Indelible by Dawn Metcalf Review

Indelible (The Twixt #1), by Dawn Metcalf
Published On: July 30, 2013, by Harlequin Teen
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Paranormal
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback
Source: Borrowed
Rating: ½

Some things are permanent.
Indelible.
And they cannot be changed back.
Joy Malone learns this the night she sees a stranger with all-black eyes across a crowded room—right before the mystery boy tries to cut out her eye. Instead, the wound accidentally marks her as property of Indelible Ink, and this dangerous mistake thrusts Joy into an incomprehensible world—a world of monsters at the window, glowing girls on the doorstep, and a life that will never be the same.
Now, Joy must pretend to be Ink’s chosen one—his helper, his love, his something for the foreseeable future...and failure to be convincing means a painful death for them both. Swept into a world of monsters, illusion, immortal honor and revenge, Joy discovers that sometimes, there are no mistakes.
Somewhere between reality and myth lies…

DNF @ 230-260 pages?

      Meh. Bum bum bummmm. Bleh. I don't know any other words on how to explain my feelings towards this book. Another DNF? Ugh I don't really feel like getting there.

         Okay, I don't really get sweaty or those kind of things when I'm bummed. But hey—this did thoroughly ruin my mood for a couple of hours... days. And I know that I'm not the only one who thought of this.

          Indelible was something that I really wanted to like and enjoy, honestly. I was waiting to finally read that perfect paranormal romance, and then it all collapsed. The world was confusing, annoying, and just typically strange. It was like a trihard version of City of Bones, one of my favourite books of all-time. 

         The surprising way that I discovered this novel was through its sequel, Invisible. One day during the summer, I was on Netgalley (obviously requesting books) when I came upon the sequel. I didn't request it since it had a book before it, and then I decided to find this book and check it out. Thank goodness that I didn't request the sequel—or else I'd seriously lose my mind.

          WHAT WAS THIS BOOK EVEN ABOUT? The Sight? The Twixt? Ink? What the heck are these things? Even after reading more than 200 pages, I still haven't caught on any of these things and their purposes. This book's "world" was probably one of the most disorganized settings and concepts that I've ever read to this date. The only thing I can say is that Joy was depressed and trying to feel free in her life and reality, and then she saw a stranger in her room which changed her life.

           For more than half of the time while I read this, I was struggling. I couldn't keep my patience going. I felt like I was sitting there, on my couch, reading for five years. Now I've realized what it takes to read a book for a long time, since I'm not really used to that stuff.

             I've been confused and abused with this book. I'm sorry, but the only way I can describe the plot to you is through my anger, haha. Like—I feel that this book was such a knockoff and a mix of so many of my favourites. Now you're probably thinking: Wouldn't and shouldn't you be happy to read something of your past liking? NO. I'm not, haha. Tiger's Curse, City of Bones, this book is like a copy. And those came out way before this one. 

              As I was confused for 75% of the time during the time that I was reading this, I don't even want to comment on the concept, except for the matter: What is this theory that is so frequently revolved about over and over again? What does this world have to do with Joy? I feel like I'm either too dumb, or that this was just mumbo jumbo the whole time.

              As for the plot, it was lacking depth and detail. Those two elements probably would've gotten us to understand what was happening and why. The only good thing about this book was that it was really good for 85 pages, let's say. After that, it lost its contact with me, and I felt like the whole book disappeared, in that matter.

               Was that the only positive thing? Probably, as well as Joy. Joy was a great heroine who had a lot of potential to become strong and a perfect character for a lot of paranormal/dystopian stories. She could've been that perfect role model, but as the book got even more boring and confusing by the second, I guess you can say that I lost my interest in her and her life. And really, let's not even get started with the romance stuff.

   You know, I really hoped for so many more amazing things to happen with this book. I decided to go against most reviews and go for it, but hey, let me just join the "Indelible Hate Club" right now as we're at it. The book was so confusing, and an absolute bore for most of the time. Come on people, there are many better paranormal books out there!

Top Ten Tuesday #22: Top Ten Goals for 2015

-Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme by Broke and Bookish which

shares bookish lists with other bloggers.-

Top Ten Goals for 2015

               I'm surprised, but actually am SO excited for 2015, and to see what it has to offer. There's a few things I'd like to accomplish, and I really hope I do!

1. Read 300 books

   This is probably pretty likely to happen, as I am a very quick reader. The challenge in this case is school. During this past year, I wasn't in high school until September, and I had a lot more time to read and blog. But hey, I think I'm pretty unstoppable, right?

2. Become a better blogger

    I guess we all have our blogging challenges. Mine is to become a better one by commenting back more frequently, and just having fun with my posts and everything. I'm so excited to see what will happen in the future with blogging!

3. Reach 200 bloggy followers

       As I mentioned, there were times when I've been so depressed and down with my blogging because I haven't been as good to my followers as I should have. I really would like to create a bigger base of followers, and I will do my best to accomplish that!

4. Write more

        I do have to say that I have a great talent of writing—not to brag or anything. I've had a few experiences of writing short stories, and I really have fun and enjoy making ideas. Who knows, maybe my first novel will be published soon? HAHA, JOKESS.

5. Do Really Well in School

       As this is my first year of high school, I guess I can say I'm still getting used to everything—including my first ever-exams coming up in late January. I really don't want to think about them happening, but really, what can I do, right? I need to study and do my best.

6. Stay Relaxed—Don't Let Stress Take Over

         Okay, so everyone's putting all of these goals on themselves, but really, what if we don't accomplish them all? Stress is probably going to happen, at least with myself. I am not going to let stress and anxiety take over my life, haha.

I actually can't really make up 10, so these are what I'm going

to stay with for now!

What are your goals for 2015?

The Killing Woods by Lucy Christopher Review

The Killing Woods, by Lucy Christopher
Published On: January 7, 2014, by Chicken House
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery/Murder/Thriller
Pages: 384
Format: Hardcover
Source: Borrowed
Rating: 

Fatal attraction, primal fear, survival in the forest: From the author of the Printz Honor Book STOLEN, the highly anticipated thriller about deadly games played in the dark.
Ashlee Parker is dead, and Emily Shepherd's dad is accused of the crime. A former soldier suffering from PTSD, he emerges from the woods carrying the girl's broken body. "Gone," he says, then retreats into silence.
What really happened that wild night? Emily knows in her bones that her father is innocent -- isn't he? Before he's convicted, she's got to find out the truth. Does Damon Hilary, Ashlee's charismatic boyfriend, have the answers? Or is he only playing games with her -- the kinds of games that can kill?

   

        The funny thing in this situation is that I extremely have held off of writing this review. It's honestly been more than two weeks since I finished this, and I've found that I keep on moving it, haha. It's not that I'm speechless or wordless, it's just that this was so different and stranger than what I expected.

         If I saw that I was going to read this book before Stolen one year ago, I wouldn't have believed it. I've heard so many positive things on Stolen, and I've been dying to pick it up ever since. And then, I found this and borrowed it from the library. 

         Now, from what I believe, this is probably the most unique mystery/murder story that I've read about for a long time now. Lucy Christopher has decided to deal with such sudden concepts all together (especially PTSD). After reading, I definitely can say that I came aware of my surroundings more and news stories that had to do with these subjects.

          This story was good. Now, I'm using the simple word: good, especially because it was just okay. Nothing special happened that made me want to rip my hair out, out of happiness or plain anger. This just was a simple story with a good concept that wasn't taken too far, as it should've been paid more attention to.

              WHAT WOULD YOU DO? That actually was the main question that I kept asking myself while reading. Now, you may be thinking: You, miss, are pretty absurd for asking yourself these odd questions—but don't blame me, if you read this, you'll find the need to question yourself and the story. What would you do if someone in your family is blamed for something they say they didn't do?

                I'd die of sadness and depression. In a way, I do feel like giving Emily Shepherd a pretty large high-five here. She was strong for her own self, and she did take this situation in a mature matter. But in a way, she was used to this feeling since her father has had PTSD, which strikes families in many horrible ways. It can totally collapse a family, right? Emily's dad is accused of killing a girl who was literally perfect. At least, there was a guy who cared about her, right? He tried to get back at Emily. And then, games begun...

                 The concept was great, but as I began reading, I felt all "meh" and didn't really care to go on reading. To be honest, I almost DNF-ed it, until the middle got better. There were a few heart-racing moments, and I totally wanted to find out what would happen by the end. Overall, the actual plot and storyline was nothing special.

              Emily was a little weak, but I guess if you put yourself in her situation, you'd understand. It is probably so difficult to be in her situation—imagining that what if's and all of that. But you can't lie and say that she wasn't a boring person. If we put in Tris from Divergent, then that would surely be something all right. :)

               Now you're asking: was there romance? I really don't know how to classify it. Sure, there were a few hints, but I mostly saw it as fake and abuse.    

       This book mainly focused on the crime's effects. There was a lot of confusion since there weren't a lot of details, but this simply was just too simple for my liking. If you enjoy a lot of action and awesomeness, then run away. This was a half-half read of good and bad, for me.

Stacking the Shelves #23: December 28

This Week's Headlines:

      HAAAIIII! Happy Belated Christmas, or Holidays, or whatever you celebrate during this time! I can't believe how quickly the week has went—Christmas is officially over! Let's just say that I'm still in the spirit and listening to carols is still acceptable—since the weather absolutely prohibits it over here in the North. 

        I actually had a fantastic Christmas! The day was perfect and I was infested with books. Let me just say that I was infested in a good way. I'm also going to see Ariana Grande in March! SQUEEEE! I basically got all of the books on my wish-list, and more!

My Book Haul:

        This is the moment you and I have all been waiting for, for the longest time. LET'S JUST GET TO IT, PEOPLE!

           I'm obviously not going to write and add a link to every book because that would just take far too long, but as you can see, I'm obsessed.

MY HUGE HIGHLIGHTS:

• THE RETRIBUTION OF MARA DYER
• THE YOUNG ELITES
• ATLANTIA
• THE ASSASSIN'S BLADE
• A THOUSAND PIECES OF YOU
• ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE

            Happy Belated Holidays/Christmas to those of you who celebrate! I wish you all the best—including lots of hugs, love, joy and everything that this holiday season brings. :)

Posts You May Have Missed:

• How We Fall ARC Review, by Kate Brauning
• You Are My Only by Beth Kephart Review
• Chasing Power by Sarah Beth Durst Review
• Top Ten Tuesday #21: Top Books I Wouldn't Mind Santa Bringing
• Fall For Anything by Courtney Summers Review

Happy Holidays, all! What books did you receive for Christmas?

How We Fall ARC Review, by Kate Brauning

How We Fall, by Kate Brauning
Published On: November 3, 2014, by Merit Press
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Mystery
Pages: 303
Format: ARC
Source: Author
Rating:    ½

Ever since Jackie moved to her uncle's sleepy farming town, she's been flirting way too much--and with her own cousin, Marcus.
Her friendship with him has turned into something she can't control, and he's the reason Jackie lost track of her best friend, Ellie, who left for...no one knows where. Now Ellie has been missing for months, and the police, fearing the worst, are searching for her body. Swamped with guilt and the knowledge that acting on her love for Marcus would tear their families apart, Jackie pushes her cousin away. The plan is to fall out of love, and, just as she hoped he would, Marcus falls for the new girl in town. But something isn't right about this stranger, and Jackie's suspicions about the new girl's secrets only drive the wedge deeper between Jackie and Marcus--and deepens Jackie's despair.
Then Marcus is forced to pay the price for someone else's lies as the mystery around Ellie's disappearance starts to become horribly clear. Jackie has to face terrible choices. Can she leave her first love behind, and can she go on living with the fact that she failed her best friend?

    *A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!*

    How We Fall was one of those books that you see everywhere but you end up feeling like you don't have the right guts to pick it up at any moment of the day—but in the end, it was extremely satisfying, interesting, and special, more than any naked eye can see. Kate Brauning will certainly become the new Lauren Kate, or Suzanne Collins, in that matter.

   

       At first, I saw this book as complete and utter incest. I have to admit that I got a little too grossed out—Jackie and Marcus were COUSINS for goodness sake. That was a little too far, but I do now understand why Brauning did it. And now, at this moment, I do have to say that their romance was heart-pounding and wondrous. So where does that take us in that matter? Into a world of mystery, thrill, and reality, in most circumstances.

        I guess you can say that incest forms when people aren't able to see anyone else in their lives except the members of their family, all the time, 24/7. Take for example, V.C. Andrews. THE CHARACTERS WERE BROTHER AND SISTER. Now that was far worse—but they were stuck in an attic for practically all of their lives.

            Jackie and Marcus live in the same house, with their brothers and sisters and parents. For more than a year, they've been keeping their cousinly romance a secret, but inside, Jackie knows that they're risking too much and their love is being too strong at the moment to handle even further. At the same time, Jackie's best friend Ellie goes missing. What happens when your first love moves on with someone who is unspeakable to think about, and when all you have to deal with is loss and falling?

             A lot of the feelings in this book were despair, guilt, and loss. Those three elements together can seriously produce tears. When I saw this book for the first time, I expected a mermaid story, to be honest. Or at least, something girly and cutesy with no action whatsoever. What I got, especially towards the end, was something totally kickass and pretty great, if you ask me. This book was honestly everything I was looking for, and more.

            

             The funny thing is—I felt like I had deja-vu while reading this book. I witnessed something like this before. Haha, I think that it was so good and unique that I felt like I'm somehow connected to it? Something like that, hopefully. I hope it's not something superstitious or whatever. But hey, that's another good side, isn't it? The concept was perfectly there and it was like biting into your favourite sweet-then-sour dish. Funny, there's not too many of those, either.

              For the first few chapters I saw this as something bland and chill. The author did a great job introducing us to the characters, and I fell in love with them instantly. Jackie was kickass and stubborn for what she wanted, in a good way. She fought for what made her happy and didn't get whiny or depressed as many other protagonists would in a contemporary-romance. But remember, there were dark events prior to the ending, as you read on with the book.

               

               *feels* I blushed, and blushed, and blushed. I JUST WANT MORE, OKAY? It was all powerful and special and it totally made sense with this whole story. I ship them so hard, even though I was such a hater in the beginning of the book. You see, I even feel some guilt.

             MARCUS MARCUS MARCUS YOU'RE CUTE. AS IS WILL. ALL OF THE MEN WERE CUTE. IT MADE ME WANT TO PINCH THEIR CHEEKS EVEN HARDER.

             I felt like this whole story and plot was like a puzzle. At first, everything was messed up and unfitting, but as you continued to solve it, you got into some mishaps, but eventually, it all turned out perfect and smooth. The beginning of the end was a little confusing, but it all turned out awesome by the end. 

 The great thing is that I finished reading this in one sitting and I still didn't have enough. All in all, this was a pretty quick read, but at the same time, you feel like you're stuck in a majestic world where reality is bound to happen, if you get what I'm saying. This wasn't your average novel. It shows the struggles of being a teenager with boundaries that you've totally overtaken, and it shows how your first love can absolutely be your true love. I WANT MORE!

You Are My Only, by Beth Kephart Review

You Are My Only, by Beth Kephart
Published On: October 25, 2011, by EgmontUSA
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery
Pages: 240
Format: Hardcover
Source: Borrowed
Rating: ½

Emmy Rane is married at nineteen, a mother by twenty. Trapped in a life with a husband she no longer loves, Baby is her only joy. Then one sunny day in September, Emmy takes a few fateful steps away from her baby and returns to find her missing. All that is left behind is a yellow sock.
Fourteen years later, Sophie, a homeschooled, reclusive teenage girl is forced to move frequently and abruptly from place to place, perpetually running from what her mother calls the "No Good." One afternoon, Sophie breaks the rules, ventures out, and meets Joey and his two aunts. It is this loving family that gives Sophie the courage to look into her past. What she discovers changes her world forever. . . .
The riveting stories of Emmy and Sophie—alternating narratives of loss, imprisonment, and freedom regained—escalate with breathless suspense toward an unforgettable climax. 

 

       After reading this book, I felt like I was bound to get into a reading slump sooner than later, as soon as possible. I've been feeling like all of my newest reads have sucked, and I'm probably going to return all of my leftover library books back to the library eventually.

         You Are My Only sucked, compared to what I wish and what I sort of expected it to become. It was honestly something that could easily sprout out of a small town news story—not to say that those aren't interesting. This story was too much contemporary and realism. Nothing was happening and most of it was the whining of the characters and depression. There were no feelings coming out of it. And I didn't feel anything, either.

          

              The title really does correspond with this story, in its funny and simple ways. The baby was Emmy's only. Was the main idea that easy to recognize and see? It was weird and sensing in its own way, but in these kinds of stories, you weren't supposed to get it, if that makes any sense. The concept of this was outrageously horrendous. IT WAS NOTHING SPECIAL. ;_;

               Emmy was reckless. She got married and had a kid at nineteen. At the same time, she's not grateful with her current life. She doesn't feel love and/or happiness whatsoever. One day, as she turns her back away, her baby is gone. Disappeared. At the same time, this is a parallel story where another character is introduced—Sophie, who's abused and keeps on running away.

           From the moment when I read this synopsis, I was like, "Sophie and Emmy are going to be connected somehow." I made up theories, and once I began reading, those theories became more and more detailed, and was I right? I can't tell you that at the moment. So if you're the type who makes such awesome and precise bookish theories, then this book is actually for you. In my opinion, I really don't care, ever. I just want to feel enjoyed and happy.

            I had huge expectations: this does seem like some sort of older contemporary classic. Like, you'll see this cover on Goodreads when browsing through HarperCollins' newest 2015 contemporary titles in the "Recommended" section. I guess I can say that I've never read anything like this before... But there's always a but in every situation. 

            I began reading and I guess you can say that it did take me quite a while to finish reading, if you take a look at my normal speed. Keep in mind that I did have school at the same time: was it three days? I don't know—this did seem like a quick read, but I never really got too much into it which made me want to finish it in one sitting. Naw—that didn't happen. I was actually getting a little scared that I just will stop caring and won't even write a review. Now—there must be a good side, yes?

             The characters weren't that bad. Emmy was a little whiny at first, but as her story went on, you were able to realize what big of a love she has for a mother like herself at her age. She was so mature and she understood the carelessness that she once took. She felt the guilt and understood everything. I honestly feel like I had to give her a huge high five for her greatness.

             Sophie, on the other hand, was reasonable too. I found that it was easy to relate to her and her situation, and she made everything seem real, from her perspective. 

              Together, hey, it wasn't bad from their own selves. But the craziness was the way the story was put together by the author and how the feelings of readers were handled. I felt like the author focused too much on the characters and their developments from everything else. And surprisingly, that was the best thing. 

           

         One of the strongest figures in this book were the characters. What I must say here is that the rest were downers and I was very disappointed with the outcome. This book has been sitting on my shelf for ages, and what it really needed to do was to keep on sitting there, because it wouldn't have made a difference in my life. Meh—just no. Go for this if you'd like something quick, and if you're looking for something you have the patience for with not-so-deep-meanings inside.

Chasing Power by Sarah Beth Durst Review

Chasing Power, by Sarah Beth Durst
Published On: October 14, 2014, by Bloomsbury
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Paranormal
Pages: 368
Format: Hardcover
Source: Borrowed
Rating: ½

Lies, secrets, and magic — three things that define Kayla's life.
Sixteen-year-old Kayla plans to spend her summer hanging out on the beach in Santa Barbara and stealing whatever she wants, whenever she wants it. Born with the ability to move things with her mind — things like credit cards, diamond rings, and buttons on cash registers — she has become a master shoplifter. She steals to build up a safety net, enough money for her and her mom to be able to flee if her dad finds them again. Well, that, and the thrill of using her secret talents.
But her summer plans change when she's caught stealing by a boy named Daniel — a boy who needs her help and is willing to blackmail her to get it. Daniel has a talent of his own. He can teleport, appearing anywhere in the world in an instant, but he lies as easily as he travels. Together, they embark on a quest to find and steal an ancient incantation, written on three indestructible stones and hidden millennia ago, all to rescue Daniel's kidnapped mother. But Kayla has no idea that this rescue mission will lead back to her own family — and to betrayals that she may not be able to forgive... or survive.

DNF @ 70 pages     

  When I read this book I was hoping for something more daring and different. FORGET about the gorgeous cover, this was one of the biggest disappointments of the year for me, since I expected so much better. I've heard so many things about Sarah Beth Durst's books, and this was a true sign that I will never speak of or want to see any of her books ever again.

    I've put off writing this review for a few weeks now, and I've just kept on re-scheduling it over and over again, farther from the present date since I really don't know what to say now. Am I and the rest of the general public just getting so sick and tired of paranormal reads? Probably that is the case, since I'm still reading paranormal books to this day and am usually DNF-ing them and writing a rant review, just like this one will become.

     I thoroughly enjoy writing rant reviews. But actually not so much to piss the author off or anything in that sorts. I find that I can just scream all of my hate out to you guys and hope and cross my fingers that you will not choose to read this book whatsoever or whenever.

       Chasing Power was very interesting... in my opinion. When I saw that my library had just gotten it, available to request—I freaked and went to get it right away. The concept sounded just for me. Truth is that it was the opposite of just for me. This book was hideous and from just reading 70 pages, I realized that it truly wasn't for me and I honestly feel stressed and like banging my head on a desk, over and over again since I obviously listened to the reviewers.

        From the first page, I was like "ew." NO. Telepathy is so overrated. We've been through the phase in 2010, and it's 2014. Why not come up with something new? Maybe something like Arrow or Flash? No—we have to go through this catastrophe. 

         So from what I understood after reading 70 pages, what was happening was that Kayla is able to move things with her mind but her mother forbids her from using her magical skills because they can 'hurt her in ways she cannot even imagine.' And then she meets Daniel, who accidentally sees Kayla using her powers and tells her that he will tell unless Kayla helps him find his kidnapped mother.

          WHAT WAS THIS. I honestly think that there was no way to change this book unless the whole thing was rewritten. It was so not for me. Sure, Durst could've used the same characters. Those are probably the only things that could stay. WE NEED A REWRITE, PEOPLE.

       Yes, the concept strongly sucked. The plot sucked as well because the concept sucked. Isn't it a whole bookish system? Aren't things supposed to be connected in a book? I swear, if the concept isn't good for me, then I'll probably dislike and loathe the book. That's the way everything worked in this book. Not that Sarah Beth Durst is a bad author—no. She's probably a very good author since I've heard so many positives about her and her past books. I guess that her 2014 was a bump in her career, a least from what I saw.

       So you're probably asking, 1.5? Why not one star? The beginning was okay. Like the first few chapters were entertaining and showed improvement in the plot, but from there, it all went downhill. I screamed, I fidgeted, and I felt like I was doomed to go into a peculiar reading slump. I've probably already went through three this past year, and three is surely enough. 

       Obviously there probably was some romance between Kayla and Daniel afterwards, but I didn't care enough to want to find out how everything ended up. It probably became to be the cheesiest thing in the world, to be honest.

        

          In order for this book to be magnificent, I'd probably recommend a whole rewrite, which would then probably impress me to the minimum. The only positive thing here? The beginning. The characters and the whole concept and the plot was hideous. I'd say take the chance for a minimum if you're interested, but this was in the worst situation with me.