Review: Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

Insurgent (Divergent #2)

by Veronica Roth

Caution: Should only be read if Allegiant is at arm's length away. You will want more immediately.

Leaving off shortly where Divergent ending, this book does not shy away from doing what it takes to get the job done. Due to this, half of my reading experience was spent with me yelling at the characters. They took turns doing stuff that made me aggravated or pissed me off. Tris, Tobias, Marcus, Peter, friends, foes; you name it, I yelled at them. Despite my aggravation, I liked Insurgent. If a book can get me to speak explicitly by the surprises or turn of events, then it is doing its job.

Tris’s journey builds on the events in Divergent and reveal more about the Erudite’s whole plot that not even she could have guessed. Every event is meaningful in one sense or another. The world-building is less than Divergent but that is because their world is shifting so much that what they thought to be true days ago, would not be so anymore. However, there is still a lot that we do learn about their society. Insurgent gives more information about the factionless, who come to play a big part later on. We also do learn more about Amity. When looked at in small sections, it does not appear to give you much information as you expected. But in a way, it does, much more than you initially believe.

The character development, minor and major, therefore, has improved. There is a vulnerability to Tris that we did not see as often in Divergent that we do witness now. The circumstances are unfortunate. Not only does she grow, but so does Tobias. The events that take place have as much to do with him as it has to do with her. The settings and circumstances allow us to see a part of Tobias’s past, who he was before he became Dauntless. I grew to love him more.

On the other hand, while I still cannot relate to Tris, I do like her. Though I can understand some of her motives, and her personality, at times she feels sort of heartless or reckless. I am sure I am not the only one who thinks this. She constantly said so herself. The moments she was supposed to feel something, “she felt nothing.” She does have good motives, though, and that is enough reason for me to care about her and support her endeavors.

To anyone who has not had the opportunity to read the sequel, I recommend you do. Be warned, though, you will be yelling. Characters are going to surprise in some ways you did not even consider. You will jump off your feet and start questioning what you knew. You may even put the book aside long enough to rethink the events leading up to then. But is that not part of the adventure of books?

While I was agitated about how the book left off- cliffhanger, if you had not already guessed it- I cannot think of any other way this book could have ended. Now, I am currently trying to get my hands on Allegiant.

Rating: 4 wands

Will I read Allegiant? Of course. Cliffhangers are my weakness.

Recommended for: Dystopian lovers; Divergent fans

Buy the book here: http://www.amazon.com/Insurgent-Divergent-Book-Series/dp/0062024043

Check out more of my reviews Jinxed Reviews.

New Year, New Posts

   It can be said, without a doubt, that I really neglected this blog over the past year. For that, I am so sorry. I tried to balance it with everything else but I did not start off the year very well. However, I have learned some time management tricks to assure I do not make the same mistake twice. It'll take effort, as does anything else, to keep this blog moderately updated but I will definitely try. I can't wait to review the anything batch of books that are set to release this year. Or even some from last year. This is a year of books and joys. Let us rejoice!
   Most of my reviews will revolve around YA- from fantasy to romance to mysteries- but I will definitely be trying new genres. Some NAs I've heard about do seem very interesting. We'll have to see, won't we?

   I'll have several reviews up very soon. Happy new year and many blessings to you all!

Review, Giveaway & Excerpt: Astarte’s Wrath by Trisha Wolfe

I'm someone who's new to Trisha Wolfe's work but I can say without a doubt that she has guaranteed loyalty from me. 

     The characters are so real, the plot fast-paced and action-packed. Astarte "Star" is such an amazing kissass female lead. I've read very few books this year that have been able to score as high as Astarte's Wrath has- 5 shiny and bold stars with enthusiasm towards her new release, FIREBLOOD.

     Set against the backdrop of the Battle of Actium, in the city of Alexandria, Star struggles with her guardian duties as her feelings for the newly named pharaoh of Egypt, Xarion grow deeper. Not only is she his slave, bound to be loyal to him, but he's human; all of which makes everything more forbidden.

     But when a conspiracy linked to Caesar creeps into Alexandria, Star must choose between helping her fellow Kythan free themselves of their servitude, and protecting her charge—the last pharaoh—while Egypt burns around her.

     The imagery and descriptions didn't feel as overwhelming as I expected. Being my first Egyptian mythology book, I expected to be confused. Surprisingly, though, Wolfe does such a a good job that anything likely to cause confusion won't.

     Now no good book is complete without some romance. Star's forbidden love with Xarion, Pharaoh of Egypt is so steamy and swoon-worthy. Every time I came across Xarion's name, goosebumps appeared. I've gone through that whole fan-girling phase so I didn't expect to feel an actual crush for a guy who wasn't perfect but who was great and real. No cutout romantic interests allowed here.

     The setting and the backstory was phenomenally done and I couldn't have asked for anything differently. If this is any testimony to Wolfe's style, I can without a doubt say that she's original, authentic and goes beyond what sells. Nothing is as you expect it to be and I, for one, am glad.

     Even the secondary characters had a role and a life to them that some author's often overlook. I am quite proud to be able to review such a great book and I am in waiting for the next book, impatiently.

Rating: 5 stars
Will I be reading anything by Trisha Wolfe in the future? Of course. It's hard to quit.
Recommended for: anyone who likes Egyptian mythology, action-packed novellas with a kickass lead
Buy the book here.
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Sneak Peek: Bath Scene from Xarion’s POV

Star narrows her eyes at me, her full, bottom lip puckering out the way it does when she’s in serious thought—and though I’m listening to her words, all I want to do is trap that bottom lip between my teeth. Nip it and caress it with my tongue. 

     “I knew you’d say that,” she says. “And that is precisely why I didn't want you to know.” She raises her hand from my chest and swipes the wet hair from my forehead. Her body subtly moves against me with this action, and it drives me wild. “A possible retaliation by the guardians is just one more weighted burden on top of the many you already carry. You don’t need the added strain. Let me deal with Candra and the Kythan. They’re my kindred. As long as I’m their equal—in both power and status—I can protect you.” 

     This woman—the woman I've loved my entire life—is my protector. She not only guards against physical threats, but watches over my mental well being. But I cannot allow her to carry all my problems alone anymore. I want to be her guardian, to be the one to comfort her when she’s fearful, and protect her against this world. 

     I tilt my head and suck in a deep breath. “This is why you won’t be with me.” I want her to admit it. If she finally confesses that our titles and her battle with the right course of action have been the only reasons for her kept affections, then by Gods…help me from laying her out on this tile and taking her—making her mine. I won’t stop. 

     She nods. 

     “This is the only reason.” She nods again, and that is all the conformation I need. “Then I refuse to let them keep us apart for one more moment.” I grasp her face between my hands and claim her lips with mine. 

     Her lips are soft and warm as I achingly coax them into a fevered kiss, unable to hold back my desire for her. I had planned for our first kiss many times, imagined it over and over. The way I would caress her lips slowly and lovingly, conveying my affections. But every emotion I have ever felt for Star rushes to the surface all at once, and I can’t slow. I won’t. I won’t allow her a moment to question our actions, to reconsider us. I’m going to kiss her senseless—kiss the reason right out of her infuriatingly rational head.

Help Trisha and the Tuff Girl Legion get to 50 reviews on Amazon for the full scene release of the “Bath Scene” on Trisha’s blog! You can bookmark the bonus material here!

Trisha Wolfe is the author of the YA Steampunk DESTINY'S FIRE (Omnific Publishing), the NA Historical/Supernatural ASTARTE'S WRATH, and the upcoming YA Utopian FIREBLOOD from Spencer Hill Press, October 2013. Her NA Dark Fantasy OF SILVER AND BEASTS available May 2013.

She’s the creator of YA Bound, a promotional site for the Young Adult genre. Also a member of SCWW and The Apocalypsies. Check out www.TrishaWolfe.com for more on her books and bonus material. Follow Trisha on Twitter @TrishWolfe and like her Facebook page for updates.


Here's a giveaway for an e-copy of Astarte's Wrath.

Review: Chosen At Nightfall (Shadow Falls #5) by C.C. Hunter

A thrilling end to the bestselling series that started with Born at Midnight. If you loved the first four books, you'll find this one hard to let go off long after you read the last word.

Though I wasn't a fan of the series from day one, this captured my attention. It had everything a good supernatural read had: love triangle with two smoking guys, Derek (faerie)and Lucas (werewolf), strong and independent lead (Kylie) and a good plot. Fast forward four books and here we are now, at the end. 

    I was very hesitant to read the book because I knew after I started to read, there was no going back; the end was here. Being one of my favorite series, I didn't want to let it go just yet. But, though I finished the book and loved it, I will always remember the first time I entered the world of Shadow Falls.

     From the start, Kylie's struggles seemed bigger than mine. After all, it doesn't happen every day that you find out you're not human and that your supernatural pattern isn't readable. Or that you even up being a rare type of supernatural: a chameleon. Let alone the fact that no one even knows what a chameleon is. If I was Kylie, I would have just declared myself human and given up any abilities at the start so I wouldn't have to go through all she went through up to end. Especially those ghosts. If I had to deal with them on a daily basis, I would just throw myself over a cliff or something. Seriously, those ghosts can give you nightmares. But Kylie is the type of person to finish what she starts, even if it means risking her life... again.

     That is the only thing that bugs me. Kylie had "valiantly" risked herself and gone into dangerous situations by herself to spare others. They, however, are still involved and go into the situation unprepared. I know people don't change from one day to another but it's been months! By the fourth book, she should have stopped and realized that trusting at least one other person will stop her from getting into deeper trouble that usual. In this aspect Kylie really needs to grow up and learn from her (many) mistakes.

     After Kylie left Shadow Falls, she thought she would get all the answers that she wanted- what it meant to be chameleon and where it was she belonged. However, events force her to face her problems head on rather than avoiding them. A pesky new ghost and sword just won't leave her alone. Pretending not to see her causes her nothing but grief. Not to mention all the unresolved drama left over from WHISPERS AT MOONRISE. Fortunately, Hunter cleared all of that up in CHOSEN AT NIGHTFALL.

     What about those amazing but trying-to-kill-each-other friends of hers? Della, a vampire with a knack to fight for her friends and Miranda, a witch who tends to screw spells up continue to be there for our heroine  They're male "friends" also add a little spice into the overall wholeness (and mischievous smiles) of the book. Having the relationships of the people around Kylie was a well-throughout strategy; she is the type to care about others more than herself. I especially love what happens between Holiday and Burnett. I did not see it coming but I loved it.

     Now for what everyone really wants to know: Derek or Lucas. Personally, I kept switching teams many times throughout the series. Lucas was always the hottie, who I'd like for myself but Derek was kind and wanted the best for her. Fortunately, choosing between these two (irresistible guys) wasn't the main issue like in some novels. Mostly, it still focuses on her finding answers and with them herself. But based on who she ends up with, half of the fans will be delighted and the others displeased. I am among the ones who can accept her decision. I understand her choice, though personally, I would have held everything they did wrong against them for a long time and just be single. But that's just me.

     Though I was weary as to how Hunter would conclude the series, I can say without a doubt that it does not disappoint. So now that the Shadow Falls series is over, I will wait for whatever new book she releases. Hopefully soon.

Rating: 4.5 wands

Will I read anything else C.C. Hunter in the future? Yes.

Recommended for: anyone who loves love triangles, supernatural books or has been with Kylie since Born at Midnight

Buy the book here.

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Review: Send Me a Sign by Tiffany Schmidt

It's been so long since I've read a debut (or any book for that matter) that scored this high. I tried to look for anything that felt strange, wrong, out of place yet I couldn't. This book is as close to perfect as it gets.

Despite containing popularity and cancer (topics I steer clear of when possible) it captured my attention. I won't deny that the title and cover had anything to do with it. We all know that a book's cover and its title are what motivate us to read the summary.

     Mia Moore just wants to enjoy her summer before Senior year. But unfortunately after being diagnosed with cancer, the real battle is about to begin. She decides to keep from her friends that she might die. But with so many lies coming out of her mouth, it's hard for one of them not to come back to haunt her.

     Even her boyfriend, Ryan, who's showing all the signs of wanting to get serious doesn't know. Ryan is known as the type to not be steady but for Mia he seems to be willing to try. Mia likes Ryan but she's not sure what she wants anymore. With the whole cancer thing being her main priority and keeping it a secret, it's hard for her to determine whether or not Ryan is the guy for her.

     The way people were involved with her throughout her journey- whether knowing or not of her illness- allowed us to see the type of relationships between them. Each one, even distant or brief, affected Mia in some way or another.

     Gyever, her best friend, was a perfect male lead. I swooned every time I read his name. His interest in music and the way he stayed by her side every minute definitely added to his charm. It's notable that even Mia started to wonder about his role in her life. Best friend or maybe something else? Everything romance related was well-woven and attention grabbing. You know what would happen at certain points but Schmidt made up for it with twice the twists.

     The whole superstition thing Mia had going on reminded me of myself so despite her popularity, I found some way to relate to her. Keep this in mind because it pops up throughout the novel and plays at key parts. Many of which will frustrate and still manage to get you more involved.

     The actual cancer wasn't really a part of the whole book but the part that she used to draw us in made a point that opens our eyes, or gives us a review of life and what we make of it.

Rating: 4.5 wands
Will I continue to read her books? Yes
Recommended for: Anyone who likes finding yourself books or who loves musical references
Buy the book here.
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Review: The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayana Mathis

This book had strong points and the language was well-done. 

The only problem? The structure. It talked about one of Hattie's child to another to another. Had this been done another way, it may have worked out. But the way it was published, not so good. Each chapter was devoted to one of the kids solely yet after that, they were abandoned. Some of them, like Six and Franklin and Alice, I wanted to know more about. With the current structure, though, it was not feasible to do so.

     Had I not read this in class, there's a certainty that I wouldn't have read this book. Don't get me wrong- it's not a bad book. However, if you wanted to analyze characters and situations and its connections, it isn't the type of book you should look for advice.

     The relationships- or lack of- between them is transparent and you can infer how Hattie's mothering affected each child. However, they all turn out dysfunctional. It is realistic in this aspect but there is only a slim chance that someone as detached and bitter women like Hattie would continue to have children. Yes, as humans we make mistake after mistake. To make the same mistake 10 times more, though, is just sad. Hattie should have realized that it was way too soon to have more children after the occurrences of chapter 1 (Philadelphia and Jubilee.)

     Hattie is the type of character we all hate- too headstrong yet not independent, fickle yet decisive. It's not the contradictions that make her such a hard character to connect with but rather her continuous unintelligent choices. I wish I could just shake some sense into her.

     Each chapter is like a mini short story. Had it said it was a compilations of stories involving Hattie's children, I may have been more satisfied. At least then, I'd have been delivered what had been promised. But with what I did read, not so much.

     The last promise was a decent ending though. Promised hope- though a bit too late.

Rating: 2 wands

Would I read anything by MATHIS again? So long as it doesn't involve Hattie or anything historical.

Recommended for: Anyone who doesn't mind taking time to make sense of what's happening.

Buy the book here.

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Review: Of Poseidon (Of Poseidon #1) by Anna Banks

It's been a long time since a book was good enough to make me sit down and read all day but that's exactly what Of Poseidon did.

OF POSEIDON started off in a very creative way. Not at the action yet not a long back story. Just right. Emma's story starts when she bumps into Galen, hot Syrena prince in search of a an alleged Syrena on land. After an embarrassing (and typical high school student reaction), the mood switches. What was supposed to be a fun, before-college summer break in Florida turns for the worst. Killed in a freakish shark "attack", Emma's best friend, Chloe dies. Though the initial conflict was sorrowful and definitely heartbreaking, it definitely set the stage for future conflicts and arguments and sparked Emma's journey.

     Leaving Florida behind for her home in New Jersey, Emma hopes to escape everything surrounding Chloe's death and move on. Is she in for a surprise when Galen goes to her school!

     Considering the genre and past disappointments, I expected Emma to be the typical heroine: smart, strong yet too soft a spot for that special guy. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Emma wasn't the wimpy "heroine" that summits to the guy and I loved her for that. She's a strong female lead who doesn't take any crap, even from her beloved gorgeous violet-eyed prince. She was confident and willing to do what she had to. Unlike many other MC's, she actually acted on it. This made it appear that it was really how she was and not just an attribute the character wanted her to have but really didn't.

     On the other hand, she did act all puppy-like at the beginning- just like all those other girls. In her place, I wouldn't have worried about making a fool of myself in front of him, as much as trying to stay away from him. I mean, come on. Having a guy as hot as Galen track you down from Florida to New Jersey may sound romantic in theory. Having it actually happen to you- not so much. Almost as bad as having a stalker- which he is, in a way.

     She slowly grows closer to Galen. After throwing herself and Rayna into a hurricane-proof window (that's has got to hurt) she finds out that she's a Syrena.

     I won't spoil the rest of the book; it's one of those books which is best when you read it on your own, with no one's version of what happened, distorting yours before you have a chance to read it.

     Bank's use of setting was well down. It was correlated and benefited the story. (You know, with the whole Syrena living in oceans and whatnot.) This story wouldn't have been as half as good if it had taken place in the middle of Texas or in Tennessee. That would've only made it confusing. Why would Syrena live in land with no easy access to the ocean anyway?

     Any unresolved mysteries or questions nagging from beginning to middle are solved at the end. All but one- which was intentional.

     From the cliffhanger, I assume there will be a sequel. I will definitely be at the bookstores when it releases.

     Over all, OF POSEIDON used all its resources and made it a well-structured story.

Rating: 4.5 Wands

Will I be reading the rest of the trilogy? Yes

Recommended for: Anyone who loves fantasy or mermaids 

Buy the book here.
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