On Vacation...Aloha!

Hi guys!I'm currently on vacation so I won't be posting anything on my blog this week.If you're wondering where I am,well I'm currently stuck in Bankok airport because of a four hour flight delay to Koh Samui.(Yes,it's filled with beaches.Jealous yet?)Well you shouldn't be,because the delay sucks.I'll be doing scuba-diving and snorkeling there as well.Cant wait to get there and hopefully I'll become active again next week.Though I can't promise that I'll be as active as before with my school reopening and all that.Well,ta-ta!And see you again next week!Can't wait to share stories about my trip! XD

My Book Boyfriend(1):Sebastian

My Book Boyfriend is a  weekly meme, hosted by The Unread Reader, in which we swoon over boys in books!
Here is how My Book Boyfriend works:
On Wednesdays, make a post about a fictional boy that totally made you swoon! In your post, make sure you include your book boyfriend’s stats, a picture of what you imagine he looks like and some quotes from him that had you at hello. Credit the book and please include page numbers when you can.

This is my first My Book Boyfriend post.Hope you guys like it!

Sebastian is Clary's blood brother from  The Mortal Instruments series.He makes his first appearance in the third book,City of Glass but plays an important role in City of Lost Souls .Since he did not play much of a role in the other books,I did not pay much attention to him.But I got to know a lot about his personality in City of Lost Souls and let me tell you,I found him really yummy.So I dumped Jace (who is one of the main characters of  The Mortal Instruments ) and went for Sebastian.Sorry,Jace!But you lost all of your charm in City of Lost Souls.

Sebastian:

• He's a total hottie.Need I say more?  

• He's got black eyes and blond hair in the book but I felt that this is the best pic I could use to portray him.

• Really good at playing pretend.

• He's insane and a villain.Insane as in take over the world type of insane.Oh why oh why do I always fall for lunatics?

Looks:

When he's playing nice:

















Quotes by him:

“Jace: 'I don't like keeping her in the dark.'
Sebastian: 'We'll tell her in a week. What difference does a week make?'
Jace: 'Two weeks ago you were dead.'
Sebastian: 'Well, I wasn't suggesting two weeks. That would be insane.” 

  

“I don't care what you think. You're not my brother," Clary said. "You're a murderer."
"I really don't see how those things cancel each other out," said Sebastian.” 

You've gotta admit,he's pretty darn hot.So what if he doesn't have black eyes like in the book?I like him better this way.

Liebster Blog Award

 Yay!I've been awarded the Liebster Blog Award, thanks to Soma from Insomania of Books.Thank you Soma!

The Liebster Blog Award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers and Liebster is a German word which means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.Awww....that's so adorable.

Here are the rules:

1. Each person must post 11 facts about themselves

2. Answer 11 questions the tagger has given you and give 11 questions for the people you've tagged.

3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.

4. Tell them you've tagged them.

5. Remember, no tag backs.

11 facts about me:

1-I have a brother who is four years younger than me.

2-I'm quite short for my age.

3-I get tanned easily.All you have to do is put me under the sun for an hour and the next thing you know,I'll be as black as an African.

4-I LOVE watching cartoons.

5-I am currently fifteen years old.

6-I don't watch Supernatural.In fact,I think that I'm the only person of my age who doesn't.Not that I hate it or anything but I just haven't tried watching it.

7-My favourite band currently is Evanescence.I say currently because it changes every month.

8-I live in Dhaka,Bangladesh.

9-I mostly read YA and children's novels.

10-I have developed a new interest in baking.

11-I love sushi!

11 questions asked by tagger,Soma:

1)What is your favourite drink?

Ans:Coke or pepsi all the way!!!! :D

 

 2)If you were on a deserted island, what two things would you take with you?

Ans:Doritos and coke. :)

3)If you were able to invent something, what would you invent, and why?

Ans:Something which would stop load-shedding.It happens a lot in our country,especially during the summer.It's really annoying when the electricity goes out in like, almost every hour.

4) What is your next read? Are you excited about it?

Ans: Most probably one of the review copies I got from authors this month.I haven't had the time to read them yet.Am I excited about it?Not sure,but I guess we'll find out.

5) Which do you prefer: reading paperback and hardcover, or reading e-copies on Kindle and iPad?

Ans:Obviously paperback and hardcover but most of the times I do not have a choice since Bangladesh does not have any book store which sells up-to-date YA books.

6) Chocolate-flavored icecream or vanilla-flavored icecream?

Ans:Chocolate duh!

7)Do you believe in love at first sight? Do you want it to happen to you?

Ans:Sorry,I don't.I haven't even gone out with anyone yet.But yeah,it'd be nice if it happened to me. :)

8)Do you like historical novels? Why or why not?

Ans:Um,that depends.I haven't had much experience with them except of the ones they made us read at school.But yeah,I like them,if they're good. :)

9)What is your favorite book? and why?

Ans:I have lots of books which are my favourites.You can't expect me to pick among them,that's inhuman ! XD

10) What is your favorite place to read? 

Ans:Probably my bedroom or the verandah. 

11)If you want to go on a vacation, where would you go?

Ans:Switzerland,it's the only European country I haven't been to yet.

  

 11 people I have tagged to receive the Liebster Blog Award:

1 .defiantlydeviant

2.Tea and Text

3.BookVenturer's Musings

4.Bookish Whimsy 

5.Pick Your Poison book reviews 

6.Happily Ever After

7.RavenFic Reviews 

8.Andrea Heltsley Books 

9.The Book Lover's Blog!! 

10.Contagious Reads...books and more! 

11.BookYAReview

My questions for the ones tagged:

1)How long have you been blogging?

2) Are you on goodreads?

3)Do you do weekly memes on your blog?

4)Which book are you currently reading?


5)How many books do you have on your wishlist?


6)What is your favourite subject?


7)Where do you live?


8)Did you ever visit my blog before I tagged you?


9)What kind of books do you usually read?


10)What is your all-time favourite author?


11)Do you currently have any ARC with you?If you do,which book is it?

"Waiting On" Wednesday: The Third Wheel

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by breaking the spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

The Third Wheel( Diary of a Wimpy Kid # 7)
by Jeff Kinney
Expected publication: November 13th 2012 by Amulet Books
224 pages

From Amazon:
 Love is in the air- but what does that mean for Greg Heffley?

My thoughts: From the blurb and from the cover,I'm guessing that Greg gets dumped on his first date.Oh,poor Greg.Well,back to the  main part.Now why am I choosing this book for today's Waiting on Wednesday?Because I'm eagerly looking forward to what the author's got in store within the pages of this book.I've read every single one of The Wimpy Kid books and also own EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM in hardcover.This series is an enjoyable read for anyone,regardless of their age.Even people who are reluctant readers will find themselves being attracted to this series,as along with words there are also doodlings covering every page,so therefore this can also be referred to as a picture book.This series is also an international bestselling series.So if you haven't started reading this series yet,you'd better start soon,because otherwise you'll miss reading one of the best series ever written in the history of mankind.Even my dad likes it,and he has this tendency of criticizing most of the books I read.

Book Review: The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clark

The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Number of pages:416
Expected publication: October 2nd 2012 by Strange Chemistry
Blurb:Ananna of the Tanarau is the eldest daughter of a highly-ranked family in the loose assortment of cutthroats and thieves in the Pirate's Confederation. When she runs away from the marriage her parents have arranged for her, they hire Naji the assassin to murder her.

When a mysterious woman in a dress shop offers her magical assistance for dealing with the assassin, Ananna accepts. She never went in much for magic herself -- she lacks the talent for it -- but she's not quite ready to die yet, either. Unfortunately, the woman's magic fails.

Fortunately, Ananna inadvertently saves the assassin's life in the skirmish, thus activating a curse that had been placed on him a few years earlier. Now, whenever her life is in danger, he must protect her -- or else he experiences tremendous physical pain. Neither Ananna nor the assassin, Naji, are pleased about this development.

Follow Ananna and Naji as they sail across the globe, visiting such mysterious places as the Court of Salt and Waves, in their desperate effort to lift the curse. Soon they will discover that only by completing three impossible tasks will they be able to set themselves free.

My Review: 

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book. 

I have almost nothing to complain about this book.Sure,it took it's time in proceeding with the main story so at the beginning it felt a bit boring.But once the story proceeded,I got more and more sucked into this newly created world of pirates and assassins by Cassandra Rose Clarke. From the cover and the storyline,I could tell that the story was set in the Middle-East,and let me tell you,I have not seen much YA fantasy novels which were set in the Middle-East.And readers appreciate uniqueness.I don't know about you guys but I obviously do.I liked the heroine Ananna's tom-boyish attitude.When I started reading about her I was like :YES!Finally no pretty and weak damsel in distress!!!I've been reading about them so much that I've grown sick of them.At first I thought that Naji would be cool,but when I saw that he's the damsel in distress here I almost laughed my head off!!Bravo!Bravo Ms. Clarke!Where have you been all my life?!We really need to chat.Anytime you're free,just pop over to my place. ;)
Remember where I said that I had almost nothing to complain about this book?I said ALMOST along with nothing.Please put emphasis on that word.I did have one thing to complain about,or maybe two, which made me refrain from giving this book a five star rating.The ending was too abrupt.It had little or no romance in it,which was fine by me,since I'm not that big a fan of romance,but I felt that the ending killed all the suspense.According to the author's blog,there will be a sequel to this book,then that's it.That's a good sign,since a lot of authors keep writing sequels on and on just to bring in cash.Now,am I going to read the sequel?Hell yeah!! :D

View all my reviews

Teaser Tuesdays (June 19)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 
Hi guys!This is my first teaser Tuesday.I really hope that you like it and check the book out.Hopefully from now on I'll be doing this meme regularly at my blog.(Except next week,since I'll be going on vacation and unlike most people I do not have my own laptop.)

My teaser Tuesday:

Book Title:The Opal Deception (Artemis Fowl-4)

Author: Eoin Colfer (pronounced "Owen")

My teasers:

        teaser(1)

"'Very well,'he said.'I don't remember any of this,but I believe you.I accept that we humans have fairy neighbors below the planet's surface.'

'Just like that?'" 

       teaser(2)

“Friendship isn't a science mudboy. Just do what you think is right.”

P.S By the way,absolutely lovin' the book!Way better than the previous ones in the series.Thrilling and fully action-packed. 

Cover Reveal: Ironskin (Ironskin #1)

Name of the book: Ironskin ( Ironskin #1)

Author: Tina Connolly

Number of pages:  304

Expected Publication: October 2nd 2012 by Tor Books

Blurb:  Jane Eliot wears an iron mask.

It’s the only way to contain the fey curse that scars her cheek. The Great War is five years gone, but its scattered victims remain—the ironskin.

When a carefully worded listing appears for a governess to assist with a "delicate situation"—a child born during the Great War—Jane is certain the child is fey-cursed, and that she can help.

Teaching the unruly Dorie to suppress her curse is hard enough; she certainly didn’t expect to fall for the girl’s father, the enigmatic artist Edward Rochart. But her blossoming crush is stifled by her own scars, and by his parade of women. Ugly women, who enter his closed studio...and come out as beautiful as the fey.

Jane knows Rochart cannot love her, just as she knows that she must wear iron for the rest of her life. But what if neither of these things is true? Step by step Jane unlocks the secrets of her new life—and discovers just how far she will go to become whole again.

My thoughts:
I found this cover on a widget of someone else's blog and immediately fell in love with it.I mean,which person in their right minds wouldn't?!Just look at it!I totally want a costume like that for Halloween or just to wear at any costume party.(Though I wouldn't look half as gorgeous as the cover model)So I immediately browsed for this book on goodreads,copied and pasted the cover image on my Books judged by their covers page,marked it as my wishlist and befriended the author.Not only is the cover gorgeous,the story has fey in it,(I mentioned my obsession of fey in my review of Enchanted before) and it is also a re-telling of Jane Eyre in steampunk style.Just think about it, all those three things in one book!How cool is that!Though I've never actually really read Jane Eyre.It was on my summer reading list at school last year but I was absent on the day of the assessment and I really couldn't bother to waste my summer reading Jane Eyre when I had so many other books to read.But now I think I'll have to go through it before reading this which means a trip to the basement and getting familiar with the dust,cobwebs and creepy-crawlies.Ugghhh!How I hate the basement.If only I'd read it earlier.*Sigh*

I have been so excited in babbling about the cover that I almost forgot about the publication date.2nd October!?Are you kidding me!That's four months away! An ARC better be on my way soon because otherwise I'm going to have another book on my way too long wishlist to sulk over.But honestly,with such an awesome cover and blurb,what could go wrong in this book?

Book Review:Enchanted by Alethea Kontis

Enchanted by Alethea Kontis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Pages:305
Published:  May 8th 2012 by Harcourt Children's Books
Blurb: It isn't easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.

When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday’s family despises.

The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction for this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past - and hers?

 My Review:

I have read quite a few fairy-tale re-tellings this year and it was a very pleasant experience.All of them were so good that I felt that it would be cruel to say which one was the best among the type.Enchanted was one of these books.In Enchanted, the author took parts from different fairy-tales,whether it be ideas,concepts,or simply incidents and molded all of them into one beautiful tale of her own.While reading the book,I felt nostalgic,as it reminded me of the times when I used to curl up in bed at night and listen to my father recite similar tales to me.Everyone wants to be drifted off to their own imaginary land of fairy-tales once in a while,and this book is the perfect getaway!It's the kind of book which has its cheesy and adorable romance,the type which you know is a bit silly but still makes you feel giddy all over.The characters were wonderfully portrayed and perfectly synchronized with the storyline.The words of every single line had a poetic effect to the story,and they made it seem as if the story itself was a lullaby.Oh,and there's more.The book has fey in it!*Squeals*,ever since I've read The Iron Fey series I've fallen head over heels in love with their kind.In Enchanted,one particular fey,namely Trix,caught my attention.I found him really adorable and felt like kidnapping him and taking him home with me.But then reality hit me and I remembered that he was a fictional character.Oh,how unfair could life be!?Rumbold was quite a gentleman,even when he was a frog.His formality towards Sunday made me blush.It was as if he were directing his words at me instead of Sunday.But then again,that's just wishful thinking.Sunday is one lucky girl to have such a wonderful prince.I'm really jealous of her.
Even though this book is marked as a YA novel,I think that children from the age group of 9 to 12 can read it as well.It has romance in it,but no mushy stuff.It doesn't have any slangs or cussings in it either.Though I'd especially recommend it for tweens(or pre-teens,in other words),teens and anyone who loves fairy-tales.This is a book definitely worth having in paperback/hardcover.
View all my reviews

Book Review: Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

Glitch by Heather Anastasiu
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Pages:  304
Expected Publication: August 7th 2012 by St. Martin's Press

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.


Summary: 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.

MY REVIEW

 The plot:
This is where I found most of my dissappointments.The plot's lack of uniqueness was clearly visible in my eyes.Anyone who has read a lot of YA dystopic novels this year can mark this out.Especially one dystopian novel in particular,i.e,Tahereh Mafi's Shatter Me. If you've read Shatter Me you could easily point out the similarities between the two novels.I feel a bit guilty comparing two novels but the truth IS the truth and nothing can change that.And I would have liked it if the author wrote a different type of dystopian novel.This kind of plot,where the government takes advantages of citizens who are brainwashed or oppressed has become real common,especially this year.

The characters:
There was only one character that I had a problem with,and that was Adrien.I think the author portrayed his emotions through his intense blue-green eyes way too much.There's got to be more than that in a character,you know.I enjoyed reading about Max a lot.I was really attracted towards his possessiveness over Zoe.Somehow,I always seem to have a thing for lunatics.But then again,he remind me of a particular character from a particular book.Yes,I'm talking about Warner from Shatter Me.I just can't help but notice how similar these books are.Zoe's okay.I don't have anything against her.So overall,I think the author did an okay job in portraying the characters.

My conclusion:
Overall,the book was OKAY.In no way am I going to say that it was good.A different plot would've made it a bit more interesting.I'd recommend it as a borrow from friend material.I rated the book 3 out of 5 stars because of the following reasons:

1)-1 star for lack of uniqueness in the plot.
2)-1 star for Adrien's character.It could have been portrayed better.


View all my reviews

Still on my mind: A Million Suns

Still on my mind is a weekly meme hosted by Ya-Aholic.In this meme you're supposed to discuss a book that is still on your mind.It doesn't matter whether you read it a few months ago or several years before.This is my first "Still on my mind" meme and I hope to continue it every Thursday here at my blog.

So for my first "Still on my mind" meme I'll be discussing A Million Suns by Beth Revis .

Book Title: A Million Suns (Across the Universe #2)
Author: Beth Revis
Published : January 10th 2012 by Razorbill
Pages :  386
Summary: Godspeed was once fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos. It’s been three months. In that time, Amy has learned to hide who she is. Elder is trying to be the leader he’s always wanted to be. But as the ship gets more and more out of control, only one thing is certain: They have to get off the ship.


Now,off to the main question.Why is this book still on my mind?
I read this book four days after its release and the first book of this series (i.e,Across the Universe)exactly a week before.I accidentally came across this series while browsing through B&N's teen/YA book directory.But I'd like to call it fate instead of accident.At that time I had been reading so many chick-lits and paranormal books that I grew fed up of it.I totally need a change and this series was my savior.I mean,how many science-fiction YA novels have you come across?Okay,maybe quite a few but I bet that they're still not as good as this one.What I liked about A Million Suns was that it was more action-packed than the first book in the series.While the book does not end in a cliff-hanger,it will make you feel the same way so you might as well be prepared for one when you start reading it.This book kept me up for nights all because of its cliff-hanger like ending.There were still so many questions left unanswered.What bothered me the most was that the third book,which is Shades of Earth,will be released in 2013.What will happen if we all die in 2012?Then I'll never get to read the book. :,(
But honestly,it's been a long time since a book has left such an impact on me.I'd absolutely recommend this to anyone who's looking for a change in YA books.

"Waiting On" Wednesday:The Rise of Nine

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by breaking the spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.


This is my first WoW entry.Please do share your thoughts in comments!

The Rise Of Nine(The Lorein Legacies Trilogy#3)
by Pittacus Lore
Expected publication: August 21st 2012 by HarperCollins  
416 pages

Summary: It all began with nine. Nine aliens who left their home planet of Lorien when it fell under attack by the evil Mogadorians—who scattered on Earth and went into hiding. They look like ordinary teenagers, but they have extraordinary skills. The Mogadorians killed Number One, Number Two, and Number Three. They tried to kill Number Four ... and failed.

Number Four (aka John Smith) has now teamed up with Number Nine, while Six has gone off to find the others. With the Mogadorians hot on their trail and time running out, they must find a way to come together, before it's too late. Power in numbers will save them all.

My thoughts:I've had my doubts which caused my delay in buying the first book of the series which is " I Am Number Four".But after I've finished reading it,I kept craving for more.The second book which is "The Power of Six" had already been published by then,so I didn't have to wait for it.And guess what?I found it more action-packed and exciting than the first !I was really surprised,but pleasantly so, as I did not see this coming.Hope the authors write an even better third book 'cause I've really got high expectations for it.Oh,and by the way,Pittacus Lore is a pseudonym for the authors James Frey and Jobie Hughes.*Snickers*,you probably didn't see that one coming,huh.So if you haven't tried this series yet,hurry up before "The Rise of Nine" comes out!You've got approximately two months before it's release.

2012 YA releases Ebook Giveaway

Hi guys!I'm hosting a giveaway of e books of some of the 2012 YA releases.By the way,some of these are E ARC copies so please note that changes might have been made before publication.Winner of this giveaway gets to pick any ten of the following e books:
Blood rose by Andrea Cremer            The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith      Until I die by Amy Plum                      Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Of Poseidon by Anna Banks               Predestined By Abbi Glines
Incarnate by Jodie Meadows              Forbidden by Syrie James and Ryan M. James
Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins              Grave Mercy by R.L. Lafevers
Enchanted by Alethea Kontis              Dreaming Awake by Gwen Hayes
Everneath by Brodi Ashton                 Epic Fail by Claire LaZebnik
Underworld by Meg Cabot                Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen
Bewitching by Alex Flinn                    Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
A Million Suns by Beth Revis             Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter  The Goddess Hunt by Aimee Carter
Fated by Alyson Noel                         Glimmer by Phoebe Kitanidis
Oppression by Jessica Therrien
Click on the names of the books to take you to their goodreads page.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: A Kiss In Time By Alex Flinn

 A Kiss In Time by Alex Flinn

Published April 28th 2009 by Harper Teen 
371 pages
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary: 

Talia fell under a spell...Jack broke the curse.

I was told to beware the accursed spindle, but it was so enchanting, so hypnotic...

I was looking for a little adventure the day I ditched my tour group. But finding a comatose town, with a hot-looking chick asleep in it, was so not what I had in mind.

I awakened in the same place but in another time—to a stranger's soft kiss.

I couldn't help kissing her. Sometimes you just have to kiss someone. I didn't know this would happen.

Now I am in dire trouble because my father, the king, says I have brought ruin upon our country. I have no choice but to run away with this commoner!

Now I'm stuck with a bratty princess and a trunk full of her jewels...The good news: My parents will freak!

Think you have dating issues? Try locking lips with a snoozing stunner who turns out to be 316 years old. Can a kiss transcend all—even time?

My Review:

I have read this book from the beginning to the end THREE TIMES!!!! It's been a while since I've enjoyed a book so much.This book is a modern re-telling of Sleeping Beauty,yes I'm talking about the Princess Aurora story,in case you're too dumb enough to recognize it.This story is way cooler that the Disney version,and of course,it does have its cheesiness.I totally think that this one should have been made into a movie instead of Beastly,which was nowhere near as good as this one.So if you haven't read this yet,I'd seriously advise you to consider running to your nearest bookstore right now and buy a copy.

Well,about the story.The best way to describe it is Sleeping Beauty(Talia) meets teen slacker.I totally loved the part that Jack isn't a handsome prince charming and the way his personality contrasts with Talia's.While the story's totally awesome,I would have appreciated a better cover.You know,something which features both Talia and Jack on it.To tell you the truth,the only reason the book was on my waiting list for so long was because the cover didn't intrigue me much.

Book Review: City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments, #5)

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Summary: 
The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.

No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own?

Only a small band of Clary and Jace’s friends and family believe that Jace can still be saved — and that the fate of the Shadowhunters’ future may hinge on that salvation. They must defy the Clave and strike out on their own. Alec, Magnus, Simon and Isabelle must work together to save Jace: bargaining with the sinister Faerie Queen, contemplating deals with demons, and turning at last to the Iron Sisters, the reclusive and merciless weapons makers for the Shadowhunters, who tell them that no weapon on this earth can sever the bond between Sebastian and Jace. Their only chance of cutting Jace free is to challenge Heaven and Hell — a risk that could claim any, or all, of their lives.

And they must do it without Clary. For Clary has gone into the heart of darkness, to play a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing the game is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she even still trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love?

Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

My Review:

Honestly,I was a bit disappointed with this book.I'm a die-hard mortal instruments fan and have stayed up nights to finish every single one of those books.I can't say the same for CoLs,though.There were actually times where I'd felt like sleeping.This one was obviously less action packed than the other ones.But there were some parts of the story which I enjoyed reading.

Three things I liked the most about this book:

1.The cover.That part was a total must!:D

2.Sebastian.His personality was not revealed that much in the other books.Thanks to City of Lost Souls,I was finally able to think up the perfect character image for him:

(P.S To those who have finished reading the book.Can you think of the scene on which I've based this image?:D)

and last but not least,

3.Clary doing the dumbest thing ever!!(view spoiler)[Yes,I'm talkin' about the mortal sword incident.And now,Jace can't touch her anymore.Boohoo I'm so heartbroken.Waaaa!:,( Not! :p (hide spoiler)] This just creates more tension among readers about what's going to happen in the next book.

Three things I didn't like about the book:

1.Clary's middle name.(view spoiler)

2.Jordan and Maia.Honestly,they're like this commercial popping up during the best part of a movie or a T.V show,which totally kills the suspense.

3.Jace. After reading City of Lost Souls,my entire concept of him has changed.Whatever happened to the bad boy we saw in City of Bones?I really miss him. :(




View all my reviews

Current book giveaways at different blogs

Looking for cool giveaways to participate in?Check these out :
 http://booksforteens6212.blogspot.com/2012/06/summer-trilogy-giveaway-international.html
http://booksandsparkles.blogspot.com/2012/06/ya-debut-author-blog-hop-giveaway.html
GODDESS INTERRUPTED GIVEAWAY (US/CA)
Existence or Predestined by Abbi Glines eBook till 4/12
OF POSIEDON GIVEAWAY(US/CAN)
 Hardcover of A Million Suns by Beth Revis (YA - US only)
 City Of Bones Giveaway (INT)
 http://clairelouisereads.blogspot.com/2012/06/debut-author-giveaway-hop.html?showComment=1339059378792#c1172428550644677413
Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown (Int)
Mayfair Moon by J.A. Redmerski (U.S only)
http://www.mostlyyabookobsessed.com/2012/07/epic-breathless-reads-fall-2012.html












 Hope this helps! :)

Cover Reveal:The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus #3)

Name of the book : The Mark of Athena

Author: Rick Riordan
 
Number of Pages:  384 

Expected Publication: October 2nd 2012 by Hyperion Book CH

Blurb: In The Son of Neptune, Percy, Hazel, and Frank met in Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Halfblood, and traveled to the land beyond the gods to complete a dangerous quest. The third book in the Heroes of Olympus series will unite them with Jason, Piper, and Leo. But they number only six—who will complete the Prophecy of Seven?

The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land—Greece itself—to find the Doors of Death. What exactly are the Doors of Death? Much of the prophesy remains a mystery...

With old friends and new friends joining forces, a marvelous ship, fearsome foes, and an exotic setting, The Mark of Athena promises to be another unforgettable adventure by master storyteller Rick Riordan.


My Thoughts:
I have been waiting for months just to get a glimpse of this cover,let alone read the book.And the wait was definitely worth it.Honestly, is there even one book by Rick Riordan which doesn't have an awesome cover!?Half of the time I get deceived by awesome covers and blurbs.But that has never happened to me with any of Riordan's books.And I hope it doesn't happen this time either.Anyways,back to the cover.According to Rick,the cover represents an actual scene in the book.But he's being really sneaky about it and has decided to keep the two characters on the cover anonymous.He's released the first chapter online,though.If you want to view it, here's the link: http://disney.go.com/disneybooks/heroes-of-olympus/the-mark-of-athena/ 
You can also view Rick's blog post about this cover reveal at his blog.To make it easier for you, here's the link to his blog post: http://rickriordan.blogspot.com/2012/06/mark-of-athena-cover-revealed.html 
Even if it's not much to satisfy the fans' craves,it does reveal a tiny bit of the story.And even if we're not satisfied, there's not much we can do about it other than sulk till the second of October.Don't get me wrong, I'm so not lecturing since I am a part of that fan group which will be sulking till the 2nd. Checking out the links might make you feel a bit better,though.So until the book comes out, sweet sulking! 

Book Review:Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

first published October 12th 2010

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Blurb:
BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.

Jennifer Donnelly, author of the award-winning novel A Northern Light, artfully weaves two girls’ stories into one unforgettable account of life, loss, and enduring love. Revolution spans centuries and vividly depicts the eternal struggles of the human heart.

My Review:
           Are you guys sick and tired of reading too much chick-lits and paranormal stuff and need a break?Well look no further 'cause Revolution is the perfect book for the change.
          
          Andi,distressed at her brother Truman's death and her mother's emotional imbalance,is about to be expelled from her school when her father makes her accompany him to Paris for the winter break.There,she finds the diary of Alexandrine Paradis who lived over two hundred years ago at the time of the French Revolution.Ande finds herself going deeper into the girl's life as she turns the pages of the diary and feels her love,loss and struggles with every page she turns.

       I loved how the author connected the two girls' lives together even though they lived centuries apart and could never meet each other.And that the thing connecting the two girls was an antique diary.There's no time-traveling,magic,or anything else of that sort.The story is quite simple,and yet it is complicated.When I finished the book,I found it so beautiful and nostalgic that I actually had tears pricking at the corners of my eyes.I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves reading and drowning in the fictional world of the story while doing so.The book's average rating is 4.06 out of 5.If you haven't read it yet,now is the perfect time to think about it,and add it to your summer reading list.


favorite quotes from the book: 
“It has an L on it. L for love. See? It's the key to the universe, Dad. You said you were looking for it. You told Mom you were. I found it for you so you don't have to look anymore. So you can come home at night.” 

 “Life’s all about the revolution, isn’t it? The one inside, I mean. You can’t change history. You can’t change the world. All you can ever change is yourself.”

Perfect Soundtracks for the Story:
Viva La Vida by Coldplay 
Falling Into History by Avril Lavigne