Temp Review: Witches of East End-Melissa De La Cruz

I know, I know...I really need to get around to writing my review. But this will have to do until I get a chance to properly handle this!

The thing is, this book completely let me down. I felt as if I was reading a sloppy detailed version of the books outline. Also, the thing I hate most is when an author tells us about the characters, rather than letting us experience and determine on our own grounds through their actions, just what and who they are. If the main character is a slut-and yes, it says that about the character, right from the beginning!-than show us, don’t tell us. Also, not the direction I would have headed in all together. Promiscuous; Free-spirited; Sex Monkey-okay, maybe not that last one-you get the point. But Slut, come on!

And yes, I did finish it. And you know what, yep; she completely ruined the cliff-hanger. Gave just the right amount, and then over-killed it by giving away too much. Yet, still not enough to even leave me wondering what will happen next. Honestly, as soon as I finished it, I nearly forgot all about it.

The plot was random and jagged, the characters were not only forgettable, but in no way realistic are relatable. Definitely not something I would recommend; not something worth rekindling the fire with.

And that pains me to say. The only time I have ever been so disappointed in a book is when I picked up that series-Vampire Kisses. (That was the first and only time-thus far- that I have ever stopped reading something and not had an urge to finish it.)

I guess being a best-seller doesn’t necessarily make you a great writer. It almost worries me, to think…and with that I will shut my mouth.

ZERO STARS!

Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf - Curtis Jobling

Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf
By Curtis Jobling
September 2011
Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
Age Range: 10
Wereworld Series-Book 1
Source: Library Thing

'You're the last of the werewolves son. Don't fight it...Conquer it'. When the air is clear, sixteen year-old Drew Ferran can pick up the scent of a predator. When the moon breaks through the clouds, a terrifying fever grips him. And when a vicious beast invades his home, his gums begin to tear, his fingers become claws, and Drew transforms ...Forced to flee the family he loves, Drew seeks refuge in the most godforsaken parts of Lyssia. But when he is captured by Lord Bergan's men, Drew must prove he is not the enemy. Can Drew battle the werecreatures determined to destroy him - and master the animal within?


I didn’t know what to think when I first received this book. The cover art made me think of the Conan, and like, books on my Dad’s bookshelf. But I’m one to try anything, and I’m glad I did. Not only is it a Must Read, but definitely one of the best books I have read thus far this year. The beginning had a slow start, but in the way a storm builds. You can feel the pressure changing in the air, sense the approaching darkness. At the moment everything is quiet, peaceful, but in the back of your mind, you know things are about to shift. You can’t explain it, you just know.

Drew Ferran, knew nothing of the outside world that flowered along the edges of his family’s farm. And he was content with that; living the life of a farmers son, herding sheep. But when Fate, has other plans, there’s nothing you can do about it. Left at home with his mother, while his father and brother head off on an errand, Drew is unaware of the impending danger. That a beast is lurking in the darkness, with the intent to spill blood. A beast, similar to the one Drew, has hidden within himself. Before the night is through, Drew will come face to face with the creature. Not as a boy, but as one himself.

Drew, suddenly finds himself being wrongfully accused, by his very own father, for the atrocious murder of his mother. With his father and brother turning on him, Drew, is left with no other option, but to flee. The life he once knew is forever lost to him now. Entering into a series of life altering events, Drew, will embark on a journey of self discovery. What he learns will shock him. Even more, the world he knew nothing about, is depending on him to survive. For he, is their last hope.

Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf, is an amazing book. Not only did Curtis Jobling, prove that he has supreme world-building skills, but that he is equally talented in developing characters. A rare find amongst fantasy writers, or really any writers. The world he created, Lyssia, is so wonderfully designed, that I found myself envisioning it as a real place. More astonishing than that, are his characters. Each one is not only unique, but Curtis Jobling, has a way of bringing them to life. I love how even the small mentioned characters have development. You continue to remember them long after they’re mentioned, as much as you would the main and secondary characters.

Curtis Jobling, did extremely well, when it came to writing his main character Drew. Drew’s development throughout the story is captivating. Each action, consequence, thought, that Drew, takes or has, shows the depth of who and why he is such a noble character. So many times when faced with difficulty, that would normally cause others to turn away, he silences that inner-taunting voice and stands strong. The best part, is Curtis Jobling, provides us with detailed actions, leading the reader to develop this understanding, rather than just ‘telling’ the reader, who Drew is.

Same can be said for all his other characters. I enjoyed witnessing Drew’s influence and the affect he had on others. How he was able to show Hector, a friend found during the most distressing time, how to live. The way he was able to get under the skin of Gretchen, a snob in everyway possible, and break her down. A character, you enjoy to hate in the beginning, yet find yourself loving in the end. And that is only mentioning few of many.

An even bigger enjoyment, is a twist on the whole ‘were’ species. Curtis Jobling, has given us a wide range of species, of every imaginable animal. The best part, is they don’t shift like we find most ‘were’ species doing in current YA literature, but more like the legends from horror movies. That, I absolutely love more than anything.

I honestly could keep going on and on. With no doubt, this will be put on my Top Shelf. Definitely something I recommend, not just to it’s targeted age group, but something I think all ages and sexes will enjoy. I can’t wait to grab hold of the next book and follow Drew, and others, on his journey throughout Lyssia. A-round of applause for Curtis Jobling.

5 Stars

April Reading List

Even though April was quite a busy month, I managed to catch up on some much-needed reading. Here are the books that made April more interesting.

Afterlife

By Claudia Gray

2 Stars

The first book, Evernight, started off with a twisted, unexpected shock that had me hooked. Unfortunately, none of the other books in the series met my expectations. This book brought an end to the story, that honestly, I didn't see coming, but came no-where close to what the first book offered. I enjoyed the story, and it did have some enjoyable moments, but at the same time, I am glad to see it close to an end.

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Kissed by an Angel

By Elizabeth Chandler

3 Stars

While the storyline wasn't as complex as I like and some of the characters were a tad undeveloped, it was still a good book. A nice curl-by-the-fire type. Tristin and Ivy are the main characters and romantic aspect of the book, yet I found more depth and an odd twisted understanding between Ivy and her step-brother Gregory. I'm not sure what the next book has in store, but I can't wait to find out. This is a love story about how true love will keep living on, no matter what. [Which means no to Ivy and Gregory. Bummer.]

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The Vyne: Mystery of the Hidden Ember

By Daniel Walls

3 Stars

Read My Review Here

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Incarceron & Sapphique

By Catherine Fisher

3 Stars

I didn't know what to expect when I first picked up Incarceron, but it completely blew away my mind. Catherine Fisher, brings us a world, bound within a world, filled with impossibilities that seem so real. I enjoyed both books equally and formed a liking to Claudia and Keiro. I hope the story isn't finished, I find myself not quite ready to let go.

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Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf

By Curtis Jobling

5 Stars

Read My Review Here

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The Replacement

By Brenna Yovanoff

3 Stars

What would you do if you found out that the son your parents should have had was taken, and you were left in his place. That you are nothing but a pretender, a fake, a lie, a replacement. Something that never even should have survived. And they know it, your sister knows it, but they still love you. They go on living this lie, and so do you.

Mackie is a replacement. He knows nothing of who or what he really is, and he would like to keep it that way. Hiding in the shadows, trying not to draw attention, to keep his lie a secret. But then, it happens again, to someone else. Turns out, it has always happened. Every 7 years, a child is taken, and something else, others like Mackie, are left behind to take the place of those taken. Mackie, will have to choose between living a lie, or seeking out the truth.

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Ravenous & Scorched

By Sharon Ashwood

3 Stars

While the first book was interesting, the second one was better. It's your typical paranormal-romance storyline series, humans and super-naturals battling the things that go bump in the night while looking incredibly sexy. While I am not a big fan of 'Super-naturals living out in the open' concepts, I did enjoy reading these books and look forward to reading the next in the series.

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Skinned

By Robin Wasserman

4 Stars

Surfing through uploads, I came across Skinned - Skinned (1). Not knowing much other than it was a book, I clicked it. At first I had no idea what was going on, but the more I read, the more I became hooked. Instantly I was pulled in the mind of Lia, and the more the story unfolds, a strong connection forms. Lia can no longer ‘feel’ as others do. A simple touch, an emotion; she understands and knows their meaning, but it is nothing more than calculations processed through her brain. Because Lia, is a machine. No longer human, she tries to grasp her new life. The book captures, and I almost ‘felt’ what Lia was feeling. Her turmoil, her battle with what she has become, the absence that filled her. It makes you appreciate the simple pleasures in life. The smell of summer rain. The taste of sweetness. The warmth of the sun. The beat of your heart. Most of all, the shedding of tears.

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When Darkness Comes

By Alexandra Ivy

3 Stars

Vampire Romance, enough said. Different twists and turns, but yet it’s the same basic run-a-round. You have your hot vampire, juicy pleasures, and love-struck damsel. For some reason, even though books like this all fall along the same lines, and tend to be predictable, they are fun to read. If you like vampire romances, then this is another series you’ll love to indulge in.

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The Iron Thorn

By Caitlin Kittredge

4 Stars

Review To Come

The Vyne: Mystery of the Hidden Ember - Daniel Walls

The Vyne: Mystery of the Hidden Ember
By Daniel Walls

January 2011

Itasca Books Distribution

Source: Library Thing

A chilling, heart-wrenching tale of colliding worlds and forbidden love, The Vyne reinvents steampunk-fantasy for a whole new generation.

It took me several days to get into the book. It starts out slow and took more work than enjoyment in the beginning. Between the introduction of numerous characters and vast information, being shuffled throughout various scenes, my head was spinning through the first hundred pages. Once the story, FINALLY, began to unfold and I had grasped hold of it, I found myself enjoying the book.

Ash, who has been an outsider his whole life, wants nothing more than to escape from the town in which he lives, and his abusive, alcoholic father. When he stumbles upon the mysterious, fugitive Scar, everything changes for him through a series of life altering events. Ash, is thrust on a journey of self-discovery and a prophesized-destiny he could have never imagined. Much less wants.

The Vyne: Mystery of the Hidden Ember, is complex and can be overwhelming at times. The world Daniel Walls, has created is beautifully detailed, as well as the characters that are introduced along the way. At times I was reminded of the world created by George Lucas, in Star Wars. (Wick, had me thinking of a softer version of Yoda.) The twists and turns we are taken on through a series of well developed plots is amazing. There is never a dull moment and the story is definitely not lacking in action. However. While, I enjoyed the imaginative world DW has created, I couldn’t honestly attach myself to some of the characters. Truthfully, I couldn’t understand the strong bond between Ash and Scar. It was the one thing DW was lacking in detail and development. I loved the Count, I think the most. Count LePrey is a villainous madman that grabs your attention, and is surely one character that won’t be forgotten. Secondly, I like Lazlo. A pirate, excuse me, I mean privateer, that is comical at times, but hidden beneath, is a strong belief in doing what is right. Hopefully, I haven’t been misled.

With steam-punk elements, promise of adventure, unforgettable villains, swash-buckling pirates, and a cast of odd characters, all ingrained into a fantasy realm like no other, I truly enjoyed the book. Where DW was lacking in some parts, he made up for it, in others. Ash’s journey has intrigued me, and I am dying to know what will happen next.

3 STARS

March 2011 - Reading

Never thought I would find myself to be so busy, that I would only read 2 books within a month! Because of which, I have now a GIANT pile of books that need some reading and reviewing. *Pulling Hair Out* Hopefully I can catch up! Wish Me Luck!

[Like a weird Movie-Tie-In-Theme-Thing! Huh?]
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Alex Finn - Beastly

2 Stars

The story gave away the climax in the beginning. I know we all know the 'Beauty & the Beast' story, but it still would have been nice to work our way up in the book to that 'Mystery'. Rather, AF gave away how 'the Beast' became cursed in the first, third part, of the book. In doing so, it left AF short of finding ways to intrigue us. Other than discovering if 'the Beast' would beat his curse. Which - again - we already know! I wish AF would have developed the story more between the two main characters, rather than spending so much time showing us how big of a jurk 'the Beast' was in the beginning. Well, haven't seen the movie yet, but I need a pick me up! Hopefully the movie can do for me what the book didn't. [That's a first.]

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Sarah Blakley-Cartwright: Red Riding Hood [Movie / Book Version]

3 Stars

Interesting - I just wish the characters were developed more. AND the book doesn't include the ending / Final Chapter. It ends with a red herring - BIG TIME! Never saying who the wolf is. I thought I had it all figured out, but when I read the last chapter online, it was like a slap in the face. Kind of pissed me off that it wasn't included in the book. Because it reveals one hell of a shocker - on top of an even bigger one!

January 2011 - Reading

  

Lili St. Crow: Strange Angel Series: Books 1-3

3 Stars

How did I not know about Ass Kicking Dru Anderson! I feel cheated!

I can't wait to read the 4th book in the series.

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Cynthia Hand - Unearthly

3 Stars

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Ellen Schreiber: Vampire Kisses Sereies: Books 1-3

0 Stars

Disappointed, Thought it would maybe get better - NO! Glad I wasted No $ here - just 2 days worth of reading time - Blah! I really did try, but about twenty minutes into the 3rd book, I gave up. This has got to be the first time, ever, that I was able to close a book and walk away! I don't even think I could have enjoyed reading this at age 10!

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Richelle Mead: Vampire Academy Series: Books 1-6

3 to 4 Stars

I loved it. Didn't think I would - but I will gladly admit to being wrong. A little upset that it ends with #6. Though I hear, a spin-off series is in the makes!

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Jennifer Murgia - Angel Star

2 Stars

Came across this book by accident, but it wasn't all bad. Interesting, though I wished the author took the time to develop the characters more. Good, for a quick / easy read. Curiosity has the best of me, and I am tilting towards reading the next in the series.

Across the Universe - Beth Revis

Across the Universe
By Beth Revis

January 2011

Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated

Young Adult

Source: Library Thing

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

 

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone–one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship–tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn’t do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now, Amy must race to unlock Godspeed’s hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there’s only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

I have always managed to steer away from sci-fi novels. For some reason I never really thought I would find myself enjoying them. When I received the ARC edition, I kept putting it off, and I am sad to admit I only finally picked it up from lack of having anything else to read at the moment. However, Beth Revis, has captured me and opened my eyes to a whole new genre.

Across the Universe, starts off with such intensity. It throws us into the thoughts of Amy, who is filled with such strong emotion and fear just before she is about to be frozen and thrust into the unknown future. From that point on I was completely hooked.

With suspenseful twists and turns that leave you gripping for more, I couldn’t put the book down, and found myself excited with every turn of the page. BR has written a wonderful story that grabs your attention by providing a captivating sci-fi murder-mystery in a dystopian world that will keep you on edge. Just when you think you have it all figured out, you realize it’s just another red herring.

I can’t wait to grab hold of her next book in this mind-blowing series.

3 STARS