Criminal, by Terra Elan McVoy Review

Criminal, by Terra Elan McVoy

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery/Thriller/Murder

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Publication: May 7, 2013, by Simon Pulse

Format: Paperback Edition (borrowed)




Goodreads Summary: A searing and gripping read that explores the depths of desperation true love can inspire, from the author of Being Friends with Boys.

Nikki’s life is far from perfect, but at least she has Dee. Her friends tell her that Dee is no good, but Nikki can’t imagine herself without him. He’s hot, he’s dangerous, he has her initials tattooed over his heart, and she loves him more than anything. There’s nothing Nikki wouldn’t do for Dee. Absolutely nothing.

So when Dee pulls Nikki into a crime—a crime that ends in murder—Nikki tells herself that it’s all for true love. Nothing can break them apart. Not the police. Not the arrest that lands Nikki in jail. Not even the investigators who want her to testify against him.

But what if Dee had motives that Nikki knew nothing about? Nikki’s love for Dee is supposed to be unconditional…but even true love has a limit. And Nikki just might have reached hers.

Review:

  

           I FINALLY LOVED A BOOK BY THIS AUTHOR! *squeals* I've actually given McVoy's books a chance so many times and I was always left disappointed. With this one, I promised myself that if I didn't enjoy it whatsoever, it'd be my last chance ever. I guess fate was scared of me letting this author's books go...

           

        Criminal was seriously epic. It gave me heart-stopping moments throughout the whole novel that never let me go until the end, plot twists that I never saw coming, and so many "OMG" moments that I couldn't believe were happening. 

    Nikki is afraid—that's all she's been since that day happened. But at least she has Dee, right? As her best friend and only home drifts apart because of the police, Nikki finds that she's all on her own, until they come to her house. She's found guilty and is placed into prison, eagerly waiting for trial. The days feel like months, and the weeks feel like years. Nikki feels like she has to fight to get out, just so she can be with Dee, one of the only people who really loves her. And what about Dee's motives? Secrets are secrets, and criminals are criminals. Together, they repose something far more powerful.

            

       We all rarely read a book that takes place in a prison. When you think about it, not much can go on in there in order to create a novel, basically. But the amazing thing about this book was that it worked. And it worked extremely well, far more than I could've ever imagined. The concept and mystery flowed so well together, and by the end, we were left with no need to ask any questions. 

            Surprisingly, the writing was like devouring your favourite food—100 pieces of it, over and over again. I felt like I was in the need to read this in one sitting no matter what, and I did. This was my Friday-night read, and I sat there after squealing and giggling because I was the happiest person to see how good it ended up being. The plot was so well written—it certainly deserves an Oscar Award for best plot of 2013.

             Nikki portrayed an excellent story through her thoughts. I loved reading through her narration, her POV, and she made the story a hundred times better, believe it or not. Her character was somebody who I will remember forever, as being one of the truest female heroines in a mystery novel. She made the story seem real, and she proved that this could absolutely happen in real life. The poor girl went through so much, and adding to that, her feelings and emotions were all over the place because she was spared, used, and left behind alone. And all of the blame was left on her, a criminal who wasn't even supposed to become one.  Her message was shown to us more real than ever.

             My only negative-exception that my attention span paid attention to was Dee. His motive and personality just didn't work with me. It became too cheesy. We all knew from the moment that he was introduced that he had something going on with him behind the scenes. And when it was released, I wasn't surprised. I expected a twist with his story, perhaps something psychological, but instead we ended up with an average guy's story, but in a more obsessive matter. *frowns* 

             In conclusion, I am probably the happiest person alive right now. This book was honestly amazing, and I seriously thank fate for getting me to pick it up. It was everything I've wanted in a mystery novel for a long time. Enjoy this, it's a gorgeous read.

Crown of Midnight, by Sarah J. Maas

Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2), by Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Action

Rating: 5/5 stars

Publication: August 27, 2013, by Bloomsbury

Format: Hardcover Edition (borrowed)




Goodreads Summary: "A line that should never be crossed is about to be breached.

It puts this entire castle in jeopardy—and the life of your friend."

From the throne of glass rules a king with a fist of iron and a soul black as pitch. Assassin Celaena Sardothien won a brutal contest to become his Champion. Yet Celaena is far from loyal to the crown. She hides her secret vigilantly; she knows that the man she serves is bent on evil.

Keeping up the deadly charade becomes increasingly difficult when Celaena realizes she is not the only one seeking justice. As she tries to untangle the mysteries buried deep within the glass castle, her closest relationships suffer. It seems no one is above questioning her allegiances—not the Crown Prince Dorian; not Chaol, the Captain of the Guard; not even her best friend, Nehemia, a foreign princess with a rebel heart.

Then one terrible night, the secrets they have all been keeping lead to an unspeakable tragedy. As Celaena's world shatters, she will be forced to give up the very thing most precious to her and decide once and for all where her true loyalties lie...and whom she is ultimately willing to fight for.

Review:

"Leave the talking and charming to me." Chaol raised his brows. "So I'm just here for decoration?" "Be grateful I consider you a worthy accessory." (p. 56)

  This book was like an action TV show in my head. It probably was even better than the first book!

    We all know that Sarah J. Maas masters her books every time. I've only read 2 of her books, and from there, I can see that she's easily a favourite author of mine. By every chapter, she keeps improving her writing and our captivation. She immensely makes everything better and better before we know it. Our time reading this book goes by so quickly, and before we know it, we're having a pretty achy book hangover and our world is slowly falling apart because we realize that the next book in the series is coming (for those who don't have access to pretty review copies.) 

     This book was another fantasy YA literature masterpiece. There was no signs whatsoever of second-book-syndrome (which we all dread) and the action and romance here was better than ever. This book has a mixture of almost every book genre you may think of. Romance, yes (highly), action, adventure, fantasy, magic, suspense, fairies, mystery, EVERYTHING. I love books that incorporate that sort of variety and diversity of different genres.

      If you haven't read the first book or currently are, I would highly not recommend reading on with this review. Just saying. Many SPOILERS will be announced from the previous book and from this one. Take a precaution.

       Celaena has won the fight to become the King's Champion. It was a tough fight that required a lot of fighting and came with consequences, but Celaena has done it. Now, things aren't going to become easier. Secrets and mysteries will unravel beside the fact that Celaena has some drama with her own love relationships going on. Then, adding to that, a big catastrophe came to be. Nehemia DIED. Celaena's only true best friend and person who understood her died, and everything slowly collapsed around her. Could things seriously not get worse?

        In two separate motions, here are two feels that will overcome you and your bookish friends:

       Happy because of the romance between Celaena and Chaol (I literally screamed) and then sad because of the unspeakable tragedy that Sarah really had to add. (Not that it didn't hurt me too much. *sarcasm*)

       But I strongly believe that when a book gives you different and crazy feels, then it's even better. Every book is supposed to be an addicting TV show, with drama, action and romance in between. Feeling things are the best. And this book definitely deserves the Emmy Award.

       When completing the first book, I was in a hazardous book hangover and needed the sequel. A few days later (more like two) I went to the library and picked this one up. I began it sooner than I knew it, and finished it in a matter of three hours. Three hours of screaming, crying, tears, and squeals. Three hours of about 420 pages. I really would like to give myself a big pat on the back for that. :)

        This book still held the same amount of fantasy, a little more romance and amazing action as the previous novel. I love the concept and I think that this is surely the best fantasy-romance book out there.

        I just loved the whole book. There were no moments when I was bored or slightly blinking an eye. Every moment was addicting and unspeakable to any other person. I finished it off with a huge headache of wanting the next book (which I will get to soon because I got a review copy, haha). The plot was a whole enjoyable roller coaster and Celaena's voice was better than ever.

        So imagine this. I loved the first book so dearly much and gave it a 5 gazillion star rating, and this was even better. Imagine my love for this one now. I'm probably giving it an infinite amount of stars. :)

        The character-relationships between Celaena and the men gradually improved even more. Chaol and Celaena FINALLY KISSED and I kept saying, "I wish I was Celaena," so many times out loud. I kept squealing and making a fool out of myself in my own very home. xD Although Celaena and Dorian are now just-friends, I really wish that their love will come back. It's not safe to love the Captain of the Guard, and it isn't safe to love the Prince. So both ways, Celaena would be taking a risk. *grumpy cat face*

          Celaena was just the same as ever. She's a definite favourite heroine of mine, and I wouldn't trade my love for her for anyone else, except maybe Tessa Gray. *apologizes* But Celaena is such a badass girly character. Just my type of woman. 

          And obviously, I have a huge love relatable relationship to the men. Chaol and Dorian both have something so special about them that no fictional men can beat. I, a girl, can even relate to them. I dream every night that they can hold me in their arms.

        By the end, I was a broken mess. I was struggling very hard to deal with the loss of Nehemia, one of my favourite characters. And then the whole action scene with Chaol got me thinking, and then BAM WE FOUND OUT SOMETHING HUGE. And of course, Sarah J. Maas left us with a terrible cliffhanger and I'm going to have to read the next book very soon.

         :') I JUST CAN'T WAIT. But honestly, what a beautiful book.

         

          My favourite quotes:

    

          "The rest of the world quieted into nothing. In that moment, after ten long years, Celaena looked at Chaol and realized she was home." 

          "The moonlight and the garden and the garden glow from the ballroom blurred together, now miles away. "We'll never be a normal boy and girl, will we?" she managed to say. "No," he breathed, eyes blazing. "We won't." (p. 134)

            "Is that... chocolate cake?" "I thought you might need some." "Need, not want? A ghost of a smile was on her lips, and he almost sagged in relief as he said, "For you, I'd say that chocolate cake is most definitely a need." (p. 173)

             "He will kill you, Celaena." He grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her. "He'll kill you, and make me do it as punishment for being your friend." That was the terror that he grappled with--the fear that plagued him, the thing that had kept him on this side of the line for so long." (p. 186)

              "I would be the greatest fool in the world to let you go alone." And then there were tears rolling down her face, and her mouth became a thin, wobbling line. He pulled back, but didn't let her go. "Why are you crying?" "Because," she whispered, her voice shaking, "you remind me of how the world ought to be. What the world can be." (p. 187)

             "The kiss obliterated her. It was like coming home or being born or suddenly finding an entire half of herself that had been missing. His lips were hot and soft against hers--still tentative, and after a moment, he pulled back far enough to look into her eyes. She trembled with the need to touch him everywhere at once, to feel him touching her everywhere at once. He would give up everything to go with her. She twined her arms around his neck, her mouth meeting his in a second kiss that knocked the world out from under her." (p. 188)

             "But he couldn't help imagining it--the glimmer of the future and how it would be to forge a life together, to call her his wife, to hear her call him husband, to raise a brood of children who probably be far too clever and talented for their own good (and for Chaol's sanity). (p. 212)

             "What does that mean?" he demanded. She smiled sadly. "You'll figure it out. And when you do..." She shook her head, knowing she wouldn't say it, but doing it anyway."When you do, I want you to remember that it wouldn't have made any difference to me. It's never made any difference to me when it came to you. I'd still pick you. I'll always pick you." (p. 413)

Burning, by Elana K. Arnold

Burning, by Elana K. Arnold

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

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Publication: June 11, 2013, by Delacorte Press

Format: Hardcover Edition (Borrowed)






Goodreads Summary: Ben: Having just graduated from high school, Ben is set to leave Gypsum, Nevada. It's good timing since the gypsum mine that is the lifeblood of the area is closing, shutting the whole town down with it. Ben is lucky: he's headed to San Diego, where he's got a track scholarship at the University of California. But his best friends, Pete and Hog Boy, don't have college to look forward to, so to make them happy, Ben goes with them to check out the hot chick parked on the side of Highway 447.  

Lala: She and her Gypsy family earn money by telling fortunes. Some customers choose Tarot cards; others have their palms read. The thousands of people attending the nearby Burning Man festival spend lots of cash--especially as Lala gives uncanny readings. But lately Lala's been questioning whether there might be more to life than her upcoming arranged marriage. And the day she reads Ben's cards is the day that everything changes for her. . . and for him.

Review:

  Burning is a true summer-love romance. From the moment I picked the book, I knew that it would be the perfect summer read. Just look at the cover! 

   I've never read a gypsy book before. Elana K. Arnold has definitely introduced something completely new to me. A gypsy girl. A small-town boy. Star-crossed lovers. A beautiful romance. An amazing, thrilling summer. That's basically what the plot is all about, summed up in 5 short statements. 

   Lala and her Gypsy family come to Nevada for the summer to continue telling fortunes and making a living. She has an arranged marriage to a man that she never and never will love, and all she wants is change, and to get the get the heck out of her family's hands. When she meets small-town boy Ben, who's spending his last summer before university in his home that he's known all his life, everything suddenly changes. They both fall in love, despite their different ways of life, and have to make sacrifices to make everything work. Is it just a fling?

    

     It's not. The romance between Lala and Ben wasn't a fling, it was something far more special and beautiful. They were in love, and love doesn't come that easily. Bala (my ship name for them) had such a strong romance that hardly anyone's can compare to. From a matter of weeks, they learnt to understand each other completely despite everything that's going on with their families. The relationship they had was not only a romance, but a complete understanding and friendship. They didn't love each other just for the excitement and hunger, they loved each other because of love. You'd think that you cannot understand this type of relationship because of the matter that it is put in, but it's so easy to. Their love gave me the feels. *dreams*

    The concept of this book was fresh, unique, and summery. If you're looking for something related to Sarah Dessen's books, then this book is for you. Elana K. Arnold has created the next Sarah Dessen-related book. I keep thinking "Don't Stop Believin" about this story. "Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world..." But in ways, it's kind of the opposite. Ben is the small-town boy, and Lala comes from the ways of the city. They're not supposed to be together, but fate helped them along the way.

      When beginning this book, I had mixed expectations of what it could become. A possible 3.5 star rated book because of its cheesiness and predictability was my biggest guess. And from the beginning, that's where the book took off to be. The beginning was very narrow-sided and not strong and captivating. Until 100 pages, I was getting bored. And also, there was insta-love. *pukes* They basically fell in love at first sight, and that's unreal, in my opinion. But put that aside, and you have an amazing novel. From there, the plot took off. It became so captivating, and my squealing feels went out of control. When predicting the ending, I had a whole other idea of what was to come.

        In ways, the book was a masterpiece. But what I really liked about it was that it wasn't perfect. Imperfection is a strong thing, and it helps us realize that the story was more real than anything. This sounds very much like a true story, and I'd believe it if someone'd just tell me it verbally.

        

         I really had a total love relationship with the characters, especially because of their imperfection. Ben was a total heartthrob, and I can see him being in every YA romance story and totally making it awesome. Ugh, I just loved him too much, and it's very difficult to explain my feels in his case. :) But all I can say is that he made my heart skip a beat. 

           Lala was just a total fun and witty female protagonist. She was a rebel, and sick and tired of the Gypsy ways. All she wanted was to be free and to have a new chance at life because her arranged marriage and tradition would just ruin everything. We usually don't get protagonists like that, willing to do anything to have change.

           Of course, I loved the whole Gypsy aspect of the book, and I can tell that the subject means a lot to the author because she wrote about everything with such understanding passion. It was so unique to learn about that, and it was another of my favourite things about this book!

            The last thing that I wanted to mention was the ending. EHMAGERD. I don't know how to put this into words, but it SHOCKED ME. I don't want to spoil anything on here, so what I'll do is make you highlight it if you want to see the spoiler. *grins* WHY WOULD LALA NOT WANT TO BE WITH BEN? LIKE SHE WANTED HIM AND HER TO BE TOGETHER ALL ALONG, AND NOW THEIR RELATIONSHIP IS BASICALLY DONE, all because she wants to be on her ow. Meh. It hurts me as well. And imagine how devastated Ben must be.

              Overall, this book was amazing. I recommend it to any chick-lit lover, young or old. The romance is strong and beautiful, and so are the relatable real characters. Go for it.

Throne of Glass, by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1), by Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Mystery

Rating: 5 GAZILLION STARS

Publication: August 7, 2012, by Bloomsbury USA Children

Format: Hardcover Edition (Borrowed)






Goodreads Summary: After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. 

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. 

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. 

Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Review:

   Coming from my thoughts of this book, no words can explain my love for this book. It's unreal and unbelievable at the same time. Throne of Glass is my favourite book. There, I said it. (Well, it's one of them.)

    

      High-fantasy? Naw, not usually my type. Okay, it's never my type of genre to read from. But I think after reading this book, the genre and concept of high-fantasy is going to get a lot more purchases from this girl. *points to self* High-fantasy and heart pounding romance? Just my type.

      For as long as I've been reading YA fiction, the Throne of Glass series has been raved about over and over again. I never stood to give it a chance because of my bad reputation with reading fantasy novels. I usually could only stand a touch of fantasy, but even those books never end up getting a 5 star rating from me. I'm a tough judge, and fantasy used to be one of my biggest pet peeves. After reading this book, everything has changed completely.

       I just have this feeling in my heart right now that just wants me to gush and gush everything out. Like I don't know how to sort my thoughts out into words, but I will try my best starting now.

        Like I mentioned above, I was very afraid to read this book. I didn't want to be the black sheep again (as I usually now am). This book was intimidating me for a long time, especially because of the number of pages that it has. I knew it that I'd get bored easily and get shot down by the amount of info-dumping, but I was straight on wrong. I would like to send a personal thank you message to all of the people who proved me wrong. Haha, I'm now just like you Throners. :) (My personal fandom name for us.)

       If you haven't read this book already, then lemme give you a tiny recap. Celaena Sardothien has been working in the salt mines in Endovier to pay for her crimes. Yes, she's a slave, and yes, she gets whipped. Just to mention a few things: she's an assassin, and she's 18. So don't imagine a wimpy teenager. This girl can fight and she's known for her reputation. When she's dragged to a whole different city and found by the Crown Prince, she's wondering why was she chosen to come and bow down in front of Her Majesty. Prince Dorian offers her freedom. Freedom was all that she's ever wanted after everything's she been through, and that includes freedom from the memories of waking up on a frozen river next to her dead parents. Celaena must compete in a competition to become the King's next Champion, his next royal assassin. The competitors are feisty as ever, and they're all sponsored and represented by different members of the royal council. Celaena is sponsored by Dorian, the Prince, and feelings that are more than friendship begin to sprout up between them. If she beats her opponents and wins the duel match in the end, she is granted as becoming the King's Champion, and stays in the castle for four years, and then gets her name washed away and becomes free. But it's also the Captain of the Guard, Chaol Westfall, who understands Celaena the best because he's been through similar situations all of his life. Adding to that mystery, Celaena's fellow opponents begin to turn up dead, and it's all behind the master plan of one killer, and it's basically up to Celaena to find out who this is. But the most important thing: she needs to win.

        From beginning this book to the end, I was having an insta-love relationship with the characters and plot. From page one, I was in love with the whole reality. Everything about this book was perfect, and I wouldn't stand to miss a second of Sarah J. Maas's beautiful words that just haunt the reader until it's all over. Having the whole assassin idea taking place was beautiful. I normally hate assassins, but Celaena was just the most badass out of them all. I still can't believe that Sarah wrote this (at least the first draft) when she was sixteen! Gosh, she's talented.

      All throughout, Sarah had a great idea going on. The main idea that TOG decided to portray was that:

      It's not fair and it's never going to be. You can be beautiful and wise, but that doesn't mean that you're going to end up being royal, as in Celaena's case. Seeing an author write a whole other story in between the lines of this book was just fascinating, and only some will see that.

      The setting was just spectacular. I guess we don't really know if this is a dystopia setting or something historical, but either way, it's stunning beyond words. I love the world that these characters live in, despite the unfairness going on. In many ways, it's similar to ours, and that's even better because us readers can relate to things that are going on. The world developed to a great standing very quickly, and it felt so natural to just dream and live with the characters. During those 404 pages, I was in Celaena's world.

      Now, I saved the characters for last, because well...

        Put my thoughts together about them. They're just so perfect. *sheds tears*

        Celaena: Everyone's been giving mixed thoughts about this chick. Some good, some horrible thoughts. I loved Celaena, so dearly much. I don't care if she was "girly," or "too in love to not give a shit about anything else." Just because she's a freakin' badass assassin doesn't mean that she has to be all tough. SHE'S UNIQUE AND HER OWN AWESOME CHARACTER. I feel that people are being too judgemental about her. She's special in her own way. Adding to that, she's the best fighter, bro. Like everything to her comes naturally. *plays Selena Gomez* All of her moves and fights, they're so gorgeous to read about and watch. The visualizations that play in my head are like a movie. Speaking of which, this should really be a movie or TV show. *gushes*

         Dorian:

         My BAE is another character who gets hated on. He's gorgeous, he's beautiful, he's wanted, HE'S MINE. I don't understand why people hate him so much, but he's all perfect. I find that I usually fall for the royal ones. Teehee. 

         "Well, who wants to be hated? Though I'd rather be hated than invisible. But it makes no difference." 

         Well, I don't know how else to explain my love for Dorian, but there you have it before I go full on blabbing about his beauty to me. *plays All of Me*

                

          Chaol:

                 

         I simply can't and am not able to choose between Chaol and Dorian, and I probably won't ever be able to. Please, just look at this lovely quote:

         "Celaena." He stopped a few feet from the guards. His eyes were rich, molten brown. "Yes?" He heartbeat steadied. "You look rather pretty today," was all he said before the doors opened and they walked forward."

         When I read this quote, my heart skipped a beat, literally. I seriously don't know how Celaena can remain so calm and easy-going around these two beautiful men. I'd just fawn over instantly. 

         And then we had the awesome side characters as well. My favourite would have to be Nehemia. If you've read this, you'll understand why. *grins* She's Celaena's guardian angel, basically, and their friendship is so brilliant. 

         By the end, I just couldn't believe how much I adored this book. It was so addicting, so petrifying, cryptic, and so inspiring and life-changing at the same time. And I'm officially having a book-hangover. I just can't stop thinking about the characters and story and I can't get over the world.

          Local library, I'm running over to you to get Crown of Midnight!

  Some Other Beautiful Quotes:

"When she awoke every morning, she repeated the same words: I will not be afraid. For a year, those words had meant the difference between breaking and bending; they had kept her from shattering in the darkness of the mines. Not that she'd let the captain know any of that." (p. 2)

"You don't care for salmon?" "I hate fish. I'd rather die than eat it." "That's surprising," he said, taking a bite. "Why?" "Because you smell like one." (p. 92)

"I like music," she said slowly, "because when I hear it, I ... I lose myself within myself, if that makes sense. I become empty and full all at once, and I can feel the whole earth roiling around me. When I play, I'm not... for once, I'm not destroying. I'm creating." (p. 230)

"No matter what happens," she said quietly, "I want to thank you." Chaol tilted his head to the side. "For what?" Her eyes stung, but she blamed it on the fierce wind and blinked away the dampness. "For making my freedom mean something." (p. 350)

"But she barely heard him. Huddled on the ground, hot tears slid down Celaena's face. She'd won. Through the pain, Celaena began laughing."(p. 369)

"He was done with politics and intrigue. He loved her, and no empire, no king, and no earthly fear would keep him from her. No, if they tried to take her from him, he'd rip the world apart with bare hands. And for some reason, that didn't terrify him." (p. 371)