Review: Boundless by Cynthia Hand

Author: Cynthia Hand

Publisher: HarperTeen

Page Count: 438 pages, Hardcover

Date Published: January 22nd 2013

Find it on Goodreads: Boundless

Source: Purchased  

The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.

I am pleased to say that Boundless redeemed this series for me and was a wonderful conclusion to this angel trilogy. This review may contain very minor spoilers for those who have not read Hallowed.

I loved Unearthly when I read it, really connected to the characters and liked the story. It wasn't perfect, but it was a good book that I enjoyed a lot. But the sequel, Hallowed, disappointed me. I was not into the story at all and I finished the book with a frown on my face. (Not good.) So when Boundless was released, I was hesitant. I didn't even know if I wanted to read it, but thank goodness I did. Boundless was great. Sure, I had some issues with it, but they were minor compared to my liking for it. 

It took me a while to get into this book. I started reading it as soon as I got it, which was around when it came out, but I only ended it on the 20th of March. I couldn't connect right away to the story and thank god for RECAPTAINS, super heroes of my LIFE, for having such an awesome site. They have a recap of what happened in Hallowed, which I really desperately needed, as I didn't remember a thing that happened. After about 100 pages, maybe a little bit less, I started to connect to the story a bit more and figure out what was going on. I began to recognize the characters better, and see them the way I saw them in Unearthly, if that makes any sense. Another issue with this book was one I had with both of its predecessors: the writing. I just couldn't get a handle on it at some points and some of the styling bothered me a lot, but I got over that as I dived into the story.

There were a lot of things I loved about Boundless and one of them was the relationship between Christian and Clara, for the most part. While I am Team Tucker, I do love Christian and that is something I have to mention. The Unearthly series contains a love triangle that plays a HUGE part in the story, but it's a love triangle that was done very well. The reader really grows to care for both Tucker and Christian, both of them being amazing guys and having their own flaws. They were each great for Clara in different ways and you just can't help but love them both... Or at least, I can't. We see a bit of Tucker in Boundless, but not as much as Christian. I loved the interactions between him and Clara, them learning how to sword fight from Clara's dad, their lives at Stanford, etc. And what we saw with Tucker was strained, as it was usually only Clara with him. He was heart-broken, hurt and angry, as well. And she just kept showing up, which, by the way, was super sweet and adorable, which those of you who've read the book will know. But anyways, I wished we had seen more of Tucker, but I understood why we didn't.

There was a lot going on in the story of this book. There was a plot line for Clara with Christian, Tucker, Angela, Jeff (Clara's brother) and Sam, the Black Wing. But they all connected in the end and I appreciated that. I really liked Angela's story in this book and I already mentioned I liked Christian's interactions with Clara, but there was more. I thought the fact that we got to delve back into them trying to date a little bit and their romantic feelings was great, but those really just reinforced my feelings for Tucker. Everytime Clara would show up near Tucker my heart would break a little, because I just wanted them to be together!

And then there was the conclusion. This was probably the only part that I was pretty disappointed with. I felt it to be quite rushed and it was a bit all over the place. There was an irritating closure to the love triangle where Clara and her man are happy together but the other kind of just gets pushed to the side and 'forgotten about'. BUT I DIDN'T FORGET! I wanted to know what was going on with him and it really peeved me that there was such an abrupt end. While the way this series ended was great, I wish Hand had perhaps developed the last bit a bit more so that it hadn't seemed so rushed. But all in all, this was a great conclusion to a trilogy that had me all over the place. I'd recommend Boundless, even if you disliked Hallowed as much as I did. Just make sure you head over to Recaptains to refresh what happened!

Happy reading!
~Kristy

Review: Wingless by Cydney Lawson

Author: Cydney Lawson

Publisher: CreateSpace

Page Count: 230 pages, Paperback

Date Published: March 6th 2011

Find it on Goodreads: Wingless

Source: Received from author in exchange for an honest review

Rating:  3/5

Charlie thought his summer was going to end like every other summer before it. With a growing sense of forboding and a waning sense of freedom. Until Tane landed on his front lawn in a crumpled heap claiming to be from heaven. A place much darker and much greater than he’d ever imagined. Tane is on a mission to find a Septar, a citizen of Fismuth that was left behind when she was supposed to have been taken. And when she enlists the help of Charlie and his friends, she pulls them into a world of danger, love, and ultimately, heavenly rewards.

My Thoughts: Unique and inventive

Cydney Lawson's Wingless takes a new spin on 'angel' books. It's not about angels! "Heaven" is run by a group of gifted humans who have enslaved all “angels," setting up a weird, sort of dystopian society. It was a very original book with a very creative premise and I enjoyed that aspect of this book a lot.

It was a little difficult for me getting into the book at first, but eventually I got into the rhythm of things and began to really enjoy the book! There was something so great about reading something that is so different from what you originally expected. I assumed this was going to be a typical angel/paranormal romance-y type book, but it was not! Wingless's plot is very interesting and the worldbuilding was strong. The society Lawson set up was definitely intriguing and I found it quite refreshing to read such a unique book. The lore was completely different from anything I had ever read, which made it a nice read. 

I did have a bit of difficulty connecting with the characters though. I felt that they were all interesting enough, but lacked something in them that would have helped me connect with them. There wasn't much that got me really invested with the characters, and I would have liked to have seen a lot more rounded characterization. I think that would have made this book absolutely, insanely great. But without a connection to the characters, it was hard for me to empathize with them and continue reading in some parts. 

This was a very nice, short book that I enjoyed quite a lot. It was so different than any angel book I had ever read, and I would love to continue with the story as soon as possible. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to try something a bit new, or is maybe getting really tired of angel books. 

Happy reading!
~Kristy

Review: Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

Author: Jessica Shirvington

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Page Count: 369pages, Hardcover

Date Published: March 6th 2012

Find it on Goodreads: Embrace

Source: Library

Rating:  1.5/5

It starts with a whisper: "It's time for you to know who you are..."

On her 17th birthday, everything will change for Violet Eden. The boy she loves will betray her. Her enemy will save her. She will have to decide just how much she's willing to sacrifice.
Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, EMBRACE is a compelling novel of good and evil, seductive desires and impossible choices. A centuries old war between fallen angels and the protectors of humanity chooses a new fighter. It's a battle Violet doesn't want, but she lives her life by two rules: don't run and don't quit. If angels seek vengeance and humans are the warriors, you could do a lot worse than betting on Violet Eden.
LINCOLN: He's been Violet's one anchor, her running partner and kickboxing trainer. Only he never told her he's Grigori--part human, part angel--and that he was training her for an ancient battle between Angels and Exiles.
PHOENIX: No one knows where his loyalties lie, yet he's the only one there to pick up the pieces and protect her after Lincoln's lies. In a world of dark and light, he is all shades of gray.
Two sides: Angel or Exile.
Two guys: Lincoln or Phoenix.
The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity...

 

My Thoughts: And here I thought angel books were getting better... 

I've always had hesitations when it comes to reading books about angels, but lately I've been finding some pretty good ones, even some that I adored. So I decided to give this one a try... I'm going to be blunt: I am SO glad I took this out from the library. If you really loved this book, please do not feel the need to read this review. These are my honest opinions, and honestly, I did not enjoy this book.

This was yet again an insta-luv, boring plot, love-triangle infested, selfish main character book that I skimmed through most of because I just really didn't enjoy it. Usually I'm all over the bad boy love interests. I'm a fifteen year old girl, it's supposed to be in my nature. But this one?

 I really didn't enjoy the characters in this book at all. I found Violet to be quite selfish and childish. There were so many things about that girl that annoyed me to the max. I felt that she overreacted a LOT when she finds out that she's not who she thought she was.. Her reaction towards Lincoln in my opinion was that of a melodramatic 11 year old who is upset because she didn't get what she wanted. I kind of liked Lincoln! But then there was Phoenix. I just didn't like him! He was not the type of guy for me. In my opinion he was moody and kind of possessive. The insta-luv between him and Violet made my stomach turn as well.


Moving back to Violet, I felt that her characterization was a bit unbalanced. Some times she would be really timid, shy and soft spoken. Then suddenly she would morph into this really snarky, rude person that I couldn't stand. Once again, her attitude towards Lincoln in the beginning made me shake my head and I had a really hard time getting through this book. THEN there was Violet's father. His parenting was REALLY inconsistent as well. One minute he was lecturing Lincoln to be careful with Violet, the next he left them at a club together! I just didn't get it... I found that there was a lot of development to this book, but not much action, and thus I was bored most of the way through. I will say that the prose was very beautiful at some points, which made the read a smidge easier. I think this book could have been more enjoyable had I related more to the characters. There were just so many things that I couldn't get over, it was hard to not give up on the book. 

I wish I had enjoyed this book more than I did. I really do. And who knows, maybe I'm just not in the right mood for this type of book at the moment. Perhaps I'll pick it up in two months and love it. But for right now, this wasn't the book for me. 

Happy reading!
~Kristy

Review: Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publication

Page Count:  378 pages, Hardcover

Date Published: October 19th 2010

Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but at least she got a guardian angel out of it: a mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But, despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever and even worse, he's started spending time with Nora's arch-enemy, Marcie Millar.

Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Patch hadnt been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude Nora finds herself drawn to him - despite her lingering feeling that he's hiding something.

Haunted by images of her murdered father, and questioning whether her nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death, Nora puts herself increasingly in dangerous situations as she desperately searches for answers. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts.

My Thoughts: Had such a 'second book syndrome' in the beginning... But then it got better.


Crescendo starts off where Hush, Hush began, with Nora and Patch happy together and 'safe'. But Nora and Patch start having some problems that include Marcie and their relationship starts going downhill. Honestly, I think Nora had a very huge part in all their fights. Patch has his reasons for spending time with Marcie, and Nora's level of jealousy was a little over the top in my opinion. I really thought Nora was a great character in the first book, but in this one she seemed more immature and whiny. Not as likeable, which made me kind of sad. The fact that her and Patch weren't as together as they were before made me sort of mad because it seems like in so many book series, the second book is always the one where the couple are fighting and of course, the other guy steps in. Yup, there's another guy. Scott Parnell. I don't like Scott. He's just... Not my type. He was rude and arrogant and not-so great. I was rooting for Patch the whole way through. 


So that's kind of the first half... But then, it got so much better. I won't say all that happens because of spoilers, but I'll just say that it was really good. There was a lot of action and crazy, unexpected stuff happens that blew my mind. The 'bad guy' in this one... I had no idea. I didn't expect it for a second. Plus, a whole bunch of stuff that happens with Marcie and her dad... Nuts. I was really pleased about how this half redeemed the entire book. What started off as a slow, lagging story became fast-paced and unputdownable. When it ended I was almost in tears. The cliffhanger made me want to scream. I was in Social Studies, the class silent with people trying to finish taking notes. I finished the last page and I kind of, maybe, let out a whispered-scream "What???!!!" The class all turned their heads and looked at me... But then I held up the book and they nodded in understanding. I think my socials class is used to my reactions to books. :P The Hush, Hush series is absolutely worth the read. It is a really good story, with twists and turns that will have you reading it nonstop. 


I'm sorry I haven't been posting in the past few days... I've had a ton of projects for school due and with finals coming up in a couple weeks, I've been studying like a madman. I really haven't gotten out of the house... But, I'm back and I'll be scheduling some reviews so that if I do go off the radar for a bit, at least I'll still be updating! So tell me, what's your opinion on angel books? I used to absolutely hate them, then they were just okay, but now? I've been reading a few that are incredible! I'm actually really enjoying them. Let me know what you think in the comments below!

Have a fantastic day/night!
-Kristy

Review: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Page Count:  391 pages, Paperback

Date Published: October 13th 2009

 Goodreads Blurb:

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. At least, not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and probing eyes, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment. But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora’s not sure who to trust—she can’t decide whether she should fall into Patch’s arms or run and hide from him. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth more unsettling than any feeling Patch evokes. For Nora stands amid an ancient battle between the immortal and those who have fallen—and choosing the wrong side will cost her life.

My Thoughts: I'm not sure why I stalled with reading this...
My expectations for this book were shall we say... Low. I had put off reading it for so long, but when I saw it in Coles for 5$ I bought it impulsively, then convincing myself that it was finally time to read it. I don't want to say I don't like angel books, but it is a fact that it takes a lot for me to actually finish one and say "Holy crow, that was great." Though I didn't say that about this book, I did really enjoy it.

As you may know, I'm all about books surprising me. This book both did and didn't surprise me when it came to the plot line and everything else about it. There were so many predictable moments and yet they still made me raise my eyebrows or say "Oh. My. Rowling. Did that just happen?" I was totally suspicious of the 'bad guy' and yet it still shocked me when it turned out to be true... He was evil. I felt like the story was slow at the beginning but began to pick up when there were about 100 pages left. But I read it all in a day, non-stop so I can't exactly tell you it was a slow read. I enjoyed the style of writing, but it wasn't that unique or special. I feel like the only way to describe Hush, Hush is that it's a generic YA paranormal angel romance, but it's so not.

The thing that made it for me was the characters. I loved Patch and even though he was creepy and rude at times, the entire time all I wanted was for Nora to realize he was the one for her. BUT. When it finally did happen, I was really confused and disoriented. I didn't understand what happened to make them suddenly realize they wanted to be together. Here was Nora totally hating Patch, and then there's Nora... Kissing Patch. ??? I mean, yes I realize sometimes it suddenly spontaneously clicks inside a girl's brain, like "Oh hey, I kinda like this freak-of-nature angel dude who may or may not be attempting to kill me," but I would have liked it more if I could make some sense into what exactly made Nora she loved him. I liked Nora as a character, but some of the things she did made me want to hit my head against a wall, moaning "WHY?" I also really enjoyed the way the author created the supporting characters. They were there, they had a part and they weren't totally unnecessary. But, the spotlight was still on the main two and it let me focus on a nice, easy read. The conclusion to the book was just that... A conclusion. I didn't automatically gasp and yell "WHAT IS THIS?!?!?!?" as I put it down. There was definitely more that could be added, but if you for some reason didn't like it, there wasn't this huge hole in my heart waiting to be filled by the second book.

Considering the next book, Crescendo is only 5$ because of inventory clear-out of the hard-covers at Coles, I'm going to go get it soon and enjoy looking at it on my shelf until I start having a need for more Patch. For now, I'm enjoying the fact that I got through another angel book with no real difficulties. Maybe I'll be able to convince myself that I should read Illuminate by Aimee Agresti... It has been sitting there for awhile. I don't know, maybe! Tell me, what do you think about the angel genre? Yes? No? Let me know in the comments, I'd love to know your guyses opinions!

Have an incredible day/night everyone!
-Kristy

Review: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Author: Wendy Higgins

Publisher: HarperTeen

Page Count: 464 pages, Paperback, 1st Edition

Date Published:  May 1st 2012

Goodreads Blurb: 

What if there were teens whose lives depended on being bad influences?
This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.

Tenderhearted Southern girl, Anna Whitt, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

My Thoughts: OH MY GOODNESS. I usually don't like angel books. They're just not my cup of tea. Other than Unearthly by Cynthia Hand, I can never seem to get through them. But this book... Different story.

 The chilling prologue of Sweet Evil sucked me in and the rest kept me wanting more and more. Like Anna attempting to find a flaw in Kaian's physical appearance, I couldn't find a single thing I didn't like about this book. The entire time I was reading I was half expecting it to suddenly become absolutely terrible and the other half of me was devouring the book as fast as I could. The angel and demon lore that Wendy Higgins has come up with is so unique and interesting and... well... Not boring. This is definitely a book for paranormal lovers, and I'd say read it, even if you don't normally like angel books.

 I'm not entirely sure what lured me into wanting this book, but all I know is that as soon as I saw it in the store, I grabbed it. The cover is absolutely gorgeous and it completely represents the equally gorgeous story inside. I felt so connected with Anna, the main character. She was always the good girl in life, and whenever she did something remotely 'bad' like swear, she'd get gasps and looks of horror from her friends. But then she finds out she's not human... She's half-demon and half-angel. The demon side of her is pulling her towards drugs and alcohol and to survive the wrath of Lucifer himself, Anna must influence other teens to drink. Just like the other nephilim of the twelve sins represented. I'm not saying I'm pulled towards drinking alcohol and doing drugs, but I was so in tune with her 'good-girl' side. She is probably one of my new favorite book characters!

Once again, everything about this book, I loved. NOTHING was wrong with it in my eyes. Maybe because I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did? I don't know. I loved all the characters. I loved the traveling and the paranormal stuff and the romance. EVERYTHING! What is this sorcery? I cannot stop thinking about it! Because of course, there was Kaidan, the son of the Duke of Lust. Duke of Lust. You can practically see his hotness. I feel like such a teenage girl right now, but I guess that's okay, since I am. The fact that Kaidan was literally the ultimate playboy but cared so much for Anna.... EEEEEP! Okay, sorry everyone. Just a little bit fan-girling. I'm not normally so into a book like this. Okay yes I am. Anyhow, all of the supporting characters were done so well. I loved each and every single one of them, even the bad guys. Wendy Higgins has created this incredible angelic tale that I cannot get enough of. It's taken me forever to write about this book, because I am just so in love with it. I'm surprised this isn't more rambly than it already is...

If you don't like angel books, but think you could like one that is actually incredible amazingly awesome.... Pick up a copy of Sweet Evil. I am 90% certain you will love it. Some people won't, I get that. But if you have read it, let me know what you thought! Oh, and finally: Wendy Higgins, welcome to my list of authors of favorite series.

 Have an incredible day/night everyone!
-Kristy

Review: Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Author: Cynthia Hand

Publisher: Harper Collins

Page Count: 403 pages, Hardcover

Date Published: January 17th 2012    

                                                   

Goodreads Description:

For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg

Lauren Oliver's blurb on the front says exactly what this novel is. "Inventive, funny, beautiful, heartbreaking". Everyone needs to go get a copy of this book ASAP.

Author: Jess Rothenberg

Publisher:  Penguin Young Readers Group

Page Count: 400 pages, Hardcover

Date Published: February 21st 2012

Goodreads Description:
Dying of a broken heart is just the beginning.... Welcome to forever.

BRIE'S LIFE ENDS AT SIXTEEN: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart—literally.

But now that she's D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost—and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul . . . who just might hold the key to her forever after.

With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?

My Rating: 5/5 ~I can never explain to you how much I adore this book. But.... I can try:

 The Catastrophic History of You and Me is one of those rare books that I instantly fell in love with after the first line. I read this: "There's always that one guy that gets a hold on you." and just like that I was hooked. This novel is a masterpiece and Jess Rothenberg seems to have a key to my very deepest thoughts, because everything about Brie I could relate to myself. Brie was so real and so alive (but, dead...) on the pages. She was everything I have been looking for in a protagonist. Funny, caring, sweet but with a dark side that's almost always hidden. Nothing could have prepared me for how much I adored this book. I was in English class one day, reading of course and honestly, the guy sitting next to me probably thought I was some emotional wreck.. This book will make you laugh and it will make you cry, all on the same page. Having a love for music will be a great thing while reading this story. At every chapter, with each new song for the title I would either be singing it in my head, or those rare ones that I didn't know I would look up and fall in love with. The music-chapters set such a great mood for this book!And of course, where would this review be if I did not talk about Patrick? The boy was hilarious and heart-broken. Absolutely gorgeous and what every teen girl hopes to find in their little slice of heaven when they die of a broken heart. His story is one of the biggest spoilers I can give to this review, so I'll just cut off here by saying that Patrick and Brie are officially on my list of all-time favorite characters. Plus, they're up there with Harry, Ron and Hermione. Wow, is all I can say. Despite the tears I shed over this book, it is definitely not a sad story. It has joy and hope and love and loss and everything else in between. I rarely cry while reading, but this one had me reaching for the tissues at some of the saddest parts, and the happiest. The Catastrophic History of You and Me was not like anything I was expecting, but it was so much better. The story is clearly over, but I am still yearning for more.

If you have not yet read this book, I highly recommend that you do. Rothenberg made this quirky, magical and unforgettable world that I loved  more than I can ever say!

Thanks for reading!
~Kristy