ARC Review | 20 Years Later by E.J. Newman

Title: 20 Years Later

Author: E.J. Newman

Publisher: Dystopia Press

Publication Date: July 5th, 2011

Pages: 313

Chapters: 32

Original Language: English

Source: *Publisher

Summary via Goodreads

LONDON, 2012: It arrives and with that the world is changed into an unending graveyard littered with the bones, wreckage, and memories of a dead past, gone forever.LONDON, 2032: Twenty years later, out of the ashes, a new world begins to rise, a place ruled by both loyalty and fear, and where the quest to be the first to regain lost knowledge is an ongoing battle for power. A place where laws are made and enforced by roving gangs-the Bloomsbury Boys, the Gardners, the Red Lady's Gang-who rule the streets and will do anything to protect their own.THE FOUR: Zane, Titus, Erin, Eve. Living in this new world, they discover that they have abilities never before seen. And little do they know that as they search post-apocalyptic London for Titus' kidnapped sister that they'll uncover the secret of It, and bring about a reckoning with the forces that almost destroyed all of humanity.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

20 Years Later is actually my very first post-apocalyptic novel read. Sometime ago, I actually don't have an idea the difference between post-apocalyptic and dystopian book. While absorbing the knowledge in my head, I was compelled and interested on reading this one. Let's find out shall we?

PLOT. WOW! From the prologue until the epilogue of the book is simply astonishing. The idea of creating the new world is really brilliant. The thought of the nearest destruction of the entire civilization with the gangs and our four dearest protagonist actually amazes me!

They way the book was written is exactly the way I wanted it. Simple but there are many things going on. It is not confusing and easy to adapt. The creativity and originality of creating it's world is fantastic! It makes the readers' mind to picture this world that is mentioning. Newman is a very good author. She created this world with full of surprises, she bought such a believable story of emotions and with the twist of the protagonists special abilities. In short, the writing is very fresh and new, making all of her readers attached to the book. 

CHARACTERS. Characters are all so goodie! Each of our four protagonist is very different from each other. Individually, they have their own story to share, their emotions and how their lives flow to the world they are into. But when all of them shared one purpose or connect to each other, it is more ravishing. They became one in such an amazing way.

Each of our protagonists have these different characteristics which is very likable in their own way. Zane, the soft and naive one. Titus, the smart and with a strong will and Erin, the tough with a good heart. While, Eve, the fourth whom I was very interested in. She wasn't been introduced not until the middle of the book but I think that she is more of a cute and innocent one. If you're are going to ask me, I really don't know who would be my favorite character.

In addition to the story, other characters such as Miri, Jay, Luthor and a lot more contributed big time! They adds more drama, action and mystery to the story. It gives the kick and excitement that the readers need.

FLAW? There is one at the first few chapters. The pacing is a bit slow. I was looking for the best part of it. But overall the greatest things I read inside this book. I loved each and every pages.

OTHER THOUGHTS. I have mentioned that I am very picky on the book how it ends. Well... This one didn't disappoints me. It was satisfying and it definitely makes me anticipate the next installment. Awesome! :D

20 Years Later is one of the best book I've this 2011. Brilliant and compelling. A worthy read! Salute to E.J. Newman! :D

*I received this ARC from the Publisher, Dystopia Press and to Mr. Mark Long in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity!

OVERALL RATING

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• 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 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.

[via Goodreads]

* * * * * * * * * *

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

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• 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2011 

ARC Review | Bandits by L.M. Preston

Bandits by L.M. Preston

Publisher: Phenomenal One Press

Date Published: June 1, 2011 [on Paperback]

Pages: 323 [ARC]
Chapters: 60 [ARC]

Original Language: English

Source: Author & Publisher*

Summary

Daniel's father has gotten himself killed and left another mess for Daniel to clean up. To save his world from destruction, he must fight off his father's killers while discovering a way to save his world. Time is running out, and Daniel must choose to either walk in his father's footsteps or to reinvent himself into the one to save his world.

[via Goodreads] 

* * * * * * * * * * 

The author of this book has requested me to review this book. And definitely, I said YES! I have been waiting for this book to arrive on my mail last month and thankfully, it finally came. My first review this May. Let’s begin shall we?

The Plot. Wow, it’s just wow! Few of the books I read with some chapters are somewhat dull, not that I don’t actually enjoyed it. But this book never gave me that dull moment. I am very surprised that every counted chapter here is jam-packed with something that will make you drawn to read it more. Essentially, there is something always going on! It was never boring from the start ‘til the ending of the book.

The storyline submerged with not just cool-amazing actions but it was also filled with drama, humor, suspense and romance. Blend it with adventure and sci-fi, you’re going to enjoy this book! In addition, the story holds beyond our imagination. It’s creativity—the universe, events, people, creatures and such—are distinct and original, it will make you feel more in a different world. It is not just a common adventure you are riding on.

Everything is new and fresh and never boring. Even it was written; the statements and description of the things like the Sea of Fire [which is my favorite] mentioned here are interesting and fun. Your curiosity on how would it looks like depends on the person who reads this book. Great? Definitely! The words are precise and you may able to grasp the knowledge of something new, easily. :]

The Characters. The highlight of the story is the reason of the death of Daniel’s father. So you would probably wonder that Daniel is the only focus of the story. Well… Wrong! There are lots of characters involved to the story, not just Daniel himself. They practically part of the whole book. Without each and every one of them, the story is worth nothing to understand and to appreciate.

There is some character switching. For example, in some chapter, Daniel’s feelings, thoughts and pain are focused on how he reacts on his surroundings. How he reacts and moves. What he sees and experience. And after the next chapter, a different character is placed over, for instance Jade. Then Nickel, Faulk and got back to Daniel again. Which is very unique for me.

Aside from that, each of them is easy to like. Faulk is my favorite, by the way. The romance give the book a kick, there is not much of caressing and intimate love, just kissing and hugging. So we’re on a safe zone. :]

Tiny Flaw. There is not much of a shocker here. I wasn’t surprised knowing who the culprit of killing Daniel’s father is. The answer is already written there, you just have to figure it out by yourself. Though the soul purpose of the story and the reason Daniel and his gang stated their adventure. Gave it an extra point. But I wasn’t that astounded. The surprise factor in this book is set off in low. Making some twist should probably—just my opinion—can make it even better.

Bandits gave me a great and awesome adventure beyond the universe. An adventure that will make your imagination put to test. I enjoyed it from start to finish! A worthy read! :]

I definitely recommend this book for everyone who wants some Sci-fi adventure. It is new and very fresh! A great salute to L.M. Preston! :]

*I received this ARC from the author, L.M. Preston and publisher Phenomenal One Press,in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity! :]

OVERALL RATING

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• 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 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....

[via Goodreads]

* * * * * * * * * *

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

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ARC Review | Zombies Don't Cry: A Living Dead Love Story by Rusty Fischer

Zombies Don't Cry: A Living Dead Love Story by Rusty Fischer

Publisher: Medallion Press, Inc.

Release Date: May 1, 2011 [on paperback]

Pages: 296 [ARC]

Chapters: 32 [ARC] 

Original Language: English

Source: Author & Publisher*

Summary

In the sleepy small town of Barracuda Bay, Maddy Swift leads the life of a fairly typical teenager, but while attending a party one night, Maddy is struck by lightning and awakens to realize she has been reanimated and turned into a zombie. While becoming acquainted with her new "lifestyle," Maddy stumbles upon two unexpected undead chaperones, fellow students Dane and Chloe, who begin to teach her the ways of zombie life, including defending the populace from Zerkers—the bad zombies. Together, on prom night, the three teens must ultimately defend Barracuda Bay High from an all-out zombie Armageddon.

[via Goodreads]

* * * * * * * * * *

I've been keeping my eyes on this book for quite sometime now and I finally got myself an ARC for a review. I was surprised receiving this mail, I was hysterical! lol! Anyway, I finished this book last Saturday and today I am posting my review regarding to this awesome book. Let's start shall we?

The Plot. The storyline obviously related to zombies. The first thing will pop into our minds that, it is just another mindless eating humans. Actually, this book is way more beyond that. I usually watched movies, that zombies had only one reason to live -- And that is to eat humans. Zombies Don't Cry have something more... originality and freshness. I ask you, how do zombies turned into zombies anyway? Usually, the answer is a virus and then you're one of them, so the cycle starts on eating each other, right? This book is not like that. There is more logical and detailed explanation about it and I found out it in this book. Cool? Definitely! :]

There isn't much of a shocker here though not all books have to have a dumb-founding scenarios. I may say, I am still drawn to read it up to its last page. The narration from the protagonist point of view has a simple yet unique way of telling it. To be honest, Maddy [our dear MC], is one of those funniest narrator in a books I read, is very awesome, I loved her!

Fischer written it so very comprehensible, each words are easy to be picked up. There were no tying-knots making me think too much or turning me to a confused nut-job but it was given an exact point. Like you added sugar on your coffee and it tastes right. No more, no less.

I love how the book is not only focused on how to became a zombie. Focuses also on friendship, betrayal, trust, loss, sacrifice and love. Which is great to add up to the story. Fischer really is a great author! :]

The Characters. Maddy is a great, cool and awesome protagonist. I loved it when she is adding some of her funny side comments even on desperate times. Which seems to be a little bit relieving for me. First, you are intently reading what is says and then, pop!, there she goes with her side comment. Making you roll in laughter just in time for the next climax of the story. She even progresses from start 'til the end. At the beginning, she's just a shadow behind someones back and then changed to a different person [aside on becoming a zombie]. You're definitely gonna love her like a snap! :]

Stamp, it's not a stamp from a mail but a male MC of the story. Actually, I think there are 2 male MC's here, him and Dane. They're both great and good addition to the book. Of course, they are Maddy's love triangle. *giggles* If you're asking me whom I will choose, the fact is... I really don't know whom I want for Maddy. This is the only book [I think] that I am not sure who is the perfect partner for the female MC. I am really confused, on this part. Cuz both are great for her. ARGH! I really don't know how to answer it! lol! XD Every character is very easy to carry around that this book never losses it sense of humor. 

Flaw? I am thinking of something though I don't have one. Which is cool, that means this book is totally wicked awesome! If there is... tell me but I am going to refuse it anyway, lol! I love this book so much! :]

Other Thoughts. The last chapter turns out to be quite different, I came from laughing and laughing then all of a sudden I went some place deeper in feelings for the characters. At the end there is something odd happened, guessing it, that this books had a part two. I hope so because I actually don't want the story to end like that. But i am quite sure there will be a next installment.

I have so many great things to say about this book that I can't even put it in here or maybe I am just out of words. Zombies Don't Cry is clean, clear, smart and absolutely fun to read! Each pages are never boring and surely you won't put this book down! I highly recommend this for the readers-in-love with Paranormal Romance and others who just want to have something new from the YA community! A well deserve salute for Rusty Fischer! :]

*I received this advance readers copy from the author, Rusty Fischer and publisher Medallion Press, Inc. in exchange for my honest review. Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity! :]

 

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ARC Review | The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder

The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Date Published: April 4, 2011

Pages: 243 [eARC]

Chapters: 24 [eARC] 

Original Language: English

Source: NetGalley* 

Summary

At Penford High School, Britney Taylor is the queen bee. She dates whomever she likes, rules over her inner circle of friends like Genghis Khan, and can ruin anyone's life with a snap of perfectly manicured fingers. Just ask the unfortunate few who have crossed her.   For April Bowers, Britney is also the answer to her prayers. April is so unpopular, kids don't even know she exists. But one lunch spent at Britney's table, and April is basking in the glow of popularity.   But Britney's friendship comes with a high price tag. How much is April willing to pay?

[via Goodreads]

* * * * * * * * * * 

Time for a girly approach. This is my first YA Contemporary read. I usually watch movies like this. And it makes me haul on laughing. Well… Let’s see about The Lipstick Laws shall we?

The Plot.  I remembered actually similar to this one. The movie,  Mean Girls. Yep! But not really similar on the storyline.  A friend told me that it is also a book and have a different title. Was that true? Anyway… This mostly involves on high school, love, part, popularity and the entire teenage social life. [If you want to add for this feel free to tell me]

The genesis of the story is all about, boobage [that’s what it mentioned on the book]. April Bowers had this very deep secret that only she has to carry. You’ll know it more once you read this one. It was funny, matter-of-factly. This book contains numerous humors and I loved it for that.

About the title. It stands by the name. The. Lipstick. Laws. It isn’t much of a surprised for me but I am interested about it. I was asking what’s with this law and how important it was. Then, on a sure call. A story of unpopular to unpopular then something went wrong and the story of unpopular that became popular is now a big wreck. I already know how that works. But gladly, it only took some couple of pages and there were a lot more.

Pay back is a very interesting word for a teen contemporary book. It is very unpredictable, different and funny. There is this part I really mentioned, “Deserves you right!”.

The Characters. April is a great protagonist. I like her sense of humor, her judgment and her unpopularity. My thoughts flash about the movie when I was reading it. I am very annoyed about Britney. At first a very nice person and then suddenly turned to be more of a jerk. I am pissed of her and I thought how Holder wrote her to be hateful by the readers. It was a great complexity how you felt about the characters of the book.

April is funny when she thought of something serious. She turned it out to be humorous for her sake. And it was good that she actually confront most of her problems.

Tiny Flaws. I wasn’t satisfied for the ending part. I felt it was incomplete though. The fact that Briteney didn’t learned anything. It was quite demolished that April’s side is the only one learned something and not the picture. I was able to swallow half of it and left choking on some parts. It wasn’t much of a disappointment, I should point out. But I wish it could stir something more to the story, making it more interesting.

The love triangle [if I am right], is short and less detailed. If you’re going to ask me, I may choose Delvin over Matt for April. There isn’t much of a triangle over those three and there are not much romantic things. I wasn’t much on interest on the protagonist love interest. Besides, how April is drooling over Matt whom I may say I lived liked and laughed most of the times.

Other Thoughts. The best thing that keeps this great is that it holding a huge moral lesson. Friendship. Nothing beats a great love from friends [aside from God and family, of course].  And even this doesn’t mention on the book, I thought of the words: No one is perfect. I am sure most of you would be inspired with this one. Well, most girls’ maybe. Lol! :]

I recommend this book for girls. Ahmm… Not sure for boys. Except me of course. Lol! It’s a good thing to hear something from a guy’s perspective, right?  In finale, you can learn something huge with this one and I am 100% sure of it. Well salute for Amy Holder and The Lipstick Laws. :]

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

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ARC Review | In The Arms Of Stone Angels by Jordan Dane

In The Arms Of Stone Angels by Jordan Dane

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Release Date: April 1, 2011

Pages: 313 [eARC]

Chapters: 19 [eARC] 

Original Language: English

Source: NetGalley* 

Summary

Two years ago I did a terrible thing. I accused my best friend of being a killer after seeing him kneeling over a girl's body. That moment and that outcast boy still haunt me.
Now my mom is forcing me back to Oklahoma and I can't get White Bird out of my mind. But when I find out he's not in juvie—that he's in a mental hospital, locked in his tormented brain at the worst moment of his life—I can't turn my back on  him again.

No one wants me to see him. My mom doesn't trust me. The town sheriff still thinks I was involved in the murder. And the other kids who knew the dead girl are after me.

I'm as trapped as White Bird. And when I touch him, I get sucked into his living hell, a vision quest of horrifying demons and illusions of that night. Everything about him scares me now, but I have to do something. This time I can't be a coward. This time I have to be his friend.

Even if I get lost, as well…

[via Goodreads]

* * * * * * * * * *

This book never occurred to me to be a bomb-shell. Well, I guess first impression never last and needed to give it a second or a third look. I though this book is angel-related, obviously, the word angel is mentioned but it is not. Once I started reading it, I was getting more intrigued and can't help reading it more. Let's see what I think about this book.

The Plot. At first, the first pages, the MC only mentioned only some typical teenager life but little by little, things get changed. It does makes me drawn to read it more. Whatever happens unexpected, my heart skipped a beat and I have a feeling there is more from this one.

Every words are easy to pick up or should I say easy to understand. The writing is in so much details that you are actually picturing the scene in your head. I felt like I was watching a movie inside my mind. Though there are not much of a humor still there is some, I actually, love how everything turns out. 

There is this amazing twist at the end and I actually see it coming! I was really surprised to finally found out about it! How cool is that! It like a special cereal box that has a surprise inside! And I will definitely devoured it in one sitting!

I heaved a grateful sigh on how brilliant this book is. There has been this predictability -not so much for a flaw -  but I guess the author intended to do it because there are so much more to the story which unruly unexpected and totally stunned me in amazement.

The Characters. Thankfully, this one do not focused on our female protagonist in which she tells the story in her POV. Like, Deputy Tate and the others who mainly involves to the mystery beheld to the story. Has their own parts. Everything is easy to love and of course - hate. Not the hate of the book but their way of thinking and attitude in the story.

I felt a huge pity with Brenna. Awww... I felt so bad about what they did to her, though somewhat it was very empowering. She begins at the weakest point in the story and then she begins to progress slowly. I do admire her so much and for her love with White Bird. Well, White Bird is an half-indian and also the most important character in the story. Guess what? I won't spill a spoiler out! lol! However, this is the first time I read an half-Indian to be a male protagonist. Even though I watched the movie, Indian In The Cupboard. But it result to be a good thing because there is this main purpose why he is an Indian. 

Flaw? Nah! I don't think there's a flaw unless you have seen one when you read this yourself. To me it is thrilling, exciting, breath-taking, heart-stopping book. That should be in your bookshelves  for sure.

You're going to love how Brenna unravels the ultimate mystery of her haunted past two years ago of her life. And I definitely recommend this book for those who wants to have a thrilling sensation and stunning revelations you wouldn't forget. I assure you, you won't regret getting this one! A great salute for Jordan Dane! :]

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

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ARC Review | Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Wither by Lauren DeStefano
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing
Release Date: March 22, 2011
Pages: 372 [eARC] 
Original Language: English

Source: Galley Grab* 

Summary

What if you knew exactly when you would die?

Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb—males only live to age twenty-five, and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.

When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden's genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape—to find her twin brother and go home.

But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden's eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant Rhine is growing dangerously attracted to, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limited time she has left.

[via Goodreads] 

* * * * * * * * *

Wither has been one of my anticipated books to read this year. And who wouldn't love its cover? How amazing is that and very stare-worthy! This book is obviously my second YA dystopian read. Other than Delirium which I had finished posting my review.

This one is exhilarating and undeniably brilliant read. Wither is worth-dying for!

The Plot. What more can I say? This is perfectly original and very, very fresh. I love to see the new world in different dangerous occurrence. And this one didn't disappoint me.

The storyline is very scary and I don't wish this would happen in the real world. *laughs* I couldn't imagine myself to die at the age of 25 and never experienced adulthood. And you already know when and how will it take your life.

I was breath-taken by DeStefano writing this novel. I couldn't make out a proper word how to express my amazement on how this book enthralled me.

The humor was set in mild tone, making it more serious. But thankfully, contents of the sense of humor helps it to make the book brighten. There isn't much action though it was grabbed by heartrending drama and gasping thrilling scene. I was touched my deep sense of emotions here that I couldn't feel so bad about it. I was surprised that how it affects me. And it was amazing!

The love story episodes really drives me to read it. And if you're asking me who'll I choose for Rhine? My bet is more on Linden than Gabriel. :]

The Characters. Rhine was a great protagonist. She is more in a balanced of weakness and strength. I almost thought of her sometime to be selfish, although she has this brilliant vibe that turns out to be different and making it like she was dedicated on getting what she really wants. She was brilliantly described as kind, caring and intelligent. In short, a very cool girl!

I am not sure whom I call to be the male MC. Gabriel or Linden. Well... If you read the book, you'll probably think of Gabriel. Though I do like Linden more. At times, I really can't read him. He's weird though I loved him when he and Rhine are alone. They're such a adoring couple.

The relationship between Rhine and Gabriel is quite a fuzz though. It was like easy to fall in-love however the word love wasn't mention from both of them. See? I'd prefer Linden because he's more attached for Rhine... Obviously, she is compelled to her mission that she didn't notice his real affection. She is totally blind. *laughs*

I am more afraid of Housemaster Vaughn. Goodness! He is so frightening! I can't even stand when his name is mentioned. He was being nice though evil is lurking to his old first generation stench. I am sure you'll feel the same when you read it.

Tiny Flaw. I don't see much of a flaw but I saw one. Small perhaps. If you have this book, I think you know about the virus? And if I asked you... When did the virus started and came from? There is no sense... It didn't even mention on how, why when and what. So I am guess that part was maybe set aside for the next installment of the book. So I think it is not much of a problem. Is it?

I recommend this book to those people fell in-love with dystopian books. Surely, this one is deserved to put on your bookshelf. And I promise this one won't disappoint you.

Wither is a perfect start for this series and can't wait for its forthcoming books soon! :]

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

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OVERALL RATING

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