Anna Dressed in Blood, by Kendare Blake

Anna Dressed in Blood (Anna #1), by Kendare Blake

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Paranormal Romance

Other Anna Books

Rating: 4.5/5 stars









Goodreads Summary: "Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.

So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. They follow legends and local lore, destroy the murderous dead, and keep pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

Searching for a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas expects the usual: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

Yet she spares Cas's life."

Review:

• I never expected for this one to be that good. 'Anna Dressed in Blood' was bloody good. I need more, as soon as possible.
• It was so exotic and eerie. I normally don't enjoy ghost stories, but this one took place in a unpopular setting- Canada, and the whole story behind Anna was magnificent. The author did a great job creeping between the lines and captivating the readers. I was definitely surprised, but in a good way.
• Cas was a strong character, I normally don't read books coming from a male's perspective because there aren't many out there, and my wish got granted.
• I was hooked in from beginning to end and still need more.

Just Like Fate, by Cat Patrick and Suzanne Young

Just Like Fate,  by Suzanne Young and Cat Patrick

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Rating: 4/5 stars











Goodreads Summary: "Caroline is at a crossroads. Her grandmother is sick, maybe dying. Like the rest of her family, Caroline's been at Gram's bedside since her stroke. With the pressure building, all Caroline wants to do is escape--both her family and the reality of Gram's failing health. So when Caroline's best friend offers to take her to a party one fateful Friday night, she must choose: stay by Gram's side, or go to the party and live her life.

The consequence of this one decision will split Caroline's fate into two separate paths--and she's about to live them both.

Friendships are tested and family drama hits an all-new high as Caroline attempts to rebuild old relationships, and even make a few new ones. If she stays, her longtime crush, Joel, might finally notice her, but if she goes, Chris, the charming college boy, might prove to be everything she's ever wanted.

Though there are two distinct ways for her fate to unfold, there is only one happy ending..."

Review:

• I was really happy with what this book turned out to be. The plot definitely had a twist, and it was captivating and moving. It was kind of a pick-and-choose your direction type of book, except it was the character's decision on which path to take. Both Cat Patrick and Suzanne Young tricked us on that, and they're amazing authors, so they've done it brilliantly.
• This was definitely moving and beautiful, I can't wait for more from these two amazing authors.

The Originals, by Cat Patrick

The Originals, by Cat Patrick

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Science-fiction

Other Cat Patrick Books

Rating: 4/5 stars








Goodreads Summary: "Lizzie, Ella, and Betsey Best grew up believing they were identical triplets.

Then they learned the truth...

and no one else can know.

Now, to the outside world, the Best family appears to consist of a single mother with one seventeen-year-old daughter named Elizabeth. Lizzie, Ella, and Betsey take turns going to school, pursuing extracurriculars, and even dating.

Then Lizzie meets Sean Kelly, the one person who can help her realize she's not a carbon copy of the others - she's an individual with unique dreams and desires. Digging deeper into her background and her mother's role in her life, Lizzie begins to dismantle the delicate balance of an unusual family that only science could have created."

Review:

• Cat Patrick always pleases me. She figures out the most interesting story concepts, and it just makes me squeal inside when I get to read another one of her books. Clones are a concept that I normally don't get to read a lot about, so I'm very happy that I am getting to.
• This story just sucked me in from the start. The characters were so... yummy, I never wanted the story to end. I was absolutely hooked in and happy with the outcome of this book, and I can't wait to see what else Cat Patrick will come up with. :)

Champion, by Marie Lu

Champion (Legend #3), by Marie Lu

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Dystopian

Other Legend Books

Rating: 4/5 stars









Goodreads Summary: "June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps-Elect, while Day has been assigned a high-level military position. 

But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them: just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defence. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything. 

With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion."

Review:

• This was the perfect ending to the Legend trilogy. All throughout the trilogy, there were a lot of fights and gorgeous romance. In one way, I do want more, but it's the perfect ending and I almost couldn't ask for a better romance. I was so proud of the outcome and am looking forward to more Marie Lu.
• Day and June have gone through a lot together, and by the end, you could tell that they love each other so much. BEAUTIFUL.

Once We Were, by Kat Zhang

Once We Were (The Hybrid Chronicles #2), by Kat Zhang

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Dystopian

Other Hybrid Chronicles Books

Rating: 4/5 stars









Goodreads Summary: "I'm lucky just to be alive."

Eva was never supposed to have survived this long. As the recessive soul, she should have faded away years ago. Instead, she lingers in the body she shares with her sister soul, Addie. When the government discovered the truth, they tried to “cure” the girls, but Eva and Addie escaped before the doctors could strip Eva’s soul away.

Now fugitives, Eva and Addie find shelter with a group of hybrids who run an underground resistance. Surrounded by others like them, the girls learn how to temporarily disappear to give each soul some much-needed privacy. Eva is thrilled at the chance to be alone with Ryan, the boy she’s falling for, but troubled by the growing chasm between her and Addie. Despite clashes over their shared body, both girls are eager to join the rebellion.

Yet as they are drawn deeper into the escalating violence, they start to wonder: How far are they willing to go to fight for hybrid freedom? Faced with uncertainty and incredible danger, their answers may tear them apart forever."

Review:

• The first book in the series was phonomenal. The concept was gorgeous and I've never read anything similar before. I want more series to be as good as this one, and I think that more people should read this, ASAP. 
• This one wasn't as strong as the first novel, but I did like it. I wanted more.. drama. I wish that Eva and Addie learned to be more independent, I found that they relied on each other too much. I really liked this, and am looking forward for the next novel.

Kiss of Death, by Lauren Henderson

Kiss of Death (Scarlett Wakefield #4), by Lauren Henderson

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Mystery

Other Scarlett Wakefield Books

Rating: 4/5 stars








Goodreads Summary: "Scarlett thought Dan McAndrew's murder was long behind her, but when she and her classmates arrive in Edinburgh for a weeklong field trip, she's startled to be joined by her old St. Tabby's cohorts--and enemies--who are visiting the area on a field trip as well. Even more startling, Callum, Dan's surviving twin, is in the area--and his cold treatment leaves Scarlett wondering what's changed, especially when a series of attacks makes her believe that someone's out to get her for her past mistakes. Would Callum ever hurt her, though? And what's Scarlett to make of her conflicting feelings for Callum, now that Jase isn't around? Even more upsetting, why is her most trusted confidante, Taylor, acting distant and dismissive?'



Review:

• Having the be the finale is a good thing, it's the perfect length with the absolute perfect ending. I'm so proud of what this series came to be. Scarlett became a much independent young women who has gone through a lot, including love and death. I'm so proud of this beautiful masterpiece. <3

Kiss in the Dark, by Lauren Henderson

Kiss in the Dark (Scarlett Wakefield #3), by Lauren Henderson

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Mystery

Other Scarlett Wakefield Books

Rating: 4/5 stars










Goodreads Summary: "With Dan McAndrew's murder finally behind her, Scarlett has high hopes for a fresh start at Wakefield Hall Collegiate, the elite English boarding school her grandmother runs. Unfortunately, those hopes are dashed when her nemesis, the infamous Plum Saybourne, is transferred to the school. Plum wastes no time turning Scarlett's impressionable classmates against her.

But fighting doesn't solve everything and things only get worse after Scarlett becomes entangled in a mysterious death on campus. A reluctant sleuth, Scarlett is compelled to investigate because she wants to protect someone close to her. She never imagines that she'll uncover secrets related to her parents' fatal accident so many years ago. . . ."

Review:

• I started off reading this series at the second book, and I really liked it by the end. The mystery was thrilling and sucked me in from the beginning. 
• I found that this one wasn't as good as the second, and I wish everything started off fresh- new mystery involving new characters. It seems that the author doesn't have any ideas for more mysteries...?
• Scarlett was the same as always. She's very confident and knows what she's doing. 
• I did get a little bored sometimes with this novel but that didn't stop me from thinking that it was amazing.

Anime Review: Puella Magi Madoka Magica

      Hey fellow okatus and bookworms! I've never done this before in my whole history of reviewing and blogging- anime reviewing.

     I've never watched anime before since a few weeks ago, but I'm now obsessed, thanks to my best friend. She's been watching anime for many years, and I've recently got into it now, and it's basically part of my life now- right next to reading. This is the first anime that I've watched, and it changed the way I see life, I'll explain below.

      This anime is called Puella Magi Madoka Magica. It's basically about this girl named Madoka. (She's the girl with the pink hair and dress above) Madoka and her friends go to this posh school in Japan, and one day a new girl (Homura, girl with black hair) shows up and introduces herself. Homura is very mysterious and quiet. A little fox-cat creature shows up to Madoka and she is frightened because it talks. This creature's name is Kyubey, pronounced QB. Homura warns Madoka not to associate with this creature. Madoka has a close friend- Sayaka, the girl with the blue hair, also gets associated with Kyubey. Kyubey announces that he is basically "the master of people called magical girls." These magical girls have different skills and abilities, and their purpose is to fight witches. The catch is- you're allowed one wish to be granted. The wish can be anything, from becoming a billionaire, to eternal life. The 12 episode-series is about Madoka's and Sayaka's association with magical girls and the experiences that they go through. 

         Don't worry, I won't spill any spoilers, I would've died if someone told me anything while I was watching the series. One thing- YOU WILL BECOME ADDICTED AND WILL NEVER WANT TO LEAVE UNTIL YOU FINISH THE SERIES, just warning you here. I finished it in a matter of days and it's left me wanting more.

          This anime was amazing, and has made me want to watch more and similar animes to this one. The concept is so much fun, and the acting is spectacular. Watch this in English Dub if you can, it's much better that way. I've heard that there's a manga, but I never tried it out because the anime is pretty much the same thing, except you're watching it instead of reading it. The whole series was fast-paced and beautiful. I cried so many times.

           The ending broke me. I felt that I got slapped in a face with a brick after I figured out the MAIN PROBLEM. I cried so much, I felt like I was suffocating. The ending was amazing and surprising. <3 

            The characters are amazing and I felt that I could relate to them 100%. My favourites from greatest to least were- Homura, Kyoko, Mami, Madoka, and Sayaka. If you watch it, you'll hopefully understand why I chose who.

             I just found out that there's going to be a live-action movie, and there's a movie that continues after the ending I just watched! So, I'm fangirling a little here. :)

             Thank you so much to the creators for you know, creating perfection (100/10) and to Mel, for getting me obsessed with anime and for telling me about this GORGEOUS THING. ILY. 

              Here's the link on YouTube for the first episode, if you want to give it a try, because I will love you forever, and if you do, then comment below telling me what you think -> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvbUJtmvooI



~ANIME LOVER~

Racing Savannah, by Miranda Kenneally

Racing Savannah (Hundred Oaks #4), by Miranda Kenneally

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Chick-lit

Rating: 4/5 stars











Goodreads Summary: "They’re from two different worlds.

He lives in the estate house, and she spends most of her time in the stables helping her father train horses. In fact, Savannah has always been much more comfortable around horses than boys. Especially boys like Jack Goodwin—cocky, popular and completely out of her league. She knows the rules: no mixing between the staff and the Goodwin family. But Jack has no such boundaries.

With her dream of becoming a horse jockey, Savannah isn’t exactly one to follow the rules either. She’s not going to let someone tell her a girl isn’t tough enough to race. Sure, it’s dangerous. Then again, so is dating Jack…"

Review:

• Racing Savannah was a great addition to the Hundred Oaks series. Savannah was a great main character and I liked the way she thought.
• I can't wait for more from this amazing author, the way she writes is deep and fantastic. I love this series!

The Time Traveling Fashionista and Cleopatra, by Bianca Turetsky

The Time-Traveling Fashionista and Cleopatra (The Time Traveling Fashionista #3), by Bianca Turetsky

Genre: Chick-lit, time-traveling

Other Time Traveling Fashionista Books

Rating: 4/5 stars









Goodreads Summary: "Walk, talk, and dress like an Egyptian.

When Louise Lambert tries on a lavender Grecian gown during a visit to the mysterious Traveling Fashionista Vintage Sale, she feels a familiar tug and falls back in time, arriving at the dusty base of an enormous pyramid. She has landed in ancient Egypt...or has she?

It turns out that Louise is on the legendary Old Hollywood film set of Cleopatra, but her time there is short-lived. Rummaging through the wardrobe tent, Louise gets her hands on a pearl necklace that dates back to 51 BC, and she suddenly finds herself whisked away once more, this time to the ancient city of Alexandria, Egypt. Gold and jewels shimmer in the Egyptian sunlight, but poisonous snakes and dangerous enemies also roam the palace halls. Louise quickly learns that life as a handmaiden to Queen Cleopatra is much more treacherous--and fashionable--than she ever could have imagined."

Review:

• This series is so much fun, I love "tagging along" with Louise on her adventures, and this time we're in the Middle East, what could be better than that? I loved how the story started off with ending up at the set of "Cleopatra," and then all the way to 51 BC. This was excellent.
• Louise has grown up so much. She's not scared of who she is, and she finds out things that she didn't know about herself everyday. I'm proud of her and can't wait to read about where another dress will take her next!