Book Review: Frostbite by Richelle Mead

Book Stats:
Frostbite by Richelle Mead
(Book #2 of Vampire Academy)
Source: Borrowed from the Library
Format: Paperback, 327 pages
Publisher: RazorBill
Publication Date: 4/10/2008
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Goodreads Summary: Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose... It’s winter break at St. Vladimir’s, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy’s crawling with Guardians—including Rose’s hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if hand-to-hand combat with her mom wasn’t bad enough, Rose’s tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason’s got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa’s head while she’s making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy’s not taking any risks... This year, St. Vlad’s annual holiday ski trip is mandatory. But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price...

I started this immediately after reading Vampire Academy which was around March this year. I was only a few pages in before I put the book back down and never picked it up. I only borrowed this so when its due date came, I turned it in and never thought about starting it again. Not that I didn't like the series, I do, it was just one that slipped up from my mind since there are so many books to choose from! Now, I been hearing a lot about the spin-off series, Bloodlines, I really do want to read those books but I don't want to jump into it without finishing this one. So finally, I got back to my Vampire Academy track. Now I wonder why in the hell did I ever steer courses?

This book gripped me as much as its predecessor did. Usually it takes a while for me to warm up to story, even for sequels, but not with this one! I was thankful for the Prologue which reintroduces the events from VA so I didn't have to re-read the first book.

True to her character, Rose is still as stubborn and sassy as ever. Although her hindered romance with Dimitri puts her in a more irritable mood, it's always fun having her around! It was also nice to see the vulnerability play with her character in this novel. 

I liked that other characters we're put into spotlight in this book and that other characters we're introduced like.. Adrian Ivashkov. Just seeing that name makes me want to throw my hands in air and sing love songs. Yeah, that giddy. He was a nice addition to the ever growing set of hot boys in the VA world.

There was lots of love in this book and also, a lot of jealousy which leads to the drama. As I said before this book reminds me of Gossip Girl especially when those aspects kicks in! I'm not complaining, it was rather interesting to see all those interactions. I didn't read much about Dimitri in this book but when he was, he was in mentor mode so it's not a particularly fun thing.

The last few chapters made me tear up! It was action and emotion packed. I was swept away with it. Despite that little sad event, the ending was gratifying. I'm glad Richelle Mead doesn't feel the need to kill her readers with cliffhangers just to make sure her readers will come back for more. I was very pleased.

★★★★

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Book Review: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Book Stats:
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
(Book #1 of Vampire Academy)
Source: Borrowed from the Library
Format: Paperback, 332 pages
Publisher: RazorBill
Publication Date: 8/16/2007
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Goodreads Summary: St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger... Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

I was fairly surprised to find myself as engrossed in this novel as much I did. It certainly did a good job gripping my attention from the beginning to its end. It's a fast paced novel, complete with action, steamy-romance and teenage angst. No boring feature but not really much stood out either.

I liked Rose Hathaway. When I read about her, she was definitely a breath of fresh air that I desperately needed. She was strong, both physically and mentally. The type who will kick ass but still manage to get out looking fabulous and SAY that's she's fabulous. I loved her confidence! She had a good sense of who she is, what she wants and what she'll do to make sure she get is. Her sassy and fierce nature is really entertaining, although that doesn't always work out.

Lissa Dragomir was a part of this novel as much as Rose was but her presence was merely a shadow for me here. Her relationship with Rose that sometimes went beyond "normal" bestfriend duties we're unusual but it was sweet to witness that sisterly love that they had. I felt bad for her because she's the opposite of Rose, being shy and polite but I think she might be one to watch out for future badassness!

The romance was tricky, what with the guy being 5 years older than Rose but it worked for this book. The romantic or should I say, sexual tension, between Rose and Dimitri was just sizzling! I didn't necessarily liked Dimitri but I could tell why Rose would take such interest. I hope I'll see more of him and that he lightens up throughout the series.

I also loved the other characters in the book. They just added more quirk to the story. Mason and his unrequited love for Rose. Christian and his family drama was a sympathizer. Mia and the whole "Mean Girls" war. I never honestly read the books Vampire Diaries and Gossip Girl, I only saw the series, but Vampire Academy seemed like the perfect cross between the two. I really liked those series so go figure! Though the plot itself was very predictable, I did enjoy reading this book and I look forward to how the future events unfold in the next installment.

★★★★

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Book Review: City Of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Book Stats:
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
(Book #4 of The Mortal Instruments)
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover, 424 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: 4/5/2011
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Goodreads Summary: The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And - most importantly of all - she can finally call Jace her boyfriend. But nothing comes without a price. Someone is murdering Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side - along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls - neither of whom knows about the other one. When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace. Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

When you assume it's over, City of Fallen Angels will bite you in the butt and make you think twice. I don't ever doubt Cassandra Clare's talent for storytelling but sometimes, I honestly don't know whether to love or hate her for it. As usual, she manages to make me such an emotional book mess after reading her books and have me begging for the next one. It made me want to pull my hair out but I loved it either way. 

Our beloved shadowhunters and others, are finally getting on with their life after the battle in Idris. Clary's training with Jace and they're finally in a "normal" relationship, Simon's trying to get used to being a vampire, Isabelle's dealing with the loss of Max and her parents, Alec and Magnus retreats together.. but trouble always seems to be lurking in the corners.

Everyone had their own piece in this book. I loved seeing Jace and Clary together before that annoying set back. It did manage to bring up the romantic tension once again. I swear, I don't know if it will ever feel as if this couple won't ever be "forbidden" anymore. Sigh.. Jace, oh, Jace. The boy can't ever get a break! I feel so sorry for his character because every dilemma always find its way to root back to him. I don't know if Clare has something against Jace but all this torture better lead to an amazing conclusion or else, I'm going to have a fit. You just don't go through all of that for nothing!

I like Simon and I liked that he was given a spotlight in this book. He has grown and matured throughout the series but you really get the feel of difference in his character in this book. I loved that little drama between him, Izzy and Maia. I could have gone without it but it was nice little touch. We meet some new characters here and I believe old one from The Infernal Devices so that was pretty cool.

By the angel! I swear, one of these days, Clare's cliffhangers might take its toll on me. I don't think my heart can take anymore but I'm definitely looking forward to reading City of Lost Souls and City of Heavenly Fire.

★★★★★

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Book Review: City Of Glass by Cassandra Clare

Book Stats:
City Of Glass by Cassandra Clare
(Book #3 of The Mortal Instruments)
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover, 541 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: 3/24/2009
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Goodreads Summary: To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight. As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost? Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Timesbestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments.

After the earth-shattering events that unraveled both in City of Bones and City of Ashes, City of Glass has finally put me at ease.. but only for a second. This was supposed to be the final book in The Mortal Instruments series but as we all know, there are more and It's just getting better and better with every page turned. 

We see a lot of growth in our characters in this book especially with Clary. There was more emotion in this book than all the books before combined. Lots of losses and secrets being bared out to for everyone to see. Not to mention, the truth that I've been waiting for to resurface has finally come out and it's been like a splinter being pulled out.  I was so emotionally invested in this book after such heartbreaking turn of events in the past and this book did not dissappoint. Although my heart did stop more than once but that's okay, I still managed to restart it. 

The book was 500+ pages long. I did devour it for the most part but there we're some parts that could have been omitted to keep the story pace as lively as possible. I did enjoy the adventure, the action and especially the romantic tension between Jace and Clary.
I loved that we we're brought to the world of Shadowhunters this time. It was a nice change of scenery to be brought into the walls of Idris, the image of it was so vivid in my mind. I never once been to Prague or Paris but that's how it appeared to my mind. As well as the movie, Pride and Prejudice.

With the death of an old, comes in the new. Yes, well, Cassandra Clare was a little sneaky here. She did manage to perfectly yet subtly set up a whole new dilemma for the next books without giving away too much. The series could have properly ended here if she chose to do so but I'm really glad she didn't! The Mortal Instruments series are just consuming and it always leaves you wanting more.

★★★★★

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Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Book Stats:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
(Book #1 of The Hunger Games)
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback, 374 pages
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: 6/1/2010
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi, Romance

Goodreads Summary: Winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun... In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, the shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before--and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

I honestly haven't heard of the series and the author ever before. As the movie was coming out, I didn't even knew it was from a book but when I saw the trailer which amazed and intrigued me. Teens set out to kill each other for fame, fortune and of course, life? Count me in. I have always doubted movies will ever be better than the books itself so I went to the bookstore and checked this bad boy out.

Right from the get-go, Suzanne Collins gives you details of the eerie, dystopian world of Panem. My gut really clenched at the imagery of hunger as it was very realistic. No matter how laughably impossible the premise should have appeared to me, I can't help but think, 100 years from now, could it be possible? That 's how haunting this book this was. Although, I did laugh at the minor reason why they conduct The Hunger Games in the first place, it didn't seem all too terrifying to me but I went along for the ride.

Which is where we met Katniss, the fearless hunter from the District 12, I never expected to love a stubborn heroine so much but I just loved her! She exudes confidence and strength. She is wise, witty and overall, noble when it comes down to it. Her story and the journey she goes through, physically and emotionally, was very uplifting. No wonder little girl all around the world want to be Katniss because I, myself, really want to as well!

I was introduced to infamous bread boy, Peeta. Katniss' hunter partner, Gale. Her sister, Prim and all the other complex bunch of characters that we're correlated to the games. I loved every bit of these characters, that has nothing to do with the fact that I've finished reading the series as I'm writing this review. I really loved them from the start. Suzanne Collins just knows how to make you care for them and feel with them. I actually cried!

This was a book full of death, sorrow, sacrifice, heartbreak and was executed breathtakingly beautiful. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. 

★★★★★

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