Sunday, February 27, 2011

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours.
But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.
So much for normal.


First of all, ever since I read this book I started saying 'bleep' (If you've read the book, you know what this means). Anyway, I know I said this on my last review but I am addicted to paranormal books, so this book was just perfect for me. I have to admit this book exceeded my expectations. I expected just the typical paranormal book, but it was more than that. This book had me literally hooked. And not only was it interesting it was also funny. I haven't laughed with a book ever since I read Jinx by Meg Cabot, but this book just made me laugh way too many times. People in my class even asked me if I was okay cause I started laughing out of nowhere, little did they know I was reading Paranormalcy. Evie is a very funny, relatable character and one of my favorite main characters EVER. Another thing, I read Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange, and Fragile Eternity, and I knew faeries were bad. But it wasn't until I read this book that I discovered  how bad faeries were, I was actually afraid of Reth. I can say nothing bad about this book, there is nothing bad to say. It was amazing, awesome, incredible, wow! And those aren't even describing how great the book was! Amazing job by Kiersten White! I highly recommend Paranormalcy.

How many stars?
5 stars
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The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?




I'm not fond of zombie books. I´ve only read one zombie book in my life (not including this one), and I liked it, but not one of my favorites. But this book was...wow. I mean I really didn't know what to expect out of it. When I got to the bookstore I didn't know whether to buy it or not, then I thought "Why not!" And I started reading it right away. I devoured it. I couldn't take my eyes off of it. What I liked about it was that it moved real fast, cause I hate it when a book's slow and it takes an hour for something interesting to happen. I loved, loved, LOVED IT! The story was believeble, I know it sounds weird since it's a fiction novel, but it was. Mary was completely believable, the way she behaves, what leads her to doing what she does (not going to say anything specific I am against spoilers). What really called me about this book it's that it's a dark novel. It's not rainbows and sunshine, it's dark, and I loved it. Once I opened the book, it was a virus that invaded my mind. When I wasn't reading it, I was looking forward to reading it. When it was time to go to bed, I thought about it over and over again. And once I was done with it, I wanted to read it again. A huge thumbs up for this book, I highly reccommend it. 



How many stars?
5 stars
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Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but atleast 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 and even worse, he's started 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 Path hadnt 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. 

Haunted by images of her murdered father, and questioning whether her nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death, Nora puts herself increasingly in dangerous situations as she desperatly searches for answers. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts.




This book was addictive, one of the most addictive books I've read. Most of the times, I don't expect the second books of a series to be better than the first ones, but this one was better than the first one it was wow. I have to say the cliffhanger was just mean. In this book there was a constant "What's gonna happen next?" thought. But the cliffhanger, it was the biggest of all, it was a "What the hell is going to happen next?!" The worst part of the cliffhanger is that you don't have the answer to that question. What i really liked about this book was Nora. She was reckless and a reckless character always gives a great essence to the story. And Patch...oh god Patch. He is my main reason for reading the book, he is the perfect guy and you can't help to feel attracted to him. The plot was unbelievable, it had me hooked the whole time. This book really did exceed my expectations. I highly recommend it. But be sure to read book one first. Believe me, both of them are worth reading! 



How many stars?
5 stars
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A Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still. 


When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos. 


Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.





A friend told me to read the Mortal Instruments series, I don't know why, but I never did. But then I saw that A Clockwork Angel in Borders and I said "I have to read that." What I mostly loved about this book is that it's in the nineteenth century and at the same time it includes all of the supernatural stuff I love. Maybe I don't say this much, but I love books that take place during the 1800s and then I realized it also included paranormal creatures and I couldn't stop thinking about reading that book. And when I finally started reading it, I couldn't put it down, and when I had to put it down, it was pure suffering. Normally (when I have time) I read one book in about four days or sometimes even a week. This one took a while longer. Not because it was long or anything, but because I was loving it so much I wanted to take my time reading it. Then I was done with it, and the suffering came again. So i've got five things to say about this book.
1. Cassandra Clare did a hell of a job writing it.
2. I love Will.
3. I know she's kind of anonymous, but Sophie's my favorite character.
4. I love Will.
5. I can't wait for the next book (and until the next book comes out, the suffering will continue.)


How many stars?
5 stars
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Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles

Nothing has been the same since Caleb Becker left a party drunk, got behind the wheel, and hit Maggie Armstrong. Even after months of painful physical therapy, Maggie walks with a limp. Her social life is nil and a scholarship to study abroad—her chance to escape everyone and their pitying stares—has been canceled.
After a year in juvenile jail, Caleb’s free . . . if freedom means endless nagging from a transition coach and the prying eyes of the entire town. Coming home should feel good, but his family and ex-girlfriend seem like strangers.
Caleb and Maggie are outsiders, pigeon-holed as "criminal" and "freak." Then the truth emerges about what really happened the night of the accident and, once again, everything changes. It’s a bleak and tortuous journey for Caleb and Maggie, yet they end up finding comfort and strength from a surprising source: each other.

It's been a very long time since i've read non-fictional-creatures books. I don't enjoy them much, that's why I read fictional-creatures-books. But it didn't happen with Leaving Paradise. First of all I loved how it alternated the points of view, cause first-person-narrator books are my favorites. I also loved the plot, when I started reading it I was thinking that that was a very common plot. But as I kept on reading, my family heard on hearing my occasional "NO!" or my typical "NO MA!!" (that kind of a 'no way' in spanish). I also loved the characters, it's not the average teenagers who have issues, it goes beyond that. When I was done with it I wanted to buy the next one! I really don't enjoy cheesy romantic books, but this wasn't a cheesy romantic book. It was something else it was a romantic book but in an exciting kind of way, "excitedly romantic". I recommend this book to everyone who is looking for something good to read. It doesn't have to be something specific, just a good read. Believe me, you will fall in love with the book. 


How many stars?
5 stars
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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along. 
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn 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 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 far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. 
For Nora 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 her life.


I loved this book in so many different ways. I loved it because of the plot, the characters, the writing, but mostly, Patch. When he first showed up in the book I didn't know whether to like him or not, but as I kept on reading I fell in love with him. I found attracted to him and his whole 'bad guy' image. But I found out he could be funny, yet sweet. I was looking forward to reading that book everyday. And when I was done with it all I could think about was "No! I didn't want it to end!" And that happens with all of the books I like. I've been reading books by new authors lately, so if you're looking for new authors, read Hush Hush.



How many stars?
5 stars
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The Seven Rays by Jessica Bendinger

THAT IS THE ANONYMOUS MESSAGE that Beth Michaels receives right before she starts seeing things. Not just a slept-through my-alarm-clock, late-for-homeroom, haven't had-my-caffeine-fix kind of seeing things. It all starts with some dots, annoying pink dots that pop up on and over her mom and her best friend's face. But then things get out of control and Beth is seeing people's pasts, their fears, their secrets, their desires. The images are coming at Beth in hi-def streaming video and she can't stop it. Everyone thinks she's crazy and she's pretty sure she agrees with them. But crazy doesn't explain the gold envelopes that have started arriving, containing seeing keys and mysterious tarot cards. To Beth, it all seems too weird to be true. You are more than you think you are? But here's the thing: What if she is? 



I can honestly say that this is the weirdest book I've ever read...in a really good way. I mean, I really didn't know what t expect. I've always been a real fan of Stick It and Bring It On, and when I saw that Jessica Bendinger had written a novel I was psyched. When I started reading, I liked the book. As I kept on reading, I became addicted to the book. And when it was over, I had already fallen in love with the book. It was truly original, I know I say this about most of the books I've read, but this one's different. When I read the book and I'm halfway through it I'm thinking "The dude's totally a vampire", or a werewolf, or a faery, or whatever. But when I read this book I was almost done with it and I still hadn't figured it out. Cause for me it's always the same plot in every story. There is a girl. New boy comes into town. Girl falls for boy. Boy turns out to be a supernatural creature and ends up putting her in grave danger (probably by an ex-girlfriend or an ex-friend). Girl gets saved by boy. Boy and girl kiss. And I am tired of the same old plot. The Seven Rays offered me a new plot. A whole new concept. I fell in love with it. I highly recommend is to everyone who is looking for something fun and interesting to read.



How many stars?
4 stars
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Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus

After her sister Athena's tragic death, it's obvious that grief-stricken Persephone "Phe" Archer no longer belongs in Los Angeles. Hoping to make sense of her sister's sudden demise and the cryptic dreams following it, Phe abandons her bubbly LA life to attend an uptight East Coast preparatory school in Shadow Hills, MA — a school which her sister mysteriously mentioned in her last diary entry before she died. 
 
Once there, Phe quickly realizes that something is deeply amiss in her new town. Not only does Shadow Hills' history boast an unexplained epidemic that decimated hundreds of its citizens in the 1700s, but its modern townies also seem eerily psychic, with the bizarre ability to bend metal. Even Zach — the gorgeous stranger Phe meets and immediately begins to lust after — seems as if he is hiding something serious. Phe is determined to get to the bottom of it. The longer she stays there, the more she suspects that her sister's untimely death and her own destiny are intricately linked to those who reside in Shadow Hills.


Lately I've been reading lots books and most of them were about werewolves and vampires, and I'm kind of tired of it. Shadow Hills was definitely not one of those books. It was so original and well written. Every time I stopped reading it, I found myself thinking about the book and always asking myself "OMIGOD! what's gonna happen next!" Phe is a relatable character, she's fun and reckless and that's something I like cause what fun would it be reading a book where the main character's always afraid of challenges? I fell in love with Zach the second he shows up. He's not just the hot male character in the story, he's also a sweet and caring guy. Okay, so basically I loved this book and I recommend it to everyone who is looking for something new and interesting to read. 



How many stars?
5 stars


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Monday, February 21, 2011

My Blog Is Back!

I used to write a blog named Teen Ink Exchange, sadly that account was erased, so I create da new one. I will post my previews book reviews and write new ones, enjoy!
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