Review: The Iron Daughter

The Iron Daughter (The Iron Fey #2)
Julie Kagawa
Paranormal, Faeries

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.

Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

You can read my review of book 1, The Iron King, here.  So as you know, I was overall disappointed with the first book of this series. There was too much insta-love. And I'm not just talking about Meghan and Ash, but also Oberon (Meghan's fey father) and Meghan. The latter I felt needed a lot of delving into because it'll be important to Meghan's future in the Nevernever. 

I enjoyed this sequel a little more than the Iron King, but not so much that I'm running for book 3. Honestly, quality wise it wasn't much better- I'm  just familiar with the characters and the world now. The series isn't character based- as in, it's not the character's PERSONALITY and DECISIONS making things happen, but rather random obstacles thrown their way. The big motivation for Meghan in this installment is ASH ASH ASH. Even when he broke things off with her, he was her number one consideration. IT WAS SO ANNOYING. This isn't Mockingjay, when Peeta and Katniss legit LOVE each other and want each other alive for completely selfless reasons and those are unquestionable facts because we were right there for the whole process. Not to mention in Mockingjay there was an actual reason to worry about Peeta. Here I just couldn't buy anything Meghan did because the reason she did those things was her love for Ash WHICH I DIDN'T EVEN BUY IN THE FIRST PLACE. 

Another thing I didn't buy was Ironhorse's undying loyalty. I understood when he said he would accompany her for reasons X, Y and Z but not when five minutes later he wants to sacrifice his life for her. We were given a hint at then end for the reason of this but I wish it could have come earlier and prevented my frequent eye rolling throughout the novel. 

AND THE LOVE TRIANGLE- *growls* it's obvious who she should be with and it's obvious who she will be with and unfortunately they are not the same person. 

Once again, I felt that this book was brimming with possibilities but fell short. Fans of Julie Kagawa, do forgive me, but I think that in the hands of a different author this series would be INSANE. We could have some amazing Puck/Ash dynamic- I was sure we'd get tons after we found out the mutual history but unfortunately was disappointed. The prom scene could have been EPIC but ended up being rather boring. So much build up and not much pay off.

Ending: EYE ROLL

Rating:


My apologies for being AWOL this week. Missed you guys! Life should be easing up now and hopefully I'll be back to normal. 
Hope you had great holidays!
Esty

The Sunday Post and Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves and The Sunday Post are weekly memes hosted by Tynga's Reviews and Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer.What I've received recently! (Or not recently, just since last post).

The Iron Daughter- gasp!! What a beautiful cover! Just finished this one, review to come soon.

United We Spy- GG6!!!!!! Can't wait.

Crossed- should've read this forever ago. Will soon... 

Dead Beautiful- from Netgalley. Seen this book too much to ignore when they offered it. Not a priority. Should I make it one?

Allegiant- You can read my rewiew here. I was sure I featured this here, but checked and turns out I didn't. What'd y'all make of this conclusion?

The Iron Traitor- considering this is like book 6 and I just finished 2, it'll be a looong while till I get to this. Still, figured I would eventually, so grabbed it from Netgalley, too. 

SEKRET- I would have read this AGES AGO when I first got approved for it but IT REFUSES TO DOWNLOAD. Help anybody?

So that's my haul, folks. Leave me links to yours, I'll get to them throughout the week(:

Happy Holidays!

Esty

Review: Under the Never Sky

Under the Never Sky
Veronica Rossi
Dystopia

Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered.

This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland--known as The Death Shop--are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild--a savage--and her only hope of staying alive. 

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile--everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

Ehhhh. I really liked this book, but didn't think it lived up to all the five star hype. Plot-wise, not overly original. Think Enclave by Ann Aguire, mixed with bits and peices of other futeristic novels. 

Character-wise I was reasonably satisfied. I really loved Aria, judging by her actions in the book, but I would have loved to hear more about her from before- we missed out on what I'm sure would have been awesome character development. ROAR- I HEART YOU. May you find Liv and live happily ever after. And speaking of the above, what with Perry being all in love with Aria, I couldn't see why he wouldn't be supportive of his sister and his best friend. He criticized his older brother for selling Liv's happiness and yet he still insisted on it later on. Wha? Other than that, though, no inconsistincies in Perry's character. 

On the subject of Perry's older brother Vale, I felt that there was a great big well of potential with him in terms of story- his relationship with their father, his son, the tribe, Perry. He was the turning point for a lot of things, a little Valentine, if you will, but instead his existance was minimized. We heard a lot about the impact he had on some of the characters but not enough of his history or anecdotes or what brought it all on.

THE REAL REASON I TOOK OFF A STAR DESPITE GREATLY ENJOYING THE BOOK: 

There were a bunch of aspects that I just didn't buy. So, convieniently Perry and Roar have this super-rich-and-knowledgable-and-hospitable friend who knows about Dweller technology and yet lives on the Outside. He has his own little army and is able to break into the authorities' Realms. HIS place seems somehow untouched by Aether storms. Has enough food to feed a village and yet Perry's tribe is taking drastic measures to avoid starvation. SO WHO IS HE? WHERE DID HE GET HIS STUFF? HOW COME HE HASN'T BEEN FOUND? WHY DIDN'T YOU COME TO HIM BEFORE IF YOU'RE FRIENDS? I expected to get some hint telling us we'll find out about him in the next book, but nada. They were at his place for a good stop to recuperate and train and head off. No explanation or questions asked. I don't suspect him, at all actually, but come on, little hospitable havens don't pop up in the middle of nowhere. And if they do, you better explain it. 

To name 1^^^. Another- hightened senses because of evolved genes makes sense, even smelling emotions (dogs can do it, humans probably could evolve to it) but reading thoughts is not realistic. Won't buy it, sorry. And the whole thing reminded me of Edward and Jasper. 

It was a good book, though. I'll definitely read the second and could see why everyone loves it. NO INSTA LOVE!! YAYY
Rating: 

Welcome to the blog, Dear New Follower! Comment and let me know your name!
Love,
Esty

Review: The Recruit

The Recruit (Cherub Mission #1)
Robert Muchamore
Middle grade spy novel

CHERUB agents are highly trained, extremely talented--and all under the age of seventeen. For official purposes, these agents do not exist. They are sent out on missions to spy on terrorists, hack into crucial documents, and gather intel on global threats--all without gadgets or weapons. It is an exceptionally dangerous job, but these agents have one crucial advantage: adults never suspect that teens are spying on them. James is the latest CHERUB recruit. He's a bit of a troublemaker, but he's also brilliant. And CHERUB needs him. James has no idea what to expect, but he's out of options. Before he can start in the field he must first survive one hundred grueling days of basic training, where even the toughest recruits don't make it to the end....

I have wanted to read this series ever since the great Rick Riordan recommended it on his blog. Even more so when I started working at a bookstore and saw how fast they fly off the shelves. So finally I did. And let me tell you, IT WAS WORTH EVERY SECOND I SPENT ON IT. 

Fast-paced, twists and turns at every corner, smart, badass characters who are all like 12 YEARS OLD all in one book basically equals gold. Not to mention a world I was just SALIVATING to live in. I mean, a top-secret, hi-tech training facility filled with like 150 super spy kids who kick butt and flirt. Notice the multiple uses of the words 'like' and 'just'. Can you tell I'm fangirling?? 

The book follows the tragic circumstances that bring James to CHERUB, his days at basic training, and then his first mission. In the begininng you even get a taste of a kid on his way to the streets- for a novel being sold to 12 year olds, I didn't realize it would have that kind of a dark aspect. Surprised, I actually thought it added to story- made it realistic and relatable, not to mention more appealing for an older audience. 

All that aside, THIS BOOK WAS FREAKING HYSTERICAL. I had this big goofy smile most of the time and actually lol'ed a couple of times. Pure awesome. 

Basically? Pick it up right now. I'm pretty sure this CHERUB is climbing it's way up there to my list of All Time Best Series. Can't wait to get my hands on book 2!! Rating:

Love,
Esty

Feature and Follow Friday

Feature and Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read to spread the Friday love, find new blogs, and gain followers! For the rules, head over to one of their blogs. This week's question:

Q: Bookselling Time: Go to your biggest bookcases. Go to the second shelf from the top and pick out the sixth book from the left. Handsell that book to us - even if you haven’t read it or if you hated it. (if you don’t have bookcases, done have six books on one shelf, etc, pick a book at random) 

Second shelf, sixth book, gives you The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. 

What's that? You haven't read it yet? Well, what are you waiting for? It's one of the most unique books you'll ever come across. It's narrated by Death, during his most active time of WWII and highlights the smaller horrors of the time, the ones that often go unnoticed because of all the huge massacres. There's no gore or horrible scenes so if you're senesitive to those things you can still read it. One of the most beautifully written books ever, really. 

Stop over, comment, say hi, and follow! I prefer GFC but it's all good(: Promise to return all the following throughout the week. Love you all!

Esty

TTT- Winter TBR!

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's list is Winter TBR!

1) The Iron Daughter - my copy just got to me! So excited! And isn't the cover all wintry?



2)  United We Spy- GG6! Finally got it, super stoked.

3) Twilight Saga- I have decided to reread them this winter(:

4)Shatter Me- it's been in the pile for months, I swear I will get to it.

5) Crossed- just borrowed this from a friend. Probably will have to reread Matched as I don't remember much...

6) The Cherub series- finished the first last week and I am thoroghly obsessed.

7) Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover- so many readers love her work, and it's sitting in my kindle screaming read me! read me!

8) On that note^^^ Alice's Adventures and Wonderland- I just feel like this is a classic I will love.

9) The Alcymist

10) Escape from Camp 14 by Blaine Harden- been in pile waaay to long and I'm so intrigued by the blurb and the fact that it's a real story.

These are my picks, but my TBR is big and I probaby won't get to all of these... what about you?

Love,
Esty

Review: A Time for Dancing

A Time for Dancing
Davida Wills Hurwin
Contemporary, "Cancer Book"

Sam and Jules - everyone knows that when you see one, the other can't be far behind. Best friends for more than half their lives, the two are practically inseparable. And in the summer before their last year of high school, Sam and Jules are certain that whatever the future brings - college or professional dance careers or both - they'll be ready for it, sharing the triumphs and facing the tears together. 

But nothing could have prepared them for Jules's sudden illness and the discovery of its cause - cancer. Sam tries to be a true friend, supporting Jules during the weeks of testing and doctors and treatments, but the horrifying pain and indignities that Jules suffers, and the feeling that she has lost control over her own life, force Jules to a place where even Sam cannot follow. Now both Jules and Sam must learn to accept the unacceptable - that Jules's cancer may not go away. How each, in her own way, comes to face the possibility of Jules's death, and learns to celebrate her life, makes for a searingly honest, unforgettable novel.

Two things about the categorization of this book: A) I called it 'contemporary', and by that I mean realistic fiction that could happen today, but if I'm not mistaken it was published in like the 70s and B) Yes. This is a Cancer Book. But I hate that people avoid these amazing books because of the topic because 1) that's not ALL they talk about and 2) So what?? Millions of people battle this illness everyday and others refuse to even read about it?! Lastly 3) It's such a loaded subject, full of heartbreak, love and anger- and aren't those the main themes in all the books we read? The only difference is that this conflict is man vs. nature, and I guess because it hits closer to home for a lot of people...

So. The arguments above^^ come to tell you to PLEASE READ THIS BOOK. The writing, the flow, the feeling behind every word- I was close to tears in the beginning already. 

Part of the beauty of this book was that it centered around dancers- but don't worry, even if you know nothing about it you'll be perfectly fine. And for those of you like me, who not only know the studio life, but live it? You'll be moved by the all-too-true descriptions of the highs and lows of proffessional dancing, the artistry behind it, and most importantly by what it means to the dancers. 

And the main theme? Real friendship. These days, every fad book or epic series is accompanied by touching love story, but not enough center around a having a true and loyal friend, always there through storm or fire. Dare I compare Samantha and Jules to Will and Jem? I wasn't sobbing QUITE as much as I was in Clockwork Princess, so don't take that analogy TOO strongly, but many of the same elements were there.

Cover Comments: While some of you will think it's beautiful, others gross, I was stunned by how realistic the picture is. That's no cover model- someone took a picture of dancer after her class, no question about. Sweat, hair and all. *Respect*

Recommended to everyone. Rating:

Review: Pawn

Pawn (The Blackcoat Rebellion #1)
Aimee Carter
Dystopia

YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING. 

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country. 

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter. 

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

This book got a lot of hype, and while I was weary of that, overall I thought it was justified. FOR YEARS I've been searching for a book that ranks you by your intelligence- it seems to me like it would be humanity's natural course. I mean, isn't that the ruling factor now? Who are the billionaires? Creators of software, social network sites, apps and gadgets.  Basically, I was so happy to read about that system, and thought it was very well done. 

Another aspect I liked about Pawn was that the story was VERY character driven- wasn't a bunch of random stuff thrown at a group of people. Their decisions and actions propelled the plot. And there were a lot of those! I was surprised and thrown off at every corner.

Speaking of characters- I have to say that I loved them, but I didn't feel we, as readers, were able to fully understand them. By the end of the book, I was thoroughly inthralled by them but still had no idea what made them tick. For that alone I look forward to the sequel.

Now for my nitpick: After the big finale, if you will, or the climax, the correct course of action seemed really obvious to me and I think it will be to a lot of readers. Without spoiling anything, I'll just say they should have exposed the whole thing! There was nothing to stop them. Instead the author chose to stretch out the main conflict for another book, totally unnecessarily. I WILL read it, because I did really enjoy this one, but it'll really have to get complicated IN A WAY THAT MAKES SENSE (I'm referring to countless spin-offs that generally throw some problem out of the blue that in real life would probably not happen. *coughs* Sebastian coming back from the dead) .

Rating:

My goal last December when I just started out as to reach 100 GFC followers by the end of 2013. Almost there!! Care to help me?
Love,
Esty

Mini Review: The House on Mango Street

The House on Mango Street
Sandra Cisneros
Latino Classics

Told in a series of vignettes stunning for their eloquence, this memoir is Sandra Cisneros's greatly admired story of a young girl's growing up in the Latino section of Chicago.

I AM NOT against classics. Really. I just read A Separate Peace and loved it, right? Click on the classics label. But what can I say? This one just flopped for me. Honestly, I couldn't see what the big deal was.

It was told in little, disconnected anecdotes about a page and a half long. In truth, it was all the kept me reading. The fact that it was a new story each time. Unfortunately, that means even the good ones were over before you know it.

I was hoping I'd get to read about the rich Latina culture, but it wasn't the case. The book follows the different people who live on Mango Street. Each one is highlighted in a little scene that reflects who they are. Interesting as that was, a collection of annoyingly dialogue-less scenes is not enough to keep a 21st century teenager engaged, sorry.
Rating:

So yesterday was my first blogoversary, everyone! I can't host anything special right now, but hopefully soon! Love you all and thanks for reading!
Esty

Review: Allegiant

Allegiant (Divergent #3)
Veronica Roth
Dystopia

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. 

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. 

Cover comments: This jacket is GORGEOUS in person. Like the others it's also a little 3D and makes you want to croon at it(:

So. The book that caused waves across the twitterverse. If you haven't read it because you've seen the negative reviews, I implore you to give it a chance anyway because many others and I found the twist kinda good actually. That's all I'll tell you. Now LEAVE. MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD. 

So unfortunately for me, a friend of mine, thinking that I had already finished the book blurted to me "so what do you think of the fact that she died??" ME: 

*pulls out notebook*
*hits her over the head while screaming bloody murder*

Honestly? I thought she should die. From the moment we understood someone would have to it seemed like the wrong thing to do for her to let someone else sacrifice themselves, and probably not even get the job done. Ironically, what pissed me off was not that she died, but that she didn't die the way I thought she should. So she's strongly Divergent therefore poison doesn't work on her? It's not a simulation- a strong and diverse mind shouldn't be able to stop toxic gas. No, she survives the death serum to be shot by David. Ugh, what? That situation could have been talked out of. Actually, should never have gotten there. Did it not occur to anyone to beat the passcode out of David instead of having someone killed? Shouldn't have been that hard, David trusted Tris at the time.

Another annoyance, this one that I shared with basically everyone, was that there was hardly a discernable difference between the POVs. I liked hearing from Tobias but he was not the boy we came to love from Divergent and Insurgent. I found myself flipping back to check who I was reading because the styles were the same! There could have at least been different font. 

Other than that? I definitely enjoyed reading it very much, hence the four stars, but there were enough problems that kept me from really getting excited. 

Confession: I might have given it 3 stars, but Lordy, THEN COVER. 
Rating: 

Have a happy December, everyone!!
Esty