Review: Origin

Origin
by Jessica Khoury
Published September 4th 2012

by Razorbill

Summary from Goodreads:

Pia has grown up in a secret laboratory hidden deep in the Amazon rain forest. She was raised by a team of scientists who have created her to be the start of a new immortal race. But on the night of her seventeenth birthday, Pia discovers a hole in the electric fence that surrounds her sterile home--and sneaks outside the compound for the first time in her life.

Free in the jungle, Pia meets Eio, a boy from a nearby village. Together, they embark on a race against time to discover the truth about Pia's origin--a truth with deadly consequences that will change their lives forever.

Thoughts:
I had my doubts about this book since it sounded so much like the romantic elements will take a centre stage in the story. But the book really exceeds my expectation and I found myself thoroughly enjoying it.

It is indeed a compelling look into the extent of what humans would do in the name of science. The story and the mystery behind Pia's existence is engrossing and made me so curious that I read the book all in one night. The lush and beautiful Amazon rainforest certainly make a wonderful backdrop to the whole story and it is evident that the author have conducted her research when constructing the setting and the scientific elements of the book.

Pia is a product of a science experiment conducted deep inside the Amazon rainforest in a closed community known as Little Cam. When a new scientist arrived at Little Cam and aroused Pia's curiosity about the outside world, things took a rather surprising turn. Pia's encounter with the half-native boy; Eio opened her eyes to new possibilities and their romance is sweet but somewhat predictable.

The ending totally blew my mind since the truth behind Little Cam's science experiment literally shatters Pia's entire life. It's tragic and sad to find out that the people who has been raising her have sinister motives of their own and would stop at nothing to reach their goal.

Verdict: 5 stars.
In my Debut Author Reading Challenge 
Available on: Amazon

Follow Friday #8

Hi, everyone! It's time for another FF Friday. I haven't done this for the longest time.

Q: What book(s) are you reading right now? What do you think of it?

I'm reading Starling by Lesley Livingston. The action starts right at the beginning and it's never been a dull moment. I'm really enjoying it.

Review: The Dark Unwinding

The Dark Unwinding
by Sharon Cameron
Published September 1st 2012

by Scholastic Press

ARC from Netgalley

Summary from Goodreads:

A spine-tingling tale of steampunk and spies, intrigue and heart-racing romance! 

When Katharine Tulman's inheritance is called into question by the rumor that her eccentric uncle is squandering away the family fortune, she is sent to his estate to have him committed to an asylum. But instead of a lunatic, Katharine discovers a genius inventor with his own set of rules, who employs a village of nine hundred people rescued from the workhouses of London.

Katharine is now torn between protecting her own inheritance and preserving the peculiar community she grows to care for deeply. And her choices are made even more complicated by a handsome apprentice, a secretive student, and fears for her own sanity.

As the mysteries of the estate begin to unravel, it is clear that not only is her uncle's world at stake, but also the state of England as Katharine knows it. With twists and turns at every corner, this heart-racing adventure will captivate readers with its intrigue, thrills, and romance.

Thoughts:
It took me a really really long time to finish this book and I had a hard time trying to digest what's really going on in the story. The slow pace and the myriad of uninspiring characters just seemed to turn me off the book in the beginning. I keep waiting for the pace to pick up or for something to happen that will shake everything up but even the twist is just not that exciting to me.

It drives me crazy with all the secrets surrounding Katharine's uncle and the servants need to keep Katharine in the dark with all that is happening in the estate. It doesn't take a lot of snooping to find out what's really going on.

All in all, this book is just not for me. I crave for danger and excitement which came a bit late in the story but for readers who doesn't mind the slow pace in the beginning, the story might just appeal to them.

Verdict: 2 stars.
In my Steampunk Reading Challenge 
Available on: Amazon

Review: The Pigeon Pie Mystery - A Novel

The Pigeon Pie Mystery: A Novel
by Julia Stuart
Published August 7th 2012
by Doubleday

Summary from Goodreads:

When Indian Princess Alexandrina is left penniless by the sudden death of her father, the Maharaja of Brindor, Queen Victoria grants her a grace-and-favor home in Hampton Court Palace. Though rumored to be haunted, Alexandrina and her lady's maid, Pooki, have no choice but to take the Queen up on her offer.

Aside from the ghost sightings, Hampton Court doesn't seem so bad. The princess is soon befriended by three eccentric widows who invite her to a picnic with all the palace's inhabitants, for which Pooki bakes a pigeon pie. But when General-Major Bagshot dies after eating said pie, and the coroner finds traces of arsenic in his body, Pooki becomes the #1 suspect in a murder investigation. 

Princess Alexandrina isn't about to let her faithful servant hang. She begins an investigation of her own, and discovers that Hampton Court isn't such a safe place to live after all.
With her trademark wit and charm, Julia Stuart introduces us to an outstanding cast of lovable oddballs, from the palace maze-keeper to the unconventional Lady Beatrice (who likes to dress up as a toucan—don't ask), as she guides us through the many delightful twists and turns in this fun and quirky murder mystery. Everyone is hiding a secret of the heart, and even Alexandrina may not realize when she's caught in a maze of love.

Thoughts:
I've been reading a lot of mediocre YA books lately which made my head spin. So I decided to take a break and read a nice enjoyable murder mystery instead. I've always love cozy mystery and British literature since they never failed to disappoint me.

And yes just as I've predicted this book made me feel all warm inside. This book is indeed utterly charming, full of wit and ridiculously funny. I just can't stop smiling while reading it. I just fell in love with the wonderful and quirky residents of the Hampton Court. Their unbelievable antics and nosy nature may not be everyone's cup of tea but I love them nonetheless.

Princess Alexandria aka Mink is thrown into a loop when she is forced to sell her house after her father died in a highly controversial manner. She was then offered to live under a warrant in the Hampton Court whose residents comprised mainly of military widowers and down on the luck nobles. When the annoying General-Major Bagshot died after consuming a pigeon pie made by Pooki, Mink decided to do some sleuthing to clear her maid's name.

Apparently every residents of Hampton Court have their own secrets to hide and during her investigation, Mink unwittingly found an unwelcome love interest. The interaction between Mink and Pooki her maid is quite amusing and I just love the portrayal of a princess trying to make the best of her unfortunate circumstances. I highly recommend this book to lovers of cozy mysteries.

Recommended for: fans of mystery and British literature
Verdict: 5 stars.
Available on: Amazon