Starry Night by Isabel Gillies Review

Starry Night, by Isabel Gillies
Publication: September 2, 2014, by Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 336
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Rating: ½

Sometimes one night can change everything. On this particular night, Wren and her three best friends are attending a black-tie party at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to celebrate the opening of a major exhibit curated by her father. An enormous wind blasts through the city, making everyone feel that something unexpected and perhaps wonderful will happen. And for Wren, that something wonderful is Nolan. With his root-beer-brown Michelangelo eyes, Nolan changes the way Wren’s heart beats. In Isabel Gillies's Starry Night, suddenly everything is different. Nothing makes sense except for this boy. What happens to your life when everything changes, even your heart? How much do you give up? How much do you keep?

Books that make your heart feel guilty of wanting more and that fluttering feeling with cuteness come and go. No for real—they simply just come once in a while, and never seem to go. Starry Night left me with a glitter-filled mind, where I was wishing for a romance so artistic that van Gogh would've given a huge approval for. Gillies did this so amazingly that I kept searching for more in a gorgeous majestic sunshine painting.

After reading, I feel like everything in my life now relates to art. Yeah, there's always many cheesy books where the protagonist is an artist or has those huge dreams, but this one worked. The best thing was that this wasn't picture perfect and it showed that it isn't that easy to find that kind of relationship, yet it isn't impossible because things work out to be that way a ton of times, especially after looking at the ending, which left me shocked and shredded into pieces.

"I don't think you fall in love for the first time until something—or someone—feels dangerous. I don't mean dangerous like going to jail, I guess I mean just different, really different."

You can say that the protagonist here, Wren, is clueless in life and love. But the best thing is that she's searching for it. It wasn't cheesy where she wasn't expecting the love and it suddenly just came to her, it was meant to be at the right moment where her and Nolan were both expecting the same kind of thing from each other. The way they meet was unexpected and everyone was shipping them so hard, including the family members. It was all perfect.

I guess compared to the really low ratings, I kept a total positive attitude towards this. In the end, I liked it much more than I expected, and sure there were some mishaps and weak things going on with the plot from the beginning towards the end of the middle, I can definitely recommend it. When I started reading, I was hoping for the best as I saw the low ratings where everyone was giving this a 2 star. The rating on Goodreads is 2.96 for goodness sake's! Why? I guess I can't really figure that out too well since I did like it by the end.

The plot of this was one of the problems. The beginning to middle was weak, as I had trouble getting interested in what was going on. The writing seemed weak and dull and I lost control of what I was trying to get from the message. But thankfully, Nolan and Wren's power stayed with me. Their romance was gorgeous, and I never had enough. THEY'RE SO CUTE AND THEN UGH ISABEL GILLIES KILLED ME. I'm not going to note what's going to happen, though it did shock me to the bones and I'm still left shaking.

With a gorgeous romance and characters, I have to say that Isabel Gillies has done a job well done with writing a novel that artists will see the deepness in. I can't stop thinking about it and I'm so excited to see more from the author. NREN FOREVER! #SHIP

The Art of Lainey, by Paula Stokes Review

The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes
Published By: HarperTeen on May 20, 2014
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback Edition
Source: Bought
My Rating: 

Soccer star Lainey Mitchell is gearing up to spend an epic summer with her amazing boyfriend, Jason, when he suddenly breaks up with her—no reasons, no warning, and in public no less! Lainey is more than crushed, but with help from her friend Bianca, she resolves to do whatever it takes to get Jason back.
And that’s when the girls stumble across a copy of The Art of War. With just one glance, they're sure they can use the book to lure Jason back into Lainey’s arms. So Lainey channels her inner warlord, recruiting spies to gather intel and persuading her coworker Micah to pose as her new boyfriend to make Jason jealous. After a few "dates", it looks like her plan is going to work! But now her relationship with Micah is starting to feel like more than just a game.
What's a girl to do when what she wants is totally different from what she needs? How do you figure out the person you're meant to be with if you're still figuring out the person you're meant to be?

         This past summer, I headed off to the bookstore, and came back with a book that changed my life forever. Now, you must be thinking that this sounds like the most cliché situation that I could possibly be put in, but I'm telling you—it changed my life. You want to change my life and make me even happier? Hand me a book that Paula Stokes wrote. She's honestly my new and most favourite author. Her words hit you hard and they impact you.

          Looking back at my reaction of this story and Lainey's quirkiness, I was so inspired. This book wasn't an one-time event that comes and goes. This was a story that will tend to stay with you forever because it's just so damn real and if I look outside my window, I can see Lainey and Micah falling in love. This was one of the most realest contemporaries I've ever read, and probably the best book I've read this year. It's on my TOP TEN, people. If you know me, I have thousands of favourites. 5 star ratings come and go, but this book zapped me out of my depressing 3 star-state.

          "Why do you care?" He glances over. "You afraid of me now?" "No," I say quickly. And it's true. Even if he carries a switchblade and pretends to be badass, he doesn't seem much different from the kid I knew in fifth grade. "I'm just trying to... get to know you again."

         

          That's what this book did to my heart. NO, not set it on fire, but think of the fire-crackling sound. That warmth, that beauty, yeah that's it. I'm still left without words because this book poisoned me with love. It was like looking outside your window and looking at the first snowfall of the season, which I actually am doing at the moment. It was a whole new experience, and I officially have lived another experience with a bunch of gorgeous and memorable characters.

           As you begin reading this book, you'll probably be thinking that this is your average contemporary story. Well, IT'S NOT. Lainey Mitchell is living the perfect life—she has awesome friends, a mega-hot boyfriend, and is super-popular and gets invited to the best parties around. And then, everything falls apart when her boyfriend, Jason, breaks up with her. She is unbelieved, and wants him back. But the way she tries to get him back creates a war, and this is something crazily crazy. Teaming up with Micah, the guy who works at her parents coffee shop (did I mention that he's completely gothic and has piercings?) she pretends to date Micah so she can get Jason back, and Micah can get his old girlfriend back as well. But what happens when the unthinkable and impossible happens? Lainey and Micah fall in love instead? But of course that leads to not thinking straight and everyone not knowing what they really want in the end.

            This was straight up the cutest story that I've ever read. I must admit, I was a little late onto reading it, and now I feel guilty for not picking it up sooner, and finding out about Paula's amazing writing even sooner. The buzz is correct, the general public is correct! And I'm very happy to say that my expectations were correct, but they were still blown off the wall because it was even better than what I expected. Can't I give this a thousand star rating instead?

              I wish that I was able to finish this book in one sitting. But I began it late and I had school the next day and had to study, so it turned into a three-day period. But as I continued reading this book during the three days, I devoured it slowly, more slowly than I would've ever imagined. Everything flowed together perfectly, and I found that this was the way a true and real love story was supposed to be written. Not any other way. Paula Stokes can easily become the next Jane Austen or Shakespeare, she mastered it so easily, at least it seemed that way.

             

COME ON MICAH

        ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH ILOVEMICAH

       Micah was perfect. He is easily the hottest YA male character in contemporary history. UGH COME TO ME. I love him so much and am totally jealous of Lainey, but hey, she totally deserves him and his gorgeousness.

       "You're like this punk-rock baker," I say, shaking my head. "What's wrong with that?" "A bit of a contradiction, don't you think?" I wipe the sweat from my forehead, running my hand over my hair to tame the flyaways. I can feel it starting to frizz. Micah looks hard at me for a moment as we reach the cars. The sun catches his hazel eyes, reflecting ribbons of green and gold through the warm summer air. "Most people are."

        I guess you've probably got enough of me talking. But the important catch here about Lainey and Micah is that they're total opposites—but they match and are perfect for each other. Their romance and love was beyond expectations, and it was slow and devouring, unlike many other stories I've read in the past. Romeo and Juliet definitely have competition, I must announce.

       

         I got everything I wanted and more from this book. When I finished reading, I sat there like an idiot, smiling and praising myself for choosing to read this. The plot was gorgeous, the idea was gorgeous, MICAH was gorgeous, and the art that Lainey provided for us was witty, hilarious, and true. By the end, you will feel like you've witnessed a true work of art.

The Summer I Found You, by Jolene Perry Review

The Summer I Found You by Jolene Perry
Published By: Albert Whitman & Company on March 1, 2014
Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 240
Format: Hardcover Edition
Source: Borrowed
My Rating: 

All they have in common is that they're less than perfect. And all they're looking for is the perfect distraction. Kate's dream boyfriend has just broken up with her and she's still reeling from her diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. Aidan planned on being a lifer in the army and went to Afghanistan straight out of high school. Now he's a disabled young veteran struggling to embrace his new life. When Kate and Aidan find each other neither one wants to get attached. But could they be right for each other after all?

       

My first reaction when seeing the cover

                I was so excited to read this book. I mean, who wouldn't be when spotting a summery cover when it's like -4 degrees outside? This is a definite seasonal read, I must tell you. And now when looking back at the outcome, I'm very pleased because I did manage to shed some tears of happiness.

                First thoughts: DAMN WHAT A BEAUTIFUL ROMANCE. Jolene Perry has written such a freaking awesome story that got me fanning myself because of the feels. The feels were honestly outrageous. What this book did to me was so different and I wish that there was more buzz. MORE PEOPLE NEED TO FIND OUT ABOUT THIS BOOK AND I WILL BE THE PERSON TO DO IT. Jolene Perry is the new Sarah Dessen, except her stories are more from the heart and deal with such tough subjects.

                  This all begins when Kate's love of her life suddenly breaks up with her on a random day with no explanation why. And then she sees him with a mystery girl, and this obviously breaks her heart. Soon after, Kate meets Aidan, an older guy who lost his arm while fighting in the military. He has lost the job that took his life and made it amazing, but he now guesses that Kate's made it the best ever. But what happens when you have a medical condition such as diabetes and you don't tell the person you love the most?

           You better tell them. Kate didn't and well... In the end at the same time, she became a fighter, and stronger than you'd ever expect her to become. Aidan made her stronger. :)

              I must admit that I complained of my boredom in the beginning through the middle. The book seemed to have such a huge resemblance to While He Was Away by Karen Schreck and I was all, "Why wasn't this unique?!" but as I continued reading, things happened that made me scream and squeal and fangirl—all of the feels that makes a reading experience even greater.

              Aidan was... 

                SO HOT, LIKE UGH. EVERYTHING ABOUT HIM WAS PERFECT.

• His personality. He was so sweet EEE.
• HIM
• HIM
• HIM
• HIS VOICE

                EVERYTHING—DO YOU GET IT? I just don't know how else to describe his perfection because he was there throughout for Kate and they were perfect. NOT A DOUCHEBAG WHATSOEVER.

                The concept didn't seem to originally sound like a deep gorgeous romance story. But that's what it turned out to become! The scenes were... interesting and I'm the type who loves picture-perfect romance, so I obviously kept on reading forever and ever until the book was ever. I found myself taking it slow and reading it on my own basis because I was so intrigued. WHY DID AIDAN DO THIS TO ME?!

                 

                 

         Picture-perfect romance, AIDAN, AIDAN, a deep story, touching moments, and did I say Aidan—this book was fantastic. I wasn't able to let it go and I still imagine what would happen next because Jolene Perry is one of the best writers of chick-lit fiction that I've read this year. I NEED MORE! 

Now and Forever by Susane Colasanti Review

Now and Forever, by Susane Colasanti

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance, Chick-lit

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Publication: May 20, 2014, by Viking Juvenile

Format: Hardcover Edition (borrowed)




Goodreads Summary: What if your boyfriend was the world's biggest rockstar?

Sterling is crazy in love with Ethan. Not only is he the sweetest boy she's ever met, but he's an incredibly talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter. And since forever, he's believed he has what it takes to be a star.

When Ethan becomes an overnight sensation, he's thrown head-first into the glam world of celebrity-and so is Sterling. Before she knows it, she's attending red-carpet premieres, getting free designer clothes, and flying around the country to attend Ethan's monumental sold-out concerts.

It's a dream come true...but whose dream is Sterling living? And what do you do when "forever" comes to an end?

Review:


     This book is it. I normally rarely say that when reviewing a book, but I'm so happy with how this one turned out, and I am super-duperly impressed. But of course, that always comes from Susane's writing. No surprise there. 

       

      In a few ways, this book reminded me of Gayle Forman's If I Stay, but in a less emotional-way and form. That book was all about the loss, grief and sadness, but here we had anger, kick-assness and characters who knew that they deserved better. Cough cough, Sterling.

       I was in a glass case of emotion for so much of the book. Here we have Ethan and Sterling, two people who are in love. Ethan is a singer slash rockstar who's beginning to get famous by the second—and as soon as he really hits "the rockstar mark," Sterling, his girlfriend, finds that she's being dragged into Ethan's new life with him. Fame, fortune and business, Ethan is finally getting everything that he's ever wanted. As Ethan's away for tours and concerts all around the nation, Sterling is missing him too much and finds that there's no time for "them" anymore. But in a way, everyone now knows her as the world's biggest rockstar's girlfriend, and people are asking for autographs when they see her in grocery stores. Why does she have to live Ethan's life when he doesn't even care about hers?

        I felt like I was on a roller coaster ride during the whole time I was reading this book.

 I started off feeling so excited and happy and excitedly crazy about their relationship. THEY WERE SO CUTE I WANTED TO DIE ASDFGHIKL EEEEE. 

        I must admit that I was a little bit bored at the start, but I guess I must've been ready and waiting for the action between them from the start since I already had a feeling that I knew what was going to happen. 

         But as the story evolved and unfolded, I found myself not being able to put the book down. The characters were rough, but special and touching. Susane made the story sound so real and I got tears in my eyes from happiness or from sadness in the end.

         ETHAN YOU BROKE MY HEART IN THE END, YOU SELFISH LOSER. Ugh. But I guess it was okay to say that Susane did that on purpose and that was the way the story was supposed to flow? At least that's what I'm thinking from my contradictions and thoughts in that crazy fangirling mind of mine. I did love him in the beginning, I really did, but I found that the author took his stupidity a little too far and ugh. I was broken by the end and felt like a depressed pig.

          Sterling was a fantastic protagonist. She didn't really deserve Ethan, but she was happy with him in the beginning. I guess after reading Adam & Mia's story and now Ethan & Sterling's, being a rockstar's girlfriend really isn't the best thing after all. But Adam and Mia are my top ship, my number one OTP forever and always, now and forever.

           What was the teensy things that this story was lacking? A better Ethan, and more feelings. I WANTED TO BE EVEN MORE DEPRESSED WITH THIS STORY. I wanted the darkness to be taken to the max. 

Made For You, by Melissa Marr Review

Made for You, by Melissa Marr

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Paranormal, Romance, Contemporary

Rating: 5/5 stars

Publication: September 16, 2014, by HarperCollins

Format: Hardcover Edition (borrowed)




Goodreads Summary: Bestselling author of the Wicked Lovely books Melissa Marr’s first contemporary YA novel is a twisted southern gothic tale of obsession, romance, and murder. A killer is obsessed with Eva Tilling. Can she stop him, or will he claim her?

When Eva Tilling wakes up in the hospital, she’s confused—who in her sleepy little North Carolina town could have hit her with their car? And why? But before she can consider the question, she finds that she’s awoken with a strange new skill: the ability to foresee people’s deaths when they touch her. While she is recovering from the hit-and-run, Nate, an old flame, reappears, and the two must traverse their rocky past as they figure out how to use Eva’s power to keep her friends—and themselves—alive. But while Eva and Nate grow closer, the killer grows increasingly frantic in his attempt to get to Eva.

For the first time, New York Times bestselling author Melissa Marr has applied her extraordinary talent to contemporary realism. Chilling twists, unrequited obsession, and high-stakes romance drive this Gothic, racy thriller—a story of small-town oppression and salvation. Melissa’s fans, and every YA reader, will find its wild ride enthralling.

Review:

   *sits at desk, squealing like a maniac* So at the moment, I am in a fuss and am writing my reviews that I need to accomplish writing, and I am literally cheering and yelling and fangirling because I've finally gotten to write this review.

      Well, you should, you wonderful people, because THIS BOOK WAS FANTASTICALLY AMAZING AND I AM LEFT WITHOUT WORDS AND AM STILL TAKING DEEP BREATHS AND WHEEZES UNTIL THIS DAY. 

        Made for You was unbelievably amazing. Melissa Marr writing contemporary? I think that she's done an even better job than of writing paranormal. This woman is a legendary writer. 

        You: So what the fudge happened in this book that made it so worthwhile and amazing?

        Me: 

           Except it was exactly a murder... it all began with an obsession and some crazy thoughts, that geared to the richest girl in town, and the most popular one, Eva Tilling. She's the most popular girl in school, and certainly has parents that are the most known, and is part of one of the founding families in their small town in North Carolina. Eva wakes up in the hospital, and has no idea what has happened. She's all bandaged up, and has broken her leg. And then she sees herself in the mirror, and that ruins everything. She is notified that she was struck and hit in a hit and run, and no one has any idea of who could've done this to her and why. Was it by accident, or on purpose? The thing is, Eva is well liked and there was never any fuss to complain about. But everything is not what it seems... as it usually is. What happens when you were "made for someone?"

       

            This was one hell of a thrill ride. That was the first sentence that I literally thought of when finishing this book, and I guess that everyone will be thinking that. At the same time, this was a crazy mystery/thriller and somewhat of a paranormal romance, but I'd stay away from that thought because it certainly wasn't anything close to what Melissa originally wrote about in her previous novels. She began off with a gorgeous premise and a few interesting points of view. 

             You'll probably think that you know what will happen. I was so damn sure that I knew who it was. Who "Judge" was. It made perfect sense. And then the ending came, and I was like:

          AHSHFGRIJGJ[EHGJGEDHGIHE. WOW. WHO LITERALLY SAW THAT COMING?! I can't imagine how people admit that they saw that ending coming. You literally have to be Nancy Drew to figure that out.

           So yes, everything about this book was perfect. The plot was unbelievable and I was glued to the book and was unable to let it go until I finished it. Now, when does that happen to me? Rarely, I tell you. I've read Marr's books in the past and never have been even close to being intrigued as I was here. This was some serious plot-making. 

           JUDGE WAS CREEPY AS FUDGE.

            I got so creeped out by him. Reading the POV of a psychopath killer is unbelievably weird. I literally thought of that clown from IT when reading his POV. And then when he came to the hospital and left the flowe—yeah I was screwed. AND WHEN WE FOUND OUT WHO HE WAS—I'll never get over it. (I have a crazy fear of clowns so I am closing my eyes while adding that gif in).

              And Eva was your average posh-country princess that you're picturing in your head. But at the same time, she was smart, kick-ass and totally not naive. She wasn't broken, and she was strong while all of those crazy events were happening... TO HER. I don't know how she did it, honestly.

               That ending was fabulous, as I already said a thousand times during this review, I NEVER SAW IT COMING. HOWHOWHOWHOW? I don't know, and I seriously don't know how Marr was capable of writing such a perfect book, I felt it coming down from the heavens. Definite favourite of 2014, right next to Dissonance.

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas Review: IDEALLY AWESOME.

Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3), by Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, High Fantasy, Romance, Action

Rating: 4/5 stars

Publication: September 2, 2014, by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Format: Hardcover Edition




Goodreads Summary: Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy. 

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?

Review:

Beware of spoilers below. Just warning ya. ;)

"It was like being underwater again. Like charging into Nehemia's room and finding that beautiful body mutilated on the bed. Like seeing Galan Ashryver, beloved and brave, riding off into the sunset to the cheers of his people."

WOW. WOW. WOW. I'm sitting here, speechless and unable to put my thoughts together after this one hell of a thrill-ride. *takes 5 deep breaths* I don't know what to say, think, act, or be after reading this book. 600 pages of awesomeness? Yes, you've got it right here.

As you may or may not have known, this series has SO MANY FANS. There's only a few authors who can grab a reader and intrigue them so easily, and that's what Sarah J. Maas simply does to me, and to thousands of other people. Almost every single review I've read on a book from this series is strictly a rave and fangirled. 4-5 stars, usually. Thankfully I began reading this series a little late, so the Crown of Midnight cliffhanger and book-hangover was worth it to wait for another couple of weeks. But now, I'm dying here. *joins the club of crying, bawling, and angry people*

Eh. I can't believe it's all over—for now, at least. I spent only a few hours tearing through this novel (at once in one sitting) because I loved it too much. I felt that Sarah's writing is so coincidental (in a good way) and she purposely creates such horrifying cliffhangers because she wants us to be in mutual pain. Either way, I still love and heart you, Sarah, Celaena, Chaol, Dorian, and Rowan. :)

So really, *thinks hard* where does this book began. As Part One, Heir of Ash comes into, Celaena is now at her destination, Wendlyn. Crown of Midnight left off with a crazy cliffhanger and suspenseful ending that we couldn't let go, and we're fast-forwarded into a little off into the future from the past's events. This chick, as we'd expect her to be, has been alone, but strong during this time although the truth behind her and her destiny is boggling her mind to this day. Once she arrives, she meets Rowan, fae prince and warrior, and he hates her immediately. The rumours behind her "assassin past" lies beneath her, and there are some people who know, which can possibly change everything. 

Although romance wasn't a large aspect of this book, Maas of course had to add it in because we all love Chaol, Dorian, and now ROWAN. Damn. Who'd expect another bunch of awesome characters to be added in?

"For the better part of half an hour, the creatures fought in the rainy dark, until those wretched shrieks, turned victorious, and the unearthly roars sounded no more. Celaena and Rowan held tight to each other and did not dare close their eyes for the entirety of the night."

Okay. I ship them a little, but I'm still Team CHAOL AND DORIAN. No doubt about it. But finally, Celaena has someone who is so similar and alike to her that she can confide and confess anything to them without some secrets and love mysteries. There were the romance moments between them, though, but I found that it didn't change anything between her and the other men.

Just like the other books, the feels came back. And they hit me HARD. I have to admit that I wasn't crying or anything, but I went through such jittery mood swings and anger and frustration and basically all the feels that you have been hit with in the previous books times TEN. 

So that does make me think... *twirls moustache* Do feels get me to give the book a higher rating? Absolutely, and the feels in this one probably gave this book a point five better as well.

I felt like I was on fire for more than half of the time while reading this. I DESERVED THE HEIR. *laughs to self* Get it, heir of fire? I'm on fire? xD

This book was huge, no lies. Not everyone can go through a 600-paged book so easily, but I just had to because my love for this series is undying. It almost had everything I was looking for from a sequel to CoM. Character-development—ten thousand checkmarks, perfect plot—almost, action—YESYESYES!

Sarah introduced us to two main new characters, with a couple side ones. But really, both Rowan and Manon has their own POVs as well as Celaena and Chaol. Rowan was kick-ass, but sweet and sympathetic at the same time. He suited Celaena perfectly, but I cannot see anything possibly more than just a strong bond and friendship. *twiddles fingers together* Manon was a little too sensible, but you know, she added some sass into the novel—not that we didn't have enough of it beforehand. 

Celaena was Celaena—perfection and my role model, Chaol was hot, steamy, and wanting, but I wish we had more Dorian. Damn, he was only mentioned a few times, and there were no large scenes incorporated with him. Does this mean that there will never be anything between him and Celaena?

"Aedion began roaring—roaring and cursing at the king, thrashing against his chains, but the guards hauled him away, and Chaol was too stunned to do anything other than watch the rest of Sorscha's body topple to the ground. And then Dorian, still screaming, was scrambling through the blood toward it—toward her head, as if he could put it back. As if he could piece her together."

I think my love for Dorian is crazy and there's a tiny chance that I might love him more than I adore Chaol, and maybe that's why this went to a four star rating? 

In the end, this series is #1 and beyond for me. Sarah J. Maas is my favourite author—she stuns me during every chapter, page, sentence, and word that she writes. I guess that's the magic of writing a book that makes you want to fight for a heir of fire. 

The Kiss of Deception, by Mary E. Pearson

The Kiss of Deception (The Remnant Chronicles #1), by Mary E. Pearson

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Historical-Fiction, Adventure

Rating: 5/5 stars

Publication: July 8, 2014, by Henry Holt

Format: Hardcover Edition (borrowed, but WILL BUY ASAP)




Goodreads Summary: A princess must find her place in a reborn world.

She flees on her wedding day.

She steals ancient documents from the Chancellor's secret collection.

She is pursued by bounty hunters sent by her own father.

She is Princess Lia, seventeen, First Daughter of the House of Morrighan.

The Kingdom of Morrighan is steeped in tradition and the stories of a bygone world, but some traditions Lia can't abide. Like having to marry someone she's never met to secure a political alliance.

Fed up and ready for a new life, Lia flees to a distant village on the morning of her wedding. She settles in among the common folk, intrigued when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deceptions swirl and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—secrets that may unravel her world—even as she feels herself falling in love.

Review:

  "We screamed, we yelled with all the power of our lungs, knowing the wind, hills, and distance plucked our nervous freedom from any ears that might listen. We screamed with giddy abandon and a primal need to believe in our flight. if we didn't believe, fear would overtake us. I already felt it nipping at my back as I pushed harder."

   Mary E. Pearson is one of my favourite authors, period. I ADORED THE KISS OF DECEPTION in ways that you're unable to understand. 

     Beautiful book...

      I adored this book to death. It's probably my favourite book that was published this year, right next to Dissonance, by Erica O'Rourke. Pearson is the newest Stephen King, or any super popular and amazing author to qualify her as. 

      I originally had this at a 4.5 star rating, but now when I think about it, it definitely deserves a 5. I got that excited feeling in my stomach when thinking about that beautiful reading experience that it gave me, and so much more. 

      This is about Princess Lia, who's the First Daughter of Morrighan. She is about to get married, to a man that she's never met before. She unexpectedly flees from the royal lifestyle she's known forever with her mother's assistant, Pauline, and they end up in a small village where they begin to take a large responsibility of handling an inn and making new friends. There are two mysterious people there that Lia doesn't know about--and that's the prince that was off to marry her and an assassin that's off to kill her. 

       One of the reasons why this book was amazing is because Pearson kept us guessing. The chapters were split into three points-of-view--Lia's, the assassin's, and the prince's. We don't know who these people are, and we don't find out until the wee-end of the novel. I had my guesses, and I ended up completely darn-wrong.

        The idea of this book was gorgeous. I love these medieval-dystopia-historical types, and coming from the protagonist of a princess-now-rebel? I'm absolutely hooked. This is absolutely fantasy, but it's not like we hear about faeries flying and goblins dancing. This is something believable and intriguing.

         "Terravin is not paradise, Lia. Of course Terravin had its own problems. I didn't need Gwyneth to tell me it wasn't perfect. But in Civica, the air itself was tight, waiting to catch you, beat you down, always laced with the scent of watching and warning. Here in Terravin, the air was just air, and whatever it held, it held. It didn't take anyone hostage, and this showed on the townfolk's faces. They were quicker to smile, wave, call you into a shop for a taste, to share a laugh or a bit of news. The town was filled with ease."

          I was drawn into this splendid world immediately. The world-development was mythical and stunning and let me with no questions asked, and this is the first novel in a series. The plot was amazingly defined and developed with thousands of plot-twists that left me scurrying for more. I was hooked, and unable to do anything else until I finished the 486 pages. 

          

           Lia was the perfect heroine that I've been looking for in a YA novel. She was a princess, yes, but she wasn't selfish or rude or inconsiderate. She was relatable, and a real jewel. You don't normally find characters like her in books, and when you do, they're a real treasure. Her POV was my absolute favourite.

           The assassin and the prince were kick-ass, too. When Pearson revealed the magic and wonders behind who was who, I was shocked. You never saw it coming. :') The action on what happened afterword when Lia found out about the assassin just laid the book into a beautiful ending and is getting its readers to snap for more. 

           If I had a million dollars, I'd spend it to have the sequel for this book. (Okay, maybe. Instead, what about a time machine?)

     

            Gorgeous and petrifying with excitement and feels, The Kiss of Deception will take the top spot in your bookshelf.