REVIEW : Only Good Spy Young

REVIEW : Only Good Spy Young

   12:40 PM       Elisa

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Only Good Spy Young (Gallagher Girls #4)

Author     : Ally Carter
Publisher  : Gramedia Pustaka Utama
Source     : Bought
Pages       : 284

Blurb from Goodreads :
When Cammie Morgan enrolled at the Gallagher Academy, she knew she was preparing for the dangerous life of a spy. What she didn’t know was that the serious, real-life danger would start during her junior year of high school. But that’s exactly what happened two months ago when Cammie faced off against an ancient terrorist organization dead set on kidnapping her.
Now the danger follows her everywhere, and even Cammie “The Chameleon” can’t hide. When a terrifying encounter in London reveals that one of her most-trusted allies is actually a rogue double-agent, Cammie no longer knows if she can trust her classmates, her teachers—or even her own heart.

In this fourth installment of the New York Times best-selling series, the Gallagher Girls must hack, spy, steal, and lie their way to the truth.as they go searching for answers, recognizing that the key to Cammie’s future may lie deep in the past.

I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!

"Only A Good Spy Young" is the opposite of the first 2 books and definitely become my favorite book of this series. Okay, I get it. Ally Carter does make this series neat and chronologically, both story and suspense feeling. Slow and flat at the first 2 books, then increasing the pace at the next 2 books. Very thrilling and full of action so I couldn't put this down till the last page. I kept wondering 'what next, what??!, OMG!' while I flipped the pages so yeah I just spent only a day to read this =p

Story, characters and plot are leveled-up here, in a good way. Surprising facts and answers are revealed here, which made me shouting out "NOOOOOOOOOO MR. SOLOMOOOOOOOOON!!!!!", well, inside my head only. But I know he wouldn't disappoint me, he's a real smart-ass and I love him now. My favorite scene is when our girls face their real mission which is very dangerous and full of traps (of course it was set by awesome Solomon) which needs very high espionage skill to fullfill it. My heart throbbed fast when I read that part and can't stop flipped it 0_0.
And... Zach. We also finally know his real identity and it's not good at all, but his background doesn't stop him from protecting Cammie, even he would die for her. Their relationship become more deeper and of course, we know about him better =D. And more important, we get more information about Cammie's father, about his friendship with Solomon and how he became M.I.A. But is he still alive or not, still remain mystery for me, same like the reason why Cammie is being a target of kidnapper from Circle of Cavan, the name of ancient terrorist organization.

I awed with Ally Carter's writing style at this book. She knows well about espionage world and knows how to surprise her reader. Ans especially for this one, it might be lack of romance, but somehow I can feel it hidden between kick-ass action scenes and it's still fascinating. Like Zach and Cammie do. He's totally swoon worth. Who can resist a boy who like you even will die for you and choose you over his own mom? xD

The ending scene is very satisfying but make me carve for the next book, Out of Sight Out of Time that will be released..... OH MY GAAAAAH! STILL ON MARCH 2012! *dies*
So, my rating is also leveled-up for this book ;D Recommended. Believe me, this is not just an ordinary teenlit.

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REVIEW : Don't Judge A Girl By Her Cover

REVIEW : Don't Judge A Girl By Her Cover

   8:14 PM       Elisa

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Don't Judge A Girl By Her Cover (Gallagher Girls #3)

Author     : Ally Carter
Publisher  : Gramedia Pustaka Utama
Source     : Bought
Pages       : 285

Blurb :

When Cammie Morgan visits her roommate Macey in Boston, she thinks she’s in for an exciting end to her summer. After all, she’s there to watch Macey’s father accept the nomination for vice president. But when you go to the world’s best school (for spies), “exciting” and “deadly” are never far apart. Soon the girls find themselves trapped in a kidnappers’ plot, with only their espionage skills to save them.

As her junior year begins, Cammie can't shake the memory of what happened in Boston, and even the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women doesn't feel like the safe haven it once did. Shocking secrets and old flames seem to lurk around every one of the mansion's corners as Cammie and her friends struggle to answer the questions, Who is after Macey? And how can the Gallagher Girls keep her safe?

Soon Cammie is joining Bex and Liz as Macey's private security team on the campaign trail. The girls must use their spy training at every turn as the stakes are raised, and Cammie gets closer and closer to the shocking truth…

2 previous books,I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You and Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy (wew such a long titles) are smart and fun reading and I quite enjoyed them, but still, I felt something lack at those 2 books. Maybe they don't have real action scenes and the characters don't face the real villains and more focus on Cammie love-interest and spy-girls' education development through school mission, and those things made me put down this series for a while. But then finally I read 'Don't Judge A Girl By Her Cover' and yay! I simply can't put it down and read it just in 2 days (well, since I have to go to work, it's faster than usual ;p)

The story grows more thrilling and captivate me till last page. Cammie and her friends face a real kidnapping scene from mysterious people who seems targeting Macey and her family who soon will become an important family in US. On their mission to secure Macey at her dad's campaign, Cammie coincidentally meets Zach, or he actually stalks her with certain reasons he won't tell and like usual, he stays mysterious till the end.
This book doesn't give us many romantic scenes, but I really enjoy how Zach keeps making Cammie curious about him and how Zach secretly protects Cammie, even shows his jealousy while Cam unexpectedly meets Josh and follows him, like called him 'Jimmy'. Very cute =D. And romance life comes to Macey life too, with President candidate's son. I curious about their further relationship later on the next books.

If you have a same thought like me, about the previous 2 books that move slowly and a bit boring, don't stop and read this one. And for those who haven't read this series yet and you like smart & fun read, grab I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have to Kill You fast. You'll love it.
Gonna write a review for next book

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REVIEW : Gone by Lisa McMann

REVIEW : Gone by Lisa McMann

   12:26 PM       Elisa

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Gone (Dream Catcher Series #3)

Author     : Lisa McMann
Publisher  : Gramedia Pustaka Utama (Indonesia)
Pages       : 216
Source     : Borrow

Blurb :
Janie thought she knew what her future held. And she thought she'd made her peace with it. But she can't handle dragging Cabel down with her.

She knows he will stay with her, despite what she sees in his dreams. He's amazing. And she's a train wreck. Janie sees only one way to give him the life he deserves--she has to disappear. And it's going to kill them both.

Then a stranger enters her life--and everything unravels. The future Janie once faced now has an ominous twist, and her choices are more dire than she'd ever thought possible. She alone must decide between the lesser of two evils. And time is running out...

*sigh*
This is the last book of Dream Catcher series and I'm eerr... not really satisfied. It doesn't mean "Gone" is bad. On the contrary, I think it's the perfect sad-but-happy ending. I mean the series just.... too short! Ugh. And somehow this book more like a spin off, because of more focusing on Janie problems, after at 'Wake' and 'Fade' we saw her did her job as undercover agent, fought sexual predators and drug dealers. I was hoping we can see Janie as professional undercover agent and facing more tense cases, or she can deal and control her ability. And it just happen in my imagination.
But well, I still enjoyed and liked it. VERY enjoy and like it.

This book is more psychologically tense than the other, more emotional, heartbreaking but also hopeful. I think I already said this but again, I usually can't stand stories with depressing storyline so it needs to has a really really make sense or very-mesmerizing-sad-storyline to make me stay gripping it. This series is definitely the rare-one of it, at least for me. Even my eyes were teary at the last part of book, gah!

We introduce to Janie's alcoholic mother, who keeps ignoring Janie and locking herself inside her room. She's so helpless and Janie was already tired of her, but someday because of her mom, Janie meets unexpected person, her father. Janie keeps sucked into his dream everytime she visited him, very chaotic and disturbing dreams and Janie almost can't get out of it. From her father too, she revealed that no matter what future she chooses, there's no happy end for her life. She only can choose one with less worst end.
Although both of her destinies are very bad, but I'm glad she finally choose the best, and she has Cabel who determine to stay by her side whatever will happen to her. I love Cabel more here. Janie and Cabel are definitely my favorite characters. Their relationship is not lovey dovey and flowery, but very real and I feel strong and beautiful emotion between them. Love them so much!

For the International cover :

Lonely and vague, this cover gives eerie feeling, portrays what Janie saw inside her father's chaotic dream. Also, maybe it's a symbolization of one of the future Janie has. Just an amateur judgement =p.
I like this version so much, but for Indonesian cover, it's the best among all =)

Sorry for being cheesy, but oh Cabel if only you're exist in this real world...
Anyway, don't you think Jeremy Sumpter fits Cabel much?
Well Cabel's hair isn't wavy his and should be more blonde, and should look more... hippie? Well, but I saw he likely has Cabel's outer qualities /daydreaming/.

I already read many negative review about this book, so many unsatisfaction. But for me (who is sensitive, easily pleased and has high understanding, lol, slap me), this book is unique, bring up different theme and issue, and very awesome. So yeap, 5 stars for this book =) and recommended to those who love to see another story beside fantasy and paranormal genres, and easily pleased like me, kkk~
Just hope will read another book of Lisa McMann next time.

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REVIEW : Fade by Lisa McMann

REVIEW : Fade by Lisa McMann

   12:31 PM       Elisa

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Fade (Dream Catcher Series #2)

Author     : Lisa McMann
Publisher  : GPU
Pages       :
Source     : Borrow

Blurb :
For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret) time together, but no such luck. Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open--but nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences for them both.

Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her ability. And it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only is her fate as a Dream Catcher sealed, but what's to come is way darker than she'd even feared...

Lisa McMann's still awesome. "Fade" is darker and tense, but also painfully beautiful. Still amused me with real characters, fast pace and unique writing style.

At this second book, Janie learns (or struggles) to controls her ability, helping people who ask for help to her through dreams. She faces her first undercover investigation after secretly recruited by Cabel's boss at local police department. There's a secret report about sexual predators who drugging and rape some girl students disguise as a teacher at Janie's school. A coincidence too, Janie enters her classmate's horrible dream, she watched her friend was raped violently. So Janie takes a part as a bait for the culprit, which makes protective Cabel very mad.

Then about her dream-catcher ability, from a journal of her deceased dream-catcher mentor, Janie find a shocking facts about the bad effects of her ability. Actually it was predictable, a lot scenes told about her experienced some bad symptoms after entering dreams. But yeah it's wicked ennough and makes her really down, she can't avoid and have a hard moment to deal with it.

The relationship between Janie and Cabel grows to next level than just 'lover'. At first I was annoyed when Cabel took a distance from Janie, after everything happened to Janie at her first case and the dream catcher wicked thingies. But read the rest and I was glad this boy is still very very awesome. He's one of good things on Janie's 'cursed' life.

The English version cover is :

Again, although this one is gorgeous and seems meaningful, I don't complain on Indonesia cover. Still with the same girl, showing her whole body, but with half face. Attractive =)

Just one caution.
This series contains a LOT of sexual contents. Lisa McMann still wrote some sex scenes with quite vulgar delineation like before. But thanks God, not between Janie and Cabel =D
If you love "Wake" and adultery things don't disturb you, you'll love this like I do =)

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REVIEW : Wake by Lisa McMann

REVIEW : Wake by Lisa McMann

   11:22 PM       Elisa

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Wake (Dream Catcher Series #1)

Author     : Lisa McMann
Publisher  : Gramedia Pustaka Utama
Pages       : 211
Source     : Borrowed

Blurb :
For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime.

She can't tell anybody about what she does -- they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can't control.

Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant....

I was interested to this series for a long time, but decided not to bought it for some reasons. And then, although I have a huge book pile, I borrowed this from my friend one day, and read the 3 books in about 2 weeks.

And yeap. Can't put it down.

My reaction.

I LOVE THIS BOOK.

I think I have to get one too, finally ;D


The storyline is uncommon and unique, depressing but addicting. Lisa MacMann is definitely amazing.

We see this story through Janie, a girl with too much troubles in her life. Her mother is an alcoholic and only care her bottles, she has no father (or she assumes so), she lives in poverty and above all, she has a gift but more like a curse to her that she can tell to no one. She can visit people's dream, or uncontrolly sucked and trapped into them since she was 8 years old. School life is even harder to her because a lot of her friends fall asleep at the class during school hours, at the library, at the yard, everywhere. Even her own house doesn't save for her too.

Then there is Cabel Strumheller, a notorious drugs user, loner, goth but turns hot after he changed his appearance. Cabel seems caring Janie a lot with some small treats and hide away his feeling to Janie. He also bears lot of burdens and bad memories like Janie does, after Janie entered his dream by accident.
With keeps wary on him because of what she saw a Cabel's dream, Janie falls for him instantly (and I don't blame her, who won't flatter if you have a sweet hot guy cares you so much ;D) because they have the same condition and they understand each other's feeling.

Janie and Cabel maybe seem so pathetic, but what I like the most is those obstacles make them incredibly strong. I really love to see how their relationship developed, how they always help each other, and very glad Janie finally can use her ability for goods, like Cabel does.

Although there's a lot complains for MacMann's writing style like chopping sentences, raw draft, or like short journal, I didn't find it bother me. I even like it, very unique way to write a story that so deep, heart stirring, and it doesn't make this story lost the plots and the feeling. And also, MacMann use a bit vulgar languages, a bit swearing, a bit adult things, but again it's still okay for me.

This is the original cover :

The cover gives dark and mysterious feeling, i'm so liking it. But I'm not complaining for Indonesia cover though. The drawing is nice, and i love the color combination for it, pale yellow and black.
So, if things above don't disturb you, I fully recommend this series to be at your reading list.
Read.
Now.

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REVIEW : Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter

REVIEW : Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter

   3:40 PM       Elisa

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Cross My Heart and Hope To Spy (Gallagher Girls #2)

Author     : Ally Carter
Publisher  : Gramedia Pustaka Utama
Pages       : 264
Source     : Bought

Blurb :
After staking out, obtaining, and then being forced to give up her first boyfriend, Josh, all Cammie Morgan wants is a peaceful semester. But that's easier said than done when you're a CIA legacy and go to the premier school in the world . . . for spies.

Cammie may have a genius I.Q., but there are still a lot of things she doesn't know. Like, will her ex-boyfriend even remember she exists? And how much trouble is she really in after what happened last semester? And most of all, why is her mother acting so strangely?

Despite Cammie's best intentions to be a normal student, danger seems to follow her. She and her friends learn that their school is going to play host to some mysterious guests--code name: Blackthorne. Then she's blamed for a security breach that leaves the school's top secret status at risk.

Soon, Cammie and her friends are crawling through walls and surveilling the school to learn the truth about Blackthorne and clear Cammie's name. Even though they have confidence in their spy skills, this time the targets are tougher (and hotter), and the stakes for Cammie's heart--and her beloved school--are higher than ever.

P.S : Somehow i feel the blurb is exaggerating =p but well...

The second book is more thrilling, and more boys involve here =(
This book opens more mysteries that some are still left unknown till the end of book.

First, Cammie and her friends accidentally heard 'Blackthrone' from a secret conversation between the headmaster (Cammie's mom) and Mr. Salomon, and guess that as an all-boy spy school, like a 'brother school' of Gallagher Academy. But is that true? Why Cammie and the others have never heard about that before?

Second, we introduced to a new character, a boy named Zack, who always distracted Cammie from her mission with his smart and witty and mysterious behaviour. And he knows well about Cammie.
But, his true identity is still remain mystery
I think Zack is a young version of Mr. Salomon, but he's softer. I have to say, I like him more than gentle Josh ;) His characters are complex but fascinating combination.
His relationship with Cammie is uncertain yet, but I hope for a nice developement at the next book.

Again, in this book there is no real villain here (ooops, spoiler ;p), and sometimes I felt some scenes were exaggerating. But it's still enjoyable.
I give 4 stars for this book.

The English version cover :

I like both version. I like red plaid skirt combine with high black boots, very cool and so 'spy girl'.
The English version is nice too, the girl with crossing finger, like title says.

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REVIEW : I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter

REVIEW : I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Have To Kill You by Ally Carter

   3:11 PM       Elisa

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I'd Tell You I Love You But Then I'd Hve To Kill You (Gallagher Girls #1)

Author     : Ally Carter
Publisher  : Gramedia Pustaka Utama (Indonesia)
Pages       : 320
Source     : Bought

Blurb :
Cammie Morgan is a student at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, a fairly typical all-girls school—that is, if every school taught advanced martial arts in PE and the latest in chemical warfare in science, and students received extra credit for breaking CIA codes in computer class. The Gallagher Academy might claim to be a school for geniuses but it’s really a school for spies.

Even though Cammie is fluent in fourteen languages and capable of killing a man in seven different ways, she has no idea what to do when she meets an ordinary boy who thinks she’s an ordinary girl. Sure, she can tap his phone, hack into his computer, or track him through town with the skill of a real “pavement artist”—but can she maneuver a relationship with someone who can never know the truth about her?

Cammie Morgan may be an elite spy-in-training, but in her sophomore year, she’s on her most dangerous mission—falling in love

I have to say, this is COOL story! =D.
When I was a little girl, I ever had a dream to be a spy or secret agent, because it sounded very cool *face palm*. It's because I was a fan of 'Mission Impossible' old series (but i didn't watch Tom Cruise's version. I'm not his fan btw =p), and also unforgettable hot cassanova agent; 007 Bond, James Bond, so I enjoy spionage story so much ;D
I read this series a bit late, I didn't snatched it right away when it published here although the cover and the story quite tempting (pretty legs of spy-girl, whooohoo). But after read lots of book recommendation, I decided to read and yeah, I like it!

This first book tells more about how Cammie and her friends fullfilled their 'dangerous' school mission from a new teacher, Mr. Salomon who is a professional spy, dangerously hot and mysterious. And also, their mission to found out about Josh, a townie boy who could see Cammie when she became unseen among the crowds because she run her mission. Was Josh a 'honeypot' or just a commoner. And of course, a little of romance between Cammie and Josh.
There is no real villains here so the story lacks of suspense feeling. But still, it's enjoyable.

One thing makes me more enjoy this story is because almost all (or even all) characters are smart, even Macey who acts a rich biatch at the first time (Bex and Macey are my favorite characters).
The story is told from Cammie POV, and from that you know her interaction with others. I love Cammie's close relation to her mom and her 2 then 3 best-friends. I like her clueless, curiousity and confusion about boys, especially about Josh (Macey had important rules here) ; and 'ordinary lives' that she never had.
Josh is cute, I even like him more than Mr. Salomon. He sincerely liked Cammie, just too bad he liked the wrong girl who had to kept secrets from him. And what makes me adore him more, he still tried to safe Cammie even after everything was revealed. Just well... too bad....

This books is mixture of spionage, myteries, school or personal mission (note : Josh), girls friendship, and first love, and definitely recommended if you like strong, smart, deadly girls characters, mysteries and spionage world ;)
I give this book 3 stars, because although I loved the idea of the story, it didn't grip me, and I still could put it down a while =p

This is the cover of English version :



I like both of them. They just show half part of girl's body. English version shows Cammie's figure (perhaps) and Indonesia version specifically shows legs of Gallagher Girls, perhaps Cammie, Bex, Liz and Macey.

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REVIEW : The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

REVIEW : The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

   5:15 PM       Elisa

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The Mysterious Benedict Society #1 (Indonesia ver.)
Author              : Trenton Lee Stewart
Publisher           : Matahati Publishing (Indonesia)
Page                 : 576
Source              : Bought

Summary from Barnes & Noble :

Dozens of children respond to this peculiar ad in the newspaper and are then put through a series of mind-bending tests, which readers take along with them. Only four children-two boys and two girls-succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and inventive children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules. But what they'll find in the hidden underground tunnels of the school is more than your average school supplies. So, if you're gifted, creative, or happen to know Morse Code, they could probably use your help.

REVIEW :
(May contain some spoiler, I unconciously wrote it down xD)

I was tempted to bought this after i saw the English copy at my friends's book shelf, and the reviews are very good at everywhere i visited, so yes, i got it in my hand and after several months stayed dusty at my book piles, i grabbed and finished this
I always enjoy any kind of detective or mystery books since i was a kid (i read Alfred Hitchcock's and some of Agatha Christie's), and yesh, i totally love this one too!

The story is about 4 kids, Reynard 'Reynie' Muldoon, an orphan, mundane but very smart boy; George 'Sticky' Washington, a bald, nervous boy with photographic memory; Kate Wetherall, a physically strong and acrobatic girl, she brings a pile full with equipments (i don't understand why she didn't bring a bag maybe, instead a pile.LOL), and Constance Contraire; a very very very stubborn, cranky, always hungry and sleepy, seems hating anything but smart little girl, who are recruited by Mr. Benedict, a good and mysterious genius man, after they finished some tricky and challenging tests with their own unique abilities, and yet find a name for themselves "Mysterious Benedict Society".
These gifted yet unique kids get a mission, to infiltrate the isolated school name "Learning Institute for the Very Enlighten" or LIVE, a place that mysteriously run by Mr. Curtain. They believe that Mr Curtain and his fellows have an evil plan to take over the world with spreading some hidden-hypnotizing-phrases behind any broadcasts on TV or radio, and more wicked, he used orphanage or kidnapped children to make his plan success.

The story is very brilliant. It is light-reading, but also kindly force you to think too. Like other book for kids or teenage, this book teaches a lot of good things from the characters and the story itself.
The pace maybe a bit slow, but i think it help us to understand the characters more. I enjoyed reading every pages and didn't feel it bored at all. I imagined how if a kid's voice keeps saying a same phrase inside my head, wow seriously it's creepy like horror movie =x

The main characters are good and lovable, and the bad ones.... they're very bad that you want to punch them on face although there's a character you would like because his stupidity helps kids a lot =D.
Each of them has different abilities but they complete each other. Well maybe Constance seems very bothering here (you'll know why she act very irritating-childish at the end of story) and like have nothing special to do, but actually she has a big role to make this mission, bigger than her size.
They are trusted to solve a big and wicked mission that claimed impossible for adults. And behind all super brain and abilities people, there lay some weakness too that make them a human, or a kid. Raynie, Sticky, Kate and Constance seems very accustomed with their loneliness because of parent loss, abandoned, special abilities or being different. From all problems they faced, they learn that they need others not only their own power or brain. They also learn about love, loyalty and friendship between them. I was glad this kids got their happy life at the end of story.
i already purchased the 2nd and 3rd books, gonna read them ASAP.

I give this 5 star rating! (gonna add some fancy rating symbol soon =p)
If you like detective story, about smart and genius people, you have to read this

And now, we compare the cover, since Indonesia version has different cover :

All of cover versions are good.
Indonesia version is cute, US version is gorgeous, UK version gives more mysterious feeling
For me, i think i like the UK version. Black color is cooler =D

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