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Showing posts with label 4 Star Rating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 4 Star Rating. Show all posts

July 22, 2011

Review | Daemon Hall by Andrew Nance

Title: Daemon Hall
Author: Andrew Nance
Publisher: Square Fish
Date Released: July, 20, 2010
Pages: 259
Chapters: -No Chapters Indicated-
Original Language: English
Source: *Bought

Summary via Goodreads

Is winning a writing contest worth risking your life?

Nothing exciting ever happens in the town of Maplewood—that is, until famous thriller writer Ian Tremblin holds a short-story writing contest with a prize that seems to be the opportunity of a lifetime: five finalists will get to spend the evening with Tremblin himself in the haunted mansion Daemon Hall, and the winner of the best short story will see publication.

     Wade Reilly and the other finalists could never have imagined what they find lurking in the shadows of this demonic mansion. During a suspenseful night of tale-telling, strange incidents mix the realms of the real and the supernatural. What is Tremblin really up to, and can he be trusted? What about Daemon Hall—is it alive? And, more to the point, will any of the contestants make it out of this hall of horrors to tell their story?

     In the tradition of Stephen King, this chilling novel will have teen readers on edge in anticipation of what’s to come with the next extinguished candle.
* * * * * * * * * *

I got this book from where I was working. My friend suggest that I should try this... Of course, I didn't hesitate because I love a scary and thrilling horror novel. So instead of just borrowing it, I just went into the cashier and paid for it. Well... and so it began. I have read this one a couple of days ago, the memory is still fresh. Let;s start shall we?

The Plot. It was really great. The fact that this book is obviously a YA Thriller/Horror or something... The scare-vibe actually stands in its name.

The storyline is very unique in my own perspective. It is like a telling stories on a story. Confusing? Not really... You will get my point once you've read this one. The story is about a five oh-so-lucky aspiring writers, who were the finalist on a very famous horror writer named Ian Tremblin. Obviously, those five finalists with their own original story/novel [Wade, Kara, Chelsea, Chris and Demarius] are main characers. However, the narrative plot is came out from Wade Reilly. So... The person who wins gets their entry novel to be published. Just by staying on the night of the grounds of Daemon Hall. Then... of course the whole story began!

To be honest, I am very impressed on how the book is written. The stories of the five MC is very amazing and four additional story -- plus Wade Reilly's POV narration. Each story telling gives you a unique taste of horror, chills and fright. Not to mention the free creepy illustrations included on the book. Anyway, the flow of the story is quite balanced. The understanding level is good and the pacing goes in a neutral state. What I mean is there is no ups and downs. There are no parts that is dull and some parts where climactic which giving me.. I may say.. An exact chill ride. A big thumbs up for Andrew Nance! :D

The Characters. There are no similar character characteristics, right? Each characters has their own stories to tell. Aside from their story entries for the contest. Though I don't seem very attached to them, however, it's the way I feel from it. It's because this is a thriller book. I don't really know how it ends. Good or bad.. or probably very bad, right?

Flaw. There is? Well... there is. As I compliment the stories and the whole story itself. Honestly, each story told is great individually... But as the story is moved after the other or switched on Wade's POV is a difficult to swallow. Of course, you have to embrace the sole purpose of the story as well as the characters story entries.

Aside from that... The epilogue is quite off. Hate to say it but I kinda don't like it. The event's from the contest is resolved but it's not satisfying. There are too less information and clarity. I have a hard time accepting how the end.. ends!

Other Thoughts. As I mentioned about the illustrations included here. Those are actually my heart-stopper. The picture is creepy, honest-like. After a story was told, a picture ends on it. And when I flipped the page and I already know that freakish-illustration is next to the page... I can't help it. It sends the chill out of me. LOL! Which means... The book is great! It sends an impact to the reader. Awesome! :D

If you want some chill-ride.. then this is perfect for you. And may I suggest of reading this one. I'd prefer reading it at night and alone which gives it more a kick into your spine! I recommend this! A salute for Andrew Nance's Daemon Hall! :D

OVERALL RATING

Challenges:

May 27, 2011

ARC Review | Zitface by Emily Howse

I missed so many things lately and I haven't reviewed a lot this month! I am kind of disappointed to myself. If your curious what I have been busy to, you can ask me and I'll post something about it. But anyway, the thing I missed most is posting my reviews and being with my loved followers! Gawd! I I really missed you guys! Well, I am here so let's turn the fire up again! :D

Zitface by Emily Howse
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Children's Books
Date Published: April 28, 2011
Pages: 224 [on Hardcover]
Chapters: 20
Original Language: English
Source: Publisher*
Summary
A teenage actress finds her life turned upside down when she develops severe acne. A strong debut novel that is both funny and moving. Subject has not been addressed in this fashion before.


* * * * * * * * * *

It is a YA fictional contemporary novel (or MG?), I don't know if this is my 3rd or 4th book in this genre. Anyway, I am very honored to provide a review on this one. Shall we?
The Plot. The whole storyline is completely fictional but it targeted a realistic scene. Having acne is very annoying. And highlighting it in a book is pretty new for me. The truth is, I am pleased that this book is focused on a very issue of a typical ordinary teenager. Issues that actually occurred normally on a teenager's life.

Aside from that, it blended with other teenage problems like in family, friends, relationship with the opposite sex and life career. It's a very good thing that it does not only focused on the highlight of the story. That it makes the book more expanded, fun to read and actually -- not boring.


The writing is simple and very understandable. I haven't got any issues on how I should understand it. So it was easy for me to grasp it. Then it was perfectly good book! :]

The Characters. All of the characters are very entertaining. Olivia, our protagonist, is very adorable, I really liked her so much. Her popularity is not just like the other contemporary novels I read. She is not mean or a bully. She is downright kind, friendly and remained being true to herself which is totally to be admired. Her experience of having her first zit/acne is funny but sometimes over reacting. Of course I wouldn't blame that her life being a commercial model is at stake.

Anyway, her relationship between J.W. and Theo really surprises me. It was... kinda unexpected. In a good way of course and it was pretty awesome. Other than that, the other who contributes to the story is a good touch up. I really enjoyed it! :]


Flaw? Nope, I don't have any. It's simple yet very entertaining. :]


I do recommend this for girls at young age most likely. To know how to survive puberty. It also sends us a great deal of moral lessons that it will truly help you to survive growing up. Dealing problems, learning from mistakes and giving forgiveness and a lot more. You may be able to understand on how to survive on this stage of your life. And this book truly fits the description! I admire and salute Emily Howse's Zitface! :D

*I received this ARC from the Publisher, Marshall Cavendish Children's Books 


OVERALL RATING

Challenges:



April 21, 2011

ARC Review | Stay by Deb Caletti

Stay by Deb Caletti
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Date Published: April 5, 2011 [on Hardcover]
Pages:320
Original Language: English
Source: Galley Grab*
Summary

Clara’s relationship with Christian is intense from the start, and like nothing she’s ever experienced before. But what starts as devotion quickly becomes obsession, and it’s almost too late before Clara realizes how far gone Christian is—and what he’s willing to do to make her stay.

Now Clara has left the city—and Christian—behind. No one back home has any idea where she is, but she still struggles to shake off her fear. She knows Christian won’t let her go that easily, and that no matter how far she runs, it may not be far enough....

* * * * * * * * * *

My friend recommends me this book, mentioning that it was a great read. As I can see, there were a lot of people enjoyed this book. So I was very eager to read it. And thankfully, Galley Grab offers me a eARC of this book for a review. Let's begin.


The Plot. It is a YA contemporary book and of course, a psychiatric-thriller. Which is very good to my taste. I really liked how my heart beats on suspense. I haven't read any obsession-related book before, until now. I usually watched a movie about it and it frightens me a lot. Anyway, the storyline is very impressive. Very, very, very detailed and precise. Obviously, Caletti's form of writing is amazing and very professional, a great author indeed.

It is surprising that the story is divided into two. Past and Present. At the first five chapters, I was really confused. I was asking myself, "Why does the first chapter is different on the next one and then on the other. Until I realized, it was written like that. All mentioned on POV though it was set up in two different events of our MC's life. I'll admit, I was stunned. Then at the end, all was blend in perfectly, it doesn't jump or skipped something inappropriate. It was so good, I can't give an exact word from it. Brilliant! :]

I like the part where Clara added some facts below from when she's telling her story. Great additional in fact. Though sometimes, I am not comfortable looking down to that information and went back from where you stopped reading. However, it was new to me, very fresh and original.

The Characters. Clara is a great character but she is my least favorite. I must've felt annoyed when she instantly fell in-love with Christian -- I know the reason, of course -- besides that's the reason why the story came up, so why am I bothered? I don't know, really.

Her father is my favorite. Not much an ordinary character. He lightens up the story, actually. Me and my friend really thought he is pretty good looking. lol!


'Til the end of the story, there is some part of me still wanting Christian for her and the other part don't. Well... I say, Finn is a great partner for Clara as well. And matter of fact, I don't feel so scared on how Christian acts on the book. Weired is it? :]


The Flaws. I hate to admit but I have uncomfortable vibes from this book. I feel bas on typing this part of my review but I have to be honest myself. I don't want to lie, it is even more bad than hiding you true feelings. So before you continue reading, I wanted to say I am sorry. Though all of it is just on my perception, besides everyone has its own opinions. I found 2 flaws:
  • Just as I mentioned earlier. I am very impressed on how it was written, it was in a exact point. However, for me, it is delivered in too much "point". It has been given a reason for you to understand how Clara feels, what she thought about or any other stuff but still, it wasn't enough. Clara, keeps giving more point to what she was saying. I feel sometimes dizzy reading it. I'm not against it, just to be sure, I know how you love this book. For me it is just, too much. I wanted it to be simple yet still on the point and feels. It's okay to add some of it but don't pour too much in the glass.
  • Climax is just good but not great or amazing. The thrill didn't gave me in. It was sort of unclimax-ish. I wanted to feel my heart beating hard in suspense, but I wasn't. It is supposed to be a thriller book and it is not what I expected. Obsession is a frightful word. I admit I don't want that to happen to me. For me, it was plain. Sorry guys! :[
Other Thoughts. I still wanted to read Caletti's writing. I am very much interested on how she writes because she is very talented and amazing. If there is another opportunity coming from her, I would love to accept it! :]

I do recommend this. I know you guys want to. lol! I enjoyed it, I swear. Anyway, if you want too see how guys turned obsessed from his girlfriend and how to handle it, this is the great book for you. :]

*I received this free eGalley via from publisher Simon Pulse via Simon and Schuster Galley Grab in exchange for my honest review. Thanks guys!^^

OVERALL RATING

March 19, 2011

eBook Review | Fallen by Nhan Diep


Fallen by Nhan Diep
Publisher: Nhan Diep
Release Date: February 23, 2011
Pages: 290 [ebook] 
Chapters: 29 [ebook] 
Original Language: English
Source: From the Author*

Summary

Emma rescued him because it was the “right” thing to do. He wasn’t your typical babe in the woods. He wore rustic clothing. His hair was too long. His face was too handsome. There was that tattoo of a flaming cross down the side of his neck too.

Now, as she’s speeding toward a dock with every intention of slamming into it, she found herself no longer wondering who he was, but rather, what he was. She turned around and looked at his absent face smiling nervously back at her, bracing himself as blacked winged Angels chased their runaway boat.

Was he a monster? Or some sort of demon? Why would Angels be after his life? Two months ago, her world still made sense. Now, nothing will ever be the same again. She had unwittingly put herself in the middle of a reigniting celestial war, and little did she know the fate of the world would soon be contingent on them. And she’d never even driven a boat before. 18, was going to be a tough year.
[via Goodreads]

* * * * * * * * * *

An author offers me to review his book. And I accepted it and it is a very great honor for me to do it. I haven't heard any news from this book but not until now. So let's start! :]

The Plot. This really is an interesting story.  Of course, I didn't hesitate to get in vibes on liking this one because it is an angel-related book. This does not focus on only to one person but almost everyone who is important on the story, whom their part contributes to it.

Humor never gets boring to this one, even it only applies to an amount of few. And the action is the very coolest part. Haven't read any angels having a fight on the air, so this is the first time. I was definitely imagining every details of the fight, and I am pretty sure that was a blast!

The love part isn't in much holding. It was in a good way, of course. That means we have to wait for the next book for it to know how will it progress. Not just by the end of the book, they are already a couple or in-love. This book is not one of those books. And I really can't wait hows it turns out!

The Characters. Emma is the female protagonist in the story and easily fell in-love with her. Especially when she her mannerism turned up. She likes numbers unlike me. *laughs* Beside from her being like that, I really like her when she is with Cael. He is the male protagonist and have the most definitive role here. You are probably wondering if how did he get that name. It is very unique for me. He is very awesome and cool. And I really like the Emma and Cael team up.

Minor roles (I don't think if they are minor roles), such as Ellie, Emma's younger sister. Though I think of her more to be the older one because she is more open than to her sister. And she's the one bringing up the funny parts of the book. And I was wondering if she and Caim would be a couple. I really liked them as well. [You have to read this on what on earth I was talking about.]

You will meet a lot of angels here. I mean A LOT! You're going to love how cool their names are and see to it that you wish you had their names. lol! :]

There are lots of characters here and OH! They are all awesome! They are easily remembered and loved.

Tiny Flaw. I just picked up the parts when a scene immediately jumped to another one and sometimes there are parts I was confused on whom was talking who. And thankfully, it is easily eased up. So there is not much of a problem. :]

I do recommend this book though it is only available on ebook and in kindle edition. I was wondering if this would be published on paperback or hardcover because it is a really great read. And surely you won't be disappointed. :]

WAIT FOR MY GIVEAWAY FROM THIS BOOK! SO STAY TUNED! :]

*I received this free ebook copy from the author Nhan Diep for allowing me to review his book. Thank you so much! :]

OVERALL RATING

Challenges:

February 26, 2011

ARC Reveiw | The Cellar by A.J. Whitten

The Cellar by A.J. Whitten
Publisher: Graphia
Release Date: May 2, 2011
Pages:291 [eARC]
Chapters: 40 [eARC]

Original Language: English
Source: NetGalley* 

Summary 

Meredith Willis is suspicious of Adrien, the new guy next door. When she dares to sneak a look into the windows of his house, she sees something in the cellar that makes her believe that Adrien might be more than just a creep—he may be an actual monster.

But her sister, Heather, doesn’t share Meredith’s repulsion. Heather believes Adrien is the only guy who really understands her. In fact, she may be falling in love with him. When Adrien and Heather are cast as the leads in the school production of Romeo and Juliet, to Heather, it feels like fate. To Meredith, it feels like a bad omen. But if she tries to tear the couple apart, she could end up in the last place she’d ever want to be: the cellar. Can Meredith convince her sister that she’s dating the living dead before it’s too late for both of them?


* * * * * * * * * *

This book is contained zombies. Yes, zombies. The thought of it makes me want to read it because I love zombie-inspired stories and movies. So I didn't hesitate to permit a request for a ARC. Well, let's start shall we?

The Plot. It was a great plot. It is not a typical-ordinary-zombies you see on the movies who mindlessly eats whatever that is alive. Well, at first, they were only two, though when the story progresses at the end, obviously, they were a lot! And it has the uniqueness applied to the zombies, they talk, have a unnatural ability something like that, but the best part is... They still eat humans. Nice! :]

I really like the cellar part because this is where Meredith found out something more creepy about the male MC, Adrien St. Germain. To be honest, I don't like cellars at all either, thank God we don't have one here.

Anyway, the story focuses on 3 main characters, and yes you read it right 3 MC's. This includes Meredith, the person tells story in her point of view. Heather, Meredith's sister who happens to have a connection with the third MC, Adrien. The last two only narrates their parts but they are the reason why there is this story.

I am kinda confused who really is the protagonist here, is it either Meredith or her sister. Meredith is the one who discovered about Adrien's identity but her sister is the one who links with him. It is not a same paranormal romance we read that the female MC fell in-love with the male MC. No, this one is different. Meredith fell in-love with a sort-of-minor character here and partly contributes to the story.

The humor never stops me smiling. Thank goodness they always hit books with a bang. If I wanted to smile and laugh, this one is pretty good. Well, technically on this book is on the girls-obsessed-with-the-new-guy kind of humor.

The Characters. It appears I have mentioned their names now. I like Adrien when he is nice to Heather and from everyone else except to Meredith but when he's not. I just don't like him that much. He's selfish and I mean really, really selfish. Though at the end, I was kinda sad about  what happened. [sorry no spoilers here!] Meredith and Heather are sisters. They have a very trauma story when they were little. And that's why the story get's longer, the family problem, and you will know it why when you read this one.

Tiny Flaw. There is a tiny flaw here my fellow readers. The Romeo and Juliet thingy. I was surprised that the book is called with "Romeo and Juliet meets the living dead". I was caught up with it that's why I wanted to read this one. It was just a school play with Heather and Adrien. They relate themselves with Romeo and Juliet. The forbidden love the proposal and such. It's good but I wasn't expecting it to be like that. But it is a great read after all.


I recommend this book of course, for those who love zombies like I do. And you will love the mix up of the unique story. But a precaution for readers. This book contains hard violence and gore. Let's give this at YA to Adults only. :] 

*I received this free eGalley via from publisher  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thanks guys!^^

OVERALL RATING

Challenges:

February 1, 2011

ARC Review: One Hundred Candles by Mara Purnhagen / Teaser Tuesday (3)

One Hundred Candles by Mara Purnhagen
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: February 15, 2011
Pages: 235 (eARC)
Chapters: 25 (eARC)
Original Language: English
Source: NetGalley* 

Summary

It’s taken a long time for Charlotte Silver to feel like a normal teenager. But now that she’s settled in a new school, where she’s made friends who know about her parent’s infamous paranormal investigations, it feels like everything is falling into place. And what better way to be normal than to go on a date with the popular Harris Abbott? After all, it’s not as if Noah is anything more than a friend.

But Charlotte’s new life takes a disturbing detour when Harris takes her to a party where they play a game called One Hundred Candles. It all seems like harmless, ghostly fun. Until the spirits supposedly unleashed by the game start showing up at school. Now, Charlotte, her friends and her family are in very real danger, and the door that she’s opened into another realm may yield deadly consequences.

[via Goodreads]

  *******

I have finished this book yesterday (Jan. 31) but I didn't take the time on making the review. So, here I am now and let see what are the things I should say about this book.

To be honest, I haven't read the first book, Past Midnight, and I noticed this book is the 2nd installment of the series. Yes. It's a bummer. Still, I wanted to make a review about it. I'll get myself the first book sometime so I could be able to connect both of these reviews.

The narrator is the main character of the book, Charlotte Silver, who has a family of ghost busters -- not actually on the movie but they are debunkers. They are the ones investigating paranormal and supernatural activities using instead of a ghost-capturing-box, they use scientific methods which they are proving ghost are just energies floating around and not a real ghost at all.

If you're wondering why it is called -- One Hundred Candles, the details is included in this book, of course.

It is bad for me not knowing what had happen on the first book but it gave me a glimpse on it which is so good for me, though I don't know the exact details of the story.

This book gave me the chills, especially when the main reason of the one hundred candles are for. I am a fan of violence and gore but in ghostly stuff? No. When I am reading this alone in my room and the lights are dim lit, I felt goosebumps on my skin and felt of a sudden chill, creepy feelings are crawling through my skin. I am not freaking out but I don't like the feeling of it. But this book helped me to like this even more. There are few books that sending me that electricity of fright of sensation. That's something good about this book.

Love? Friendship? Family? It's all here. Tear-jerking scenes, a couple of humorous give and simple teenage love. Good combination of the three.

There are points of few flaws on this book. I don't want to sound bad but it is the truth. There is the part of predictability, not entirely all though. There were parts I was surprised to know. But the important stuff is the very most crucial part of the book. I already know the enemy from the beginning, so I just needed to read further to know what will happen. Not too much for revelations but it shows surprises which I liked too.

I do recommend this book for those who wanted to feel chills in your skin. Surely you will like this book. It is a worth to read and sure you're gonna enjoy it. I'll be getting my own copy of Past Midnight soon!:]

*I received this free eGalley via from publisher Harlequin Teens via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thanks guys!^^



Overall Rating
 
Challenges:
____________________________________________________________________________



Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along.

I'll give you 3 teasers today! These are the books I currently reading for reviews. Hope you liked it!^^

 
     "What a curious instrument," the lore master remarked, genuine interest returning to his voice.
     Jason pulled up the blue pant leg of his coveralls. "Look at my boot. Based on what I noticed people wearing at the waterfall, you've never seen shoes like these."

- page 30, Beyonders: A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull, eARC via Galley Grab

    
      
As he watched, Eunice stretched her arm out behind her, holding up the folded slip of paper. Bulab took it from her hand and opened it.

- page 88, My Favorite Band Does Not Exist by Robert T. Jeschonek, eARC via NetGalley




 

     Eddie rolled his head, struggling to focus. "Tom... I saw an angel," he slurred.
     The bouncers burst out laughing. "Yeah, you mean Amber, right?" said the other one. "She wears short shorts while she's dancing around the bar."

- page 11, Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly, eARC via NetGalley




[Image via Goodreads]
*****
It's the season of LOVE! Have a happy month of February guys! XOXO

January 19, 2011

ARC Review: This Girl is Different by J.J. Johnson

This Girl is Different by J.J. Johnson

Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Release Date: April 1, 2011
Pages: 320 (e-ARC)
Chapters: 34
Original language: English
Source: NetGalley*

Summary
This girl is different… That’s what Evie has always told herself—and it’s true. Home-schooled by her counter culture mom, she’s decided to see what high school is like for the first time—for her senior year. And what a year it is.

As it turns out, it’s not just Evie who’s Different. Lots of people are. Many of her assumptions about others are turned on their heads as she makes friends with kids her own age for the first time, discovers what’s good and what’s bad about high school, and learns lessons about power and its abuse—both by the administration and by Evie herself.

(via Goodreads)

*******

This is my first e-ARC to be reviewed. I am so excited to share with you what I think about this book. Well... Here goes:

I like the cover of the book, it's simple. I love the summary as well, it turned out to be more interesting to read.

The story is about a home-school girl named Evie. She'll be taking a new journey of her life, taking up her senior year at a public school. She is been home-schooled like forever -- Talk about Culture Shock. Evie never expected what really High School is all about. The school is like a prison and injustice is all in the way. She planned out something to put it all into justice but things didn't went so well according to plan and everything got messed up. Now Evie is forced to face the problem she started and set things back the way it was..

The book is good read. It was simple yet entertaining. I'll admit the book is well-written and I found myself at page 150 in an instant. Evie, would be the best character here (despite she is the main character), she is very inspirational. Her personality was quite unique, if I may say so. She is so darn smart, very smart! And she is not afraid to stand up on what she believes in and to jump in to defend someone else. I loved that she is so independent and strong.

There is only two things I am not sort of happy about this book. Evie mentioned This girl is different to herself like almost all chapters of the book, that sends me saying to myself while I 'm reading, I already know that, whatever. I found Evie and Rajas relationship refreshing, but they are missing some of romance and courtship, and at the fact that how hot they were when they're together.

Moving on, I do like Evie when she first met Rajas, she acts like a typical high school-er., she is so not like her real self when he is around She wonders if he has a girlfriend, if he thinks about her, that it feels when the moment she touches his skin and what would be like to kiss him and all that. In short, there are couple of humors are mixed on the story, especially her mom, Martha. The last thing I heard someone calling her mother by name is at a local movie here in the Philippines -- the title of the movie is BFF. Anyway, Evie treats her mom like her daughter which is funny. Same as to Jacinda, her humorous ignorance is quite a comic.

I like the part of the lightning-thingy -- I won't spoil this one because it is the best part. My heart hammers when I reached at the ending. I was kinda nervous for Evie on those part of the story.

I actually learned a lot in this book, to be honest. It tackles a bunch of issues happening in reality, which is good. It delivers a message for all the readers not to abuse power, not judging people, to stand up on what you believe in and to be cautious to what you are saying to others that might harm someone's feeling  even if your purpose of saying those are good.

I like to recommend this book to you guys! It is worth a time. You will learn something from this book, I promise. A book values of sharing us moral lessons in life. :]

*I received this free e-galley from publisher, Peachtree Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thanks guys!^^


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