, has been cast as the fierce and beautiful shadowhunter, Isabelle Lightwood.

Some questions that Cassie answered on her Variety (and her page):

“Will Jemima dye her hair/wear contacts to play Isabelle?”


She will surely dye her hair. Contacts probably, but some people/actors can’t wear them (Daniel Radcliffe never could, that’s why Harry always had blue-green eyes, allergies I think) so I cannot make promises about stuff that is basically “the costume department’s decision down the road in connection with the actor’s physical limitations.” I am assured they will do everything they can to make the actors fit the physical descriptions in the book, where appropriate.


“What was Jemima’s audition like?”


Really good! She did a scene with Clary, but she also did the scene where she talks about Alec being gay — “I love my brother, I’d do anything for him, but I can’t help him with this” and was lovely and passionate. I was like, That’s damn right, you love your brother! He’s a good guy! She convinced me.

Alec has also been cast but because of reasons, Cassie is not yet allowed to reveal who it is.  But she did say that he is British, with dark hair, and we know him.  I have feelings. Oh the feelings!  Hopefully soon she'll be able to tell us and the torture will stop, and will just resume for the wait for the other characters.

Post note from Cassie:

Music Monday: Abercrombie & Fitch guys music video for Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen

I'm totally watching this video for the music. lol!  This is a really fun song and I'm happy to see it being used for various different self-made music videos, and Abercrombie & Fitch guys definitely made it more interesting for me.  But wait, where are there numbers?

Review: Silence (Hush, Hush #3) by Becca Fitzpatrick

Silence (Hush Hush #3)

by Becca Fitzpatrick

October 4, 2011:  Simon & Schuster

"The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They've overcome the secrets riddled in Patch's dark past...bridged two irreconcilable worlds...faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust...and all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in one another, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they've worked for—and their love—forever."

Review

Just when I thought this will be the last book.  I was wrong! 

Becca pulled one of authors once in a lifetime card in this book.  Nora cannot remember what happened to her in the last few months.  She can remember everything up until where she is to take Biology with Vee.  Everything else seems like a haze.  And no one is talking; no one wants to give her details.  And why is her mom suddenly dating Mr. Millar?

While Nora starts to break rules just to get her memory back, Patch is doing everything he can to keep his side of the bargain.  If bargaining with the enemy is what will keep Nora safe, then it wasn't his first time to do bad business.  But fate keeps getting him and Nora into situations - situations that make it hard for him to stay away.  He knows that Mr. Millar has his own selfish motives than wanting to be part of Nora's life and making amends.

Things were simpler in the first book.  Girl meets bad guy, who turns out supernatural and apparently would want her dead.  Falls in-love, grow wings.  Now in the third book, it seems that there is more to just fallen angels and nephilims.  And Nora and Patch just can't have an easy happy ending.

We learn just how evil Mr. Millar is and how far he will go for the cause he stands for.  Patch will sacrifice everything to keep Nora safe, even if it means removing himself from her life.  Sometimes things can get frustrating because of this - no matter what Patch do, he cannot keep Nora totally safe because she is involved in whatever is happening, and she will not idly sit by and wait for her memories to come back.  Especially since her heart seems to remember he should know Patch.

Maybe I just expected this to be the last book so I was taken aback with the conflicts and events that Becca threw in the story.  Honestly things became more complicated and big from what humble and simplicity the first book was.  Yet the world of fallen angels and nephilims that Becca imagined is interesting and would just take awhile for you to get a firm grasp of it.  I had to review my notes about the story to make sure I was not lost.  Everytime Patch and Nora ends up in a scene together I think it's easy to get lost.

I'm hoping that all loose ends will be properly dealt with in Finale.  I'm not sure how Patch and Nora will get their deserved ending, and how Becca will close this series.  The only thing I'm sure of is that I'm excited for it.  I'm all for Patch no matter what. 

WoW: The Ghost of Graylock by Dan Poblocki

The Ghost of Graylock

by Dan Poblocki

August 1, 2012:  Scholastic Press

"What dark secrets haunt this abandoned asylum?

A spooky, standalone ghost story a la John Bellairs or Mary Downing Hahn.

Everyone’s heard the stories about Graylock Hall.

It was meant to be a place of healing—a hospital where children and teenagers with mental disorders would be cared for and perhaps even cured. But something went wrong. Several young patients died under mysterious circumstances. Eventually, the hospital was shut down, the building abandoned and left to rot deep in the woods.

As the new kid in town, Neil Cady wants to see Graylock for himself. Especially since rumor has it that the building is haunted. He’s got fresh batteries in his flashlight, a camera to document the adventure, and a new best friend watching his back.

Neil might think he’s prepared for what he’ll find in the dark and decrepit asylum. But he’s certainly not prepared for what follows him home ..."

I'm not a fan of ghost stories but this one I'm really looking forward to!  First, the hospital is looking like an asylum.  Yes!  Second, it's a standalone.  It's been awhile since I read a standalone book.  And lastly, I like a good mystery and a ghost can't stand in my way reading it!

Music Monday: Crush (1980 Me) by Darren Hayes

Crush (1980 Me) by Darren Hayes

I just love the upbeat and retro sounds of this song.  Not to mention that I totally have a crush on Darren Hayes in Savage Garden.  The video is cute too, with all the 80s vibe and attitude.  He's still cute to me, unicorn and all. :D

Armchair BEA: Tips, Lessons, and Yes, I am not an Expert.

Alternatively, if you've been blogging for awhile, you've probably learned a thing or two. Whether you stumbled upon a something that makes blogging easier or made a mistake you'd never want anyone to repeat, share your experience and wisdom with others.

After Two Years and A Half…

And here I am still blogging!  I still feel happy sharing my thoughts about the books I've read and love for reading.  I have discovered fantastic blogs, met and learned from other bloggers, and made friends across the world who shares the same love and passion for books. 

What I have learned so far:

1.  Blog about what you love.  It doesn't have to be purely about books.  Though it helps if you are consistent with what you have on your blog.  I appreciate knowing a bit about the blogger aside from reviews, etc.

2. You want comments on your blog?  Turn off your verification.  If you hate receiving spam, then just turn on moderation, at least it won't hassle readers from commenting.  Or integrate into the commenting page.  I think this will depend on your blogging platform. 

3.  If you're new in blogging.  Join blog hops to discover new blogs and make connections.  I think there is also a big sister-little sister (correct me if I'm wrong on this) blog, where bloggers who are more experienced, take on a newbie to guide. 

Link up your posts on twitter or Facebook to drive traffic to your site.  You will discover other ways along the way that will suite you.

4.  You don't have to post everyday.  Don't feel pressured to have a post everyday.  It's about the quality of the post, and not how many posts you do.

5.  Darlings, don't plagiarize.  Always err on the side of caution than be accused of this.  If you think blogging is different than writing an actual paper, you're wrong.  Some people may say there is no such thing as an original thought.  Well, there is such a thing of saying it the way you will.  Paraphrase, quote, cite sources.  I've been writing research paper half my life and I still get paranoid I might commit this. 

On reviews, I stay away from reading reviews of books I have read but haven't written a review yet, or of books on my TBR pile already and plans to write a review on. 

6.  Take breaks.  Hiatus. I always do them.  *hehehe*  Especially when my to-read books are just too many to ignore anymore.  And you might feel burnout with all the blogging. 

7. Be nice.  Don't bash.  Negative reviews are good as long as you write good.  There are good bad reviews, and there those negative reviews that makes the reviewer as negative as the review. 

Be nice to other bloggers as well.  We are a community here.  We can get emotional sometimes, but please think before you click.  That said, if you are not aiming to be a professional blogger, be a mature one. 

---

I am not an expert on blogging.  I still stumble, fumble, and still even make grammatical errors that makes me scream "NOOOOOOO" after I click "Publish."  You think I knew schedule posts before?  I learned these stuffs as I went on blogging.  Just go and do your thing and people will appreciate what you do. 

I still have the lingering doubt of whether to shift from blogger to wordpress. But the expense to do it have somehow made me decide to ask about it again months later. :p

Can you give me other tips? I would love to learn something new!  This is what it's all about sharing and learning from each other (aside from discovering new books ;-).

Thank you and Goodbye, Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury

August 22, 1920 - June 5, 2012

"A book is a loaded gun in the house next door…Who knows who might be the target of the well-read man?"
Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451

His stories were one of my favorites when I was younger.  He was one of those authors who made me fell in-love with books.  Thank you, Mr. Ray Bradbury.

Armchair BEA: Blog Blog Blog

Today we will be sharing tips that will help you move your blog forward or perhaps your own personal goals of writing and making an income from what you love to do. Today we'd love you to share your top tips for getting beyond your blog! Have you done any freelance writing? Are you monetizing your blog and how so? How do you make connections outside the book blog community on the internet?

Blog Blog Blog

I don't really have such goals in writing.  My ultimate goal is to reduced my TBR pile at least to a half.  I write mostly book reviews, so if I don't read I have nothing to write about! 

I'm an affiliate of Adsense, Book Depository and Amazon. But I just put out there since I guess it's available and I'm not really pushing it.  I blog really for books.  Whatever I earn in both, I will use to for giveaways here since most of tit are self-sponsored (indicated if not). So far, I haven't earn enough from them to be used, so everything is on me right now.  I always love giving out books (related to books) if I can. 

Aside from free books or ARC, meeting authors and fellow book bloggers are another perk of blogging.  You get to learn from them, discover new books and ideas, share same interests, and make friends! 

My dream is to be quoted in a book someday.  My wishful thinking and I guess a book reviewer's super sweet dream.  But right now, I am happy recommending books, sharing my thoughts, and helping in my own little way of promoting books and love of reading.  :)

Cover Reveal: Finale (Hush Hush #4) by Becca Fitzpatrick

Thanks to Fallen Archangel!  The cover was revealed in BEA and Fallen Archangel was there to cover it.  Model, Drew Doyon (Patch) was also there to grace the event and head on to Fallen Archangel to find out more about the reveal!

At last, Nora and Patch on the cover!  It's certainly is gorgeous.  I am speechless. *swoon*  Now look at it with the other covers in the series:

Finale (Hush Hush #4)

by Becca Fitzpatrick

October 23, 2012:  Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

"Nora is more certain than ever that she is in love with Patch. Fallen angel or no, he is the one for her. Her heritage and destiny may mean that they will always be enemies, but there is no turning her back on him. But now they face their biggest challenge. Can their love survive a seemingly insurmountable divide. And in the end, will there be enough trust left to rebuild what has been broken? The lines are drawn - but which sides are they on?"