Cinema Fiction

After reading Prophecy, by Ellen Oh, I went to Goodreads and read the reviews. A lot of people were comparing it to Graceling or Eon. Well, I haven't read any of those books, so I cannot compare it to either. I do, however, know that Graceling has a female protagonist who is almost like Kira in Prophecy, but I don't know the rest of the story, because I haven't read it.


Prophecy is geared toward the younger crowd of demon- slayer fans. I can tell because of the simple, non-complex writing. I liked it though, and I think the writing fit well with the story as a whole. Ellen told me on Twitter that it was meant for the younger crowd, and I could see why. But that didn't set me off, which was something that I enjoyed, and it made me keep reading.

What I loved most about this book was that there wasn't a dull moment. In fact, the entire novel was like a huge anticipation of a larger battle at the end. Kira was a strong character, but she had a weakness, and that was her self-esteem whenever someone pointed out how different she was and how she was an evil being. It was this human quality that made me like Kira a lot, and I could identify with her in that way.

The one aspect of the novel that was so interesting was the Asian culture that Oh had weaved into the novel. To me, it sets the book apart from those that people are comparing it too, because it has some ancient history involved. It almost makes it real, while at the same time it's a total fantasy. At 218 pages, it's a quick and satisfying read with plenty of action that makes you keep turning the page to the very end.

I'll be waiting for the next book!

Prodigy by Marie Lu is one of her best books yet. An emotionally gut-wrenching story, Prodigy takes you on a journey that is filled with action, romance, and ultimate betrayal. Lu understands how to weave the perfect Dystopian novel, and leaves you feeling like she broke your heart on purpose. The way I see it, if Prodigy made me cry at the end...I'm afraid to read the next book, because I'm not sure how I'll react to that one.

In Prodigy, we find Day and June have finally made it to the Patriots. Everything should be fine, right? Not so. The Elector Primer is dead, and his son, Anden, has taken over. The Patriots have a plan to use Day and June's celebrity status to help them assassinate the new Elector. But loyalties are hard to come by, and June is finding it hard to trust the Patriots, when she realizes that Anden is definitely NOT like the new Elector. But how can she convince them that he's different, when the one reason she joined the Patriots was to help find Day's brother? In the epic sequel, the one main theme of this plot is Trust. Trust is hard to come by - not just from the Elector or the Patriots, but Day and June's relationship is also hanging in the balance.

I fell in love with Day all over again in this book, and cheered for him throughout the whole novel. Same with June. The fast paced, action filled pages captivated me on every page, and I wasn't bored at all. And guys, there's a PLANE CHASE. That's AWESOME. I'm not even joking. I'm not going to say what happens, but I can just say that it has to be my favorite scene in the book, because it's epic, and as I was reading I could completely picture the whole thing like I was watching a movie. Lu really knows how to write visually, and it really helps especially since it's a dystopian novel, and the world is super important to dystopian.

I heard a lot about how heart breaking the ending was, but I wasn't expecting THAT. I literally cried when I finished reading, and afterwards I started thinking, "maybe it won't be as bad as I think in the next book." But with Lu's ability to twist and turn things around on you like a fast roller-coaster, who knows. She'll probably through a fast pitch that'll hit me hard in the gut.

All I have to say, is that if you haven't read Legend yet, WHY HAVEN'T YOU? And if you have and haven't read Prodigy yet, GET ON THAT, STAT!

Beautiful Darkness is the second book in the Caster Chronicles, and picks up a couple months after where Beautiful Creatures left off. Lena has become distant from Ethan, hanging out with Ridley and a mysterious boy named John Breed. Ethan is convinced that Ridley and Breed are both trying to make Lena Claim herself for the Dark, since she is besotted in guilt and regret after what happened to Uncle Macon. Lena is convinced it is her right choice, even though she's scared. Ethan is determined to save her from what could be a disastrous mistake. But there's one problem.

He has no idea where she is. He knows where she's going, to some place called the Great Barrier. But he has no idea how to get there - or even if he can, since he's a mortal. But meeting Liv - Marion's intern for the summer - changes things, and soon he embarks on a twisted journey through the Caster Tunnels with Live and his best friend Link.

I must say I enjoyed this addition to the Caster Chronicles a bit more than the first one. Beautiful Darkness involved a lot more of the Caster world and the dangers it involves. I also liked the addition of Liv, because her character was strong and intelligent. Her character was complete opposite of Lena, and it almost made me want to start a Team Liv or Team Lena kind of thing.

Ethan still hasn't evolved quite into a a dynamic character yet, all though his friend Link has. Link has the perfect attributes of a best friend - humor, smarts, and wit- but he's also loyal. Now that he knows about the Caster World, he's a character I'd like to see evolve into something more. There's a twist at the end that involves Link, and to me it was almost shocking to the point where it got me interested to read the third book.

A great addition to the Caster Chronicles, Beautiful Darkness feeds any curiosity you might have if you aren't sure about reading the rest of the series.

The awesomeness of Richelle Mead continues with the Indigo Spell, the third book in the saga featuring her kick- ass Alchemist character Sydney Sage. I can say one thing, it does not disappoint.

What I like about Richelle Mead's novels is that she knows how to write mystery and intrigue within the larger picture. It what makes you keep turning the page. Indigo Spell is no exception. While Sydney is dealing with the mystery surrounding Marcus Finch, she is also being a sleuth for Ms. Terriwellger, the crazy teacher whose teaching her magic. And in all of this, she's trying to deal with Jill, Angeline, and Eddie and their problems as well as trying to figure out her own for Adrian.

I admire Sydney in the fact that she's always trying to do the right thing by doing way too much for the people she cares about. But I also got a little irritated with her keeping her distance from her feelings for Adrian, WHICH SHE OBVIOUSLY HAS DAMN IT. It's really the main thing that keeps me reading, because it's SO FRUSTRATING.

Ahem.


Indigo Spell is exciting, and pulls you in from the very first page. Sydney, as frustrating as she is, grows as a character and her skills as a magic wielder even get crazier. It's definitely a perfect companion to the other two books, and I'm looking forward to the Fiery Heart!

Unravel Me is the second book in the Shatter Me trilogy, and it continues a few weeks where Shatter Me leaves off. Juliette is trying to adjust to Omega Point, while trying to control her dangerous ability. When she finds out the reason Adam can touch her, everything explodes and her world is torn apart with the realization that they could possibly never be together. It makes it harder for her to adjust, and makes it easier for her to harness her ability. But there's something brewing above ground, something that even Castle at Omega Point can't quite figure out. Warner is back, and Juliette knows he's looking for her.

And she hasn't told Castle that he could touch her, too.

And Holy Hell, this book was a roller-coaster ride. It was a glass box of a emotion, a wave of unending heartbreak and love, violence and destruction. Mafi definitely pulled out all the stops to make sure her sophomore novel did not go into the Sophomore Slump...and she definitely did everything right. Juliette is the same, misunderstood girl but stronger, trying to evolve into something more. Her relationship with Adam is still on fire, two chapters had me reeling and drinking their toxic love in.

Mafi's writing in itself is so different from an other YA book I've read, and I think I mentioned that when I read Shatter Me. Her writing is prose. The words flow across the pages like poetry, and you're so into the Juliette's mind that you forget where you are. Mafi's world building is spectacular, you feel everything inside of it- the destruction the violence. And she knows how to write a villain And let's just say this time - It's not particularly Warner. (You're probably thinking..who the hell could be more devilish than Warner?) Seriously. It's not.

If you loved Shatter Me, Unravel Me is the PERFECT companion. But it leaves you with the type of cliffhanger that makes you want to throw the damn book against the wall. She knows how to crush every emotion in your body. And the end? Let's just say...you'll be pissed, but it'll make you want to read more and wait impatiently for the third book.

In the town of Gatlin, South Carolina, everything has to be the way it is. It's a traditional, southern town with roots dating back to the civil war. And Ethan Wate has never known any place but Gatlin, and is dying to get out. And then comes Lena Duchannes, the niece of of old Macon Ravenwood, a man whom the town rarely sees but spreads rumors about. Ethan knows that being friends with Lena Duchannes is definitely not traditional. In fact, the whole town scorns on it. But how can he stay away from Lena, when she's the girl, literally, in his reoccurring dream?

But Lena has her own secrets. She's a Caster, and on her sixteenth birthday, she will be Claimed as either a Light or Dark Caster. She believes she's destined to go Dark, and once she goes Dark, there's no going back. She would never remember Ethan. She would never care about him again. And Ethan is determined to find a every way possible to not let it happen. But what can he do, when he's a mere Mortal, and he's up against some of the most powerful magic he has never known existed?

Beautiful Creatures is one of those series you start reading by word of mouth, and then you're into it fully and become a fan after the first book. It's a different kind of magical world, where witches are called "Casters" who are "Claimed" for the Light or the Dark. It's a kind of magical world that has historical roots built into a tiny southern town called Gatlin, and deep dark secrets hidden from the Mortal World. That is, until Ethan Wate discovers that Lena Duchannes is one - a Caster, who will be Claimed on her sixteenth birthday. While Lena is convinced she will go Dark, Ethan is convinced she will be Claimed Light. And the secrets that the Casterworld had chosen to stay hidden are dug up in order to save the girl that he loves from becoming evil.

The entire book is told from Ethan's point of view, which allows us, as readers, to discover everything about the Caster world as Ethan is discovering it for himself. I, personally, love it when authors choose to do that instead of giving us all the information we need. Ethan becomes this strong, determined character as he tries desperately to help Lena believe that she can be claimed Light. In this process, he discovers things about himself, and we discover it along with him.

I'm not quite sure what I love about the book so much. Perhaps it's how much Ethan cares for Lena. Perhaps its the character of old Macon Ravenwood, and the other cast of characters that surround our two main protagonists. Or perhaps its the fact that I could picture this cute little Gatlin town, and I found myself living in with Ethan and Lena. Whatever it is, it's definitely worth a read, and I am on the fan wagon.

A forbidden love...a killer on the loose...all under the moon of Venice, Italy. What could make this book even more exciting? Maybe some action packed scenes of a perilous adventure to uncover the killer's identity.

The story begins with Cassandra's best friend's funeral, which has no connection to the murders other than her body being switched with one of the killer's victims in her grave. The same night she discovers her best friend's body is missing in her tomb, she meets Falco- a mysterious, rough around the edges painter who is, for some reason, wandering around the graveyard in the dead of night. Together, they spark an investigation on their own. You can predict that the two of them will spark a relationship...especially since she's kind of sort of engaged. You can predict that Falco can't be trusted right away, which let's you give into the mystery of the dead girls. But what you can't predict is the killer himself, which is what Fiona Paul does well here.

Maybe I didn't see the signs (and I will NOT reveal who it is), and maybe there was some minor clue that I completely missed. But I felt as though Ms. Paul kind of threw the identity of the killer out there, just to throw us for a loop, and created a quick story around him so it would make sense. To me, there was no connection that made even the least bit of sense for this character.

I didn't care that much for Cassandra, the main character, either. I didn't feel sorry that she was trapped in her own little world. I didn't feel the passion she felt between her and Falco. If I were watching this as a movie, I'd describe it as two actors who had no chemistry on screen together.

One thing I did like about the book was the time period and the setting. I've been to Italy, but not Venice, so it really brought me back to Italy's gorgeous architecture, history, and scenery. There will be a second book, but I'm not too interested in finding out what happens next.

Paranormalcy was one of my favorite books when it first came out two years ago. White's fresh take on the paranormal world was creative, original and quite entertaining. Her personal humor played into Evie's character, and it was that aspect that made this book and series so special.

Supernaturally was the perfect companion to Paranormalcy, because it allowed us to learn more about Evie. In the second book, she grew into a stronger, more independent woman even though she had met Lend. Her desire for a more normal, every day human life made her the type of heroine that every young girl could look up too, since she struggled to fit in and find her place among humans.

Endlessly seemed to have lost Evie's character. She bumbles around, always depends on someone else for help. She keeps depending on Reth and then decides he's manipulating her. She has no motivation for anything except for Lend. She doesn't want to do what she is supposed to, because she wants to be a normal girl and be with Lend. Only Lend. Everything she does is all for Lend. Yeah, it got a little irritating after awhile. The reason I liked Evie in the first book is because she didn't need a boy to give her motivation. Endlessly seemed to center around that idea. It's like the Evie I fell in love with in the first book was completely lost.

Besides that, the plot itself was not that exciting to me. I hate having to say this, because I love Kiersten White and I love these books, but I could not find myself excited about this book. Perhaps it was because I felt Evie was irritating. Or maybe the plot itself had a ton going on. But for whatever reason, Endlessly was not as fabulous as the first book.

In any case, I give Endlessly 3 hats. It's a good ending to a creative series, I only wished it came out as strong as the first one.

Tempest by Juile Cross is a wonderful YA novel with a creative, original storyline. Her writing is fabulous, and I connected with the characters and got really into the whole story.

What was so wonderful about this book is that we discovered things along with Jackson, the protagonist. Cross gives us just enough to start off in knowing the character (such as, we already know he can travel back in time) and then, throughout the novel, we learn more and more along with him about his past and his possible future. There are other secrets revealed throughout story as well, and we learn about them right along with Jackson.

In its entirety the story was well played, with smooth transitions from scene to scene and perfect pacing. As mentioned, Cross's writing is also perfection, as her writing helps the characters come to life right on the page. Its truly a wonderful, fun-filled adventure that leaves you wanting more, even after the very end. But that's okay, because VORTEX comes out on January 15th!

Someone warned me that The Golden Lily was going to be depressing at the end. They were right. By the end of this book, I wanted to throw the book against the wall, curl up in a corner and cry. As this is a spoiler free review, all I can say is that Mead knows exactly how to draw someone into a certain relationship, feed their wild imagination and then make it all crash and burn to hell.

The Golden Lily was a perfect sequel to Bloodlines, as it picks up from where the first book left off, though a couple of weeks after the last terrifying event. Throughout the story, Sydney struggles with figuring out herself, as well as going on a first date, dealing with a moody Adrian (and trying to determine exactly what kind of relationship they have), and protecting the Moroi she realizes are now her friends. Mead uses this book to completely dive into Sydney's character, and that of Adrian's as well, and I became more interested in her an important protagonist in the world of Bloodlines series.

I enjoy having Dimitri as an important player in the series as well, as well as Sonya Karp and Adrian. I'm glad she kept these three, and it makes the Bloodlines series more connected to the Vampire Academy series. I am very excited for Indigo Spell, and can't wait to see what's going to happen next. After the epic ending of Golden Lily, it's going to be a long, depressing wait.

Vampire Academy is one of my favorite YA series of all time. Richelle Mead's vampire world is so different from the others, that it's hard not to love these characters. Because I was such a fan of VA, I was a little skeptical about reading a spin off series, considering that, yes, Sydney did help Rose Hathaway in the VA series, but I didn't expect her to be an important, main character. Thing was, all my fears disappeared when I started to read.

Bloodlines is definitely going to be the new VA for me. I love the fact that Mead decided to continue on with the Moroi / Strigoi / Alchemist world, and that characters from VA showed up in this series. It must be difficult to write a crossover, but she pulled it off perfectly. None of the characters from the previous series had a major part to play...except for Adrian Ishakov. Which, you know, wasn't a bad thing at all. In fact, Adrian's character carried a lot of the story, and it made sense, considering the connection he and Jill had had in the previous series.

The story itself was mesmerizing. Mystery and intrigue carried the plot from page to page, and the dialogue from both Sydney and Adrian kept the humorous aspect to it. One thing I loved was that Mead didn't focus on the romantic side of things. Even with Jill's relationship(s), she didn't make that a main part of the focus. The chemistry between Sydney and Adrian is definitely something to look forward too, though. You want those two too hook up so bad because of their sarcastic banter. But Sydney sticks to her beliefs that Vampires and humans should never be in a relationship...which makes you pissed that Mead didn't just throw in a kiss or something there, just to satisfy the tension.

I'm glad I had multiple people convince me to read this book, and I'm even more glad that I was not disappointed in it. I'm looking forward to reading Golden Lily, as the ending of Bloodlines was a fantastic twist.

I loved this book. Marie Lu's world building is fantastic. I actually felt as though I was inside the world of June and of Day, and I could see the streets and the JumboTrons, the police and military. But what I loved most about this book was Lu's characters.

I'm a sucker for well-rounded characters. If I love the characters, I read the book. Day is pretty much a badass in every thing he does. He's smart, quick, and if I were to watch him fight, I could picture him as a Jackie Chan or Jason Bourne. His sarcasm mixed with his kind and caring nature makes him a solid protagonist to follow. He's likable. Very likable.

June, on the other hand, is the opposite of June, all though she still a likable character. Grown up under a brother in Military, she is all about the Republic and doing things for her country. But she, like Day, is also quick and smart. She's the military's Prodigy. And when June and Day cross paths for the first (technically second) time, obviously sparks fly.

But for me, the sparks flew a bit too quickly. I understand for the purpose of this story there had to be some romance or love interest. But there wasn't enough tension between the two to really believe it. I needed more from them, more spark. More intense moments. More heartbreak.

The other thing that bugged me was that it was a bit predictable. At least for me, I predicted the ending at least a few chapters in. But I held out, hoping I was wrong, and by the end of the book I was reading for enjoyment to the point where I didn't care if I was right. Lu's action sequences were heart pounding, and I turned each page, my head deep in the book, picturing everything that was going on. I was in the action as Day or as June. I could see it as I read it.

This is a fantastic debut novel by Katie McGarry. Not only did she put me in a glass case of emotion (please tell me someone gets that reference), but she was able to place two characters together and have them relate to each other as well as relate to the reader.

Echo is known as the girl with the scars, the freak. She doesn't remember the night her mother tried to kill her, and her worst fear is ending up like she was: crazy. She struggles with trying to please her father and her stepmother (who happened to once be her babysitter), and is forced to talk to a school clinical social worker, who is determined to help her remember that dreadful night. We watch Echo struggle with her inner demons and try hard to over come them. At times I felt as though she was a little dramatic, but then again, if my mother tried to kill me and I survived (and so did she), I'd be a little paranoid too. But the thing about Echo was that you truly wanted her to figure out what happened, just so you could too. You want her to come to terms with her self. Dramatics aside, I related to her with the scars.

Noah, on the other hand, is a foster kid who is in the shithole with the foster system. He's the loner, the kid that everyone whispers about and the guy every girl knows only goes for one night stands. But nobody knows his real story, and when you learn about it, its heartbreaking. Personally, Noah's story affected me more than Echo's. He's fighting a system that's so broken up that his family is being ripped apart from underneath him. He's struggling to figure out who he wants to become, and who he needs to be.

And when he meets Echo, his entire world is turned upside down.

Seriously, the sparks fly between these characters and the way he describes Echo makes any girl's heart melt. I was crying, laughing, and turning each page (well, pressing the button to get to the next page on my Nook) faster than I have in awhile for any book. It is one of the best contemporary YA's I have read in a long time.

If you need a break from reading dystopian or other fantasy novels, Pushing the Limits is a great contemporary read to get you back into reality. It's real, it's raw, it's honest and it doesn't hold back.

In other words, it definitely lives up to the title.

A perfect ending to a fantastic trilogy, Desrochers makes sure to answer questions while leaving us hanging at the end. An action-packed, exciting ending makes Last Rite a page-turner. It definitely went out with a Bang.

Maybe if I decide to finish reading it, I'll rate it better. But um...ugh....

This is my new favorite series, hands down. A perfect read after finishing Holly Black's Curse Worker's series. Sure, they are two completely different series, but that's besides the point. If you're looking for more dystopian novels to read, (let's say you just finished The Hunger Games or didn't quite enjoy the hype of Article 5) The Delirium trilogy is definitely one to read. If you have not read Delirium, I suggest you do not read on. I'm trying to do this as spoiler-free as possible, but it is difficult. I'll try not to give anything too important away.

Pandemonium doesn't exactly start off from where Delirium ends. You are projected forward into the future, and you wonder how she got there. But then, Oliver throws you for a loop and makes the book a jumping time machine, going back and forth from when Lena was introduced to the Wilds, to what is going on in the present day New York City. All though it confused me at first, I realized what was going on and literally said, "Oliver is a genius." Not only does this give you a sense of what Lena and Alex's actions started, it lets you see the dynamic change of Lena. It let's you see who she was and who she became. Every page turns you completely around. It may drive some people crazy, going back and forth, but I felt as though I was reading a movie. I absolutely loved it.

Oliver creates a world I can live in from beginning to end. I can relate to each character, I can see every building, feel every emotion. The story moves quickly, but you don't miss a thing. And the ending? If there was an author that threw you a cliffhanger and says "HA. IN YOUR FACE." It's Oliver. I was on a roller-coaster of emotions throughout the whole book, and when the ending came, and the roller coaster stopped - I didn't want the ride to end. In fact, I was pissed the ride ended!

I highly recommend this series. It's such a creative and original idea, that it is definitely on the top of my fave dystopians, along with Blood Red Road.