REVIEW : Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

REVIEW : Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

   11:55 PM       Elisa

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Under The Never Sky

Author      : Veronica Rossi
Publisher   : HarperCollins
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 374 (Hardback)

Summary from Goodreads :

Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland - known as The Death Shop - are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild - a savage - and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile - everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

Book Trailer :

Review :
I read this book near the end of last year (again a product of procrastinating), but the story is still lingering in my head until now. Under The Never Sky is unlike some Dystopia series I've read which mostly are about how the main characters struggling to be free from tyrant and dictator government. Instead this book is more about how the characters grow and survive at the wild contains a lot of dangerous things even like cannibals and deadly, unbeatable storm that can strike anytime and destroy everything under it. This book is also very unique and interesting because it also has fantasy element in, some characters possess a 'gift', the amplified sense(s) that help their survival a lot. Beautifully written, narrated by admirable characters, full with heart-pounding adventure and action, also surprisingly sweet love story, I nearly could not put this book down!

The character and relationship development are very well-written, probably it's the plus point in this book. It's slowly built through hard and painful circumstances to a very satisfying result. It was really interesting to follow both Aria's and Perry's voices and thoughts, the story is alternately told by both POV. They're so different from each other, full of hate and prejudice at the first but slowly they start to have sort of understanding and finally they fall for each other. The story is somehow really intense, like you have to prepare you might see something you would not like in any time but it's also soften by how the characters interacted to each other and of course, the love story between Aria and Perry which was a bit bitter-sweet. I really loved it! =)

I love most of the characters here, no one was particularly very bad, well, except Hess and the cannibals of course. I really admire Aria. She's really strong-willed and adaptable, even in a hopeless moment she still tries to survive. I enjoyed her struggle, her fear and whines were very reasonable I barely felt irritated by them. Perry, my Perry. Ha. Yeah, he stole my heart completely. Perry is not like the other bad-boy type I've ever read, he's the perfect bad boy ever. He's very unique and complex, at one side he's wild, harsh and a bit impulsive, but at another side he's already so responsible and loyal to his people, always think about others and also surprisingly fragile and very very sweet. I really really REALLY love him, so much! Then we also have this awesome Roar, everyone's best friend. I really love his easy-going and warm personality, his friendship between both Aria and Perry are very beautiful. There are still a lot secondary characters and they enrich and color the story with each uniqueness, although sometime I wanted to tweak Cinder's ear.

Also unlike other Dystopia, this book has no cliffhanger ending although it's only the book one. But still it makes you more curious about what happen next and I believe if you love this book, you'll desperately can't wait to read more about Aria and Perry's adventure under the never sky. One really great series! So guys if you love Dystopia and love to see the different one, you might try this series.
Happy reading! =)

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Book to Movie - Divergent (#2) : BIG cast news!

Book to Movie - Divergent (#2) : BIG cast news!

   9:51 PM       Elisa

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OKAY!!!
After have been speculating about who's gonna play as Four (other characters are important too though but still... well yeah ;p) like Colton Haynes, Alexander Ludwig, Alex Pettyfer, Jeremy Irvine and tons of them, FINALLY THEY ANNOUNCED WHO'S 'HIM' WHEN I WAS SLEEPING THIS EARLY MORNING.

taken from 'ere

taken from 'ere

Theo James.
I have never know about this guy before so when I heard the news I was like "huh, who's that?". Then.

OH MY GOD. THIS IS FOUR. PERFECT FOUR.
The more I see him, the more I believe he's the best choice, ever.
He has those Four's materials; not just simply good-looking, like when you see him longer you realize he's really hot, tough and manly guy and very attractive. Though he's 10 years older than the real Four, it's not really a big deal for me. I've seen an interview of him and he's really a fun guy with this deep voice. And oh yah he's a British! He has that accent! Aaaagh I can't wait to see the movie! 8D

And the rest of official casts so far :
Ansel Elgort as Caleb
Zoe Kravits as Christina
Maggie Q as Tori
Jai Courtney as Eric
Miles Teller as Peter
Kate Winslet as Jeanine

Rumored / still in talking :
Aaron Eckhart as Marcus
Ray Stevenson as Andrew Prior

I was really surprised when I heard big actresses like Kate Winslet and Maggie Q join in. WOW! Such a bunch of gorgeous actors and actresses, seriously this movie will be super EPIC! Can't wait to see who's gonna play as Will, Al, Uriah, Molly, Marlene, Lyn and other characters! =D

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REVIEW : Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

REVIEW : Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

   10:43 PM       Elisa

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Glitch

Author      : Heather Anastasiu
Publisher   : St. Martin's Griffin
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 308 (Paperback)

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.

Review :
I believe if you are into Dystopia or Sci-fi reading, you would be immediately drawn to what Glitch might offer you from its blurb above. It was what I felt at the first I knew this book. It seemed offering something cool and fantastic about dystopia world set in a futuristic society with absolute control through a mind-controlling chip implanted inside people's head and when they get 'glitching', they start to have certain supernatural power in sudden. Kind of reminded me with X-men, and I love X-men, so I was having high expectation that this book would be kind of mind-blowing. Sadly, after I finished this book, it was less than I've expected. However I still enjoyed it and still want to look more at the next book because I think this series still have potential to be more exciting.

I really loved the dystopia world Anastasiu built in this book. It's incredibly cool, like what I've imagine about a futuristic, high-tech society and seeing the world from Zoe's side makes it feels more real. I also loved some details like arm-panel with keyboard function, something I assume like USB / microchip slot implanted at the back of neck that can erase or control your mind, and the others, which are both really cool and eerie! But it's also ironic and pitiful that despite how high the technology has been developed, men lost the humanity and live like lifeless cyborg. The story moves in a fast pace and full with cool yet heart-pounding action scenes, shocking twist that make you want to read more and more. But yet, there are some flaws that actually quite bugging me I could not ignore them. Though the story moved in fast pace, somehow I felt it was kind of strange. There was a moment when the story reach an interesting point (I was kind of excited) ,then suddenly it was like, 'pof', everything was like starting all over again. Seriously I felt like being cheated =_=;. Maybe some of you who already read this book would understand what it is and probably feel the same way as I did.

I had a mixed feeling about the characters as well, and what the author has decided on building the relationship between them. At one side, I really liked Zoel, or Zoe. I really understand her anxiety and fear being glitched because for all her life before she was told it was wrong and she's overwhelmed with several new emotions she has never felt before. Her background as a part of the Community made it more believable. I really liked to watch her growing stronger, with Adrien's help, determined and willing to trust her own thoughts and feeling about right and wrong. But at the other side, as far as I want to understand Zoe's process of transforming, I have to agree with some reviewers that she's a bit unstable and inconsistent. Many times I got annoyed and frustrated by her wavering and keep-changing thoughts. There's also Adrien (loved his name because it uses 'e' instead 'a', btw ;p) Zoe's love interest. Compare to heroes from the other Dystopia series, he's not really stand out, except his aquamarine eyes and special ability can have glimpses of the future. He has a tender heart and quite smart, but he also seems weak comparing to Zoe even. Somehow I was disappointed of what the author has decided to be happened on him. I knew the author wanted to make it as a shocking element, but instead it was upsetting me.

The chemistry between Zoe and Adrien is happened too fast, it's obviously insta-love. Zoe's first feeling toward Adrien seemed absurd, she felt this 'connection' between them at the first she saw him, didn't really make sense to me because there was no explanation Zoe have known about this boy before. Not only insta-love, there's a love-triangle as well as Max suddenly declares himself. But at least we don't have to be confused to choose who's the best because I didn't like Max, at all. He's absurdly obsessed with Zoe, such an immature, selfish and arrogant boy I didn't really understand why bother making him as the third person between Zoe and Adrien. Zoe's naive reaction toward Max's temptation, although I clearly understand why, drove me crazy too sometimes, really strange to find a boy with those attitude attractive.

I'm not highly recommend this series but I think it's still worth a try for Dystopia fans. If insta-love doesn't really bug you, probably you could fully enjoy this book. Now it's time for me to grab Override, because, yeah, I need to know more about this series, what will happen to Zoe, Adrien and the rest of glitchers.
Happy reading! =)

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Cover Reveal #14

Cover Reveal #14

   8:55 PM       Elisa

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Some pretties I think I need to share today :

These Broken Stars by Amy Kaufman and Megan Spooner
This cover is quiet memorable, because I found this book right when something terrible happen to me (or exactly, when my office building was burnt to ash *sobs*)
Anyway!
Absolutely, stunning, cover, ever!
I love everything on it, even the font they use is so perfect =D. The cover alone makes me dying to see this book sitting prettily on my shelf!

The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead
To be honest I'm a bit disappointed with the cover. I don't know somehow it's a bit off, probably I don't really like the color. I don't have any objection for the model. I actually like 'Adrian' =)

Alienated by Melissa Landers
It was just announced yesterday (or actually I just found this yesterday) and this one is really really cute, kind of remind me with Across The Universe's old cover but this one, well, cuter =) Love the color, the models, the poses. One thing I don't really like is the font, I dunno, just it doesn't feel right. Otherwise... very cute! =D

Through The Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter
I have expected the sequel of Alice in Zombieland would have another gorgeous cover and yeah, it's absolutely GORGEOUS! Love the mirrors and the dress. BUT. What the heck with that face. Where's the previous pretty girl? :(

Unbreakable by Kami Garcia
Just revealed this morning and wow... the most wicked cover I've ever seen for a while =D Looks really mysterious and the story sounds really awesome as well!

Just notice, why Sci-fi novels about alien and outer space tend to have romantic-looking cover?
Do you get what I mean? Hehe~ ;)

So, which one(s) is/are your favorite?

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Wishlist Wednesday #25

Wishlist Wednesday #25

   11:10 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 tile, 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.



Sweet Peril
by Wendy Higgins


Summary from Goodreads :

Anna Whitt, the daughter of a guardian angel and a demon, promised herself she’d never do the work of her father—polluting souls. She’d been naive to make such a vow. She’d been naive about a lot of things.

Haunted by demon whisperers, Anna does whatever she can to survive, even if it means embracing her dark side and earning an unwanted reputation as her school’s party girl. Her life has never looked more bleak. And all the while there’s Kaidan Rowe, son of the Duke of Lust, plaguing her heart and mind.

When an unexpected lost message from the angels surfaces, Anna finds herself traveling the globe with Kopano, son of Wrath, in an attempt to gain support of fellow Nephilim and give them hope for the first time. It soon becomes clear that whatever freedoms Anna and the rest of the Neph are hoping to win will not be gained without a fight. Until then, Anna and Kaidan must put aside the issues between them, overcome the steamiest of temptations yet, and face the ultimate question: is loving someone worth risking their life?

OMG I really LOVED Sweet Evil, I never thought I'd love it so much but I do =D I love the characters, the chemistry between Anna and Kaidan, and the relationship between Anna and other people around her like with Patty, her dad and other nephs, it's so awesome and well-built. Probably Sweet Evil is the best paranormal romance for me this year and I absolutely cannot wait for Sweet Peril! I can not wait to see what would happen to Anna, Kaidan and the rest of the characters. I think everything would be intensified here. So exciting!

So what's your Wishlist Wednesday? Share yours so I can check them back =)

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REVIEW : Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

REVIEW : Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

   2:40 PM       Elisa

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Unearthly

Author      : Cynthia Hand
Publisher   : HarperCollins
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 435 (Paperback)

Summary from Goodreads :

When Clara Gardner learns she's part angel, her entire life changes. She now has a purpose, a specific task she was put on this earth to accomplish, except she doesn't know what it is. Her visions of a raging forest fire and a mysterious boy lead her to a new high school in a new town but provide no clear instruction. As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make--between the boy in her vision and the boy in her life, between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. . . . When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Book trailer :

Review :
I thought these days I already got enough of supernatural beings like Vampires or Werewolves, and also Angel. Aside of The Mortal Instruments (which I really LOVE), I had a hard time with some Angel-theme series like Fallen and Hush Hush, both were frustrating me very much. But then I saw my paperback copy of Unearthly sitting there prettily for quite a long time and well, also being pushed by gazillion amazing reviews about this book, finally I decided to give a try at the edge of year 2012 (yeah totally procrastinating). And guess what? So glad I did and I loved this book! =D. Really nice to know that a good angel series doesn't need to be all gloomy, moody and angst so it didn't ruin my mood over this book.

The angel or half-angel concept in this book is quite unique and different from any reading in the same theme I've read. Despite of supernatural-like premise about Clara, a half angel half human who is seeking what's her true purpose based on some vision's fragments that struck her, this book is nicely flowing, down-to-earth and the story is quite close to basic daily life. It's like reading contemporary romance with sort of supernatural twists and mysteries here and there, some were surprising me though, and that's quite refreshing.

Clara is very likable and her voice is pretty easy to follow. Though she has known herself as a half-angel for quite some times, she still needs to find what her true purpose is and I enjoyed her journey to find it out. To be honest, I still can't choose between Tucker and Christian. Tucker is a ranch boy type that I adore, who seems to brighten your mood every time he makes appearances and Christian with his cool and mysterious vibes. I can understand very well Clara's confusion over these two guys because Hand created such appealing boys for her but well, I really excited to see who Clara will end with.

For you who recently get disappointed with some angel series like I did, I suggest you to try this one. Maybe Unearthly could fix it at least a bit. The twist of fate at the end... wow, I really didn't see it coming! Surely I have to get Hallowed pretty soon, really curious what would happen next!

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TTT#10 : Top Ten Books At The TOP Of My Spring 2013 TBR list

TTT#10 : Top Ten Books At The TOP Of My Spring 2013 TBR list

   8:13 AM       Elisa

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Top Ten Tuesday is a feature/weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. It's the best and fun way to share lists of certain topics with other fellow bloggers. If you want to participate, please visit their blog for further information! =D

We don't have Spring, sadly, at the country where I live. It must be really nice to see sort of transformation from frozen sight to more lively ones; flowers blooming, crisp and warm air... *day-dreaming*
Ehem, okay, so I did check and realize there are a lot awesome book that will be released this spring and it's soooo hard to choose just only ten books! UGH!
Well, then this is my list, I choose only coming-soons new series and sequels :

Top Ten Books At The TOP Of My Spring 2013 TBR list

1. Requiem by Lauren Oliver
I'm still waiting for my copy to be arrived, around 2 weeks more *sigh*. Despite all mixed reviews out there, I really can't wait to read how this beautiful series would end. Guys I know most of you have read this book, share your thoughts please =D

2. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
Another last book of a series I've been eagerly waiting for years. What would happen to Tessa, Will and Jem??? I also can't wait to read about the red thread between the characters in this series with the characters in The Mortal Instruments. The release date is coming closer! EEEEEEP!!! 8D

3. Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Okay, Beautiful Disaster was a guilty pleasure of mine last year, and when I heard there would be a sequel book, the same story but we see the story from Travis side, I was flippin' excited! =D

4. Dark Triumph by Robin LaFevers
I think this book would have the strangest couple ever, if you have read Grave Mercy you'll understand what I mean. Sybella and Beast, everyone? It would be really exciting! =D Can't wait to get this book!

5. Unbreakable by Elizabeth Norris
Honestly I still need to read Unraveling but I already can't wait to get Unbreakable. I plan to read Unraveling near the release date of Unbreakable so I won't need to wait too much longer to read the sequel =)

6. Taken by Erin Bowman
Taken has been in my radar like ages ago *woops!* because of the amazing cover and blurb and I found Erin Bowman is such an amazing person as well.

7. Bronze God by A.A. Aguirre
I 'accidentally' found this book and immediately captivated by the summary, like a detective story with steampunk and fantasy twist. And since it's an adult novel, I think it would be more complicated. It sounds really cool and awesome!

8. Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins
Sweet Evil is one of my favorite read this year (although it was out last year, eh =p) and I REALLY CAN'T WAIT to get Sweet Peril! I need more Kaidan in my life! =D

9. In the Shadow of Blackbird by Cat Winters
This book sounds so devastating, dark and kind of sad but I heard this book is so good so I need to proof it myself. I also need to read more books about ghost, and this one sounds perfect.

10. Icons by Margaret Stohl
So thankful this book got its cover changed, yea I'm not really a fan of the previous cover, and this one looks more awesome =) I love Beautiful Creatures so I definitely want to get Stohl's solo novel as well. Dystopia and alien? Count me in! ;)

That's my list, do you have some of them on your list too?
What's on your list? Share your link so I can check them back =D

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REVIEW : Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

REVIEW : Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

   8:06 PM       Elisa

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Grave Mercy

Author      : Robin LaFevers
Publisher   : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 549 (Hardback)

Summary from Goodreads :

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

Book trailer :

Review :
I was so excited to read Grave Mercy since it was just a pretty cover, somehow I knew I would love it because of the historical background and the idea about a nun being an assassin, in order to serve the god of Death. Woah, it sounds really bad-ass. I am always thrilled on the stories that have characters with controversial jobs like assassin, con-men or spy, I curious how the author would do the story with it. And heck yeah, my feeling was right. I loved this book! I thought I would find another controversial thing regard to certain religion since it related to 'nun' and 'convent' and 'god of death, it made me felt both anxious and excited, but I was wrong and LaFevers was wise enough to make the topic quite 'general' and a bit fantastical. Though I only had an access to this book for just several hours at night, I was always eager to continue reading, to know what would have happened next.

Not like an average YA series, Grave Mercy is quite complicated. Generally it's about Ismae's adventure to fulfil assignments from god of Death, takes down everyone who is 'marked' by the Death, means he/she is a traitor of the high court of Brittany (the reason why Death kind of takes a side to the Great Brittany was one that somehow bugging me). But then after Ismae successfully infiltrates into the courts, thanks to Gavriel Duval, an illegitimate son of the late Duke and a French whore, she is inevitably involved in a twisted politic intrigue and conspiracies. Moreover things become more complicated to her when she's undeniably attracted to someone who might be her next assignment to be eliminated and soon she starts to questioning the reliable of the 'mark' and the convent of Death itself.

Practically this book is mostly about politic intrigue and conspiracy and it's quite a long read and in my case, I sometimes met some difficulties to keep up with the story, sometimes I forgot things; although it amazed me that there was no single wasted scene in this book. So probably this book would not too suitable for those who seeks for light reading.  I occasionally enjoy historical fiction so it was not really hard for me to like, even love this book. I think the story is quite deep and developed very well, the politic and the guessing part were really fascinating for me.

Talking about the characters and relationship between them, I really adored both Ismae and Duval. Ismae is one brilliant and strong heroine, reading about her was really interesting. Although she's very loyal to her convent and especially god of Death, she's also quite open-minded to every possibilities and has quite faith to her own heart about what is right and wrong. Then there's Duval. Gavriel Duval, wow, what a gorgeous name! The same gorgeous as himself =D. Duval is kind of perfect, fine and chivalrous gentleman you'd find on historical fiction and he has so many honorable qualities in him. He's wise and smart enough to be more cautious, even about Ismae at first. He's also very loyal to his country and his family, I love seeing his affection towards her younger half-sister and to his mother though it's rather in cold way.
There's definitely no insta-love, instead Ismae and Duval spend a lot of time together to finally realize they love each other. I really loved that sometimes they both put down their tensity and go cute bickering, or then Duval can be really sweet and respectful to Ismae. They're really matching in many ways.

Considering the book's heavy and intriguing content though it's not too explicit, Grave Mercy probably would be suitable for older Young Adult. I really recommend this book to everyone who could enjoy historical fiction with subtle yet fast pace, intriguing politics with fantasy twist and slow but deep romance development between two main characters. Now I really can't wait to read the sequel, Dark Triumph, which is out this April.

Happy reading, guys! =)

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Stacking the Shelves [01]

Stacking the Shelves [01]

   10:02 PM       Elisa

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Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosting by Tynga from Tynga's Review. It's about sharing all new books, physical or e-book form, you're adding to your shelf. They could be bought, borrowed or given to you.

After a while finally I decided to join Stacking the Shelves. I'm practically a newbie now, I hope I'll have more fun joining this meme =)

Here's some books I got from several weeks ago :

Shades of Earth by Beth Revis
Splintered by A.G. Howard
The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd
The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead
Override by Heather Anastasiu
Until I Die by Amy Plum

I've already finished with The Indigo Spell and it's so fantastic! I love this series so much =D
I'm so excited to read the rest of them, they're all awesome reading I believe.
What's hitting your shelf this week?
Thank you for visiting and have a nice day everyone =)

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REVIEW : The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

REVIEW : The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

   9:49 PM       Elisa

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The Evolution of Mara Dyer

Author      : Michelle Hodkin
Publisher   : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 544 (Hardback)

Summary from Goodreads :

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.

She can’t.

She used to think her problems were all in her head.

They aren’t.

She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.

She’s wrong.

In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?

Book Trailer :

Review :
After I finished reading this book, I realized I've made the biggest mistake in 2012 (yeah I was successfully procrastinating). Why I didn't wait for any longer to read this book. I think I've should read this book near the release date of the third book so I wouldn't live several months in misery like I feel right now.
Each time I saw this book, I felt like torturing myself =(

OH. MY. GOD.
WHAT AN ENDING.
MICHELLE HODKIN IS A WICKED WOMAN. AN AMAZING WICKED WOMAN.
Okay, AMAZING is the main point. BUT STILL.

*sigh*
Okay, maybe I was a bit biased and over-reacting, but it was what I really felt.

After I finished The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, a lot of questions was popping inside my head, about who was Mara Dyer, was Jude really still alive, what was exactly Noah's role in Mara's life beside as her BF, etc. Well, actually I was questioning what the hell was this story all about, what was exactly the main problem in this series. I really hoped I would get at least some answers in The Evolution of Mara Dyer. I did get some answers, yes, but it didn't make my mind any better.

I really loved this series because it's absolutely unpredictable, Hodkin could turn the story to the unexpected direction that made my jaw literally dropped. The more I got into the story, the more I got confused about many things. I felt Hodkin deliberately created such a storyline to make us keep guessing about what Mara is, the change term from 'who' to 'what' is a bad sign, I presumed. I did make some guessing from 'simply mentally sick', 'possessed' to 'reincarnation' and I even did type 'Mara' at wikipedia which was kind of helping me a bit. But then I found that my wicked mind was not as brilliant as Ms. Hodkin. I EVEN STILL CONFUSED (AND DEVASTATED) AT THE VERY TWISTED-MAJOR CLIFFHANGER END PAGE. Yet I still found this book very, very fantastic. Lord help me.

However, everything in this book seems intensified to the mind-blowing level; the mysteries, Mara's hallucinations (which were scared the hell out of me, beside Barbie I never like human-form dolls, never), the relationship between Mara and Noah (which was quite heating up *fanning myself*), even the characters themselves. Mara grows stronger and stronger until I couldn't imagine to stand on her shoes. She manages very well to control her fears and restlessly tries to find answers about herself. Noah *insert tons of hearts here* surprisingly shows his dark side here which is making him sexier and hotter than ever. Apparently he's not just happen to be Mara's boyfriend. I think he's more than that. Just an abrupt guess though.

Because of THAT shocking ending, now I absolutely can't wait for the next book, The Retribution of Mara Dyer. I really want to know how this series might end, what would happen to Mara and the rest characters and importantly, who Mara actually is. I really can't imagine nor predict what would happen on the next book! UGH!
So Mara Dyer series fans, definitely stop procrastinating and hurry grab your copy ASAP! Or probably the best advice is, like I said, read it near the release date of the last book. I also recommend this series to everybody who seek for a different, dark, mysterious, haunting, unpredictable and confusing story that would left so much question inside your head and would blow you mind with its sexiness as well!
Happy reading! =D

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