Review: Finale

Finale

Becca Fitzpatrick

Released: October 23, 2012

Published by: Simon and Schuster

*Also check out our previous reviews on books 1-3*

 

Description from Goodreads:

 

Will love conquer all?

Nora and Patch thought their troubles were behind them. Hank is gone and they should be able to put his ugly vendetta to rest. But in Hank's absence, Nora has become the unwitting head of the Nephilim and must finish what Hank began. Which ultimately means destroying the fallen angels - destroying Patch.

Nora will never let that happen, so she and Patch make a plan: lead everyone to believe they have broken up, and work the system from the inside. Nora will convince the Nephilim that they are making a mistake in fighting the fallen angels, and Patch will find out everything he can from the opposing side. They will end this war before it can even begin.

But the best-laid plans often go awry. Nora is put through the paces in her new role and finds herself drawn to an addictive power she never anticipated.

As the battle lines are drawn, Nora and Patch must confront the differences that have always been between them and either choose to ignore them or let them destroy the love they have always fought for.

 

Again, this review will be quick and to the point since I am playing catch up on my NaNoWriMo 2012 project.

 

Plot. What's not to love with the plot? It has everything to it and is as enticing as the first three. It was hard to put the book down. It was seriously addicting.

 

Characters. Patch is still amazing and drop dead gorgeous. Nora did not, surprisingly, bug me to much this time. I only yelled at her once. I'll call that an accomplishment. Vee is awesome and remains awesome throughout the whole story.

 

Why did a certain character have to die? WHY? I LOVE THAT CHARACTER SO MUCH. Thanks for breaking my heart.

 

Ending. Hmmm...I wasn't overly thrilled with the ending I guess. Yes, I did like it. I just wish it was hmmm...not *SPOILER* Vee's wedding. I thought she loved Scott but ended up just randomly marrying this British guy. So I was a little disappointed, but it still was an okay ending. *END SPOILER* 

 

So this was a fabulous ending to an amazing saga that I love. If you haven't read these yet, please do, because you will fall head-over-heels in love with them. I highly recommend them, so go out to your local bookstore and buy them. They are just sososososososo enticing and will have you hooked from the very first page.

 

Review by Caly

@bookworms4vt

 



 

Book Review: Deity

Deity

Jennifer L. Armentrout

Released: November 6, 2012

Published by: Spencer Hill Press

 

 

Description from Goodreads:

 

"History is on repeat, and things didn't go so well the last time. "


Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday--to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner... and so is Aiden.

If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training"--which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time--she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.

But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed... and destroyed.

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate...

 

So this review is going to be short and sweet, just like all of the reviews this month. It's NaNoWriMo! And I need to desperately catch up on my 50,000 words! Balancing everything (homework, college crap, work, school) has been so hard! AAWW! How do I find time to read?

 

Wait. That was a stupid question. I always find time to read!

 

So let's just choose some gifs that show my feelings during this very emotional rollar coaster, shall we?

 

At first, I was "Get the hell out of there Seth. Nobody likes you." (Except for Buffy and Mags. But they are so crazy. Team Aiden all the way.)

 

 

During it I was like this:

 

 

And this:

 

 

And then I read the ending.

 

 

 







Wow. This book was just...Wow. I cannot wait for Apollyon. I'm glad it's not a year long wait. I think I would go crazy (More like crazier than I already am). The characters are just amazing. Love Alex. Love Aiden. Hate Seth. And the Gods are just awesome. Go Apollo! I cannot wait for my friend Katy (who called dibs on the book first) to finish it so we can discuss. Jonna is confused because she never read them before. My mom thinks I'm crazy. And Buffy starts screaming every time I begin "OH MY GODS YOU'LL NEVER BELIEVE WHAT JUST HAPPENED IN DEITY...". I tend to be a notorious spoiler.

 

Read the Covenant books. I'm not asking. I'm demanding. Jennifer Armentrout is an amazing writer and her stories suck you right into them. It is hard to put them down and next thing you know, it's 2 in the morning, and you are sobbing your eyes out at the horrible cliffhanger. This was the second book in two months that the ending killed me. At least it won't be a year long wait like the other one.

 

READ THESE BOOKS. You will not regret it.

 

Review by Calypso

follow on Twitter: @bookworms4vt

 



Review: Fallen

Fallen

Lauren Kate

Published by: Delacorte Press

Released: December 8, 2012

 

 

 

Finally! I have finished one of the many books I am reading. I blame this new magical world I just discovered called BBC America that has these wonderful shows called Doctor Who and Sherlock. I also blame school. Curse you AP Euro...

 

Anyway, I basically forced myself to finish this book, just like I am forcing myself to finish all of the other ones I am currently reading. This happens every year around this time because I know all of my favorites that I am eagerly for are coming out soon (Next is Mark of Athena). Also school. I tend to blame school a lot.

 

So this book wasn't horrible, but it wasn't a favorite either. The story is good and it kept me interested.

 

Pros:

 

Angels. Okay, right now I am going through my angel phase. Two years ago was my vampire phase; last year was my demigod phase (Which I'm still currently in, I guess. Percy Jackson forever!). Anyway, I love stories about angels and this one was different from my expectations. I'll admit, I thought I would be reading something eerily similar to Hush, Hush.  This book threw me a huge curveball. It was so much different than I expected and I like that. I love it when I go into a book expecting something then end up being surprised.

 

It left me guessing. Usually I can pretty much predict the whole story. This one I couldn't and that bugged me so much. Yet, I was really glad there was things I could not guess. I had to skim the ending because I was really curious at how everything would play out. WARNING: Don't skim the ending. You will find out something that you don't want to know. I gave myself a Gibbs Slap DiNozzo would approve of for that big mistake. DON'T SKIM THE ENDING. IT WILL CAUSE HORRIBLE FEELS.

 

Cons:

 

Luce. Luce is one of those characters that drive me absolutely crazy because of their stupid actions. I didn't think anybody could out beat Nora Grey for stupidity, but Luce, I think you may take the prize. Don't get me wrong, I like Luce. But geez, you could only have so many stupid protagonists before I go crazier than I already am. I think stupid girls and angels go hand in hand. But that may just be me. I don't know. I just hoped that Luce would be different.

 

The Love Triangle? The whole attempt at a love triangle was pointless. I hate love triangles and this story would have been fine without it. I'm not even sure if I am able to call it a love triangle since Luce obsessed over Daniel the whole time. I hate love triangles.

 

Boring towards middle. The beginning was good. The ending was good. I was bored in the middle. I think that was what made me take so long to read it, because I just wanted something really big to happen and nothing did. So I was kind of disappointed. But it does pick up towards the end. I know that I am curious enough to continue with them just to see how it all plays out.

 

So all of these books are out, but I don't recommend buying them from the store. I would borrow them from the library or a friend. Or you could buy them all on an eReader. Anyway, they are not on of my favorite series, but they are still a pretty decent read for all fans of angels.

 

Off topic for a second. Can we just look at Penn's full name? Pennyweather Van Syckle Lockwood. Dear God, what did she do to deserve such a horrible name? I am curious at how Lauren Kate came up with this one. It is truly the most unique fictional name I have heard. Congrats Peeta, somebody beat you in the most creative name department.

 

 

Review by Calypso



Just Crazy Ol' Me: The Mortal Instruments

     So instead of drawing fanart of my ultimate favorite books, I go crazy and sew dolls of the main characters. I have always been in love with sewing and books, so I put the two of them together and made my book character dolls.

     My major project for Summer 2012 was to make all of the major characters in The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. My invisible sidekick Magnus got me into the books last summer when she was re-reading City of Fallen Angels for the upteenth time. I guess we both never expected how much I would love these books and yeah, I do love these books, ALL FIVE OF THEM.

So here are the pics I took of all of my Mortal Instruments character dolls, which I happened to finish the day before they started filming the movie!! EEP! Great timing or what?



The Clary doll. I love how she came out. I gave her freckles, ripped tights, everything. She's even shorter than the rest of them! I wish her hair was a little more curly, but sadly yarn doesn't really curl very well. But oh well. Still love her ☺

The Jace doll. Completed with leather jacket and amazing hair. He even has runes, only you can't see them because of the clothes. Sorry! It's hard getting them on and off. The only thing that bugs me is that I think his head is too big. When I complained to my friends, they said he has a big ego anyway and not to worry. Oh well. Love him just the same! ☺

The Simon doll. I just love everything about him! At first, I wasn't sure how I was going make Simon because he really had a basic description in the book: tall, brown eyed, brown hair. I wasn't sure to make him curly or straight, give him fangs or not, ect. Then Simon was cast so I went off of the actor's (Robert Sheenan) appearance. And I'm so glad I did! I love Simon's curly hair fro. It was such a pain to do and took nearly 5 episodes of Doctor Who to complete, but in the end, it turned out so amazing, I was glad I did it. I also tried to find my favorite Simon tee shirt from the books, but my friends were borrowing all of them, so I only had my Infernal Devices books and they were not helpful. So I went with the classic "Sexy Vampire Mojo" and love it. ☺

The Isabelle doll. I love the outfit I made her. The runes took a lot of time to do because Izzy had the most sewn on. I knew she would have more skin (felt?) showing, so she had every rune except the Fearless one put on and they came out really well. I also gave her the golden whip and ruby necklace. She looks really short here (that's because they can barely stand by themselves so the legs look like stumps when they are really in proportion) but she is the tallest because "nothing less than seven inches." ☺

Now time for my two personal favorite dolls:

The Alec doll. I just love this one so much! Alec and Magnus are my two favorite characters in the books, so these two just happen to be my favorite. I even gave Alec the blue scarf mentioned in City of Lost Souls. And I just realized that his shirt matches his eyes. Haha. That is just awesome. ☺ 

The Magnus doll. So Magnus was the first one I made out of the whole TMI gang. I made him before Godfrey Gao was cast as Magnus so I made him according to how I picture him in my mind. And this is pretty much a close image of him. Buffy and I call his hair "Sexy Asian Hair" and yeah, that took a long time to do/think off. And I'm so happy it turned out amazing! I was going to try going all out on his clothes, but decided on simplier style because I knew that I was making five more dolls after him. ☺

So here are just some more pics of the gang. These are not the first character dolls I have made, they are just the ones that have the most details put into their description. I'll post pics of the other character dolls eventually!

~Caly









Review: Silence

Silence

Becca Fitzpatrick
Published by: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Released: October 4, 2011

Magnus' Review of Hush, Hush:

http://www.yeahwelikemaplesyrupandbooks.blogspot.com/2012/06/review.html

My review of Hush, Hush:

http://www.yeahwelikemaplesyrupandbooks.blogspot.com/2012/07/review-hush-hush-calys-thoughts.html

My review of Crescendo:

http://www.yeahwelikemaplesyrupandbooks.blogspot.com/2012/07/review-crescendo.html

Description from Goodreads:



WHEN SILENCE IS ALL THAT'S LEFT, CAN THE TRUTH FINALLY BE HEARD?

Nora Grey can't remember the past five month of her life. After the initial shock of waking up in a cemetery and being told that she has been missing for weeks - with no one knowing where she was or who she was with - she tried to get her life back on track. Go to school, hang out with her best friend, Vee, and dodge mom's creepy new boyfriend.

But there is this voice in the back of her head, an idea that she can almost reach out and touch. Visions of angel wings and unearthly creatures that have nothing to do with the life she knows.

And this unshakable feeling that a part of her is missing.

Then Nora crosses paths with a sexy stranger, whom she feels a mesmerizing connection to. He seems to hold all the answers...and her heart. Every minute she spends with him grows more and more intense until she realizes she could be falling in love. Again.

I read this book in one day. Surprising really, because I was busy all day with our school's China visit. I just breezed right through it, not able to put it down. Even though it drove me absoultely crazy (Just ask my lil' sis-that-really-isn't-my-sis Jonnadore. Long story on nickname...I drove her crazy just talking about the book) it is probably one of my favorite stories that I have read so far this year. It was actually published last October and I am really kicking myself for waiting so long to actually read these. Last year, I remember picking this up and thinking: "Nope. Angels are not my thing." Now I feel really idiotic and stupid. Why didn't I read these sooner!?!?

There was one thing that annoyed the crap out of me. Nora lost her memories of everything that had occurred since the beginning of the books. Fallen Angels? Nope. Nephilim? Gone. Patch? WWWHHHYYY?? HOW CAN YOU FORGET PATCH?? I guess that's what bugged me the most...If you couldn't tell. It was a major case of dramatic irony. We know what happened. We know that those guys are bad. We know that Jev is actually Patch's real name (That's why it suddenly appears in Crescendo. The light bulb has gone off!). It just annoyed me because Nora did not know anything. I don't know how many times I mentally screamed at her and then actually screamed when I was in the safety of my private home.

Otherwise, the book was just amazing. It was one of those books where you just have to keep on reading until you reach the acknowledgements. When you are not reading it, you are thinking about it, wondering what the heck is going to happen in further pages. I was never bored with it, annoyed yes, but never bored. It flowed really nice and always kept me guessing despite the fact that Nora had amnesia.

Three books in and I still cannot connect to Nora. She does so many stupid things, it just pisses me off so much. I'm basically just reading this book because of Patch and Vee. I was surprised that even those two bugged me. Patch kept wanting to keep Nora in the dark, going by his actual name Jev for half the book. Vee lied about Patch and never bother to bring Nora fully up to speed, only telling her what she wanted to. If I went through something like Nora did, I would want my best friend to tell me the truth and all of it. I was glad when Nora got pissed off at them and yelled at them. They really deserved it. I just wish Nora wouldn't do stupid things. If Patch says to stay inside, she should really stay inside and not leave. Bad things would happen! But then again, what YA fictional character these days doesn't follow orders and does their own thing? I guess I should probably lay off her.

Now I just have to wait until October 23 for Finale (The last one. Creative name!) I really need to own my own copies of these books. I love them so much. If you like Angels, A plot that has some twists and turns, or are a fan of amnesia...Haha. Just kidding. Read these! Hush, Hush is the first. Crescendo, second. Silence, third. And lastly Finale in October. READ THESE!! They are perfect and amazing!

Review by Caly



Review: Crescendo

Crescendo

Becca Fitzpatrick
Published by: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Released: October 19, 2010

My review on Hush, Hush:

http://www.yeahwelikemaplesyrupandbooks.blogspot.com/2012/07/review-hush-hush-calys-thoughts.html

Magnus' review on Hush, Hush:

http://www.yeahwelikemaplesyrupandbooks.blogspot.com/2012/06/review.html

Description from Goodreads:

Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but at least she got a guardian angel out of it. A mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But, despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever (if that's possible) and what's worse, he seems to be spending time with Nora's arch-enemy, Marcie Millar.

Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Patch hadn't been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude, Nora finds herself drawn to him - despite her lingering feeling that he's hiding something.

If that weren't enough, Nora is haunted by images of her murdered father, and comes to question whether her Nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death. Desperate to figure out what happened, she puts herself in increasingly dangerous situations to get the answer. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts.

I could not put this book down. I am officially in love with these books. I cannot see why Magnus is not a huge fan, or anybody else for that matter. They are so enticing to read and just keep me entertained and anxious for the next page. I was not constantly bored with the story. I literally almost read it cover to cover.

I even found myself holding my breath and yelling at it. I think my mom is seriously debating whether or not to send me to a mental institution soon. I have become way to dedicated to yet another book series. Pretty soon, Mom is going to forbid me to buy any more books. I have become personally attached to the Hush, Hush books. I am seriously kicking myself in the butt for not picking these up sooner. Why did I have to go and put it off? Why did I never discover these books earlier in my life?

Anywho...Back to the story.

The pacing was perfect. I was never bored in this story. It kept me hooked and entertained the whole way through. I couldn't turn the page fast enough. It was that amazing.

I have only one complaint. Patch was not in the story enough. I freaking love this guy and he was absent and/or fighting with Nora for half of it. It drove me crazy! I kept wanting him to show up and take Nora into his arms. But instead, he didn't. Or Nora was to busy yelling at him. I had to force myself not to skim read ahead and make sure he was showing up. It was hard, but I managed to read without skimming. I am so proud of myself. That seriously took a lot of will power from moi. Instead, Scott shows up.

It really wasn't a true love triangle. Thank the almight lord. It was more of Nora just trying to get back at Patch, which also really bugged me. I guess that makes it two complaints then. She doubted Patch's love for her, became basically a jealous witch, and became very reckless and stupid. I had a harder time connecting to her in this one than I did with Hush, Hush. In the first one, I kind of understood why she did things the way she did. In this one, I felt myself thinking: "Why on God's green earth would you do that Nora? Are you really that stupid?" I really wished she would have just gotten over that stupid jealousy/unease of the guy and took him back. It would have made me much happier (and probably her too...)

The characters. Vee is perfect, per usual. She is still the bestest friend you could ever hope for. Patch wasn't in the novel nearly as much as I wanted him too, but I still love him all the same. If possible, he became even more sweeter and protective in this book than the first. Totally swooning like a fangirl right now. Then there's Scott. I have mixed feelings for the guy that Nora used. I can't decide if I like him or hate him. I'm going to let the third book help me with that. Nora annoyed me, but I still love her all the same. I felt the need to strangle her more in this one than the first. But it all plays out in the end I guess.

Then there's Rixon. I feel like crying everytime I think his name. *SPOILERS* I really wished he wasn't the bad guy. Then again...I'm glad it was rather him who was the bad guy than Patch. But still! It killed me when I learned he was the one who killed Nora's 'father' and then went and attempted to kill her. I really liked the guy! Now he is in Hell. Oh darn. *END OF SPOILERS*

The book surprised the crap out of me. I am usually able to predict 95% of what happens in a story. Oh he is the brother? Yup. He's the one behind the whole con. That guy is going to end up with her...no exceptions. Ah ha! Told you it was your bestie the whole time. Not the one who you absolutely hated. I blame my addiction to crime shows. This book gives you a really big twist. One that even I would have never guessed because I did not see it coming. I was like "Wow. Kuddos Becca Fitzpatrick for shocking me. You are totally amazing." If you have read the book, you probably know what twist I'm talking about. I'm not even going to put it down with my "Spoilers" warning. Nobody wants this ruined. Period.

It's a flipping Cliffhanger. *Sigh* WHY!?!?!?!?!?!?! AAAWWW!!!! I am tearing my hair out. Oh. Wait. Wait a second. What is this? Oh that's right...I HAVE BOOK THREE RIGHT NEXT TO ME!! YIPPEE!! hahahaha. You really need the third one by your side as soon as you finish this one. Don't go crazy while you wait for it. GET IT WHEN YOU READ THIS ONE. The ending will probably kill you. It's bugging me right now as I write this review. I need book three like I need air and water. That desperate? Yup.

So if you are a fan of Angels, sexy dark guys, a really big twist, TRY THIS BOOK. Buy the first one. Buy this one. GO PICK UP THE THIRD ONE. Wait until October 23, 2012 for the last one -_- Seriously, these books are really tantalizing and will have you reading cover to cover. They have quickly become one of my top ten favorites and I really want to go buy my own copies instead of borrowing from friends.

I just suddenly realize I have to wait until October 23 for the last book. *SOB* Why do authors do this to us?

Review by Calypso

Review: Hush, Hush (Caly's thoughts)

Hush, Hush

Becca Fitzpatrick
Published by: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Released: October 13, 2009



A SACRED OATH
A FALLEN ANGEL
A FORBIDDEN LOVE

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.

Yes. I did copy and paste from Goodreads. I'm lazy okay?

So I finally got my hands on this from Magnus. While she wasn't overly thrilled with the story, I loved it. I want to read more. They kept me entertained that much.

I was confused by the parts where Nora sees something, then thinks its an illusion. They were kind of confusing and I had to convince myself that they weren't illusions. But then they were. Then they weren't. And...well...you get the point. They were finally explained later and it all clicked into place. I liked how it messed with my mind. I think an author is brilliant if they can play mind games with their readers. Magnus wasn't okay with that and I can kind of see where she is coming from.

And Patch. I'm confused why Mags didn't really like him. I LOVE HIM! He is all bad boyish, full of secrets, dark, mysterious. I love that with fictional characters. Sure, I wasn't thrilled that he kept Nora in the dark most of the time, but it was for a good reason. *SPOILERS* I mean, the guy wanted to kill her at first in order to become human. Frankly, I would keep it a secret too. I can imagine it now: "Hey babe. You're hot and all, but I really want to be human. Don't mind me stabbing this knife in your heart." Yeah. That would go over pretty well. *END SPOILERS* And then he has his secret sweet side that I love so so so much. Patch has quickly become one of my favorite fictional guys.

The characters are great. I love Patch and Vee. Vee is just the perfect best friend a girl could ever want. She lets Nora use her car whenever, goes along with Nora's rediculous plans, and is even willing to *SPOILERS* dress up as Nora when the crazy stalker lady follows them bra shopping and gets attacked. All for her best friend. *END SPOILERS* The only character that bugged me was Elliot. I really wished he was the bad guy in the end. I just hated the guy. He pretended to be all sweet and nice at first, then bam! crazy and pyscho. I expected him to break into her house and reinact the whole "Shower Scene" from Pyscho. (And I was kind of disappointed when it never happened. Oh well...) Nora drove me crazy a couple of times. During certain points in the novel, I wanted to reach in and strangle her neck. But I still love her! I had a hard time picturing her though. I have a friend with the same name, but Nora has the pysical description of me. So I had this weird hybrid of my friend Nora and myself, which was really odd. I tried drawing it but nothing really came. I can usually see characters very clearly in my mind or sometimes picture the actor portraying them. Nora is probably the only one without a picture in my mind.

The pacing was excellent. There was never a dull moment in the story. I found myself just continuing to read and pretty much ignoring everybody around me. I NEED THE REST OF THEM.

So I HIGHLY recomend this book. It was so enticing to read. I picked it up one night and next thing I knew, I was 200 pages in and it was past midnight. If you are a huge fan of Angels, try these books. The story won't leave you bored, and even though it's slightly confusing, it's not a waste of time.

Now I just need to get my hands on the rest of them :)

Review by Calypso





Review: Curse Workers

White Cat

Red Glove

(Curse Workers #1 and 2)

Holly Black
Published by: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Released:
Book One: May 4, 2010
Book Two: April 5, 2011

So I'm so tired and busy unpacking right now that I'm just going to borrow the description from Goodreads. (Thanks Goodreads for being such a life saver!!) And if you want to read them, I recomend not reading the description for Red Glove (Curse Workers #2). Tis' a little spoiltry for all you non spoiler folks.

White Cat:

Cassel comes from a family of Curse Workers - people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they're all criminals. Many become mobsters and con artists. But not Cassel. He hasn't got magic, so he's an outsider, the striaght kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail - he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.

Cassel has carefully built up a facade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his facade starts to crumble when he finds himself sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He's noticing other disturbing things too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him. As Cassel begins to suspect he's part of a huge con game, he must unravel his past and his memories. To find out the truth, Cassel will have to outcon the conmen.

Red Glove:

Curses and cons.
Magic and the mob.

In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth — he’s the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything — or anyone — into something else.

That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she’s human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila’s been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion-worker mom. And if Lila’s love is as phony as Cassel’s made-up memories, then he can’t believe anything she says or does.

When Cassel’s oldest brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue — crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too — they know how valuable he could be to them. Cassel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can’t trust anyone — least of all, himself?

Love is a curse and the con is the only answer in a game too dangerous to lose.

Hmmm...Where do I begin??

To start off, Holly Black's books are definitely not for everyone. Someone could easily hate them or love them. I happen to love them, but I think Magnus might be on the fence with her stories. I'm not really sure how to describe it, but her tone and mood are more darker I guess. They are definitely not a light and fluffy story that are meant for you to fall head over heels for a perfect lead character.

Cassel is anything but perfect and that's why I think I love him so much. He's flawed, greedy, sly, and will do anything for a con. He grew up in a horrible home life, always thinking he was different but *SPOILER* was actually the most powerful of the whole bunch, a transformation worker. *END SPOILER*  He tries so hard to fit in with everyone, but gives up when he realizes he is just plain different. He thinks he is a murderer for killing his best friend, Lila. I feel sorry for the poor guy. Don't get me wrong, I am still a major fangirl for all of those perfect fictional guys out there *Cough, Cough. WILL HERONDALE* But it was nice to read something different for once.

The whole concept of the Curse Workers is genius to say the lease. It's like they are magicians, or supernatural, but instead of having it be one whole secret, the whole world knows about them. Most people are terrified of them, always wondering who has the 'heebiegeebies', and that's why most of them are like the Mafia or the mob, one big happy family.

This book is just so different from all the other YA books out there. It doesn't follow that stereotypical storyline like all of the other books I have read lately and that's why it has been in my mind non stop since I finished reading both of them. I cannot wait to get my hands on the last one, Black Heart and see how everything turns out.

Another reason why I love them so much: NO CLIFFHANGERS AND LOVE TRIANGLES! I would personally want to thank Holly Black for not making me read about another stupid love triangle. Thank you SO SO SO SO MUCH! Instead, the romance in this book is sort of unrequited in a way that makes me want to scream so loud for Cassel to end up with *SPOILER* Lila despite the fact that she was cursed to love him *END SPOILER* It makes me want to punch someone. And it isn't the main thing the story revolves around. It focuses more on Cassel's mistakes and how he has to go through life trying to be the good kid, trying to save his butt, trying to figure out a way to get everything he needs in order to survive. Romance plays a very little role for the most part. And the endings are satisfying. I am not panting and sobbing at the end like I am with Rick Riordan's or Cassandra Clare's. I can happily sit back and say to myself "Okay. When is Black Heart coming out in paperback?" Yup. Shocking right there.

The only complaint I have is that Red Glove wasn't as exciting as White Cat. I couldn't put book one down and it drove my mother completely insane because I was suppose to be socializing with our friends that we were visiting. Book two took a little longer because I was bored about half way through it and had to practically force myself to sit down and read it. But trust me, if the same thing happens to you, continue it and finish it. It gets better. I promise.

And this is totally off topic in a way, but I loved the little refrences to Jace "The Almighty" Lightwood. AAAWWW!! I love Cassandra Clare's books and I love how Holly Black even includes our favorite little shadowhunter as a minor character that only die hard lovers of Jace would even know about. Okay. Reel in the fangirl and get back to the Curse Workers.

So if you want something to read that's unique, dark, and takes place right on our favorite Jersey shoreline (No Snooki refrences in the book. SORRY!) I highly recomend this book if you want something that has finally left the norm for all YA books. They are so different and cool that it makes me want to go buy a pair of gloves to trot around in ;)

Review by Calypso





Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Liani Taylor 

Published by: Little, Brown & Company

Released: September 27, 2011

 

Daughter of Smoke and Bone tells the story of Karou, an art student in Prague. Only, she might be the weirdest one there. Covered in tattoos, no known history, toting blue hair, and with an "imagination" large enough to conjure up stories every day to tell her friends, many, including her best friend Zuzuana, believe she is merely eccentric. But shouldn't every good fantasy reader know by now, "All the stories are true." (From the Mortal Instruments Series, Cassandra Clare). The tales drawn in Karou's sketchbook are not tales, but her real life. And her life can be frightening. 

Karou lives with four Chimera: intelligent beings with different parts of the body different species. For instance, Issa is a woman with a human and head torso, but the lower body of a serpent and the hood and cloak of one. Tiwga, Yasri and Brimstone are the other Chimera that Karou "works for". Karou has never known anything different than her life with the Chimera, as her earliest memory is of sitting in Brimstone's shop. And, because of this, she constantly wonders who she really is. She feels as if something is missing, though Karou is not sure what.  

Karou's life may be crazy, but it is pretty stable until the night she goes to *Spoilers!* Morocco to get teeth from a gravedigger there. She is chased and injured by an angel, a being she never thought even existed. And that angel will change everything.... *End of spoilers!* 

I loved this book. It was set in so many different cities, mainly Prague, and I loved the details Ms. Taylor gave each city. But my favorite part about Ms. Taylor's writing was how she kept on flipping back and forth between story lines, slowly drawing them all in to meet. For some readers, this can be really confusing, but I love the anticipation of it. 

What I also liked about this book was how Ms. Taylor explored the consequences of loyalty and betrayal. Karou is loyal, always, to her Chimera, and that *Spoilers!* leads to her endangerment *End of spoilers!* And then when she is betrayed, there are disastrous consequences, which would have been prevented if it weren't for an act of loyalty.... You can see how it gets complicated. 

And *Spoilers!* Akiva.... Oh, Akiva. The "angel"who restarted the war. *End of spoilers!*  He is written beautifully, with his emotions completely believable, especially his torment and regret over what he has done, and the anguish over what he thought happened.

I also loved Karou's best friend Zouzana, who was everything a best friend should be. She put up with Karou's drama - strange injuries, boyfriend issues, secrets, strange "errands" - but eventually was pushed to her limit when Karou told her that the life-threatening injuries she sustained were from *Spoilers!* an angel and nearly leaves, if not for a figment of Karou's sketchbooks suddenly arriving. *End of Spoilers!*

All in all, I loved this book. It was amazing. Truly. I actually think my aunt got it for me....

Written by Magnus

Review: Hush, Hush

Hush, Hush

Becca Fitzpatrick 

Published by: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers

Released: October 19, 2009

 

Hush, Hush is about a girl named Nora who finds herself stuck with the darkly (and annoyingly) compelling Patch. Patch is everything Nora isn't - fearless, flirty, bad-boy. Nora should be frightened by Patch, who turns up nearly everywhere she goes, but isn't. What does scare her is *spoilers!* the startlingly violent and feminine figure that is stalking her. Then, to make matters worse, it looks like the boy Vee, her best friend, is trying to set her up with is a murderer and wants to kill her and Vee. *end of spoilers!*

Ms. Fitzpatrick weaves a story that will keep you guessing, filled with fear, danger, and romance. It comes to a shocking conclusion with only a few mysteries solved. But the main question at the end of the book is: Was that an illusion? 

I found this book enticing to read, but it wasn't always my cup of tea. There were parts where it felt as if Nora was drunk or high - through no fault of her own, she wasn't really - and it messed with my head. There was a reason for that in the story, but I still didn't like it. Another thing I didn't fully appreciate was Patch. He's dark, yes, and has his secrets, but that's not always the best thing. There are some secrets you must keep in stories, but the level in which he was keeping Nora in the dark astounded me. I am generally an open person and I don't think the relationship between Nora and Patch can be sustained unless he stops lying to her and keeping secrets from her. 

What I did think Ms. Fitzpatrick did very well were some of the characters, Vee and Elliot. I feel like the relationship between Nora and Vee was thought-out and real. Even when they were in an argument, Vee still let Nora borrow her car and said something along the lines of "I love you, but you're wrong." I've been in that situation with friends of mine, too. With Elliot, he was kind and caring when Nora thought he was, but then turned *spoilers!* slightly psychotic. *end of spoilers!*I felt that she portrayed him really well and it was believable. You believed what Nora believed about him.

All in all, Hush, Hush was a decent book, but like all books, a book may be perfect for you but not for me.  

 Written by Magnus