REVIEW : Insurgent by Veronica Roth

REVIEW : Insurgent by Veronica Roth

   11:05 PM       Elisa

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Insurgent (Divergent #2)

Author      : Veronica Roth
Publisher   : Katherine Tegen
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 525 (Hardback)

Summary from Goodreads :

Fighting for survival in a shattered world… the truth is her only hope.

The thrillingly dark sequel to No. 1 New York Times bestseller, DIVERGENT.

I have done bad things. I can’t take them back, and they are part of who I am.

Tris has survived a brutal attack on her former home and family. But she has paid a terrible price. Wracked by grief and guilt, she becomes ever more reckless as she struggles to accept her new future.

Yet if Tris wants to uncover the truth about her world, she must be stronger than ever… because more shocking choices and sacrifices lie ahead.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

Book Trailer :

review

So you may ask, if I have read Insurgent like ages ago, why I make a review just now?

Simply because, you know, how hard it is to write a review for a book you absolutely, hardcore-ly adore, even though I've read it twice, my mind could not arrange right words for it (so I choose to procrastinating, okay I'm a bad, lazy ass-hat girl). But since I've finished Allegiant, the last book in this series, I feel so wrong if I don't write any reviews of Divergent's sequels, which one of the most beloved series of mine. So here I am, pouring down my thoughts about this book =). I think most of people already read the first book, Divergent. Nevertheless, I still have to warn you that this review might contains spoilers, though I'll my best to minimize it. I've already warned you in the beginning.

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"I wake with his name in my mouth. Will."

Okay, here's the fact : reading Insurgent was pretty tiring for me, pity my little brain.

I seriously got a massive headache once I finished this book (at the first time) because of the never-ending tension and adrenaline rush inside my head. My brain was lacked of oxygen (I held my breath a lot), it was nearly exploded into some ugly lumps. Okay I'm exaggerating, almost. Also this book is mostly depressing, self-destructive thoughts, sadness and grief which was altering my mood that day. But thankfully I still could keep my mind intact, could not put this book down once I started because I was so anxious yet super curious to know what would happen next. Even that massive headache I've got didn't prevent me to LOVE this book and read it once more, (and more in the future) because, well, it's still a FANTASTIC sequel from one of the most amazing series I've read.

Ms. Roth successfully put the whole things in a new different level in this sequel. The story develops more complicated and intense, danger seems constantly lurking, the stakes are higher that made my heart pounding very hard in every scenes. Seems there's no safe place for Tris, Four and the rest survivors of the tragedy that have happened at the end of Divergent. Most of characters step on the next stage of difficulties, especially Tris whom we see the whole story from.

Tris is tortured by grief and a guilt she could not tell anybody including Tobias, she blames herself and many times she acts recklessly and puts herself in a dangerous situation. Because Tris can't tell the whole ugly truth yet, she's also facing a great crisis in her relationship with people who are important to her, Tobias and Christina. Also because she's a Divergent, she's hunted, her life and automatically people who is sided her are in a great danger so she tries to protect them though it costs her own life. Sometimes it was pretty depressing, to see Tris facing so many problems in a time and acting so suicidal but it was quite understandable for me since Tris witnessed the tragedy herself and lost so many because of it. Tris is just an average 16 years old human girl after all.

Like I've said before, the relationship between Tris and Tobias also enters a new level. They face a big mistrust issue which puts their relationship into a bad condition. But thankfully it doesn't add a deep scratch on Tris' already-bleeding-wound and it is still so wonderful and respectable. I loved when Tobias isn't only loving and respecting Tris, he also doesn't hesitate to scold Tris and put their relationship in an edge. They also still maintain some sweet moments , not too explicit but enough to soften the hard tension I've felt through the entire book.

While Divergent told us more about Abnegation, Dauntless and a tiny bit of Erudite, in Insurgent we learn more about Aminity, Candor, Erudite and even Factionless. I really enjoyed those part and made me admired Veronica Roth more, how thoroughly she created this dystopian world, the factions and each characteristics, the politics and regulations in each faction also the reality that there are still an internal friction no matter how neat and structured it is, as realistic as what have happen in nowadays.

Insurgent, like I've said, is a fantastic, solid sequel for Divergent. It's better not to miss this if you're a fan of Divergent because it doesn't only give a great action, characters and drama, but also serves a story about struggle and forgiveness, how you forgive others and most importantly struggles to make a peace with your won self, then responsibly move on. Sounds cliche but I think it's a good thing to get from reading what you love =).
This book, like another great sequels, has quite a surprising ending which would make you questioning what is actually the whole 'Faction System' about and makes you definitely can't wait to read the next book, like I've felt half a years ago. Since I have finished Allegiant, I definitely can't wait to share my thoughts about it, hopefully very soon.

Happy reading! :)

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REVIEW : The Host by Stephenie Meyer

REVIEW : The Host by Stephenie Meyer

   10:33 PM       Elisa

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The Host

Author      : Stephenie Meyer
Publisher   :
U.S : Little Brown and Company
Indonesia : Gramedia Pustaka Utama
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 770 (Paperback)

Summary from Goodreads :

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. Earth has been invaded by a species that takes over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact, and most of humanity has succumbed.

Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, knew about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the too vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of the man Melanie loves - Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer yearns for a man she's never met. As outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring what may be the first love triangle involving only two bodies, The Host is a riveting and unforgettable novel that will bring a vast new readership to one of the most compelling writers of our time.

YIPPIE!
I'm soooo happy I could fulfil my very first resolution of this year, to finish this book before the movie comes out! =D
(P.S : ignore the fact that I post this later than the movie, I was procrastinating like usual *poke*)

Before, I was kind of intimidated by the thickness of this book which is over 700 for translation version, wew! I was afraid I could not enjoy this book, because somehow I had a little prejudice of stories about alien and I found the summary was not really interesting for me. But in the end I successfully finished this book and wow, I totally LOVED this! Surprisingly I still could enjoy Stephenie Meyer's writing after I haven't read any from her for a while. The story is really original, moves in slow rhythm but I found it flows very nicely and thoroughly. The thickness is a proof that Meyer put her best effort, passion and totality into this book, both of the setting and the characters she made, and I appreciated it a lot. Beside the light sci-fi elements that I believe could be enjoyed by everyone, I loved that this book explores more about the characters, emotions and relationship between them. Also it brings quite an irony image, how if even a certain alien race behaves more human than human themselves. They even more civilized and have a lot good side that human almost loss these days until we actually think maybe they could fix this world. Very provoking thoughts but really fascinating as well!

I loved that this book is not merely a simple love story about two girls that fight over a guy, I had been really afraid of it. Gladly it is very unique, and more complicated than that and I actually enjoyed it and happy with how it's solved. Every characters in this book are very distinct and unique, even side characters and I really enjoyed to know more about each of them. Melanie probably has strong voices but sometimes I got annoyed with her. Instead, I loved Wanda because she has loads of human goodness inside her. I also loved to read how she inspires her surrounding, grows to love and to be loved by people, humans around her and how she develops a sweet relationship with Ian. And I'm totally team Ian, by the way ;)

Sadly, I think this book is not one of 'everybody must like' type book. We see a lot dystopia with fast-pace or action-packed stories these days and those who expect this book is one of it, they would be (really) disappointed. But this book is worth a try, especially for those who love story with a lot developments, emotional, meaningful and inspiring reading and probably also those who almost lost faith in Stephenie Meyer's because I think this book is quite different from Twilight and it's better, a lot.
From the end scene, this book could be a stand-alone, but I would be really happy if Meyer decides to continue this great series! =)

Happy reading, peeps! ;)

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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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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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REVIEW : Crossed by Ally Condie

REVIEW : Crossed by Ally Condie

   10:42 PM       Elisa

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Crossed

Author      : Ally Condie
Publisher   : Razorbill
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 367 (Paperback)

Summary from Goodreads :

THE SOCIETY CHOOSES EVERYTHING.

THE BOOKS YOU READ
THE MUSIC YOU LISTEN TO.
THE PERSON YOU LOVE.

Yet for Cassia the rules have changed. Ky has been taken and she will sacrifice everything to find him.

And when Cassia discovers Ky has escaped to the wild frontiers beyond the Society there is hope.

But on the edge of society nothing is as it seems . . .

A REBELLION IS RISING.

And a tangled web of lies and double-crosses could destroy everything.

Book trailer :

Cover Glimpse :
Like Matched, the cover is simple yet pretty and I think it tells a lot about the story inside. I also love how the color of each cover represents the tablet's order : green, blue and red. Very well integrated!

Anyway talking about book version, apparently the version I have is the UK one, so it is not in the same height as the other book in this series, my Matched and Reached are in US hardback. Kinda makes me sad =(

Review :
Because I was not really into Matched, after I read the blurb I was thrilled with Cassia's journey outside the Society, I thought it would be more exciting than before. I was also excited to read the story from Ky's side, how to learn his visions and thoughts and also to dig more about this mysterious boy. I was hoping this book would not be another second-book-syndrome, would be more entertaining for me and finally I could get connected to this series like others did. But again, I think I expected too much. It doesn't mean I fully disliked this book, I still found some parts quite interesting though. Just, well, I could not be sure whether I liked this book or not.

The plot is obviously developed in Crossed. I especially quite enjoyed Ky's POV, a lot of tension and horrifying atmosphere since he's placed at the Outer Provinces in the middle of the 'war' and we also introduced to some of new characters from his side. We also see how Cassia struggles and takes a long (actually, very long one) and dangerous journey outside the Society to find Ky. But then, I realized Crossed has similar issue as Matched. The story moves very, painfully, slow. Reaaaaally slow until I felt I was lost and bored sometimes, and for some reason I didn't really get what's the point Condie wants to tell. Somehow this book was like a patchwork, some new things and characters randomly 'patched', undeveloped and made me confused almost the whole time. It was really easy to get distracted with other thing while I read this book because, yeah, I didn't find things that could excite me.

Probably if you like Matched, most probably this book would satisfy you enough. Personally I can't tell which one is better, both is pretty similar in pace (which is reaaaaaaally slow, yes) and both also made me confused many times. And you may ask why I give this book 3 glasses, actually it's more like 2.75, if I ranted so much about it. I don't know, I just feel wrong if I gave it lower rating than it is now. So yeah, hope the third book would be better. Hopefully =)

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REVIEW : Across The Universe by Beth Revis

REVIEW : Across The Universe by Beth Revis

   8:02 PM       Elisa

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Across The Universe

Author      : Beth Revis
Publisher   : Razorbill
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 398 (Paperback)

Summary from Goodreads :

A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Book trailer :

Cover Glimpse :
I know hardcover version is actually prettier. But somehow I love the paperback version more and decided I'd own this one at first. Although I only knew the story just from book summary and blogger's reviews, I knew the story would not as romantic as what the cover shown. I love how the cover shows the sci-fi, like a part of somewhere on the spaceship and mysterious side of the story and I also can imagine Amy more because she appears there. It's really cool!
In the end I also bought the hardback version as well, and am so thrilled because it has a Godspeed map at the backside of the dustjacket! And it makes this book has reversible jacket! Cool! =D
By the way, this series has very serious issue about the cover changing for people who has acute OCD, LOL.

Review :
Wow wow wow, Beth Revis! 8D
Even before I read any book from her, I had this feeling that she is an awesome person. After I finished this book, I've been more sure that she's not only awesome in person, but her writing and storytelling are not less than it. It's very mind blowing, eerily exciting, and scary too! Wow! To be honest, I was afraid to start this book at the first, was afraid the story would be too overwhelming (since this is a sci-fi book though actually I like sci-fi sometimes =p) and I would end not enjoying it. But gah, I even hardly took my eyes from it, I brought this book everywhere in case I could steal a little moment to read what next. Totally gripping until the end!

Across The Universe quickly reminded me of one of the Bible story about Noah and his ark. Instead a mighty ark, we get a larger-than-life spaceship and set in futuristic world around 250 years in the future. I really love how Revis built the setting, inside a spaceship named 'Godspeed'. She explains how the inside looks like through both of her narrators, for each section, building and people who live inside as well, and if words aren't enough, the book (both paperback and hardback) has the map picture too so you can easily visualize it.

Then after reached some chapters, I found that what makes this book more amazing and not-easy-to-forget for me is that Revis allows, or possibly 'forces' us to 'feel', along with what the main character feels. Actually the story in general and voices inside this book are strongly depressing, but somehow it's also really captivating and you can not help but wanting to know what would happen next.

Beth Revis did a marvelous job on telling the story alternately from two different voices in one person point of view, from Amy and Elder. Each of them provides distinctly different perspective about living in the Godspeed. I easily placed myself on Amy's shoes and so incredible I also feel the same scared, suffocated and desperate as her. Fighting evil aliens sounds more exciting than trapped inside a big tin can in the middle of nowhere for the rest of our life. It's also really fascinating to know the weird culture and behavior of Godspeed' people from Elder side, which is... less-human and well, just say we have to be thankful for still living in this earth with all normality.

I like both Amy and Elder. Though Amy's voice is very emotional and depressing which is very understandable, eventually she becomes stronger, still holds tight the right things she believes and fight for it. Amy influences Elder quite much. Eldest who has been taking care of him is such a wicked man but I'm glad Elder is a total opposite and have his own thoughts about right and wrong. An 'awkward' romance between Amy and Elder is a plus point for me somehow. I'm glad Revis didn't force romance happen between them and just let it flow naturally. It's still a little spark from Elder side and curiosity from Amy's side. I hope to see more development in their character and relationship.

I probably give this book a high appreciation but it's not without a flaw. Just too bad that mysteries are not as thrilling as I expected before. I could predict who's the murderer from the start, it's quite obvious. Just too bad. However there are some twists that quite surprised me when it came and I just enjoyed my time reading the story so it wasn't a big deal.

I'm glad Across The Universe didn't disappoint me at all. Well, okay in very personal opinion there were some things disappointing *sigh*. You who already read this probably know what it is but for the others, won't tell you what it is though *read:spoiler*. Again, it's not a big deal. I'm eager to read A Million Suns VERY SOON-ish. Highly recommended to Sci-Fi and Dystopia fans!
Happy reading! =D

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REVIEW : Matched by Ally Condie

REVIEW : Matched by Ally Condie

   12:10 PM       Elisa

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Matched

Author      : Ally Condie
Publisher   : Dutton Juvenile
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 366 (Hardback)

Summary from Goodreads :

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

Book trailer :

Cover Glimpse :
I really really adore the cover. It's simple but pretty, also like want to tell something about what the story is about. After I read the whole story, I even love the cover more because it's perfectly related and could pictured the 366 pages with a simple image; a girl with pretty green silk dress inside a small bubble and her hands somewhat tries to push out the surface from inside.

Review :
After I finished this book, I got this guilty feeling that probably I should have read this book first before any Dystopia books I've actually read first like Divergent or Delirium. I really want to love this book because my expectation to this series was pretty high since Dystopia is my favorite genre and I hoped Matched would offer something as fascinating as they did. In the end, hm... I don't all judge the story is bad, but I feel the story is lacking of something and yes, a bit dragged and slow. This book is put-down-able for me. I think the story has a big potential to be more developed, more intriguing. But well, Condie gave us as it is, like she wants to present Matched as the beginning only. Thankfully, Condie has interesting plot and writing style from the start that could pin me. To be honest, ironically this big question mark I got about where Condie want to drag the story to that made me faithfully reading this book and yeah I still managed to enjoy it.

The story is told from Cassia's side, who has been living in The Society for 17 years of her life. Society is built perfectly but absolutely restrictive. Every aspect of citizens' life is ruled and controlled, even if they'll get matched or not (which is the main cause of everything in this book, apparently) and when they'll die, everything is already decided. Society keeps them save, live healthy and only know what they should know. Things that considered provoking rebellion are prohibited and banished (I even cringed when I read they tear down all 'provoking' books and poetry as well and dump them to the fire. Oh my!).

From Cassia's voices and thoughts we see her discovery and observation about Society and her transformation process as the conclusion of what she finds about it later. Though Cassia isn't quite my favorite for some reason (I don't know, probably because the story moves very slow and I got bored sometimes, I can't really enjoy her character), I do admire her because she's not fully asleep under the artificial safety The Society made. She dares to questioning the reliability of The Society after the malfunction on her Matched system, 'cleverly' and cautiously break the rules to know more, then have her own thoughts and fight the right things she has in mind.

There's obvious love triangle happen in this book, but dang I can't choose to whom I should root. They both are very awesome, Xander and Ky. Ky's mysterious-ness and his complicated background draw more curiousity and Cassia attracts to him at the first time because of this. I found myself waiting for scenes where Cassia interacts with Ky and I love that their relationship grows slowly but sweetly, not all fall-in-the-first-sight or teeny-flowery type but still beautiful and heart-wrenching. They both protect each other and Ky is also one reason of Cassia's transformation.
Xander, meanwhile, is barely appeared but I already grow fonding him. He's a best friend and always supportive, disappointed but not all mad while Cassia chooses Ky over him. I sincerely felt sorry for him. And yet he's mysterious as well. He seems hiding something and really eager to know it at the next book.

Here comes something bugging me. Somehow I feel there are some holes here and there. As far as I read this book, there's no clear explanation or background why The Society is being all restrictive. I considered it as the first little hole and then as I read more, about what's behind Cassia's Matched malfunction system, facts about Ky's origin and the war outside the Society, that hole was getting bigger. I kept sticking my eyes to the story and tried to ignore the hole with a faith there would be more explanation about this mysterious Society but maybe I need to wait until I read the next book.

Though Matched is not as satisfying as I predicted, it's still a good story with interesting premise. Probably it's not all fast pace and full of actions like other Dystopia story (and it's a bit unwise to compare one to another, although I can't help it /=) but I still managed to enjoy it although at some moment I put it down. If you can enjoy slow and detailed story progress, you probably would love this book.
Happy reading! =D

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REVIEW : Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

REVIEW : Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

   8:58 PM       Elisa

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Pandemonium (Delirium #2)

Author     : Lauren Oliver
Publisher  : Harper Teen
Source     : Bought
Pages       : 375 (Hardcover)

Summary from Goodreads :

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire nf fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

I'd highly suggest you to read the previous book Delirium first before read this review, because, well, it would not be fun at all peeking on what will happen next without knowing the whole first story. It's very difficult to review this book without spoiling anything from Delirium, so excuse me if I loose a bit. I try not to give much of it though =p.

Delirium left a deep impression for me with lyrical writing, slow pace, beautiful yet melancholic story and heartbreaking ending. Very. I was in a state of strong denial and friggin' exciting for the next sequel, hoped that something good would happen. I generally screened some reviews about this book though, carefully not to spoiled any important things while I got the outline of the story. After cooled myself from getting this pretty book in my hand and devoured it, I literally couldn't put it down, if I didn't have to work and sleep. Pandemonium gives us a different feeling. It has faster pace than Delirium and gives a lot of tension and surprising moments. I definitely loved it as well. It was really good, narrated beautifully as previous book in a right pace with more heart-racing action pack. I almost hoped that Pandemonium could have longer pages (kinda surprised of its fewer pages. lol) but I think it already can tell us many things in 375 pages.

I already awared that Pandemonium is alternately narrated by 2 different yet related stories, Then and Now. I could imagine it like scenes on movie, one was fading when the other adjusted and appeared, it's very unique and cool.
Then chapters happen right after the end of Delirium, after she escaped alone from Portland's wire-fence and tragedies. We see how amazing Lena is on her survival and transfomation progress. She's nearly dead but thankfully she was found by a group of Invalids who saves and shelters her. Lena experiences very difficult moments adjusting herself in The Wilds, a devastating land, because it's totally different from a place she lived at before. Living in The Wilds requires her to struggle harder, for just to get water and unpretentious foods. She, along with her new friends have to survive from extreme weathers, move from one place to another miles away with feet, famine, and the worst, attacks from government who eagers to finish all Invalids off. She also realizes that there's a danger even in their own kind. Moreover, she has to endure her grief of losing Alex, his shadows keeps haunting in her reality and dreams. Reading those was saddening me but at the same time it was really pleasing to read something real in life, that sufferings and hard moments will shape, carve someone to be stronger and more aware with surroundings. That was also happened on Lena. The old, obidient Lena is scraped, the stronger one replaces it.

While Now chapters tell us about Lena at reverse position as hers on previous novel. Now she's totally different than before, a new Lena with new identity, an 'Invalid' who disguises as a Cured. She gets a task, to infiltrate and observes DFA, Deliria-Free America. It doesn't take too long to experience the action. Lena shortly gets involved in rescuing Julian Fineman, son of DFA leader, while her own life is also at stake. She discovers one by one shocking truth in process, about The Resistence, DFA, The Scavengers, and the fact that she could fall in love again with somebody else.
Along with Lena, I also never suspected before that I would like a boy other than Alex in this series. Well, at least it's still 'liking', not 'loving'. Lena isn't instantly seeing Julian as the substituter, even at first she hated him for being a part of loveless society which brings sorrow to her kinds. But the more she knows him, about his forbidden secret that would put his life on danger and his true nature of curiosity, determination and open mind-ess; the more she falls for him, while at the moment she still keeps Alex in her mind and feels guilty because she feels like betraying Alex.

I was really happy for Lena and her new life, totally forgot about people's warning, then after I reached last 2 pages, it was like BAM!

OHMAIGOSH.

It used to be something I hoped to be happened before but after all thing happened at this novel..... SERIOUSLY?

This novel is closed with a BIG FAT shocking scene, left my jaw dropped open. Lauren Oliver is such a queen of cliffhanger, dropped another little 'kaboom!' and let us suffering. I was already dying to read Requiem (the title gives a goosebump, I feel so bad =_=) that would be released on early next year, one reason why world should not be ended this year. Man, what a painful thing, waiting is!

So guys, for all who already read Delirium and loved it, grab it now; or for Indonesian fellows, don't hesitate to pre-order it once it announced. For those who are new and never read any Lauren Oliver books, do judge a book by it's cover for this series because the story is equally pretty as the covers.
Happy reading! =D

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SERIES REVIEW : Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

SERIES REVIEW : Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

   6:03 AM       Elisa

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Since I've finished all 3 books I'll recap each reviews in one post.
Be prepare for The 74th Hunger Games! =)

HUNGER GAMES TRILOGY

Author : Suzanne Collins

Hunger Games Summary from Goodreads :

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister Primrose, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before — and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Click to find summary for next instalment :

Catching Fire

Mockingjay

I can't believe myself why I've waited for so long to read this series, about more than a year they stayed at my book shelf! I've seen this on Best Seller list on Amazon and everywhere, and read all people amazement of this series yet I still ignored it! Now I know why Hunger Games is a must read for YA book lovers, especially dystopia novels lover. It's big fat crazy story-plot and damn A-MAZ-ING. SO A-MAZ-ING that I also feel so thankful that I've read other Dystopia books before Hunger Games so I don't make it as a 'standard' for other novels in the same genre (well, talking about how people keep compare other new Dystopia novels with this, kinda pissed me off =| )
Anyway, despite of its amazingness, I found myself a bit hard to keep reading all 3 books straight in row. I stopped a while after done with Hunger Games (which I read approx. just in 1 day), a bit slow at Catching Fire, stopped again for a while, and then fast move at Mockingjay. Just say I spent a month to finish all 3 books. I think if I read them all in one sit my head would explode because all of those excitement, emotions, and stresses because the-loss-of-some-characters-I-love then I'd be coma for some moments =p. Well, okay just exaggerating, but maybe some of you feel the same as me while reading this series. Maybe because it's too awesome till my head couldn't accomodate =p

One thing made me reluctant to read this series at the first was because the story concept did remind me to Japanese manga/movie called 'Battle Royale' and yeah, I didn't like it because it was too bloody brutal and I couldn't really catch what it's all about. After I finished reading Mockingjay, maybe the bloody brutal part was almost the same but Hunger Games is a lot wider and deeper than just a killing tournament. This absolutely a worth reading and has a big moral message. The storyline itself grows more tense and brutally fascinating on each book, kept surprising me with shocking and cliffhanger ending till I couldn't expect what happen next. Suzanne Collins sure has a very awesome skill in mixing emotions, actions, imaginations and characters that creates and make us feel such a rich atmosphere with just reading her writings.

Hunger Games is thereabouts a girl who is forced to have certain abilities and to be brave, then 'accidentally' becomes an important key of a hassle against dictator and cruel government with absurd authority, both from the Districts and a little part of the Capitol itself. It's also rich of emotions; the action parts are mostly so violent and gory (thinking of die with any methods you can find); I couldn't imagine standing on Katniss shoes and facing those horrifying new world where Capitol residents consider watching people killing each other like animals as an amusing reality show /dizzy/. Imagining those disturbing scenes how tributes die in any possible ways was pretty scary and tensing action scenes made my heart thumped so fast, but thankfully there are also some simple 'heartwarming' and moving scenes that allowed me to shed some tears (lol yeah I'm so sappy like that). And as an YA genre this series doesn't have much love scenes. Katniss looks never sure about her own feeling, it's for Peeta or Gale (well I quite understand,she's busy surviving and protecting people around her, but still I was a bit pissed of her uncertainty. Kinda Peeta bias :p), even at first love string between Katniss and Peeta was 'fake' and a trick to make them surviving Hunger Games. However, surprisingly that little romance between Katniss and Peeta, and also between other characters are sweet enough to somehow soften the heavy atmosphere that set on entire story. Katniss also doesn't fall hard instantly to Peeta (I assumed she unconsciusly already had a feeling for Peeta after 'bread' thing. Hey,who wouldn't? :p) and gradually she becomes too obsessed to protect and save him, her way to show she loves him.

Talking about characters, they are built in interesting and unique way. I especially love how Collins set so contrast characteristics for Katniss and Peeta's and they're kinda, well, crosspost. Katniss; since she had lost her father and had had to be the one who taken care of her 'invalid' mom and little sister; is strong, smart, determined, independent, rigid, and really hard to express her feeling. She also has an exquisite ability using bow and arrow for hunting. Her characteristics have background and make sense but although I admire her for being so determined and strong on taking such a deathly role, she's too er.... serious. I dunno, but I felt her characters too dominant and overwhelming for me. I might like her, but not enough to be my favorite.
Yet thankfully Collins created Peeta, a baker boy, muscly but cute and lovely, talkative, nice and type of domestic boy. He knows well how to make a delicious pastries, but doesn't know how to fight at all. There are many scenes that shows how 'weak' Peeta seem and Katniss always takes all cool parts. Strangely, I found myself very adoring him. He's so amazing. Like the story said, Peeta maybe weak, but he's really smart and diplomatic, and people easily love him, and not only in HG world, I believe most readers (girls) easily love him too. I was moved by his kindness and how he always try to protect Katniss even at his worst condition /sobs/. Somehow I think he's like a 'neutralizer' of the story and I became as stressful as Katniss when he's missing and cameback as different person (woopsy spoiler :p). Katniss and Peeta with their crosspost and distinct personalities, complete each other and it's very hard not to love this unique couple. Then I think I have to talk about Gale, Katniss's best friend and brother-like. At Hunger Games he doesn't really show up but he takes more part at Catching Fire and Mockingjay, really glad I could know him more there. He has similar personalities with Katniss and actually a really nice guy who dedicates himself to his family. He's also so ambitious and rebellion, really itching to fight Capitol back since the start. People saw him as a part of love triangle, but for me, he didn't really leave me that impression because Katniss' uncertain feeling and my overbias of Peeta xD. Obviously he has feeling for Katniss and would end up with her if Peeta didn't show up. Somehow it's like Katniss is kinda snapped from him and I feel bad for him,haha.
There are also a lot side characters that stay like forever or just come and go. Those who just names and bad people are easily to forget but there are also some, despite of their appearance period, are so lovable and made me shock and sad when they're gone.

Since I try to make a spoiler-free review, this maybe not enough to satisfy your curiousity, and I might blabber too much. But trust me, Hunger Games series become the best seller for several years because it's simply so phenomenal like that. No doubt this is one of best series I've read this year (so damn late!). It's so remarkable and I think I won't forget about this book after some years ahead. Go buy and be prepare for the 74th and 75th Hunger Games. May the odds be ever in your favor! :D

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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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REVIEW : Divergent by Veronica Roth

REVIEW : Divergent by Veronica Roth

   11:40 AM       Elisa

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Divergent (Divergent #1)

Author     : Veronica Roth
Publisher  : Katherine Tegen Books
Source     : Bought
Pages       : 489

Blurb from Goodreads :

Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place her in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances.

No doubt, Divergent is the best book this year.
This book is meaningful for me. Before, I never bought nor read any English version of novels, I have been always buying local translation version. Although maybe I passively and fail-ly fluent in English, I had no will to read something in English. And then I joined book blogger world and found this book blogger that inspired me first to made one Down To The Rabbit Hole (she's now my permanent book reference. thank you so much! =D). I tracked her book review list and found Divergent with 5 bunnies (it's her rating system, cute isn't it =D). She impressively review and high recommend it, then I who never heard about 'Dystopia' word before thought "Wow! I should find this book!". But how to got it, I didn't know. One day I visited a bookstore that sells imported books, and EUREKA! magically I FOUND THIS BOOK! Yippi! My first English version book ever =D Okay, I stop my useless rambling here.

When I read it... wow. WOW.
I instantly felt in love with the idea of this book, the world Roth made, the characters she built, her writing style, everything! Just.... wow.
This book is intense, suspense, ironic, emotional stirring, cruel; I mean it, VERY CRUEL! argh!; but also romantic. This book will grip you till the end. I found my heart throbbed at some scenes, then sad, then happy and rooting for the characters, then angry, then surprised, then happy again, then like 'WHAT THE HEEECK! NO WAAAY!' lol seriously I have to say, after finished this, I was like emotionally tiring, but fully satisfied at the same time =D.

The world Roth makes is Dystopian Chicago that divided into 5 faction : Dauntless (Bravery), Erudite (Knowledge), Amity (Peace), Candor (Honesty) and Abnegation (selfless) which each faction requires its people to act, talk, even use certain attributes that show their faction. I found this idea was interesting, people be required to have only one prominent character, and if they broke it, they would be an outcast, or in this world, be factionless. Wow, how hard it is. If I live at that world, I'm sure sooner or later I'll be factionless =p When teenagers reach their 16, they have to choose one of five factions through some tests to help them decide it. And from that test, Tris discovers that she's a Divergent, she has more than 1 faction result, which means she's terribly in danger.

Tris is one of heroine with very real character. I felt a strong connection with her personality and emotion, so that's why I love Tris so much =). She's a good girl, but she's also not that good either. Like normal 16 years old girl she flaws, the problem is her faction doesn't allow her to show other than selfless. She was born and lived her 15 years as Abnegation which required her to act selfless all the time. And she tries really hard to act selfless and no, not really happy with that. I adored her courage to choose her true self and leaves her Abnegation family, and her decision to be the only one Abnegation to enters the most brutal and explosive faction, Dauntless, since she's from very stable, flat and ordinary faction. After experience Dauntless' challenging and dangerous initiation processes, her personalities distinctly develop to become smarter, braver, more daring and rebel than before, that's to prepare her to face something very terrible happen later she never imagined.
What more interesting is the love story. It's quite unique. I already suspected Four as Tris love interest (yea beside some reviews told it) but there's no single love scene at more than half book. I really really love Four, he's smart and awesome. Four is Dauntless initiates trainer, and from how he acts, he's very firm, strong, unshakable and rude, even to Tris. He treats Tris the same as the other although secretly he concerns and encourage Tris more than other. Although he's has stern and cool appearance, then I found he's also a ordinary boy who hurt and has weaknesses, which makes him human. Tris and Four is a perfect and lethal combination, both of them are deadly smart, brave, and selfless. Really adore this couple =D

Overall, this book is definitely remarkable and also, inspirational :). It stays in your head for quite a moment. Personally, for me Divergent is not just a fiction, it's more than that. This book even can make you stronger, and looking on Tris and Four make me want to be a better person. Really love this book. I already feel like want to read it again from the start :D

Now I desperately can't wait for Insurgent, the next sequel of this book. I want to know more what will happen on this book, what happen on Tris and Four, and some of their Dauntless friends like Christina, Uriah, even... Will ;A; *heartbroken*
If you see this book at bookstore, grab it fast! =D
VERY RECOMMENDED!

P.S : don't mean to bragging,but I think if I live at this world, maybe I'll end as Divergent too :D
Ssstt...! Don't tell anyone! xD

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REVIEW : Wither by Lauren de Stefano

REVIEW : Wither by Lauren de Stefano

   11:35 PM       Elisa

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Wither (The Chemical Garden #1)

Author     : Lauren DeStefano
Publisher  : Kantera (Indonesia)
Pages       :
Source     : Bought

Blurb :
What if you knew exactly when you would die?

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

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

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

If I have to review in one sentence :
THIS BOOK IS DEFINITELY A MUST READ.

'Wither' might be the first Dystopia genre I've ever read.
I always hesitant to buy dystopia book because sometimes the storyline seems errr...too tense, too 'heavy', too...strange. I dunno how to explain it but yeah maybe some of you feel that way too. Okay I purchased Hunger Games already, but still haven't read it no matter how recommended it was.

That was what I felt when I read the blurb at the back cover of Wither; woah really a bundle of tragedy and I can not really stand tragical series.
But again, thanks to all the bookish blogs I stalked which gave very high appreciation and recommendation to this book, finally I snagged it and NEVER regretted (just regretted why the publisher didn't use the original cover, it's soooooo pretty ;A;). This is very good debut novel of Lauren DeStefano. She has poetic, beautiful and very detail writing style until you can imagine you are there, you feel what the characters feel. I kept shivering at some chapter, I felt like reading a girl's true confession. So awesome-sauce!

Okay, this is the real review ;)

Wither's background is very eerie, about the wrong causes of human's (actually) positive effort, to find cures for terminal disease like cancer for a better future. But everything goes wrong. Their brilliant invention of that cures gives a deathly side effect : human's life span is shorten, boys only can live until 25 years old, and girls until 20 years old. That's not the only problems. Girls were kidnapped by 'Gatherer' from their home, at the street or from the orphanage and been sold to be wives of a boy from rich family. They might live at luxury and wealthy life and treated as princess, but behind that still lays scary facts : forever be a child-factory to save the human race and be a prisoner until they reach their age limit and die.

At this kind of world, Rhine Ellery, together with other 2 girls, Jenna & Cecily, are wives who be chosen 'brutally' (one scariest scene ever, I tell you) to be Linden's wives. Yup,poligamy issue. Each girl has different reaction to this. Cecily, 13, is very very excited and prepares herself very well to be a mother at very young age. Jenna, 19, admit she was dead already when captured and doesn't care anymore about her life. And Rhine, 16, who is really strong and determine girl, always tries to escape and back to her twin brother and her old life. Rhine is smart enough to find the ugly truth behind beautiful artificial environment and something wrong with Linden's father. I really adore her for that. We might see Rhine sometimes enjoyed live at luxury and she showed affection toward Linden but her desire to reach her freedom is a lot bigger than that.
I like Jenna too. Behind her ignorant mask, she paid attention and concerned a lot to little things around her,especially her sister-wives. She also supported Rhine's decision even helped her. I'm very sad for her sad ending. And Cecily, well... she was nosy and childish like her age. I get annoyed and pity her at the same time.

For the love story, although I support Rhine and Gabriel, I can't deny that Rhine's relationship with Linden is more developed. Linden seems sincerely love Rhine, despite the fact that Rhine remind him of his former death wife who he loves so much. With Gabriel, it is a bittersweet, like forbidden love between master and servant. I still wait for more Rhine and Gabriel's story at the next book.

There are still a lot mysteries unanswered, like what Vaughn exactly do at the basement, he really tried to find a cure or do other creepier experiment; and why people concern a lot about Rhine's heterochromia .
I really can't wait for the next book. I think I have to painfully wait until the Indonesia version will be published here.

Indonesia cover is actually nice. It pictures a girl inside an hourglass, with flowing sand, fit the lethal condition of the story very well. But still I think the english cover is prettier, pictures a girl with gorgeous dress, wavy blonde hair, with a bird in a cage, symbolizing Rhine's condition.

If you can stand any eerie, creepy, scary, bloody yet mesmerizing reading, this book is highly recommended and worth reading. And i'm sorry if I sound too exaggerating because yeah, 'Whiter' is too awesome like that :D
Solid 5 star for Wither!

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