REVIEW : Halfway To The Grave by Jeaniene Frost

REVIEW : Halfway To The Grave by Jeaniene Frost

   3:02 PM       Elisa

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Halfway To The Grave (Night Huntress #1)

Author     : Jeaniene Frost
Publisher  : Indonesia - Dastan Book
    U.S - Avon
Source     : Bought
Pages       : 498

Summary from Goodreads :

Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father—the one responsible for ruining her mother's life. Then she's captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership.

In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She's amazed she doesn't end up as his dinner—are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn't have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her newfound status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side . . . and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat.

Somehow I have my own judgement of Adult Paranormal series, and it's not really good. Once ago I read an adult paranormal novel from an author I love, but it didn't turn out as good as I thought and I was a bit disappointed. But then I read good things about this series on Goodreads so I was gambling when decided to read this series. And I thought I was tired of Vampire story, but thankfully I'm not. Definitely beyond my expectation and I enjoyed my time reading this and want to devoured more! The writing style is simply amazing, it's funny, sexy, consist pack of good action and of course, hot main characters you'll easily fall for *coughBONEScough*. Good job for Jeaniene Frost to create another gripping vampire world, this is the best adult paranormal series for me so far =D (well, I've read only 2 series, include this one though =p)

Our heroine in this series is Catherine or Cat, a self taught vampire slayer who is a half human half vampire. Because of her vampire blood, she gets many advantages to seduce and slay : power, swiftness, wits, speed healing, and of course, pretty appearance with glowing skin and red hair. I always adore kick ass heroine and I think Cat is very awesome and pitiful in the same time. She sacrifices her own life to fulfill her mother's selfish dan dangerous wish, hunted and slayed vampires for 6 years without complaining (even enjoy it xD) and keep improve her skill. Plus, I really enjoyed her funny and sarcastic voices, make her as one of my favorite fictional heroine. Then after some pages, I was introduced to Bones and I instantly like him too much xD

Bones.... oh Bones, my next bias, he's definitely a swooning bad guy type and I can't help but falling for him each time I know more about him /nosebleed/. He's an old British vampire (squeeee!) who works as a bounty hunter, killing another bad vampires for money. Bones is very famous among his kind; he has military-cut platinum hair, very handsome and sexy, very strong, and very very pervert, lol. At first Bones is described cruel and deadly, and presume Cat as a spy from his enemy. Then when mentoring and finally falls for Cat (or Kitten or Luv. LOL, I really like how a man like Bones picks a cute nickname for Cat xD), he turns to be more than just a cruel vampire. He's AMAZING in every aspect, as a mentor and a lover. I could feel his sincere love to Cat, and my eyes were teary at the last part. Poor Bones ;~;

Since this is an adult paranormal series, of course there are many adult material especially sex scene. But what I like is the story not focusing too much on it. Cat doesn't fall instantly to Bones' charm, even if she did, I won't blame her though xD. Their relationship takes time to grow up and reading it was very satisfiying for me. Love scenes are steamy but it fits my tolerance, and I couldn't help but blushed many times reading Bones's dirty talk *faints*.

So if you're a fan of urban fantasy genre, J.R. Ward books (I haven't read them though but I heard the writing style is similar) and adult enough to read mature contents, read this book and see yourself how amazing this series is =D

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Dusty Reads #12 & Wishlist Wednesday #10

Dusty Reads #12 & Wishlist Wednesday #10

   1:25 PM       Elisa

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Hey-ho! How are you guys?
I have been having busy and problematic weeks so I wouldn't be too active for a while and concentrate on my job *sigh*. But well I always miss my other life here xD
Anyway, I'll post a combo blog-hop so I won't mess your reading list =p

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DUSTY READS #12

Dusty Reads is a meme hosted by Giselle from Expresso Reads, featuring a book which has been staying at my bookpile for a long time.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Summary from Goodreads :

In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen year- old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...

A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make -and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

U.S cover :

At first I didn't interest on this book, the summary was a bit vague and sounds cliche. But after a I joined blogging world I saw many people love and recommend this book, so I gave a try and bought the Indonesia version (it has pretty cover though =p). But yeah I dunno why it's still on my shelf, already for couple months. I think I have to read it soon =D

What's your Dusty Reads this week? Tell me and I'll visit yours ^^

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WISHLIST WEDNESDAY #10

Wishlist Wednesday is a book blog hop 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.
This blog meme is hosted by Pen to Paper, if you want to join please visit here to find more about this meme.

First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost

Summary from Goodreads :

From the "New York Times" bestselling author of the Night Huntress series comes a breathtaking new journey to the dark side of desire.

The night is not safe for mortals. Denise MacGregor knows all too well what lurks in the shadows--her best friend is half-vampire Cat Crawfield--and she has already lost more than the average human could bear. But her family's past is wrapped in secrets and shrouded in darkness--and a demon shapeshifter has marked Denise as prey. Now her survival depends on an immortal who lusts for a taste of her.

He is Spade, a powerful, mysterious vampire who has walked the earth for centuries and is now duty-bound to protect this endangered, alluring human--even if it means destroying his own kind. Denise may arouse his deepest hungers, but Spade knows he must fight his urge to have her as they face the nightmare together . . .

Because once the first crimson drop falls, they will both be lost.

Whooohoo~ I love the cover, it's sooo sexy and bite me Spade! *faints*

I found this before I read At The Grave's End so I confused why there's a sequel about Spade and Denise, since Denise was already married, and finally I knew the reason after I finished that book T^T.
I'm so glad Frost decided to write this, I really want to know more about Denise and of course I need MOAR Spade! =D So happy to know they'll be together at last (I know it's wrong since Randy is such a good guy, but... *sigh*). I read some unsatisfied people who already read this, well I think I would understand since it wasn't wrote from Cat's POV, it would miss it's sarcastics and funny lines. It has more Spade after all xD

What you Wishlist Wednesday this week? Tell me and I'll visit yours ^^

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REVIEW : Delirium by Lauren Oliver

REVIEW : Delirium by Lauren Oliver

   2:50 PM       Elisa

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Delirium

Author     : Lauren Oliver
Publisher  : HarperCollins Publishers
Source     : Bought
Pages       : 441

Summary from cover jacket :

Ninety-five days, and then I’ll be safe.
I wonder whether the procedure will hurt.
I want to get it over with.
It’s hard to be patient.
It’s hard not to be afraid while I’m still uncured, though so far the deliria hasn’t touched me yet.

Still, I worry.

They say that in the old days, love drove people to madness.
The deadliest of all deadly things: It kills you both when you have it and when you don’t

They say that the cure for LOVE will make me happy and safe forever.
And I've always believed them.
Until now.

Now everything has changed.
Now, I'd rather be infected with love for the tiniest shiver of a second than live a hundred years smothered by a lie.

Honestly at first I didn't really interest on Delirium. The synopsis didn't sound really convincing me at that time. 'LOVE' is a disease? What the story would be? I expected a slow and a bit dragged story about disease called LOVE and I was afraid I wouldn't enjoy it. But then someday I saw this book sitting nicely at a import bookstore at the airport, with the same cover as I placed above which is veeeeeeery pretty and eye-catching. So I confess, the cover did make me buy this book xD
And then you ask me, do the story as good as the cover? Without a doubt, I say "YES". It's really beyond my shallow expectation! I'm infected with 'Amor Deliria Nervosa' because of this book!

Delirium is my very first book from Lauren Oliver and I fall in love with her writing style. She uses many symbolization and play with your imagination through her words which is so fascinating, so beautiful and poetic. Oliver also created characters that steal my heart because their real-ness, their conditions are make sense to me. And of course, at reading process I admitted Delirium is very well written, all things happened are connected to each other (especially those blurbs of 'Book of Shhh' or other songs and poetries), create a unique, touching yet heart-breaking dystopia story *sobs*.

Like everybody said, the first half book moves a bit slow because the author tried to give an image of this society, and for me, it helped me to understand more about the situation and background, what kind of things that built an obidient Lena for 16 years her life and reasons forced her transformation. I found it moves in a right path, not too rashly and I who naturally like to analyst something (lol) really enjoyed digging it.

Magdalena 'Lena' Haloway (I really like her name, so gorgeous!) lives in a future where the goverment of U.S. has indentified 'love' or called 'Amnr Deliria Nervosa' as a disease since 64 years ago, even the scientists have developed and perfected the cure of it. So at their young age, people will get a procedure (which isn't always work too) to get rid deliria's roots inside their body. So imagine you live at a place with no love songs, no love poetries, no touching for young uncures, no cuddling and hugging to each other for family or lover; everything related to love, even religions are prohibited and you'll get heavy punishment, could mean death if you break it. Everyone lives loveless like a robot, people married to someone who already set for them and parents have and raise their children just as obligations. All is fine and under control.
Horrible right? But not for Lena.

She has been living for 16 years with cured sister, uncle and aunt, been stirred and believing the society rules and she feels unsecured because of her family history, her Invalid dead mother and a 'sympathizer' brother-in-law (symphatizer is a person who helps Invalids and against cure procedure). They make Lena scared she would become like them and she can't wait to get a cure procedure so she will save and happy. Although there was a time I was a bit annoyed of Lena's pursuance, I also understand that she is actually a good and naive girl, look out for herself not to be a daring and rules-breaker. But then everything gradually change after she meets Alex

Alex is a catalyst of the whole story. He's the one who make the story brighter, and I found myself waiting for his appearance at every chapter like Lena does. I like Lena more after she meets Alex, although in book context he's a bad influence for her (okay, good influence actually xD). She becomes more lively and spunky, she learns facts about insurgents called 'Invalid', 'The Wild', a place beyond the electric fence and more important she realizes that everything she knows is a big lie and finally she decides something that change her life forever. I really adore Alex for his love to Lena, his loyalty and courage, and because of him I got a bit teary at the last part T^T.
Oh no, better I'm not revealing more things here.

Lol, I think I write an essay, not a review. And don't you think I always blabbering while reviewing dystopia books? xD

Overall I think this book tells about many good things : family, dare to love and sacrificial for other's happiness. I really enjoyed this book, the story progression and surprises that shocking and heart-breaking. I now can't wait to get Pandemonium in my hand and read more about Lena and know more why the goverment creates this 'loveless society'.

For Indonesian fellows, Delirium was already published her under Mizan Publishing. Hm... I have to say I'm not really a fan of the cover they use, although actually it's interesting /:
Well, if you find one grab it fast and see yourself how awesome it is ;D

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peek a BOOK #2

peek a BOOK #2

   2:12 PM       Elisa

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peek a BOOK is a meme I make, to show you a book that tickling my curiosity, either because of the cover, blurb or people's excitement at one time. This is more like 'before' wishlist, but mostly will include in my wishlist =p. Basically I'll spot book / series that I haven't read yet, either it's new or old and you all are welcome to give me suggestion or recommendation about this book/series if you already read it, I'll be very thankful =)

Ehem, so after months I didn't post any paB (I thought it's a bit lame, but well, it's my blog afterall so it's my rights to make everything I want xD) I'll start it again this week.
Book I want to peek :

Gravity by Melissa West

Summary from Goodreads :

In the future, only one rule will matter: Don’t. Ever. Peek.

Seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander just broke that rule and saw the last person she expected hovering above her bed--arrogant Jackson Locke, the most popular boy in her school. She expects instant execution or some kind of freak alien punishment, but instead, Jackson issues a challenge: help him, or everyone on Earth will die.

Ari knows she should report him, but everything about Jackson makes her question what she’s been taught about his kind. And against her instincts, she’s falling for him. But Ari isn’t just any girl, and Jackson wants more than her attention. She’s a military legacy who’s been trained by her father and exposed to war strategies and societal information no one can know--especially an alien spy, like Jackson. Giving Jackson the information he needs will betray her father and her country, but keeping silent will start a war.

Melissa West is an author who kindly enough followed my twitter (and I followed back really surprised at that time xD) and she promoted her book, Gravity. And after it's cover revealed and I read the summary at Goodreads, wow, it's thrilled me =D, like scifi-dystopia story and sounds suspenseful.
Anyone also interest with Gravity? Maybe you can convince me more about this book =)

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My Book Boyfriend #4 : Noah Shaw

My Book Boyfriend #4 : Noah Shaw

   2:50 PM       Elisa

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My Book Boyfriend is a weekly blog meme hosted by Missy from The Unread Reader, it's to share fictional boys we crush, include stats, picture and quotes from the character that make us swoon. If you interest to join, visit Missy's introduction post about My Book Boyfriend

I read about this guy at The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer and instantly fell in love with him. Mysterious, a bit arrogant but sometimes he's also funny and sweet, wow he's very hard to resist! It was a bit hard to find someone who can portray him but well after wandering here and there *lol* finally I found someone who I think would be a perfect Noah in my imagination =)

STATS :
Description : Noah Shaw is a British so instantly he has that mesmerizing accent ^^, looks older than he should be, very rich, has pale skin and daily disarray appearance : bed hair, 5 o'clock shadow, and unarrange uniform; but instead he looks beautiful. He has almost-gray eyes and dark chestnut hair.

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“You don't have to pick me up," I said in a rush.
"Considering you have no idea where we're going and I have no intention of telling you, I'm quite sure that I do."
"I can meet you somewhere centrally located."
Noah sounded amused. "I promise to press my trousers before meeting your family. I'll even bring flowers for the occasion."
"Oh, God. Please don't." I said. Maybe honesty in the best policy. "My family is going to screw with my life if you come over." I knew them far too well.
"Congratulations-- you just made the prospect all the more enticing. What is your address?”

“Have you kissed many boys before?" he asked quietly.
His question brought my mind back into focus. I raised an eyebrow. "Boys? That's an assumption."
Noah laughed, the sound low and husky. "Girls, then?"
"No."
"Not many girls? Or not many boys?"
"Neither," I said. Let him make of that what he would.
"How many?"
"Why—"
"I am taking away that word. You are no longer allowed to use it. How many?"

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“Did I just see you litter?'
'I'm driving a hybrid. It cancels out.”

"You're distracting," I said truthfully.
"I won't be. I promise," Noah said. "I'll get some crayons and draw quitely. Alone. In a corner.”

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In my rush, I hadn't tied my shoelaces. Noah was now tying them for me.
He looked up at me through his dark fringe of lashes and smiled. The expression on his face melted me completely. I knew I had the goofiest grin plastered on my lips, and didn't care.
"There," he said as he finished tying the laces on my left shoe. "Now you won't fall."
Too late.

“What would you do if I kissed you right now?"
I stared at his beautiful face and his beautiful mouth and I wanted nothing more than to taste it. "I would kiss you back.”

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"You smell good," he whispered into my neck. He was warm against me. Instinctively, I arched back into him and smiled.
"Really?"
"Mmm-hmm. Delicious. Like bacon.”

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“You told me I smelled - like bacon."
"Well," he said evenly. "That's awkward.”

“You want me as much as I want you. And all I want is you."
My tongue warred with my mind. "Today," I whispered.
Noah stood slowly, his body skimming mine as he rose. "Today. Tonight. Tomorrow. Forever.”

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“You're the girl who called me an asshole the first time we spoke. The girl who tried to pay for lunch even after you learned I have more money than God. You're the girl who risked her ass to save a dying dog, who makes my chest ache whether you're wearing green silk or ripped jeans. You're the girl that I--" Noah stopped, then took a step closer to me. "You are my girl.”

Again quotes overdose,lol.
So a model Oscar Spendrup is my Noah, he perfectly fits Noah in my imagination with his dark-messy hair and gorgeous appearance. Anyone fancy him? Count me in! =D

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Wishlist Wednesday #9

Wishlist Wednesday #9

   10:35 AM       Elisa

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Wishlist Wednesday is a book blog hop 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.
This blog meme is hosted by Pen to Paper, if you want to join please visit here to find more about this meme.

Glitch by Heather Anastasiu
Expected publication August 7th 2012.

Summary from Goodreads :

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or "glitch"), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy

I found Glitch by accident and really interested to the summary. It's more like another dystopian novel, a futuristic future where there's no humanity in earth, all controlled by implanted computer chip. The Glitchers are like X-Men with their supernatural power, and I love X-Men so much that's why that aspect add more value to this title.
Glitch is expected to out on August, so we have to wait for it a bit longer to be published (or maybe some of you will lucky enough to read the ARC *sobs*)

What's your Wishlist Wednesday this week? =)

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I'm Tagged!

I'm Tagged!

   10:05 AM       Elisa

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Sarah from Wondrous Reading has tagged me. This is a great way to know more about our fellow bloggers. Thank you so much, it looks fun to participate in this! =D

To participate:
THE RULES
1. You must post the rules.
2. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you’ve tagged.
3. Tag eleven people and link to them on your post.
4. Let them know you’ve tagged them!


Questions I got :
1) If you could live in any world from a novel, which would it be?
I always dream to live in Harry Potter world; receive an acceptance envelope, schooling at Hogwarts and befriend with Harry, Ron, and Hermione =D

2) Who is you're all time favorite YA (or any book) crush?
Actually I have tons of crush xD Hm... I think right now it's Bones from Night Huntress Series, and it's not YA book =p.

3) Do you come from a small or large family? (My grandmother had 12 brothers and sisters!)
Wow, that's quite a crowd! =D
Middle I think, I don't know much about my grandparents (they have passed away before I was born), but from both of my parents side I have 9 uncles and aunts, 13 direct cousins and some undirect cousins =p. I'm closer to my mom's family and everytime we have family event like someone's birthday or Christmas, uncle's house is like going to explode because of us.

4) If you had to choose a genre that you don't normally read, what would it be?
Psychology genre, if it can count as a genre =p and Horror. Not like I always resist to read them though. If I heard many good things about it, I want to try to read =D

5) What book could yot reread and never get tired of it?
Harry Potter series!

6) Do you like books made into movies, why or why not?
I do, because I love to see my imagination becomes reality, although mostly books are always better than the movies

7) What book got you hooked on reading?
One old series, "Alfred Hitchcock & The Three Investigators" by Robert Arthur =) It has about 40-more books.

8) What author do you wish would write another book?
J.K. Rowling. I believe most of you do too ;)

9) Which do you prefer hardcover, paperback or eBook?
Hardcover has very nice looking at shelf, but paperback is cheaper. I admit it's depend on the cover. I bought which I think the prettier. Also it depend on favorite, I tend to buy hardcover version for some favorite series.
I don't really like e-book, since I don't have Kindle and it's tiring to read at monitor. I prefer book physically =D

10) What was the last book that made you tear up/cry?
A chicklit, "Goodnight, Tweetheart..." by Teresa Medeiros
I finished it last night with wet eyes *sobs*

11) Favorite place to read?
My room. My imagination can grow wild there, ha!

Soon I'll add tagged followers and questions.
Be right back!

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Dusty Reads #11

Dusty Reads #11

   10:47 AM       Elisa

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Dusty Reads is a meme hosted by Giselle from Expresso Reads, featuring a book which has been staying at my bookpile for a long time.

Awakened (The Guardian Legacy #1) by Ednah Walters

Summary from Goodreads :

Most teens turn sixteen and get the license to drive, but Lil Falcon gets the license to kill demons. Orphaned as a child and raised by an eccentric grandfather, Lil is concerned with surviving high school and is unaware that she's a Guardian-a being with super powers charged with killing demons and protecting humanity. When she meets Bran, a mysterious boy with amazing abilities, his psi energy unlocks her latent powers. But Bran has a secret that can ruin their growing relationship, and the truth she discovers may destroy everything she believes in unless she finds the right balance between love and sacrifice.

Original US cover :

The summary looks good and intriguing, and it has good reviews too so I confuse myself why it still sits at my shelf until now. I managed to read some pages but then I closed it and read another book. Not because it's bad, but at that time I interested to read anything else beside Angels theme after a dose like The Mortal Instruments and Fallen. Still not sure when I'll read this =p

What's your Dusty Reads this week? You may leave your links at your comment =D

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In My Mailbox #15

In My Mailbox #15

   12:40 PM       Elisa

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In My Mailbox is a blog meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren. You can show some books you got over the week which you bought, borrowed or given to you.

Uglies Series - Scott Westerfeld

(Uglies, Pretties, Specials)

Across The Universe - Beth Revis

Cascade (The River of Time Trilogy) - Lisa T. Bergern

The Secret of The Immortal Nicholas Flamel - The Warlock - Michael Scott

I was happy to get Cascade and Across The Universe and can't wait to read them!
So what you you get this week? Share them so I can envy you ;)

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REVIEW : Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

REVIEW : Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

   11:29 AM       Elisa

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Hex Hall

Author     : Rachel Hawkins
Publisher  : UFUK
Source     : Bought
Pages       : 420

Summary from Goodreads :

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.
By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

I was really happy when publisher here announced they'd release Hex Hall right after I just read about it. The cover's exciting, the premise sounds sooo amazing about a pack of young supernatural creatures schooling in one place and that instantly gripped me, the sucker of paranormal stories. And gladly it didn't disappoint me =)

Hex Hall is a delightful, light and refreshing reading and also would make you laugh a bit out loud like I did, because too many sarcasm and witty lines in it. It was a fast pace read and there were some little scary and tense parts that made me flipping the pages faster, wanted to know what happen next. Very exciting reading!

The background situation reminded me a bit with Harry Potter but of course it's different and has its own enchantment, an old castle turn to school and boarding house for problematic witches, warlocks, werewolves,*faeries, and only 2 vampires; no single human and some of them even hate each other.
We read this story through Sophie Mercer's head, the main character in this story and she's one reason why you would enjoy this book. She's so honest to others and herself so her voices and lines are super hillarious and full of sarcasm. I found myself giggling and kept giggling and giggling because of it. She's really easy to be loved! And also what I like more about Sophie is despite her foolish acts and thoughts, she's not a fool. Well, maybe there's a part that annoyed me because she trusted someone suspicious very easily, but she paid it with her clever act. She's also down-to-earth enough to choose her killer-suspected 'pinky' vampire friend, Jenna, than 3 popular witches who want to recruit her.

Then, there's Archer, Sophie's love interest.
Hm... what can I say about him... he's pretty cute, kind, mysterious (well, we know his true identity at last), and still his feeling for Sophie was still unpredictable here, is it sincerely or not. Honestly I don't know him very well except he sometimes threw cute jokes and I still need to find out more about him. I pretty confuse myself that everyone already like him at first, but not me. Odd right? I even more curious about Callahan, who just makes short appearances, who mostly just acted but less talked. Interesting, and I think I'll read more about him at next book =)

Overall, the story quite amusing and very entertaining. But there was something bothered me at translation version, and I'll tell it in Bahasa.

Ini untuk masukan aja buat translatornya (yang mungkin ngga akan dibaca sih disini, secara blog indo yang pakai bahasa Inggris sangat ngga populer =p). Entah memang mungkin di versi aslinya juga seperti itu, saya mendapati cukup banyak pengulangan kalimat 'atau apalah'. Kalau kadang2 saja mungkin tidak masalah, cuma karena sering banget jadi rada2 gimana gt. Kalo misal memang di versi aslinya seperti ya mau gimana lagi emang. Just sayin' =)

Hex Hall is recommended if you need light paranormal story with witty and satire writing style which makes you laugh. I can't wait to read the next sequel, Demon Glass that will be released next month based on publisher's info.

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Wishlist Wednesday #8

Wishlist Wednesday #8

   2:54 PM       Elisa

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Wishlist Wednesday is a book blog hop 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.
This blog meme is hosted by Pen to Paper, if you want to join please visit here to find more about this meme.

The Gathering Storm by Robin Bridges

Summary from Goodreads :

St. Petersburg, Russia, 1888. As she attends a whirl of glittering balls, royal debutante Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, tries to hide a dark secret: she can raise the dead. No one knows. Not her family. Not the girls at her finishing school. Not the tsar or anyone in her aristocratic circle. Katerina considers her talent a curse, not a gift. But when she uses her special skill to protect a member of the Imperial Family, she finds herself caught in a web of intrigue.

An evil presence is growing within Europe's royal bloodlines—and those aligned with the darkness threaten to topple the tsar. Suddenly Katerina's strength as a necromancer attracts attention from unwelcome sources . . . including two young men—George Alexandrovich, the tsar's standoffish middle son, who needs Katerina's help to safeguard Russia, even if he's repelled by her secret, and the dashing Prince Danilo, heir to the throne of Montenegro, to whom Katerina feels inexplicably drawn.

The time has come for Katerina to embrace her power, but which side will she choose—and to whom will she give her heart?

The cover first captivated me =D then the summary looks so gorgeous yet intrigue too, about a Russian Duchess who is a necromancer. It sets at historical Rusia time and involve royal families, so I think it would be a gorgeous story too ;D

Have you read about The Gathering Storm? What do you think about it?
What is your Wishlist Wednesday this week? ;)

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Dusty Reads #10

Dusty Reads #10

   11:43 AM       Elisa

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Dusty Reads is a meme hosted by Giselle from Expresso Reads, featuring a book which has been staying at my bookpile for the longest.

Need by Carrie Jones

Summary from Goodreads :

Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now.

She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara's overactive imagination. In fact, he's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.

In this creepy, compelling breakout novel, Carrie Jones delivers romance, suspense, and a creature you never thought you'd have to fear.

US cover :

I have no idea why publisher here decided to cartoonize the cover. The original one has no harm though. But I think it related to publishing procedure or something like that. Hm...
Okay, at first I didn't know about this book, but after saw this at bookstore, I searched at some blogs I follow and they seem like it, although Goodreads show twisted rating, but I kinda ignore them and finally bought Need and now still sitting dusty at my shelf =p. Too many books on my TBR list until I confuse myself which I have to read first @_@

Anyone already read Need? What do you think about it?
What's your Dusty Reads this week?

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REVIEW : The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

REVIEW : The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

   4:15 PM       Elisa

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The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Author     : Michelle Hodkin
Publisher  : Simon & Schuster
Source     : Bought
Pages       : 452

Summary :

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

I wasn't sure in which genre this awesome book is, like 'Slice of Life' with 'Supernatural' taste maybe. Don't mean to give any spoiler, but for those who confuse with vague summary, the storyline idea might slightly like a simplier version of Japanese manga, 'Death Note' if you ever heard or read it (me personally just watched the movie, the manga just spin my head @_@). Note it, slightly, the idea. Not the whole story. Just guess yourself how it is =)

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer was one of the most anticipated title and bloggers keep talking about how amazing it was. Now I knew why and very glad I had an opportunity to read this. I really have no idea how to describe the amazing-ness this book for me. But of course, I try ;D

First, the cover.
Dark-ly unique, gorgeous, beautiful, definitely my favorite (I even collect the rest picture series, very breathtaking and awesome photograph skill =D). The picture and typograph looks perfect and matched the story's mysteriousness very well, it did tightly captivate me at the first sight and made me dying want to own this book although it seemed impossible. But woooooow it now sitting prettily on my shelf! 8D
Second, the story.
I have never read any book with like The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer before (and don't really have any chance either since a place where I live) so wow.... for me it's really unique. It is suspenseful, mysterious, eerie, haunting, un-answered, but also funny, heartwarming and romantic. Yes it's so complicated like that. At one moment you feel so delightful, then at the next page you'll startled and terrified. I admire Michelle Hodkin for her writing skill at creating such intriguing story with romance and supernatural twist. I love how her describing with each word that so real and adsorbing. And how she used some uncommon words (verbs, nouns or adjectives) which I never know before they even exist at English (sorry, my mother languange isn't English though =p I admit I kept opening my translator engine at my phone and surprised when it showed the result xD), it add more mysterious and smart feeling in this story ;)

Mara Dyer is not your usual heroine.
She suffers PTSD because of a horibble accident that killing her boyfriend and her friends. It brings her hallucinations that consume her sanity, and I really feel sorry for her because as I put myself in her shoes, her hallucinations are very-very terrifiying! How you'll live in peace if you're haunted by your death friends? *shivers*. But I found Mara is very interesting. With endless support from her family, especially her brother Daniel *I wish I have a brother like him /daydreaming/*, she battles her PTSD and try to live normally and move forward from her past. She's very strong at dealing her problems, but secretly she has her own dark side which I thought it's so realistic, so human and imperfect who sometimes do and decide wrong, until I thought "Wow, actually I do sometimes think that way too towards other". She's so different from others that make her stand out and unforgettable. She might be unstable and flaws, but I love her for being and thinking as herself.
Of course, this story wouldn't be perfect without male main character, Noah Shaw.
Ah Noah, with his usual disarray appearance and myterious-ness, is very mesmerizing. It's really hard to not falling in love with a guy like him. I even didn't admit him as a jerk at first like some people did. He has bad boy appearance but sounds aristocratic (well, he's rich and British anyway, SQUEEEEEEE!), sometimes quirky and mysterious, witty and sweet. He's totally swoon worthy and a perfect match for Mara. I really enjoy their witty chit-chat toward others and how cute he is when he acts demanding on her.

With the cliffhanger ending (which made my eyes widely opened, couldn't believe Hodkin cut the story at such critical situation! AAARGH!!!) I can't help but wanting more of this series. After I finished this book, I kept guessing who "Mara" is, and Noah also tickled my curiousity. Waiting until Fall for the sequel is such a pain!
Read it if you have a chance, or for Indo publisher, you should consider this book as your next translation project.
Highly recommended!

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In My Mailbox #14

In My Mailbox #14

   5:49 PM       Elisa

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In My Mailbox is a blog meme hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren. You can show some books you got over the week which you bought, borrowed or given to you.









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Halo by Alexandra Adornetto
I finally bought Halo although too much hesitation because everybody seem hate it, lol. I love Twilight though :p so I wanted to give this a try.

Desires of The Death by Kimberly Derting
I bought Desires of The Death with crazy deal! Just 29.000IDR (or about $3) and in paperback. I bet this won't even with The Body Finder book size (which I haven't buy yet xD)

The Secret of Dragon Sanctuary (Fablehaven #4) by Brandon Mull
Charlie Bone and The Time Twister by Jenny Nimmo
Both of them are children books with good premises but I haven't read this series yet. My sister already read the prequels and she liked them a lot. Anyone alredy read one of or these 2 series?

At Grave's End (Night Huntress #3) by Jeaniene Frost
Night Huntress series maybe one of the best vampire series for me and I glad I found this title :D
Can't wait to read more about Cat and Bones!

What you've got last week?
Share yours so I can comment you back and envy you ;)

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