Friday 27 January 2012

Book Review: Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

Synopsis from Goodreads
Title: Infinite Days (Vampire Queen #1)
Author: Rebecca Maizel
Pulication Date: August 10, 2010
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

"Throughout all my histories, I found no one I loved more than you...no one."

Those were some of Rhode's last words to me. The last time he would pronounce his love. The last time I would see his face.

It was the first time in 592 years I could take a breath. Lay in the sun. Taste. Rhode sacrificed himself so I, Lenah Beaudonte, could be human again. So I could stop the blood lust.

I never expected to fall in love with someone else that wasn't Rhode. But Justin was... daring. Exciting. More beautiful than I could dream. I never expected to be sixteen again... then again, I never expected my past to come back and haunt me...



My Review
How can I put this, when I started this book, the pace was very slow and boring, but, it all changes towards the end. Also, I was absolutely not feeling the chmistry between Lenah and Justin.

I did not like Justin; he was a bit off for me. His relationship with Lenah is not very amusing. I did not get to see their relationship build up into something wonderful; instead, it was too quick and unrealistic. There wasn't anything special between them! which actually contributed to the "boringness" of the story.

On the brighter side, though, this book holds one of the best endings I've ever read; it had an amazing climax. I really can't wait for the next book to come out.. I NEED to know what happens after the whole incident (read and u'll find out what I mean :P)! The ending actually gave the book a rating of 4 from me.. Rebecca Maizel really topped that.

What I also like about the book are Lenah's memories of her past vampire life. You could see how vicious vampires were, and not the holy ones that are now portrayed in most of the vampire books out there. Her life with the coven was a great read. I also looved reading about her relationship with Rhode "the person who turned her into a vampire". In that, I can say that their love towards each other was magical and sweet. I am team Rhode all the way.

Let us not forget about Tony, Lenah's best friend in her human days. Tony was a quite funny character. His friendship and loyalty to Lenah was one of the best!

Therefore, If you read this book, please stick to the end!
4/5
Xoxo Meera

Monday 23 January 2012

Book Review: Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy (Skulduggery Pleasant #1)


Synopsis from Goodreads
Title: Skulduggery Pleasant
Author: Derek Landy
Publication Date: March 2007
Publisher: Harper Collins Children's books

Meet Skulduggery Pleasant, Ace Detective Snappy Dresser Razor–tongued Wit Crackerjack Sorcerer and Walking, Talking, Fire-throwing Skeleton—as well as ally, protector, and mentor of Stephanie Edgley, a very unusual and darkly talented twelve-year-old. These two alone must defeat an all-consuming ancient evil. The end of the world?
Over his dead body.




My Review
I did not know what to expect when I started reading this book. I thought it would be very cartoonish and childish.. well.. I based that on the cover of the book anyways. However, it was totally the opposite; it held more content than anyone could imagine.

Stephanie was a girl who is not satisfied with her boring normal life. She believed that it would be that way forever. Unexpectedly, to her surprise, Stephanie's normal life wasn't so normal afterall, especially after she meets the mysterious Skulduggery Pleasent; a man who covers his face with large sunglasses, a scarf and a  hat; well..let's not forget, he's also a detective, a magician, and most weirdly a LIVE skeleton! She was introduced to a world where not even  normal human beings are aware of. It got a lot interesting when everything changes for Stephanie! It had a lot of graphical action and adventure.

As for the characters, Skulduggery was quite a narcissistic and funny person. His witty comments and remarks actually made me laugh out loud. I loved reading about him a lot. Also, Stephanie was quite a strong girl for a twelve year old where you actually felt she was much older than that while reading. She was, in fact relatable, in which I really felt for her when she wanted more to her dull life. Not to forget, even the evil characters were awesome! You can really see the battle between the good and bad... such a great combination. Derek Landy can really write an adventurous book.

Everyone wishes to have something more going on in their lives; I can say that my life is quite normal and boring -.-. How I wish I could have a life like Stephanie's filled with action and adventure. Skulduggery Pleasant was a very fun read where you really get sucked in with the comedy and the storyline.
Overall, a very recommended read!.. you have to buy a copy of his book. I know there are more books in the Skulduggery series; I've got only three, and I will make sure to devour them all.

4/5
XoXo Meera

Sunday 15 January 2012

Book Review: Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Synopsis from Goodreads
Title: Sisters Red
Author: Jackson Pearce
Publication Date: 3rd June, 2010
Publisher: Little Brown
Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris--the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister Rosie from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She's determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.

Rosie March once felt her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts ferociously alongside her. But even as more girls' bodies pile up in the city and the Fenris seem to be gaining power, Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves. She finds herself drawn to Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax and Scarlett's only friend--but does loving him mean betraying her sister and all that they've worked for?
My Review
This is an interesting modern retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood. Just like little Red Riding Hood, Sisters Red has a wolf, but not of any kind, and absolutely NOT like our sweet Jacob from Twilight :P. The werewolves introduced here are disgustingly evil where they tend to devour beautiful young girls to relish their undying hunger.
When their Grandmother got killed, both Scarlett and Rosie are on a mission of hunting down each and every wolf. Werewolves can be identified by their tattoos on their wrists. All of the tattoos are of unique shape which can tell you what pack the wolf is in.
During their grandmother’s attack, Scarlett was scarred, not just emotionally, but physically too. So now, Scarlett is in love with hunting; she only lives to hunt and kill every werewolf she comes in contact with. However, it is different for Rosie, she wants more than that. She wants to be a normal girl believing that the existence of werewolves are only in fairytales; she wants to fall in love, go to school, and learn stuff other than combat and fighting.
In the book, we read about their struggles of finding out their true purpose in life whether it is a normal life they seek or forever being hunters.  In addition, we get to read of their adventure in the big city where there are way more werewolves. They are on the hunt alongside their closest friend, Silas. They get to find out more about the existence of werewolves and how they’re created. However, finding out the truth is harder than expected because it is the only thing that might hinder their choices in life.
All in all, a very great read. It is one of the best werewolves book I’ve read.
5/5
XoXo Meera