Review: Archon

Archon: The Books of Raziel
by Sabrina Benulis 

Hardcover

368 pages
Published December 27th 2011 

by HarperCollins Publishers

Summary:

Angela Mathers is plagued by visions of angels, supernatural creatures who haunt her thoughts by day and seduce her dreams by night. Newly released from a mental institution where she was locked away for two years, she hopes that her time at the Vatican’s university, the West Wood Academy, will give her a chance at a normal life. Unlike ordinary humans, Angela is a blood head — a freak, a monster, the possible fulfillment of a terrifying prophecy of overwhelming death and destruction. Only in Luz, the Vatican’s wondrous enclave, are blood heads accepted and encouraged to discover what kind of powers or special abilities they might possess.

But within West Wood, a secret coven plots, and demons and angels roam the streets searching for the key to open Raziel’s book — a secret tome from a lost archangel. Some are determined to destroy Raziel, while others, like the beautiful Supernal Israfel, one of the highest of the high, wish to free him. And when the Archon — the human chosen to possess the spirit of a dead angel — rises as foretold, they will control the supernatural universe.

Torn between mortal love and angelic obsession, Angela holds the key to Heaven and Hell — and both will stop at nothing to possess her.

Thoughts:

I'm not even sure what genre does this book falls into. Is it horror? Gothic? Religious? Eventhough the main protagonist is a teen, I don't think this should qualify as a YA. Why? It is too complex with lots of violence and religious references that made my head swirl eternally while reading it. There should be some brief explanation in front or maybe a family tree with all the angels, demons and jinns names in it. Yes there are so many of them in this, it's hard to keep track of what's what or who's who.

Likes

But really with the layers of complexity and depth, I rather enjoyed the writing style of the writer. Her intense description of the dark and mysterious state of the island Luz gives me chill by reading it's creepiness. Sometimes I'm even reminded of Stephen King's earlier writings while reading this. The writer has a talent for pulling you in deeper and deeper into the mystery and although I have an inkling who Angela will be in the end, but I really want to know the why and how's of it.

And despite all the religious elements, the concept is very interesting as the angels in this book are both the source of impending doom and saviour. All the characters in this book seemed to have their own agenda and apparently everyone is evil in one way or another.

Dislikes

A novice who sleeps with a student? Goodness me. Yes the sexual moments are rather unsavoury and improper for younger readers. So please read this with caution. They are not explained in detail and you only get a glimpse of it but it's there.

I have rather mixed feelings about this one. I rather enjoyed it but it's very dark and depressing. But it's rather nice to read something so different once in a while.

Recommended for: fans of gothic horror

Verdict: 4 stars.

In my TBR Pile & Dusty Bookshelf  Reading Challenge
Available on: Amazon

Review: Clockwork Prince

Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2)
by Cassandra Clare
Paperback
Collector's Edition
496 pages
Published December 6th 2011 by Walker Books

Summary:
The situation at the London Institute has never been more precarious. With Mortmain and his clockwork army still threatening, the Council wants to strip Charlotte of her power and hand the running of the Enclave over to the unscrupulous and power-hungry Benedict Lightwood.

In the hope of saving Charlotte and the Institute, Will, Jem, and Tessa set out to unravel the secrets of Mortmain’s past—and discover unsettling Shadowhunter connections that hold the key not only to the enemy’s motivations, but also to the secret of Tessa’s identity. Tessa, already caught between the affections of Will and Jem, finds herself with another choice to make when she learns how the Shadowhunters helped make her a “monster.” Will she turn from them to her brother, Nate, who has been begging her to join him at Mortmain’s side? Where will her loyalties—and love—lie? Tessa alone can choose to save the Shadowhunters of London…or end them forever.

Thoughts:

The genius that is Cassie Clare certainly knows how to weave a tale so spell bindingly great that leave the readers wanting more. I was not a big fan of Clockwork Angel so I was reading this with some hesitation but really any doubts I have are really unfounded. This is amazing! I think The Infernal Devices is way better than the Mortal Instruments series. And it is all because of Jem. Sweet Jem. I've never fell in love with a fictional character this deep.

Cassie just has this way of making readers feel for her characters. And the interwoven layers of story just kept me glued to every word in the book. So many things are going on that you just can't miss any of it. This time, we get to know each and every character a little bit more especially Will and Jem. Bless you! Damn..I can't seemed to stop talking about Jem. (Takes deep breath..)

Dislikes
I think that because Cassie focussed so much on perfecting her male characters that the female characters left a lot to be desired. Tessa is so uncertain in her feelings at times going back and forth from Will to Jem that I simply found it annoying. Charlotte is supposed to be the leader but she depended so much on her younger subordinates which is quite risky to say the least. I think I only profoundly like Sophie in this one.

Likes
Hmm..need I comment more on these? Other than the above mentioned character that I simply love, the fantastical mystery surrounding the Shadowhunters are very intriguing. I mean..really where did she get all these ideas? Demon pox? That made me cracked up. The ending is quite satisfying because quite a few things got resolved except for the little love triangle of course.

Recommended for: everyone

Verdict: 5 stars.

Available on: Amazon

Review: Anathema

Anathema (Cloud Prophet Trilogy #1)
by Megg Jensen
ebook
204 pages
Published February 5th 2011
by DarkSide Publishing

Summary:

Forget prophecy. Make your own destiny.
Sheltered from the outside world with no hope for escape, slave girl Reychel dreads her fifteenth birthday - when her master’s symbol is burned on the back of her bald scalp. Her best friend disappears the night before, leaving her to face the branding ceremony alone. She soon discovers nothing is as it seems when people desperate for freedom beg for Reychel's help.
Can Reychel learn to believe in herself?

Thoughts:
The fantasy world created by Megg Jensen is intriguing and compelling to say the least and it drew me in very quickly. I love the mystery surrounding Reychel and how she tried to make sense out of it but some parts of the story just made me confused. This would make a very good stand alone book as I think there's not much that need to be resolve after finding out Reychel's true destiny.

Dislikes
Ah dear me. Another instant love in the form of Mark. I really had no idea where's the love connection between those two. The chemistry is seriously lacking. How come Mark is not attracted to Reychel's best friend Ivy? What does Mark sees in Reychel? I just don't get how they can be attracted to one another in such a short time.

Likes
I love everything about Anathema except the romance bit since I'm a big fan of epic fantasy. The way Megg Jensen weave her tale is quite enthralling and sometimes I can't believe that I'm reading an Indie book.
I just wished that the main character; Reychel have a lot more kick-ass action but I guess she will grow into her powers in the next book. Ooops is that a spoiler? Please ignore it then. :)

I seriously wanted to give this 4 or 5 stars but there are serious plot issues that really bugged me. So many hints have been mentioned throughout the story that when it came to the big revelation, I'm just not that surprised. I don't know..maybe I was expecting more.

Recommended for: fans of epic fantasy

Verdict: 3 stars.

In my TBR Pile, The Dusty Bookshelf and Self-Published Reading Challenge
Available on: Amazon and it's free on Smashwords

Wishlist Wednesday #11

Wishlist Wednesday is a wonderful meme created by the ever sweet Dani from Pen to Paper where we will post about one book per week that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added (it's entirely up to you), that we can't wait to get off the wishlist and onto our wonderful shelves.

Blood Will Tell (Warriors of Ankh #1)
by Samantha Young

e-book

182 pages
Published June 29th 2011

Eden is a Soul Eater. While that hasn’t meant much to her in the past, she’s pretty sure any minute now she’s going to go all "Carrie" on her eleventh grade class.

Noah is an Ankh. As an immortal Warrior, his purpose in life is to hunt down and kill Soul Eaters.

Eden is Noah’s next assignment. Problem is… this is an assignment with a difference. Eden’s not your average, run of the mill, Soul Eater. Noah’s job? To test Eden for possible redemption.

It’s a risky business.

Especially if Noah awakens Eden’s inner monster.
It would be kind of hard for Eden to listen to the angel on her shoulder when the devil on the other is telling her, her new best friend is a lying, scheming, immortal enemy...

....betrayal is such a bitch.

So is Eden when you get on her bad side.

Babble:
I'm on an Indie frenzy this couple of weeks after discovering some great Indie reads. I can't believe there's so many of them out there. Not only are they very cheap but some of the books are really awesome.

Other books in the series:

Available on: Amazon

Winner: Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop

Congrats to the winner of Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop

Lisa H

She picked Darker Still from Leanna Renee Hieber from The Book Depository.

Review: Cinder

Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1)
by Marissa Meyer

Paperback

384 pages
Published January 5th 2012

by Puffin 

Summary:

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future. 

Thoughts:

This book truly deserves all the hype that it's getting. And I would definitely include this as of the great reads of 2012. Although the story is predictable given that it is based on the famous fairy tale; Cinderella, the setting and the author's take on the characters made it much more interesting than just a tale of a normal girl falling in love with a prince.

Cinder is a cyborg and has no memories whatsoever on the events prior to her becoming one. And she's also a damn good mechanic. So in one surprisingly very eventful day, her life changed forever when Prince Kai came to her booth and request her to fix his beloved android. 

Prince Kai is very one dimensional in some way. He's kind, handsome and well he's a prince. He's the perfect Prince Charming. Unfortunately, with the death of his father, the Commonwealth is under severe threat from the Lunar Queen Levana who is forcing him to marry her.

Yes a 30 year old queen is forcing a much younger (18) prince to marry her. Cougar alert! And the political conflict that Prince Kai is embroiled in is essentially the core of the story because Cinder is very much part of it. Ah..since I'm trying hard not to include spoilers..you have to read it yourself to find out.

Dislikes

I love everything about this book except for the Lunars of course. As villains go they're pretty scary especially Queen Levana. She's like the Wicked Witch of the West or something with her unnatural beauty and her powers of persuasion. She makes Cinder stepmother; Adri look like an angel. Really scary.

Likes

Cinder! I love it when a character is humble and independent. She resisted Prince Kai so many times and she's quite resourceful on her own. She only came to the ball to rescue him eventhough she knew that her life is at stake. I am so rooting for her all the way! And Iko the android is pretty funny too.

Oh my God! Yes the ending is just so...I'm speechless. I can't believe that we have to wait a whole year for the next book. 

Recommended for: everyone

Verdict: 5 stars.

In my Debut Author Reading Challenge
Available on: Amazon

Review: Shattered Souls

Shattered Souls
by Mary Lindsey
Hardcover
336 pages
Published December 8th 2011
by Philomel/Penguin

Summary:

Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.

Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

Thoughts:

I have a soft spot for ghost stories. Well, not really. After reading Anna Dressed in Blood and Hereafter last year, I have come to a conclusion. Ghost stories can be very cool and I would be totally blown away by it or it can just be that so-so read.

Shattered Souls is kind of like Hereafter for me. The beginning is painfully slow as we delved into Lenzi's tortured existence. For once, the characters are very flawed. Lenzi thinks she has schizophrenia like her deceased father and her boyfriend; Zak is going through tough times himself after he was thrown out by his mum. 

Things got interesting when Alden arrived. He's everything Zak is not. Thoughtful, caring and understanding, Alden took Lenzi under his wings. 

Dislikes

I guess I'm not a very patient reader. I don't really like to wait until halfway through the book to find out what really is going on here. Yes, after Lenzi finally embraced her true destiny and starts helping ghosts is when things picked up. But before that. Not so much. Her relationship with Zak is so not healthy. Zak is dangerous when he's drunk and Lenzi is afraid that she'll be lonely if she broke up with him. This feels so creepy.

Likes

Thank god for Alden! He's so nice and kind and patient and smart (swoon). Lenzi a.k.a Rose finally becoming the gifted Speaker is all his doing. I mean..you really have to be so patient to put up with a confused girl. Or a girl who thinks she's schizophrenia. Poor girl. She's been through a lot.

So much happened in the last few chapters and the ending is very touching. Gosh, I nearly cried. So I guess it is worth it after all to read this although I had a hard time trying to get into the story at first.

Recommended for: fans of Hereafter

Verdict: 3 stars.

In my TBR Pile & Dusty Bookshelf  Reading Challenge
Available on: Amazon

Wishlist Wednesday #10

Wishlist Wednesday is a wonderful meme created by the ever sweet Dani from Pen to Paper where we will post about one book per week that has been on our wishlist for some time, or just added (it's entirely up to you), that we can't wait to get off the wishlist and onto our wonderful shelves.

Indulge (Warm Delicacy #2)
by Megan Duncan
ebook,

367 pages
Published December 14th 2011

Summary from Goodreads:

Claire's heart is torn between her first vampire love, Dmitry, and the Blood Mate, Arrick, that she is eternally bonded to with a powerfully deep and emotional connection. A vengeful vampire is haunting her steps, after Claire killed their mate. An ancient evil threatens to rip her world apart. With the danger of war looming on the darkening horizon, will Claire find the strength to fight back and protect those she loves? Even if it means embracing the darkness inside her? Is it worth it to become the evil she fears, in order to destroy it?

Babble:

I can't believe I'm missing all these great vampire action! I just read Savor and absolutely love it and was curious about Claire's history. So this is probably next for me. Excuse me while I dash off to check it out and it's only $2.99!

Available on: Amazon & Smashwords

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Review: Savor

Savor (Warm Delicacy #1)
by Megan Duncan
Paperback

366 pages
Published September 23rd 2011

by CreateSpace 

Summary:

When Claire Miller turned eighteen all she wanted to do was celebrate her birthday, but after a night on the town with her best friend she awakes to a visitor she never expected. The rulers of her region, a vampire royal family, have chosen her to be turned as their new heir and vampire princess. In a world fueled by the power of blood, Claire quickly discovers the vampire royal family is not what they seem and that she has secrets in her past, she never knew existed.

Thoughts:

This is one of those rare vampire books that I've fallen in love with. I was actually not expecting much but the story sucked me in. At first Claire seemed like a naive teen who is completely baffled and starstruck after being chosen as the heir to the ruling vampire royals but gradually she grew up and decided instead that she needs to prove herself as deserving of that honour and title. 

It is certainly an interesting concept for a dystopian/utopian world where vampires are the rulers and humans are required to undergone a blood test when they turned 18 and are required to donate blood once in a while to feed their rulers. And when Claire arrived at the palace, it was a bit Cinderella-like for her. 

Dislikes

However, I was a bit perplexed regarding the concept of the pure blood thing. Claire was chosen because she was pure blood but what exactly does that mean was not explained clearly. I mean..she doesn't have any disease or what?

Likes

But the Blood Mate thing is just..yummy!( I could really live with a bodyguard or two.) The idea of hybrid male protecting a female vampire is very interesting. Claire's chemistry with Arrick; her Blood Mate is electrifying. Unfortunately, her chemistry with Dmitry her supposedly first vampire love just fell flat. So the love triangle ensues.

But the ending just leave me breathless! It is literally explosive to say the least and leave me wanting more. I'm so going to read the next in the series. By the way, have I told you it's only 99 cents on Kindle and Smashwords? Go and get it guys!

Recommended for: vampire fans
Verdict: 4 and 1/2 stars

In my TBR Pile, Dusty Bookshelf & Self Published Reading Challenge
Available on: Amazon & Smashwords

Book Bully Week

Hi, everyone! Don't forget to head on over to Ruby's Reads to check out the Book Bully Week. A few bloggers (including me) will be doing guest posts every day and giveaway just to bully..I mean persuade you guys to read a series that we love!
I will be talking about the Abhorsen Chronicles (my.. how I love that series) and will be giving away the first book in the series; Sabriel.

Sabriel (Abhorsen Chronicles #1)

by Garth Nix

Mass Market Paperback,

491 pages
Published September 30th 1996

by HarperTrophy

Summary from Goodreads:

Since childhood, Sabriel has lived outside the walls of the Old Kingdom, away from the power of Free Magic, and away from the Dead who refuse to stay dead. But now her father, the Mage Abhorson, is missing, and Sabriel must cross into that world to find him. With Mogget, whose feline form hides a powerful, perhaps malevolent spirit, and Touchstone, a young Charter Mage, Sabriel travels deep into the Old Kingdom. There she confronts an evil that threatens much more than her life'and comes face to face with her own hidden destiny. . .

Thoughts:

I read this book years ago and still re-read it from time to time. My sister (Nadia) loves it too! She's the one who recommended me this book. It's a bit dark and I guess not your usual run of the mill YA fantasy because the romance elements are so very few. But Sabriel is just so damn cool! I can just picture Keira Knightley playing her if this was ever made into a movie. And yes we just love kick-ass chicks, don't we? And the budding romance between Sabriel and Touchstone is indeed very nice. But, Mogget; the talking cat takes the cake. His witty and sarcastic and I just love him!

Recommended for: fans of Graceling

Verdict: 5 stars

Other books in the series:

Available on: Amazon

Winners: Raven Giveaway & YA Fairies & Fantasy Giveaway Hop

Congrats to the following winners!

Raven Giveaway

Oriana

DeAnna Schultz

Elizabeth Kotkiewicz Hyatt

YA Fairies & Fantasy Giveaway Hop 

Sabrina

In My Mailbox #2

Yes, I hardly ever do an IMM because almost all the books that I read was bought by myself. Wish my mailbox look as nice as this.

But no it actually looks like this. And that is my neighbour's cat. He just loves napping in my mailbox.

So I'll probably be doing IMM only once a month. Dear me. This is my IMM for December/ mid January.

For review:

From my elusive and nice Secret Santa: Thanks Kelsey!

From the ever wonderful Inara Scott:

Won from the amazing Christine Fonseca & Butterfly O Meter Books

RAK from Dani @ Refracted Light Reviews

Thanks you guys. Every time I won something I'm forever grateful and nearly had tears in my eyes. 

Review: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (Fairyland #1)
by Catherynne M. Valente
Hardcover
247 pages
Published May 10th 2011

by Feiwel & Friends

Summary:

Twelve-year-old September lives in Omaha, and used to have an ordinary life, until her father went to war and her mother went to work. One day, September is met at her kitchen window by a Green Wind (taking the form of a gentleman in a green jacket), who invites her on an adventure, implying that her help is needed in Fairyland. The new Marquess is unpredictable and fickle, and also not much older than September. Only September can retrieve a talisman the Marquess wants from the enchanted woods, and if she doesn’t . . . then the Marquess will make life impossible for the inhabitants of Fairyland. September is already making new friends, including a book-loving Wyvern and a mysterious boy named Saturday. With exquisite illustrations by acclaimed artist Ana Juan, Fairyland lives up to the sensation it created when the author first posted it online. For readers of all ages who love the charm of Alice in Wonderland and the soul of The Golden Compass, here is a reading experience unto itself: unforgettable, and so very beautiful.

Thoughts:

Here is a tale so exquisite that I can't help but gushed about it to everyone. It's such a wonderful little tale that made me feel like a little girl all over again. What can I say? I love..love.. love this book!

The characters, the wonderful setting of Fairyland and the witty style of writing of Catherynne M. Valente will certainly captivate any kid or young at heart like me. And the use of unusually big words astound me to no end that sometimes I need a dictionary on hand. Gosh, all I can say is that Miss M. Valente must have such an imagination to write something so delightful as this.

September reminds me of Alice in Wonderland and Dorothy all wrapped up but with a little rebellious streak and a sometimes thoughtful maturity beyond her years. Maybe being a somewhat neglected child made her so independent. The Wyvern; A through L is simply a whimsical know it all type of dragon who thinks he's the descendant of a librarian. And Saturday the little blue Marid is so honest and naive that sometimes I feel like slapping him altogether.

But the ending is kind of bittersweet and I feel so sad for the Marquess (even if she's supposed to be the villain and all). All I can say is, I just hope there'll be more of September and her friends. Love them so much!

Recommended for: fans of Alice, Wizard of Oz or Lemony Snicket series

Verdict: 5 stars

Available on: Amazon 

Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop

Welcome to my stop of the Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop hosted by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Martha's Bookshelf.


Rules:
1. One winner will get a $10 worth of book from The Book Depository or $10 Amazon gift card.
2. As usual it's open to International followers as long as The Book Depository ships to you.
3. Fill in the rafflecopter and that's it.

Review: Matched

Matched (Matched #1)
by Ally Condie
Paperback
366 pages
Published December 2nd 2010
by Puffin

Summary:

On her seventeenth birthday, Cassia meets her match. The Society dictates that he is her perfect partner for life, except he's not.

In Cassia's society, Officials decide who people love.
How many children they have.
Where they work.
When they die.

But, as Cassia finds herself falling in love with another boy,
she is determined to make some choices of her own.

And that's when her whole world
begins to unravel...

Thoughts:

Yup. I'm pretty late joining the Matched bandwagon. I just read it this year and I haven't even read Crossed yet. I am so behind! Well, in my defense I was a bit reluctant to pick this up after reading the blurb in Goodreads. Purely romance YA books tend to bore me to death but this is good!

I enjoyed it loads more than a certain YA dystopian that shall rename nameless but if you have been following my reviews then you'll probably know.

Likes

The world created by Ally is so vivid and I love how she describes everything in detail so that you can actually feel like you're there. And the love triangle does not leave me nauseous for once so that is pretty good too.

Dislikes

Some of the elements of the book is a bit confusing. Like the sorting thing or what actually happened to Ky's parents. But I guess the mystery is there to draw you further into the story.

Recommended for: YA dystopian fans

Verdict: 4 stars

In my TBR Pile & Dusty Bookshelf Challenge 2012

Wishlist Wednesday #9

Wishlist Wednesday is a wonderful meme created by the ever sweet Pen to Paper.
Born Wicked (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #1)
by Jessica Spotswood
326 pages
Expected publication: February 7th 2012
G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

Summary from Goodreads:

Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave.


Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra.


If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other.

Babble:
I just love witches and that cover is simply to die for. It's so pretty and classy at the same time.

YA Author's Appreciation Event

Hi, folks! Today my guest post in YA Author's Appreciation Event is up over on A Soul Unsung. Thanks a lot to Susan for inviting me to join in. And I'm doing a feature about Kiersten White the writer of my favourite series; Paranormalcy.

Don't forget to check it out, y'all!

The Dusty Bookshelf Challenge

What?Another reading challenge? Dear me. Booksatruestory has this reading challenge that is perfect for me.

Details:
1. Write a blog post with a list of all those books that are literally or figuratively sitting on your shelf that you’ve been meaning to read for a while. OR You can join my NEW Goodreads group for this challenge! You can pick books that you bought and haven’t read or books that you’ve just been waiting to read for a long time. Feel free to use the badge I made at the top of this post.

2. Pick a level

~Pixie Dust – Read 0-5 books

~Dust Bunny – Read 5-10 books

~Cobwebs – Read 10-15 books

~Grungy – Read 20+ books

EXTRA CREDIT-Say how long that book has been sitting on your shelf!

3. Link your blog post where you are doing the challenge at the bottom of this post (with the blue button) and then enter the giveaway!

I'm aiming for Pixie Dust!

There's a few books on my shelf.

1. Matched by Ally Condie - since November
2. A Discovery of Witches
3. Possess
4. Haunting Violet
5. Born At Midnight - all since October

Review: The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party

The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party
(No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #12)
by Alexander McCall Smith
Hardcover
256 pages
Published March 3rd 2011
by Little, Brown

Summary:

Whether you think of them as low stress mysteries or African cozies, Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency novels are irresistible. The twelfth installment of this beloved series breathes with the personalities of its main characters: Precious Ramotswe, Grace Makutsi, Phuti Radiphuti, Violet Sephotho, and all the rest. As always, the network of plots are woven into those personalities and as always, Mma Ramotswe confronts and solves personal problems that would embarrass hard-boiled American detectives, but will only charm any honest reader. Restful, arresting nighttime reading.

Thoughts:

I totally forgot all about this book when I was doing my Best of 2011 reads. I simply love Mma Ramotswe adventures. And as usual they are a lot of funny, stimulating and thoughtful conversations in Alexander McCall Smith's works. Maybe it is the African setting or the way McCall Smith has of making all his characters to be alarmingly charming and endearing to the readers. Well, except for that vile man-hungry Violet Sepotho of course. Ouch!

And besides Mma Ramotswe, I find Grace to be supremely likeable. Yes, she is overbearing sometimes. What with her 97 % in her Secretarial finals exam and the way how she has an opinion about almost everything but I can't help but love her. She's like Hermione in some ways. You know how the world treats confident smart woman who is not really high up on the looks department. Yes, she's that woman. And at long last she's getting married. To her not so handsome but filthy rich fiancé. Horay!

The characters are very near and dear to my heart and after following the series for some time, I can clearly said they're sort of my friends in some ways. Yes, the mysteries are there for the women detectives to solve but it's their story that will stuck with you.

The good thing about McCall Smith's series is that you can read any book in the series even if you did not read the first one. It is as much a stand alone novel as a series altogether. And yes, I have all the books in The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.

Oh by the way, I do read other genres other than YA fantasy so don't be surprised to read this review. Cozy mysteries are my thing too. And no, contrary to what most people think cozies are not only read by middle-aged ladies. I've been reading them since I was a teen until now.

Verdict: 5 stars of course!

YA Fairies & Fantasy Giveaway Hop

Welcome to my stop of the YA Fairies & Fantasy Giveaway Hop hosted by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and vvb32reads.


Rules:
1. One winner will get a book of their choice from the books listed below.
2. As usual it's open to International followers as long as The Book Depository ships to you.
3. But if the winner is from US then I'll probably order the book from Amazon.
4. Fill in the rafflecopter and that's it.

Wishlist Wednesday # 8

Wishlist Wednesday is a wonderful meme created by the ever sweet Pen to Paper. 

Larkstorm (Larkstorm #1)
by Dawn Rae Miller
ebook
Expected publication: December 6th 2011 (first published December 5th 2011)

Summary:
In the years following the destructive Long Winter, when half the world’s population perished, the State remains locked in battle against the Sensitives: humans born with extra abilities.

As one of the last descendants of the State’s Founders, seventeen-year-old Lark Greene knows her place: study hard and be a model citizen so she can follow in her family’s footsteps. Her life’s been set since birth, and she’s looking forward to graduating and settling down with Beck, the boy she’s loved longer than she can remember.

However, after Beck is accused of being Sensitive and organizing an attack against Lark, he disappears. Heartbroken and convinced the State made a mistake, Lark sets out to find him and clear his name.

But what she discovers is more dangerous and frightening than Sensitives: She must kill the boy she loves, unless he kills her first.

Babble:

This one looks like a promising dystopian. I always love a strong female character and Lark seems like a fighter. Been looking out for this for quite some time.

Top 10 Kick Ass-Chicks

Thanks to Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic, Lisa from A Life Bound By Books , Jaime & Patricia from Two Chicks on Books & Rachel from Fiktshun for hosting this wonderful event.
Well, it supposed to be Top 10 Characters but hey I'm all for girl power. So my Top 10 Kick Ass Chicks this year (in no particular order).


1. Isabel from Mistwood


She's a Shifter. A creature that  has superhuman strength and speed who is sworn to protect the King and his heirs. And eventhough she suffers from amnesia she can really kick some ass. 



2. Maya from The Gathering


Another shape shifter. And she has this thing with cougars and mountain lions. Wow!



3. Calla from Nightshade 


Eventhough I didn't really enjoy the book, I think Calla is awesome. She's supposed to be her pack alpha werewolf. Too bad she had to fell in love and had to sacrificed everything.

4. Six from The Power of Six


After reading and watching I Am Number Four, I just can't wait to read the rest of the series. Yes, Six is the main reason for that.

5. Saba from Blood Red Road 


Saba could certainly give Katniss a run for her money. She even shaved her head! She was called the 'Angel of Death' because she's a fearsome female gladiator who always win.


6. Tris from Divergent


You have to be pretty kick-ass to be able join the Dauntless.


7. Karou from Daughter of Smoke & Bone 


She's fluent in multiple languages and very good in martial arts. Well it helps that she was raised by chimareas. 


8. Riley from Forsaken


It's hard enough to live in a world full of demons and to be a female Demon Trapper. And what's worse? Her dad died and now she has to find enough money to support herself and watch over her dad's grave. Oh dear!


9. Billi from Dark Goddess 


Billi or Bilqis SanGreal is a lot like Riley. But instead of killing demons, she killed vampires, ghosts, werewolf and anything in between. And she's also the only female Knights Templar in London.




10. Katniss from The Hunger Games


She's the reluctant heroine fighting for her survival. Always protecting her loved ones but a bit clueless on the love front.