REVIEW : Ten by Gretchen McNeil

REVIEW : Ten by Gretchen McNeil

   1:24 AM       Elisa

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Ten

Author      : Gretchen McNeil
Publisher   : Balzer + Bray
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 320 (Paperback)

Summary from Goodreads :

From Possess author Gretchen McNeil comes this teen horror novel inspired by Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. Perfect for fans of Christopher Pike’s Chain Letter and Lois Duncan’s I Know What You Did Last Summer, Ten will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page!

It was supposed to be the weekend of their lives—an exclusive house party on Henry Island. Best friends Meg and Minnie are looking forward to two days of boys, booze, and fun-filled luxury. But what starts out as fun turns twisted after the discovery of a DVD with a sinister message: Vengeance is mine. And things only get worse from there.

With a storm raging outside, the teens are cut off from the outside world . . . so when a mysterious killer begins picking them off one by one, there’s no escape. As the deaths become more violent and the teens turn on one another, can Meg find the killer before more people die? Or is the killer closer to her than she could ever imagine?

Book Trailer :

(whoa, I must say the trailer is quite creepy 0_0)

review

Firstly I need to confess that I'm a big fan of Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Were None' (it's an amazing thriller novel and you should try to read it too! =D) and also since I'm one of those amazing 90's kids, I've watched a couple of that 90's horror and thriller teen movie (sadly I missed 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' but I was fan of 'Scream' series). So the summary above is very familiar to me and because I knew from where the idea was, I thought the storyline would be pretty predictable. Nevertheless, I was pretty excited to read this book. I also actually have never read any book from Gretchen McNeil and have never read any teen thriller and horror novels before (I dislike Goosebumps because I'm a coward and hate the horror-after-effect because I'm quite imaginative *facepalm*) so this was adding fuel on my excitement and wanted to know if this book and the author would work on me. And guess, it does work on me, definitely! =D

This book is even beyond my expectation; though I was excited, I didn't put too much expectation because, you know, it gets just so-so rating. I enjoyed this book quite much, could hardly put it down because I wanted to know what would happen next and was very curious who the hell the culprit is. I like McNeil's writing here. The story moves swiftly in a quick, fast pace without being too forced, I think there are no single unnecessary and wasted scene because, well, the whole things set in only three days, but I barely realized it. I also think McNeil created some nice twists and modifications in this teeny version of ATTWN so it would not exactly like the original one, like the appearance of mysterious DVD which reminded me of 'The Ring' (the japanese version btw, I don't watch the Western one because having watched 3 volumes in a row is already too overwhelming for me, ugh), changes the nursery rhyme and 'prediction' how each of them would die into a diary of a dead girl (it's bloody brutal, I've warned you), changes the reason why everybody should be dead, and of course with a cliche high school love story like a popular boy falls in love with just an average-but-smart girl (which is my favorite formula, actually =p). I know those are not so original but I think it's still enjoyable and add some interests into the story, especially if you haven't read 'And Then There Were None' or watched any 90's horror-thriller movies.

Saw the story inside Meg's head as the main character and the main voice, I also could feel the fear she feels (thanks to the great writing) and could not help but kept guessing the murderer along with her. Although she's a smart and a kind girl, I have to admit that there's nothing special about her, I even thought she's kind of pathetic. I think the other characters are actually more colorful and have certain traits although they mostly are not good person. Maybe because most people will die in the end, McNeil created some fellows that are actually jerks and would not be missed or make us feeling loss if they're gone. TJ as the love interest also... well, just the average nice and hot boy who has a crush on our Meg. Just... nothing special. Nevertheless they add their own stories in the bigger picture and since the start the focus of the story is not about character's development but more about their each role in this story. I was also surprised with the identity of the murderer at the near-end of the story, totally unexpected and never thought it would be 'you'! Wow!

I guess I'm a person who don't always take 'unoriginality' and 'familiarity' as a bad thing and just enjoy it as it is, so I give it solid 4 stars. It gave me a great high-tension and bone-chilling moments when I read it in the middle of the night.
I'm not ensuring you would absolutely enjoy and love 'Ten' since almost the whole thing in it is pretty familiar and also it has several flaws. But you should give it a try especially if you have an interest into horror-mystery-thriller reading but you don't know where to start and probably you'd enjoy or even love this book if you have never heard or read about Agatha Christie or never watched 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' or 'Scream'.
Happy reading! =D

"Vengeance is mine; I will repay.

For the time when their foot shall slide.

For the day of their disaster is near.

And their doom comes swiftly."

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REVIEW : The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

REVIEW : The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

   9:49 PM       Elisa

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The Evolution of Mara Dyer

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

Summary from Goodreads :

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.

She can’t.

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

They aren’t.

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

She’s wrong.

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

Book Trailer :

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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REVIEW : Desires of The Dead by Kimberly Derting

REVIEW : Desires of The Dead by Kimberly Derting

   9:36 PM       Elisa

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Desires of The Dead

Author      : Kimberly Derting
Publisher   : Headlines
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 358 (Paperback)

Summary from Goodreads :

Violet can sense the echoes of those who've been murdered—and the matching imprint that clings to their killers. Only those closest to her know what she is capable of, but when she discovers the body of a young boy she also draws the attention of the FBI, threatening her entire way of life.

As Violet works to keep her morbid ability a secret, she unwittingly becomes the object of a dangerous obsession. Normally she'd turn to her best friend, Jay, except now that they are officially a couple, the rules of their relationship seem to have changed. And with Jay spending more and more time with his new friend Mike, Violet is left with too much time on her hands as she wonders where things went wrnng. But when she fills the void by digging into Mike's tragic family history, she stumbles upon a dark truth that could put everyone in danger.

Watch the book trailer :


Cover Glimpse :
I own the UK version, so physically the height is different from previous book, kind of disturbing. But thankfully the cover art is matched with The Body Finder, simple and beautiful so I guess it's fine for now.

2cents :
I really love The Body Finder and started the sequel, Desires of The Dead right after I finished it (which was long time ago, I'm an acute procrastinator, so sorry =_=). I'm still awed with Derting's idea about a girl with scary ability, finding dead bodies at any place she stands, yet she still manages to stay strong even without a doubt uses it for good purposes. The plot, although is quite light since it's for young readers, is still suspensefully haunting and fascinating, made me staying awake at night and a bit worried to look over my dark window. Yeah it affected me just like that. Somehow I found I enjoyed The Body Finder more than the sequel but I think this book has a great development of the characters and the story as well.

As Violet's ability grows stronger and irresistible, she also becomes more daring at using it. She keeps putting herself into dangerous situation to reveal the death body and the murderer she has been tracing, until unconsciously she exposes herself to unexpected person. She also faces a stalker and pranks, the one that is not funny at all, creepy even it made me cringe. For some moments I was afraid of her determination, but at the same time I was really proud of her because she realizes she can use her ability to help others. I was kind of expecting that there would be a story where Violet will get involved with the authorities, in this case FBI, and it happens in this book. It was really exciting to me since I really love cops and FBI tv series. There are new characters appearing because of her involvement with the FBI, Sara and Rafe. They're still mysterious, especially I'm intrigued with Rafe who seems possessing some kind of special ability and has a potential to be a person between Violet and Jay. Really interesting. Yes, triangle love, sometimes I enjoy it =D. I really want to know how Derting would develop Rafe's role in this series.

Jay, her best-est friend turns boyfriend seems putting attention more to his new friend and his little sister who seems having a crush on him. As a new teen couple, it's normal to be a bit more protective and being jealous, but somehow Violet's thoughts were frustrating and a bit too much and ridiculous. I mean, hey, this is Jay, a wonderful boy who can be your very best-est friend and an amazing boyfriend at the same time, who also has been keeping your very most secret tightly. But I was glad Derting didn't drag the new couple problem out and the main focus is still Violet's ability as a Body Finder and Jay who supports and protects her endlessly.

As a second novel this book definitely isn't a turning down. The characters are still very lovely and smart, Violet and Jay probably one of my favorite YA couple. I do give a lower rating than The Body Finder because of personal thoughts (the murder case is less thrilling than in the previous book, the stalker thing is still scary though), but the story grows more exciting as the FBI also getting involved. I really can't wait to hand the third book, The Last Echo. This series is a must read for you who enjoy thriller-suspense, mystery, detective story with sweet yet sizzling hawt love story.
Happy reading! ^^

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REVIEW : City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

REVIEW : City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

   9:38 PM       Elisa

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City of Lost Souls

Author      : Cassandra Clare
Publisher   : Margaret K. McElderry Books
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 534 (Hardcover)

Summary from Goodreads :

The New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments continues—and so do the thrills and danger for Jace, Clary, and Simon.

Can the lost be reclaimed? What price is too high to pay for love? Who can be trusted when sin and salvation collide?

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge.

Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

While I write this review, I assume you guys have read already or at least warned about how City of Fallen Angel ended, because it's REALLY HARD to write this down without spoiling a bit.

I prepared myself a bit longer to read this book, in other word I was letting it stay too long on my shelf which is very funny because I was literally anxiously biting my nail when this book was still on its way *facepalm*. Although I really love this series too much, I was seriously afraid of what I would find inside this book, you know what I mean if you already read City of Fallen Angel. Then finally I gathered my guts to pick it out from my shelf aaaaaand... I was so glad it's still amazing like before, not really gripping because I still could put it down and getting distracted by other things and I took a long time to finish this book, but still it's amazing. I know that something really really BIG is missing here (and that kind of made me sad) but I still could manage to enjoy this book.

The point of this book is a process to get Jace back to the Team Good after he has vanished along with Sebastian's body for some weeks after CoFA's ending. We still can find him, but for some reasons, Jace we see here is not really the old Jace we've known. Because of that circumstances, we can say that Jace isn't the main character in this book, for now. In one side that's a big loss, especially for those who have been loving him since the first 3 books. I did feel the same way. I really miss his old self which is carefree and crackingly sarcastic. But on the other side, I was happy because because Clare gave her secondary characters to shine and make us love or hate and understand them more than before, like Simon, Isabelle, Alec, Magnus, Kyle, Maia, and even Sebastian.

I think I definitely adore Clary now. She's smart, very determined, impulsive and brave, even willing risk her own life to save Jace. I was beyond relief that Jace's love to Clary is so big and nothing can change it. Their love scenes are still sweet and sizzlin' hot but still, I really missed their witty and sarcastic banters.
Characters that also quite stand out are Simon and Isabelle. Simon seems like the one who brings the light with his jokes, well, with Magnus actually. I always love Simon, he's still a faithful and funny best-boy-friend for Clary (how I envy her for him) and I was silently rooting him for developing his relationship with Isabelle.
We get a chance to know more about Sebastian here, and honestly the more I knew him, the more I wanted to pity him. 'What if' questions kept popping in my mind and I was like assuring myself that he actually could be a good guy. But well, I can tell that he's absolutely an evil guy.

I also found that Clare shows the connection between Mortal Instruments world and Infernal Devices's and they made the whole Shadowhunter world more fun for me! =D. There are plenty ID's things scattering inside some chapters beside we already have known, and even there's one character that makes me wondering who is him until now. I've read some prediction from people out there but yet we still have to know the truth on next book.

City of Lost Soul, although somehow it's not as good as the previous es, is still a great sequel. It has generally very satisfying ending (I literally sighed a relief because of this =D) although something surprising (or probably heartbreaking) also happens. I won't tell what it is, just, well, be aware =). For Indonesian fellows, we have to be proud because Clare put us in her acknowledgement, and she makes us having a STRONG connection with Magnus. He has our blood guys, even says 'aku cinta kamu' (which means 'i love you') although it's for other condition. I did feel great after Magnus said it. XD
I already can't wait to get the last book, City of Heavenly Fire, how Clare conclude this awesome series of her. So guys, you have to read this soon, and for those who haven't start this series yet, you need to so you can feel how awesome this series is! =D

Happy reading! ;)

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REVIEW : Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

REVIEW : Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

   1:10 PM       Elisa

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Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2)

Author      : Cassandra Clare
Publisher   : Margaret K. McElderry Books
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 528 (Hardback, Collector's Edition)

Summary from Goodreads :

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.
With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

Trailers :

Very first, I have to say that those trailers completely fooled me. In a positive way of course =D. While I was in state of painfully waiting and just could watch the gorgeous trailers over and over again, they intrigued me and I kept shallowly predicting what would happen on this book and one seemed to be highlighted (and I kinda immaturely excited about) was the masquerade ball scene. Then one day finally I got this beautiful book in my hand, devoured it and tada~ everything I've predictdd practically scattered after I read this book. It's totally different from what I've thought and so glad because they are very unexpected!

It's been a while since I finished Clockwork Angel when I read this book, and honestly I had a vague memory about the story because CA left a lot of mysteries and secrets, even the main characters like Tessa and Will bear some secrets that they hasn't known themselves. So I was really excited to see what Clare would give on this book, and carefully not to read any snippets or spoilery reviews although I got this book quite late (and literally jumped up and down while finally I got this on my hands =D). I think Cassandra Clare would never disappoint me and yes, Clockwork Prince is FREAKIN' AWESOME. This book has that kind of slow pace but strangely it's really gripping and I couldn't be separated with this book, even I brought this book while I went to work, stole a bit time to continue reading this book. Lol yeah I'm such a bad employer =p.

I already awared this book would be more focused on the famous love-triangle between Will, Tessa and Jem and honestly it made me a bit afraid that it would be too monotone. But thankfully it's not. The story has very engaging balance between adventure, love, friendship, horror and action, and everything seems developing in this book. A lot of twisted and surprising things happen on people we've known from Clockwork Angel like Magnus, Charlotte, Henry, Sophie, Jessie, Nathan and others, and we also know more about some people that didn't have many appearance before. I was so thrilled and giddy to know about how Magnus got his little Indonesian blood (and this makes me a bit happy, having the same blood as him xD), about Gabriel and especially Gideon Lightwood who were not as bad as I thought (since I have a good impression over 'Lightwood' name already, you know why) and especially to know the answers of some secrets, especially the reason why Will acts so self-destructive and bitter. I was completely speechless after reading the truth because it's really sad, really ironic and broke my heart into pieces! Oh Clare how could you do that to him???!!! *weeping*. I can't stand it so now I'm officially in love with this broken-pure heart boy and my heart is really aching for him until now T^T

I'm not fully opposing triangle love because somehow it could make the whole story interesting. It happens on this series. Clare makes the most beautiful yet painful triangle love ever and this book emphasizes it. Although personally I already love Will, I can't deny Jem's kindness, fragile and comfortable charm. I definitely understand how confuse Tessa is to choose between two boys with each quality and charm, and out of my personal opinion, she does decide quite rationally in the end. Despite the triangle problem between this trio, I really glad to see that Tessa and Will (I'm not including Jem because he's clueless =p) still maintain a good relationship as a friend and can interact quite normally.

What I also really love about the whole Shadowhunter world is the brotherly love behind the word 'parabatai', even the love problem can't change it (from Will's side actually while, again, Jem is definitely clueless about Will's feeling). Clare is really talented in applying bromance on her male characters, with each personal reason, and I really appreciate it. Although this thing add an equal quality for both Will and Jem, I think Will gets more and it makes my heart aching more! Oh Claaaaaaaaaare how could you be sooooo mean????! ;A;

Again like always, Clare dropped a bomb in the end and I was like 'UH.OH.THIS.GONNA.BE.BAD' 0_0. Although I completely had no idea what will happen next, I can't stop predicting and well, I think I know who The Clockwork Princess is, and after all circumstances that happened and just one book left, I can't help but think this series might have a sad end =(. But well, this is Cassandra Clare and you can't just predict her extraordinary thoughts though =)

Overall, no doubt Cassandra Clare is one promising name of awesomeness, and Clockwork Prince is one of the best book I read this year. I felt such a complex feeling over this book. It makes ma happy and heart-broken in the same time. Now I'm dying for Clockwork Princess, since it's the last book and OMG it has the most beautiful cover I've ever seen!
For ones who is really new from this series, and want to read a unique paranormal-steampunk series, this series is a great choice. I think you won't regret trying =)
Happy reading!

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REVIEW : The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

REVIEW : The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

   4:10 PM       Elisa

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The Body Finder

Author      : Kimberly Derting
Publisher   : HarperCollins
Source      : Bought
Pages        : 328 (Paperback)

Summary from Goodreads :

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world... and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find the dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer... and becoming his prey herself.

Watch the book trailer :


The Body Finder might be one of those books which introduced me to book-blogging world. I found its review in a very first place from one awesome blogger I've been following and immediately be thrilled with the mysterious cover and the premise about a girl who can 'sense' the dead and her sudden involvement on finding serial killer because of her 'gift'. I was easily being sold by that idea because I've been a big fan of FBI-chasing-serial-killers series or movies since I was a little kid so I had quite an expectation on this book. And when I got a chance to devour this book myself, I was glad I really enjoyed it! It's a simplified version with a bit supernatural touch of serial killer series yet could make you stay up all night, or even keep watching your back while you walk alone at the night. Wait! Hey, sometimes I walk home by myself at night! Eeeeeeep! D=

Violet can feel the dead since she was a little girl. Not just feel it, but also kind of be drawn by it, force her to find them. And she also can feel the ones who killed them because they bring the imprint, the same echo of their prey. I found her ability is the point of interest in this story, both scary and fascinating in the same time. It's very scary because, wow, just imagine you always got an unbearable urge to dig a hole somewhere around your standing place, knowing something, or someone was buried beneath you and then you could feel imprints on someone, silently knowing they did take something's or someone's lives. Fascinating, because Derting gives us great and unique despiction of the echos in this story, it have several form like smell, sound, visualization, even sometimes it can create tastes in her tongue and mostly of them are not scary, otherwise they are beautiful. But while I imagined them, those beautiful echos somehow delivered a chill, added the creepy feeling to the story as well.

Violet is a likeable main character, and she's being described very well. Although this story is told by third person's POV, I could relate to her. Can sense and find the dead is absolutely not a girl's thing and she's not hiding her fear which is very normal, but I loved to see how she can manage to accustomed to it, even think to use her ability for a good purpose. Her strange ability makes her a bit introvert and stubborn, but that's makes her unique and loveable to me.

I also loved to see many amazing people around Violet who love her unconditionally like her parents, her uncle and aunt, her (clueless) unique friends and Jay Heaton, her bestfriend turns boyfriend. Jay is... wow! He's everything you (and I) want from a boy. He can be your very bestfriend; you can talk everything to him or just silently stay there with him and feel all comfortable; he can be your dependable brother, and a protective, HOT boyfriend. I really enjoyed the relationship development between Violet and Jay. There's of course a teen drama like go out with other boy/girl just to drag a jealousy out, but what I really appreciate from Jay that he doesn't go too far and still think about Violet's feeling. And wow the tension between him and Violet! Jay seems really treasured Violet so much, it makes me so jealous of her. Oh Jay... if only I have a boy-bestfriend like him at my highschool time D= !

Overall, I think The Body Finder is an awesome series! I really can't wait to see what will happen on the characters in the next sequels.
If you like suspenseful, mystery thriller story, although not as 'heavy' as TV series about FBI and serial killers out there, this is the right book for you. Even if you not really a fan of it, the sparkling bestfriend-turns-lover love story, or just Jay alone would melt you down. =D

Just watch your back while you walk alone, girls!
Happy reading! ;D

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REVIEW : At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost

REVIEW : At Grave's End by Jeaniene Frost

   3:40 PM       Elisa

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At Grave's End (Night Huntress #3)

Author     : Jeaniene Frost
Publisher  : Indonesia - Dastan Book
                   U.S - Avon
Source     : Bought
Pages       : 424

Summary from Goodreads :

It should be the best time of half-vampire Cat Crawfield’s life. With her undead lover Bones at her side, she’s successfully protected mortals from the rogue undead. But though Cat’s worn disguise after disguise to keep her true identity a secret from the brazen bloodsuckers, her cover’s finally been blown, placing her in terrible danger.

As if that wasn’t enough, a woman from Bones’s past is determined to bury him once and for all. Caught in the crosshairs of a vengeful vamp, yet determined to help Bones stop a lethal magic from being unleashed, Cat’s about to learn the true meaning of bad blood. And the tricks she’s learned as a special agent won’t help her. She will need to fully embrace her vampire instincts in order to save herself—and Bones—from a fate worse than the grave.

Review of previous book :

Halfway To The Grave

One Foot in The Grave

Warning : Contain a lot of spoilers from previous books. Highly suggest you to read Halfway To The Grave and One Foot In The Grave first so you'll understand more about this series.
Whew, everything developed more complicated. A lot of things happened at this book. Almost non-stop action, more gory and scary scenes that kept me on the edge of my seat with also a lot of surprising moments, either happy or sad. This installment crazily drove my emotion but still it was really captivating with its humour, witty-sarcastic dialogues and sexiness *coughBONEScough* and I couldn't put it down if I didn't need to go to work, wash, eat and sleep. LOL

One Foot In The Grave ended with something we can call 'Happily Ever After'. Cat and Bones finally got married in vampire way, they did blood bond in front of many witnesses of Vampire Master and their followers so they're claimed legal in Vampire law. But of course a term 'Happily Ever After' isn't exist in Cat and Bones' dictionary. More powerful enemies appear here to take down this couple, the main villain this time is Patra, a wicked ancient vampire master who posses a dangerous supernatural power, she can raise the death and create a dreadful zombie soldiers and also a woman in Bones and Mencheres's past. She does everything and uses everyone who desire to kill Cat and Bones, Cat's father is one of them.
At previous book it was obvious, I know, but I was really surprise how wicked her father is, viciously torturing both Cat and her mom. That's one of most scary parts in this book because well, that guy IS her father, and I could feel like want to kill him myself. Thankfully Bones took revenge first. Beside him, there are a lot of new villain names come and then die in a second I couldn't even remember their name at my reading progress because I didn't think they're necessary beside to show Patra's big influence in vampire world. The good thing is, there's also a powerful union at the good side to face the last battle with Patra's big number of undead creatures. I was really happy to read more about Mencheres and his revealing mysterious past; Spade or Charles, Bones' most loyal friend; Ian who was a main villain at previous book but now become a friend despite his resentful attitude; Dave, Juan, Cooper and Tate who finally makes a big decision which change his life forever; and a new soon-to-be-my-favorite character, a infamous Count Dracula a.k.a Vlad Tepesh and it's fun to see how irritated Bones because of him.

We see the more kick-ass and stubborn Cat here. She grows stronger and bolder after overcome many bad things. Her love story with Bones gets enough portion of steamy scenes and becomes more emotional after Cat almost lost him. It did quite affect me, how stressing it was if living without Bones. Bones was still mesmerizing with his uber sexiness and over-protective act over Cat while Cat's busy ignoring and breaking his warn just to save him back. Although I admire Tate's devotion for Cat, I had a little hope that one day Tate could start his own love story with someone new, because he deserves it. One character who also changes a lot here is Cat's mom. She becomes more 'friendly' to undead people around her and unexpectedly in love with one of them. It was so surprising for me and made me laugh out loud. Really happy for this new couple.

Talking about the surprising ending part, it was big loss and honestly it annoyed and sadden me. A lot. I even thought if it finally ended like that, why Frost made it at the first place? One star fell off because of this /: But well, I positively think it happened to make one new start for 2 persons who involve it spin-off First Drop of Crimson. Okay I spoiled it off =p
However, this novel is still an amazing one like previouses. I really enjoyed it, got a good shiver and good laugh like watching a good horror movie, and can't wait to see what would happen at the next book (and more sexy Bones). You don't want to miss it if you a fan of this series.

(P.S. : sorry for another mess like review =p)

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REVIEW : One Foot in The Grave by Jeaniene Frost

REVIEW : One Foot in The Grave by Jeaniene Frost

   2:05 PM       Elisa

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One Foot In The Grave (Night Huntress #2)

Author     : Jeaniene Frost
Publisher  : Indonesia - Dastan Book
    U.S - Avon
Source     $3A Bought
Pages       : 432

Summary from Goodreads :

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield is now Special Agent Cat Crawfield, working for the government to rid the world of the rogue undead. She’s still using everything Bones, her sexy and dangerous ex, taught her, but when Cat is targeted for assassination, the only man who can help her is the vampire she left behind.

Being around him awakens all her emotions, from the adrenaline kick of slaying vamps side by side to the reckless passion that consumed them. But a price on her head—wanted: dead or half-alive—means her survival depends on teaming up with Bones. And no matter how hard she tries to keep things professional between them, she’ll find that desire lasts forever... and that Bones won’t let her get away again.

Review of previous book : Halfway To The Grave

I highly suggest to read Halfway To The Grave first because this review might contain spoiler of previous book. Okay, actually Cat's last decision at previous book upset me very much. In the name of sacrificial she left Bones, thought if she did that it would protect him and would be the best for everyone. It wasn't a bad thought, but kinda selfish wasn't it? So I thought I wouldn't enjoy the sequel, ehem well, you know because being Bones-less can effect much but I'm soooo glad I was wrong.

This sequel is set 4 years after Cat separated from Bones. She keeps changing her identity and appearance for her work as special agent to make her untracable, from vampires who desire to kill her because she has been very famous as 'Red Reaper', a red-head vampire slayer; and also from Bones whom she still loves until this time. Cat might deeply broken-hearted, but she doesn't spend her time just whinning about it. She heartlessly-like continues her life, focuses more on leading many dangerous missions and I really adore her for that. Although she becomes maturer and seems cursing too much, Cat still has her dorky and sarcastic voices that made me laugh out loud. Her slaying adventures with her well-trained (and hotties;D) crew were really enjoyable, full of action and straining my nerves. I also loved to see that Cat builds her new family with Don, Tate, Juan and others. We also meet some new characters with their each charms, some are good and the villains with surprising identity are very evil here. I amazed by Frost's gory imagination, it's very creepy and seriously evil.

I was beyond happy when finally Bones coincidentally meets Cat, and dropped his platina color hair (kinda loved his natural hair color, I have to say). They reconcile and clear all problems, the reason why Cat left him which I personally thought it's reasonable if you have a hot undead and never-aging lover. Bones still amazed me with uber-sexiness and his witty-pervy comments. His adoration toward Cat was melting me away. Has I ever told I gradually begin to love possesive and dominator alpha-male? xD That's why I really love Bones. Like previous one, this sequel is also not all about steamies, just plenty of them but fiuh, they're double, triple hotter than previous till I nearly fainted, well talk about previous 4 years lived in despair without each other. For some reason, although I'm already this old it's hard for me to enjoy over-heat sex scenes that appear at mostly adult urban fantasy, sometimes they're too overwhelming could make me a bit disgusted. But Frost really done it well like she could nail the pervert part of me and simply asked "BONES, PLEASE MARRY ME!" LOL

One thing I also really enjoyed was Bones jealousy. I was like 'Bones, a god of sex with all his perfect lover qualities, ever jealous to other human guy?' and forgot about possesive side on vampire concept =p. I found Tate was very awesome too, his loyalty and unrequited love toward Cat moves me. And I think inserting him as a third person between Cat and Bones makes the relationship and story itself become more interesting.

Overall, One Foot In The Grave is still a sexy read with witty writing skill, fast pace action, thrilling love story and hot characters. I can say this has very satisfying ending and made me wanting to know more what would happen next. If you like Adult Urban Fantasy especially hot Vampires, quickly grab the first book. You'll be addicted ;D

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REVIEW : Halfway To The Grave by Jeaniene Frost

REVIEW : Halfway To The Grave by Jeaniene Frost

   3:02 PM       Elisa

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Halfway To The Grave (Night Huntress #1)

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

Summary from Goodreads :

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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REVIEW : The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

REVIEW : The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

   4:15 PM       Elisa

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The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

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

Summary :

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

It can.

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

There is.

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

She's wrong.

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

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

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

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

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

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REVIEW : Heist Society by Ally Carter

REVIEW : Heist Society by Ally Carter

   5:57 PM       Elisa

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Heist Society

Author     : Ally Carter
Publisher  : Gramedia Pustaka Utama
Source     : Bought
Pages       : 326

Summary from Goodreads :

When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her on a trip to the Louvre…to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria…to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own—scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving “the life” for a normal life proves harder than she’d expected.

Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring Kat back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has a good reason: a powerful mobster has been robbed of his priceless art collection and wants to retrieve it. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat's father isn't just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat’s dad needs her help.

For Kat, there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it's a spectacularly impossible job? She's got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in her family's history--and, with any luck, steal her life back along the way.

After about several professional teenage espionages, now it's about professional teenage thieves. Wow, Ally Carter, you rock my world! :D I always consider that hacker and thief are cool job because they run by smart people right? I love smarties! XD

I've interested at Heist Society for so long after I read unusual and the interesting summary of it and my cousin who already listened to its audiobook said it was really good. Thankfully, I didn't disappointed at all! The story moves fast and captivates with lovable-witty-smart characters and naratives, packed with action and mysteries, and made me keep guessing till the end.

At the first chapter, I couldn't really draw into the story, I kept wondering what actually happened on Kat, but then after some pages I realized that she (forcefully and set by some scenario) expelled from her school because suspected to do a big 'crime' to her school.statue and headmaster's car.
Katarina Bishop (wonderful name btw) is surely one of my favorite character. She's smart, seems having cute appearance (bob hairstyle and tiny body) definitely a genius thief at her age. I like the background story that Kat is from a great and famous thief family, all of her relatives are thieves, ones who steal rare and valuable things like paintings, jewelries or other arts for their own containtment and pride, but what more interesting is that Kat actually tries to escape from the world where she belongs to and lives more normal life, either because she's tired and wants to live as common girl in coomon school and having common friends, or she actually didn't get a real meaning of being a thief. But because she loves her father, she decides to go back willingly to her trueself, travels back and forth to more than 5 city and country at U.S and Europe with her crew in 2 weeks to track the vanished paintings (isn't it FABULOUS???? France, Italy, England, Prague, Poland, Austria, woah, HALE, MARRY ME! XD), bravely challenge herself to do the biggest robbing in her family history and makes a surprising descision at last. I also like (and glad) that Kat doesn't take an action by herself, but with her friend and cousin, some professional at specific skills at their young age . Each of them has their own characteristic and talents that make this crew more perfect. And I believe some of you who already read this book interest with one of the crew, the wealthy W. W. Hale V.

I can see that maybe a mysterious main male character is one of Carter's story characteristic (like Zach and now Hale) Despite his status as young multi-bilionaire, W. W. Hale V, or just Hale, is really a mystery, why he willingly gets involving on every Kat's mission and support her return to thieves world since he's no one of Kat's relatives, just a bored rich boy. But well, mysterious guy always draws attention :) It just slightly describe about how exactly Kat and Hale met and I hope there'd be a special story about it. Oh and of course, finally we can know what exactly his name part, W.W. stand of ;p
I didn't find or actually there's no single love scenes here, although Hale obviously likes Kat and Kat isn't sure about it and always denies it. But I found their relationship is really cute. Hale mostly does everything for Kat and Kat trusts him, depends on him all the time. I hope their relationship will be more developed at next books

Overall, Heist Society is fantastically fun and smart written, will grip you with its action, suspense and mysteries. The robbing techniques are told very sophisticating and professionally which is very enjoyable and I awed by their (or author's) smartness. Ally Carter sure has a deep knowledge and imagination about it, awesome! :D It maybe leads by 'criminals' but actually they're good people who try to save others and you won't be disappointed by the ending :) I can't wait for the sequel, Uncommon Criminal to be release here :)


NB : sorry if this review is messed up. This is phone blogging and like lost review ability a bit because life is damn busy out there :(

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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 : The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

REVIEW : The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

   9:40 AM       Elisa

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The Summoning (Darkest Power #1)
Author     : Kelley Armstrong
Publisher  : UFUK Publishing (Indonesia)
Page        : 460
Source     : Bought

Blurb :
My name is Chloe Saunders and my life will never be the same again.
All I wanted was to make friends, meet boys, and keep on being ordinary. I don't even know what that means anymore. It all started on the day that I saw my first ghost—and the ghost saw me.
Now there are ghosts everywhere and they won't leave me alone. To top it all off, I somehow got myself locked up in Lyle House, a "special home" for troubled teens. Yet the home isn't what it seems. Don't tell anyone, but I think there might be more to my housemates than meets the eye. The question is, whose side are they on? It's up to me to figure out the dangerous secrets behind Lyle House . . . before its skeletons come back to haunt me. 

I really adore the story idea, it's exciting, a bit horror (with ghost and walking death body etc *_*) and dark, about a group of teenager that is being isolated at a place named 'Lyle House' because they have supernatural power, or are naturally supernatural being.
This story centered to Chloe Saunders, and we saw entire story environment through her eyes with first person POV. But thanks to good writing skill, I think we could know the other characters well too, of course from Chloe side, how they interacted to her.

But beside those goods... maybe this first book is as an 'introduction' about the characters and also a process of how Chloe accepted her true identity as one of supernatural being and uuh.. for almost a half book, I felt the story was slow and dragged and I admit, I struggled to finished this. Some review said this has fast pace, but I didn't feel the same way.
I started to enjoyed this again, and even couldn't stop reading it after like 2/3 book.

I find Chloe is interesting, once I thought Chloe like had double personality because we could see at times she was arguing with voices inside her head (and that voice is positive though), or maybe that was her true thoughts since at first she denied her ability.
I totally love Derek! He's my boy type, looks mean but he cares and smart. I read there will a love triangle between Simon-Chloe-Derek and i have to say, I'm team Derek xD.
Cannot wait for the next book, which confirmed to be published next month =D
If you like dark supernatural with a bit horror story, little but cute developed love string, and strong main characters this will be your book. I give 3 star for The Summoning.

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