Firelight (Firelight #1)

Firelight (Firelight #1) by Sophie Jordan

After listening to my friends talking about it countless times, and had many recommendations and squeals whenever this book was mentioned, I finally decided to read it. I put it off for a while because I read the blurb and wondered whether it would be your very typical predictable teen fiction. Another reason was that most dragon books I had encountered didn't end up well-written (only a few exceptions). So when I really got into the book and was immersed into the plot, I was pleasantly surprised. 

In no way was this book predictable, I could not imagine whatever was going to happen next. As I was reading, I couldn't wait to turn the next page to see where the story would take me. Even though it was quite a typical teenage fantasy book (as in the overall idea), the plot and characters were original and full of character. The central female character was strong and determined, as well as the male characters. I also enjoyed the twist and turns involving family (not just one, but various families). Family tie is something that is usually not very well accounted for in teenage books, usually books present a disfunctional family and how the main characters run and away, and maybe at the end they come together again, and the parents or whoever realise their mistakes. That is not the way of life, and I think the decisions the central characters in Firelight made in relation to families were something recommendable and should be noted. The way the story planned out seemed very fluent and thoughtful. The pace of developments was well-suited to the type of story it was telling. 

The writing of the book was also something I enjoyed. It wasn't overly descriptive, yet it described everything with enough detail that made it comfortable to read at the same time grasp the situation. The use of dialogues had a reason, not just there because the author wanted it there. It provided an insight to certain characters. Somehow, the way the reader got to know all the characters in this book was very unique. Though it was written in first person, the main character felt like a reliable narrator. We can somehow see everyone clearly through her judgements. 

I liked most of the characters in this book, I especially valued Tamra and Jacinda's relationship. They were both easy to like and I understand why they each did what they did in the book. While most (if not all) of my friends disliked Cassian, I found myself actually liking him even in this first book (I got told that you might like him in the second book). I understood him and kind of felt a little sorry for him too, in becoming who he was/seemed like in the book. I might have even liked him a little better than Will (except in the first part, I hated Cassian in the first part of the book). Will was quite sweet, but I didn't quite connect with him (once again, these trivial reasons stopped me from absolutely loving this book). But I liked how he treated Jacinda and the trust between them.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to everyone who likes a good fantasy and dragons :)

Rating: 4 stars

Summary from Goodreads:

A hidden truth.
Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki, a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide. 

Scent of Magic Cover

Ahhh~ I had seen this a while ago, but I just thought I had to share my cover love with you all :D

I read Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder a while back, and I absolutely loved it! If you haven't read it, it's definitely a book I recommend. I loved the Graceling series (Seven Kingdoms) by Kristin Cashore, and this book was a similar style so I dove right into it. It's beautifully written. You can check out my review under my "Review Index".

Maria V. Snyder is an author whose books I generally enjoyed, I have also read her Studies Series (Poison Study, Magic Study, Fire Study). I have yet to read the Storm Glass series and a few others. Looking forward to reading them and meeting more "friends" from books!

But here is the cover of the second book of the Healer's series, Scent of Magic, which was released a few weeks ago. I love it! Can't wait to when it comes out :D

Giveaway at Rotten Apple Reads

Hey guys, here's an super exciting Giveaway I just enter!! Make sure to check it out!
If you love the Vampire Academy Series and Bloodlines by Richelle Mead, this is something you don't want to miss out on. Fingers-crossed I will win!

Check it out at http://rottenapplereads.blogspot.co.nz/

Insurgent

Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

Insurgent, how had I longed for this copy to land in my hand! It was so exciting when my friend Natalie lent her copy of Insurgent to me (I couldn't wait for the library copies, they were just too slow to arrive XD). I was actually quite scared to read this book because of how much I lovedDivergent. I was afraid that this sequel might not live up to my expectations.

I had a hard time imagining what this book would be about. Since the revolution/rebellion which finished Divergent, I didn't know what would come next which wouldn't make Insurgent boring. I came up with nothing. When dystopian books turn more to the political side of things, that's when they become a bit of a pain. That was sort of how I felt about Insurgent. I saw it coming yet I wanted something different, maybe. 

As much as I hated to say this, Insurgent did disappoint me. The first part of the book was a bit slow and boring, I couldn't really get into it until much later. Compare to the beginning of Divergent there was a big gap in excitement and fluidity of writing. But I thought to myself that it would get better. And it did. But not until about more than half-way through the book. Then it started to become a bit more exciting, more real action (or I should say "needed-action", action that was there for a good reason). The plot there had a sudden turn and the pace of the book picked up. It was really from there on that had tipped my rating from a 3 star to a 4 star (maybe some 3.5 in many parts). I can't really say much more as to why without giving away parts of the book, so I will stop here about the overall effect of the book. But from here on, both the writing and plot did improve a lot, and prompted me into "reading mode" -- made me want to continue reading.

I didn't really enjoy the twist the author gave this book (especially at the beginning), but I liked how she finished it off. The ending was quite satisfying for me, though many people didn't like the ending, and the cliffhanger made me really want to read the next book! Come on Veronica, the third book doesn't even have a name yet! XD 

To me, the main character Tris became weaker in this book, in contrary to what I expected or wanted: for her to be stronger. A lot of her thoughts dominated the book and that kind of annoyed me a bit, as they weren't happy thoughts or thoughts of change. It was more of thoughts of guilt and grief, dooming herself. But I did see where it was all coming from, and understood why she felt what she did. The twists and turns of relationships in the book also had reasons and was very understandable. Nothing ever runs smoothly all the way, and I liked how realistic it was, even though I'm a hopeless romantic and didn't really want to see any barriers. XP There were a lot of sadness in this book, and it wasn't very often you get a spark of total happiness or joy. When you did, you felt along with it and enjoyed the moment as much as the character(s) themselves, and I liked how the author managed to do that. Although the overall writing was a drop in standards comparing to Divergent. I really liked the writing then, and that too, kind of disappointed me when I was reading Insurgent.

Some of the action in the book seemed unnecessary and dragged on, unlike how everything was perfect and there for a reason in Divergent. But I liked how we got to see and know more of all the factions as we read on. I know it's quite hard to write a brillant first book, and then have to write a sequel that satisfy every reader. So I would say that I absolutely loved Divergent but only liked Insurgent.

I am very looking forward to reading the next and final book in the trilogy, mostly due to the latter part of the book and the cliffhanger. It is still an alright sequal to the first book, but I'm hoping that it's more because of having to be transition betweent the first and the third book that it seemed a bit under the standard; and that the third book will be a lot better, as good as Divergent, if not better :) Can't wait to see how this all ends :D 

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Summary from Goodreads: 

 One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

"New York Times" bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian "Divergent" series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature. 

My writing

I really like reading and so I have started writing a story myself. I would love it if you could spend a tiny bit of your time reading it and drop me some comments :) I hope you will enjoy it!

It's called Hell's Fire, and you can go to the page by clicking here. Here's a short blurb about the story:


Kat is not normal, she has never felt normal. Living only with her Healer mother  in a large stone mansion in the country certainly doesn't help. She has always seen shadows, things that her friends would never see. And she doesn't know why, doesn't know the truth. But one day, it all changed, the un-crossable boundary has been crossed and Kat is torn away from every familiarity she knew about the world, because it isn't the same world, not anymore. The New World is full of the Shadows and strange realms, will she survive? Who can she trust? Who is the handsome boy who maybe saved her life? If she is entrusted with the most important task there is for that world, will she succeed?


This is a story about a Shadow World and a girl who is tied to both the Shadow World and the Human World, who is going to be entrusted with  an enormous task. 


I will be updating the story regularly and put up more chapters. If you like it, please like it on Goodreads at http://www.goodreads.com/story/show/284982-hell-s-fire


Thanks!! Enjoy! :D 

Hi!! Welcome to my new blog!

Hi Everyone!! Thanks for visiting my blog. This going to be my official blog from now on, as I had some technical issues with my previous blog. I will be reviewing lots and lots of book here, as well as sharing my excitement about books with you! Also, I'm writing two stories at the moment, I will post those up on here as well, comments and feebacks are welcome, but please don't be mean: criticisms are welcome, because I can improve my writing this way, but please say it nicely and politely XD

As I have just started this blog (switching to here instead of my old blog), I need a little time to fully start up again, so keep tuned in and let's have fun together!!

Please please please do follow me, I will try very hard not to disappoint any of my loyal followers with my blog :) 

If you want to ask me or chat to you, you are very welcome to leave a comment. I would love to hear from you! 

For now, ta ta!