Book Review: The DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) by Kody Keplinger

Synopsis from Goodreads

Title: The DUFF

Author: Kody Keplinger

Publication Date: September 7th, 2010

Publisher: Little Brown

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face.
But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.
Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

My Review

The DUFF = the Designated Ugly Fat Friend is basically an ugly person in a group of friends. Wesley, a notorious bad boy, also known as a man-whore, gave that title to Bianca, a short and cynical girl. He tries approaching her one weekend at a club called the Nest in order to get close to her hot and cute friends, Jessica and Casey. Bianca hates his guts and is grossed out by his way of "lifestyle".

However, all of it will change once Bianca's life turns upside-down. She is overwhelmed by her family's problem and ex-boyfriend's issues. Instead of facing reality, she turns to something UNUSUAL for distraction; she sleeps with Wesley! the boy she detests. As her problems accumulate, she regularly goes to Wesley to run away from them. However, everything got complicated; and she needs to deal with the consequences.

Hence, the book teaches us one great lesson = Do not run away from reality as it will catch up to you eventually.

What I truly love about the book is Bianca's friendship with her two best friends. They are all very supportive and loyal. Of course, they do tend to have problems like anyone else which made it seem realistic. Bianca's and Wesley's relationship and chemistry was so intense, complicated, and sweet.

I had some issues, at the beginning, with Bianca's negativity and cynicism, but I got over it once I started to get to know her better throughout the story. It was interesting to read about her life and how she was able to overcome her life's obstacles.

I was amazed to find out that the author, Kody Keplinger, just recently graduated from High School. Which also made me understand the book a little bit more because most of the phrases were "teenagery" if u know what I mean :P.. There were also a lot of acronyms, such as: "OMG, WTF"... A lot of swears too :D.....These things made it realistic to me as the protagonist is a teenage girl afterall.

Overall, amazing book and a page turner. there were a lot of times where I laughed and squealed as it was sweet and cute! definitely a recommended book. This was a great debut by Keplinger!

4/5

Xoxo Meera

Book Review: Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer (Twilight Saga #4)

Synopsis from Goodreads

Title: Breaking Dawn

Author: Stephanie Meyer

Publication Date: 2nd of August, 2008

Publisher: Atom

When you loved the one who was killing you, it left you no options. How could you run, how could you fight, when doing so would hurt that beloved one? If your life was all you had to give, how could you not give it? If it was someone you truly loved?
To be irrevocably in love with a vampire is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to werewolf Jacob Black, a tumultuous year of temptation, loss, and strife have led her to the ultimate turning point. Her imminent choice to either join the dark but seductive world of immortals or to pursue a fully human life has become the thread from which the fates of two tribes hangs.
Now that Bella has made her decision, a startling chain of unprecedented events is about to unfold with potentially devastating, and unfathomable, consequences. Just when the frayed strands of Bella's life-first discovered in Twilight, then scattered and torn in New Moon and Eclipse—seem ready to heal and knit together, could they be destroyed... forever?
The astonishing, breathlessly anticipated conclusion to the Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions

My Review

I'm so glad I read this book before the movie that will come out on November 2011! After reading Breaking Dawn, I can't wait to see how it turns out on the screens because I expect it to be EPIC!


My Thoughts:
I can't believe I'm done with the series. I don't understand why many people hated this book saying that it shouldn't even exist. I say ignore those comments as this book was fantastic. It wraps everything up pretty well, and I actually did not anticipate that, so it made me thrilled to know that everyone ends up being happy. 
Everything changed to the better; Bella isn't whiny anymore nor a damsel in distress! which of course all of you will be ecstatic about that.
I did not want the story to end; I was literally sad... and I wanted more things to develop.
I'm also glad that the romance between Bella and Edward wasn't so gooey the whole time.. just at the beginning of the book though.


Overall, in Breaking Dawn, you get to see how strong a family bond can get, and it is important to know that this kind of bond cannot be easily broken.


Love love love the Twilight Saga... I know that there are many haters out there, but it was still the series that made me fall in love with reading again! I'm so sad that the saga ended, but also happy it ended pretty well! Stephanie Meyer.. I LOVE YOU for creating a magnificent series!
5/5

Xoxo Meera

General.. and a statement!

Hello Book-Geeks,

Well as I mentioned in my earlier post, I've went to the second had bookstore, House of Prose, and bought (a million little pieces by James Frey).. Guess WHAT? 

it's was a birthday gift given to someone. There was a congratulatory letter written on the first page, and it was kindda sad.

I would feel bad if my friend sold a book I'd given her as a birthday present :(... 

I feel that it would be too precious... maybe it's just me, but I did feel bad..

I've taken a picture of it to show you.. but I've blurred the names out so that no one would find out about them :P

 I knw the picture is a bit dark, but it's just a statement that I would like to share with everyone..

Xoxo Meera

Book Haul: July 19, 2011

I went to House of Prose today, a second-hand book shop here in Dubai... I loove this place, u'll usually find books that aren't around in the large bookstores. The amazing thing  about this shop is that they provide a 50% refund whenever u want to return a book.. there is absolutely no time limit to that offer. I've returned a couple of books and bought 1 new book from them which is:

A million little pieces by James Frey... which is memoir of the author about drugs and stuff, and I can't wait to read it and post my review.. The cover in real life is way better than it shows in here which can be blinding *.*

Then, I went to the supermarket and got 1 book as well from their TINY book section... I've heard a lot of good things about this series especially by a Youtuber whom I seem to stalk watching his videos and reading his blogs on a daily basis... He is called Daniel Marks AKA Dannymarksya. Well, back to the series, I've just bought the first book which is:

Unholy Ghost by Stacia Kane... this really does sound fascinating and thrilling. It is definitely my type of book.

Although the other cover really looks amazing.. but i guess they don't sell that cover here in UAE, unless I order it off Amazon.. Here's a glimpse of the other cover.. I love love love  dark covers

Well, which cover do you prefer... the one I have or the other?

That is it for my tiny book haul, until next time..

Xoxo Meera

Book Review: Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer (Twilight Saga #3)

Synopsis from Goodreads


Title: Eclipse
Author: Stephanie Meyer
Publication Date: January 1st, 2007
Publisher: Atom


As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob—knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?

My Review

Since everyone knows pretty much about the Twilight Saga and  Eclipse, it would be sensible of me not to write what the plot is all about. I know am way behind the bandwagon on this, but here are some of my thoughts about the book.

This was my least favorite among the first two books. However, it did make me smile at certain parts. The ending was cute and cheerful; Alice was so cute with her enthusiasm and I am glad that everything worked out well in this book. Of course, Jacob is still my favorite character with all his goofiness and silliness; as usual, he did break my heart at times. As for Edward, he was a bit cheesy at times where he keeps on and on saying that Bella is his soul, life, and heart "You are my only Bella" yada yada... *EEEeeshh*.. this can be sweet, but it was too much in the book it made me cringe. Still, I like him to be with Bella, they do suit each other, and their relationship is kindda sweet. Of course it would be great! only if their romance could be toned down a bit. I believe that Eclipse was just an extra book; it did not complete the story at all, just some parts...
Other than the cheesiness, I was not a big fan of flashbacks, and this did store a lot of it.. with Rosalie, Jasper, and the Wolves.

I still love the twilight saga that is why I still gave it a 3/5 :D

PS. Even though Edward was too gooey, am still rooting for Team Edward :P

Book Review: Red Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells

Synopsis from Goodreads


Book Title: Red-Headed Stepchild
Author: Jaye Wells
Publication Date: April 2nd, 2009
Publisher: Orbit

In a world where being of mixed-blood is a major liability, Sabina Kane has the only profession fit for an outcast: assassin. But, her latest mission threatens the fragile peace between the vampire and mage races and Sabina must scramble to figure out which side she's on. She's never brought her work home with her---until now. 

This time, it's personal.

My Review

The story introduces us to a world of fairies, vampires, demons, humans, and even mages (mages are like witches and warlocks, but here in the book.. they do not form circles and cast magic that lasts for HOURS to complete -.- .. No… here, they tend to use spells to attack people on the spot; Just flip their fingers and BOOM!).. SO with all these creatures in one book, it sounds so typical! but do not be fooled because Red-Headed Stepchild is going to blow your minds off.

Sabina Kane, the main character, is half mage and half vampire. Vampires and mages don’t  like each other  very well (I mean REALLY DON’T LIKE each other), so it was a forbidden act committed by her parents when they fell in love and brought her to this world. Her parents died before she  even gets to meet them, so she was raised by her grandmother (Lavinia Kane, from her mother’s side) who is one of the royal vampires. Vampires are known to have red hair and it gets darker when they get older. As for Sabina she has a mixture of red and black streaks; you can see it at the cover of the book ( I love that mixture, it looks so alluring). As a result, Sabina is an outcast and is perceived to be a freak by other vampires, so she was raised to be an assassin which is a profession that obviously fits her. She even detests all mages because Lavinia fed her these lies that her father’s family abandoned her. Sabina dedicates her life to serve Lavinia just to gain her acceptance, hence, she will do ANYTHING for her even if it will cost her, her own life.

Sabina’s latest mission was to spy on, then assassinate a half demon vampire, Clovis, who tries to unite all the creatures together and create a peaceful world. However,  in Lavinia’s case, she believes that Clovis is trying to gain power and jeopardize their race. Whichever is true, you’ll find out once you read the book. Other than the mission, Sabina has a demon, Giguhl, living with her, and a handsome mage, Adam, that stalks her. Her life gets so complicated once she accepts the mission. She will stumble upon many unexpected events, unravel unwanted truths, gain additional powers, and will have to find out who to really follow.  

This book was SO intense where my LOVE for it can’t be put into words. Giguhl was the funniest character I have ever read about(LITERALLY FUNNY). I swear to God that there are incidents that made me laugh for a whole 2 minutes, which I rarely do with books.  Sabina was exceptionally witty with her actions and comments. She is a very strong character in which she won’t fall down without a good fight. Adam was okay, probably will be more fun in the next book. Clovis was the dangerously hot creature; he was so dark and sexy. As for Lavinia, I really wanted to strangle her to death; I hate her SOO much.

Also, I have to say that this book is FULL, I mean FULL of action. Fights never seem to stop only for a little while. AWEESOMEEE

The whole concept of the story was fascinating, and some of it really made me think. Sabina is torn between choosing her own path, or following her grandmother’s just to gain her acceptance. It is sad that there are many people in this world facing these issues. Sometimes gaining people’s acceptance and love is a person’s LIFE goal, which is CRAZY. Life is unfair (I know it’s cliché, but it’s true) where people are not living the life they want, just because of obstacles  they face, even if these obstacles are people. It is nice to make people happy with our actions once in a while, but we do not have to go overboard doing it because it WILL somehow end badly (not just physically, but psychologically as well).

Overall, I love this book wherein I held this book tightly after finishing it, not expecting to feel that way towards a book at all. I was literally trying to recap everything that's happened to create a clear picture of it in my mind. It made me thrilled, cry, laugh, and overly excited.

I intensely recommend this book

5/5

Xoxo Meera

Book Haul July 12, 2011

I've bought 6 awesome books and I'm so excited about them. I just can't wait to read them as they all seem interesting. In addition, some of them are completing a set of series I own (The Vampire Academy series). 
Now lemme introduce them to you :) All of these books are purchased from Magrudy's 


From Left to Right

• Divergent by Veronica Roth
• Shadows on the Moon by Zoe Marriott
• Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
• Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #5) by Richelle Mead
• Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #6) by Richelle Mead
• The Magician's Guild by Trudi Canavan

For synopsis Click on the titles, they will direct you to goodreads

Hope you love what I got

Xoxo Meera

Currently Reading: Red-Headed Stepchild by Jaye Wells

I've started this book on the 8th of July. Well  I am not done with it yet because I was satisfying my TV Shows addiction *wink wink*. I was watching Castle season 3 most of the time on my computer :D, this show really makes me laugh where it became one of my favorite detective TV shows, other than Law & Order and Cold Case. Well, lets get back to the book, shall we. The main character, Sabina (which, by the way, I love her name) cracked me up here and there; I can assure you that when you read the book, you'll be able to stumble upon many funny scenes where you'll laugh your souls out (well I guess I easily laugh at things, so it might just be me :P).  Of course I am not fully done with the book, so expect a full review in a couple of days. I'll try my best on providing a fairly good review, as I said, I am not a professional, so I just share what I think about the book. I am not like other book bloggers who like write amazing reviews, so I guess if you want something simple and straight to the point, you can follow me and read my reviews :P

For synopsis, click here. It is from Goodreads.com

Xoxo Meera

Tiny Book Haul July 09, 2011

Hello everyone,

Well today I have actually went out to pay off my phone bill, and I wasn't planning on buying books. I have promised myself AND my best friend that I won't be buying any books untill October so that I would be able to finish off what I have in my TBR pile. So basically, the bookstore is close to the place I was heading to to pay off my bill.. *sigh* .. I told myslef " hmm.. I'm just going to browse the books they have and not buy anything", well i think things did not go as planned *smile sheepishly*. I bought four books, which basically was okay right? :P. I just bought some books I did not have in my collection, and I have to say that they're not new in the book world :P and none of them is from 2011; maybe just 1.. 

The books I bought are:

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr (Wicked Lovely #1)

Betrayed by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast (House of Nights #2)

A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan

Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Jenyon  (Dark Hunter 0.5 prequel)

For synopsis, you can click on the titles, and they will direct you to goodreads, as the website is the greatest place to visit for book summaries.

I'll make sure to post some more hauls in the future.. please bear with me if the books are old to you.. Once I get to read the pile of books that I have, I'll be on track with everyone. Hope you enjoy this post.. cya

xoxo Meera

Book Review: The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting (The Body Finder #1)

Synopsis from Goodreads

Title: The Body Finder

Author: Kimberly Derting

Publication Date: 2010

Publisher: HaperTeen

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her “power” to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers. Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he’s claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him. Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay’s intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she’s falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself

My Review

I have to say that this book is definitely one of the best YA thriller novel. It was so intense and addictive wherein the suspense was keeping me on my toes the whole time. The Body Finder is about a high school girl called Violet who can hear and sense the echoes of dead bodies; not just humans, but animals as well. Hence, with each dead body there is a killer, and she is able to sense them too for they are imprinted by the dead people's echoes. The real story begins as a serial killer is on the loose killing young girls around the country, but it happens way too often in the city Violet lives in. Her ability puts her in a dangerous situation where she now is a wanted prey by the criminals. It was really thrilling and amazing. It also wraps up pretty well (I loved the ending ;) )
Overall, absolutely a great and recommended read :)

5/5

Xoxo Meera

Book Review: Marked by P.C. and Kristin Cast (House of Night #1)

Synopsis from Goodreads

Title: Marked

Authors: P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Publication Date: 2007

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Enter the dark, magical world of the House of Night, a world very much like our own, except here vampyres have always existed.

One minute, sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird is a normal teenager dealing with everyday high school stress: her cute boyfriend Heath, the school’s star quarterback who suddenly seems more interested in partying than playing ball; her nosy frenemy Kayla, who’s way too concerned with how things are going with Heath; her uber-tough geometry test tomorrow. The next, she’s Marked as a fledgling vampyre, forcing her to leave her ordinary life behind and join the House of Night, a boarding school where she will train to become an adult vampyre. That is, if she makes it through the Change—and not all of those

My Review

The concept of the story was sensational. A whole new world was introduced to us where chosen people are being marked to be vampires. After being marked, the students are then transferred to the House of Night Academy during their changing period. However, some of the marked students either successfully change into vampires or end up dying as their bodies reject these changes. Zoey becomes part of that world, and the book is based on her experiences and advnetures in the House of Night. It was absolutely an interesting read; it definitely did not get boring

Totally worth it

4/5

Xoxo Meera

Book Review: Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy #3)

Synopsis from Goodreads

Title: Shadow Kiss

Author: Richelle Mead

Publication Date: 2008

Publisher: Penguin Group Razorbill

Look out for Bloodlines, Richelle Mead’s new series set in the world of Vampire Academy, coming August 2011!

Is Rose’s fate to kill the person she loves most? It’s springtime at St. Vladimir’s Academy, and Rose Hathaway is this close to graduation. Since Mason’s death, Rose hasn’t been feeling quite right. She has dark flashbacks in the middle of practice, can’t concentrate in class, and has terrifying dreams about Lissa. But Rose has an even bigger secret . . . .She’s in love with Dimitri. And this time, it’s way more than a crush.

Then Strigoi target the academy in the deadliest attack in Moroi history, and Dimitri is taken. Rose must protect Lissa at all costs, but keeping her best friend safe could mean losing Dimitri forever…

My Review

This book has many unexpected twists... very frustrating and sad... can't wait to see what happens in Blood Primise..

Incredible Series!

5/5 :D

Xoxo Meera

Book Review: Frostbite by Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy #2)

Synopsis from Goodreads

Title: Frostbite

Author: Richelle Mead

Publication Date: April 10th, 2008

Publisher: Penguin Group Razorbill

Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose…

It's winter break at St. Vladimir's, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy's crawling with Guardians—including Rose's hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if hand-to-hand combat with her mom wasn't bad enough, Rose's tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason's got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks… This year, St. Vlad's annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price…

My Review

Yet another amazing book by Mead :P... The action in this book is waaay gruesome compared to the first book! some things were unpredictable :(.. Richelle Mead is now one of my top favorite authors. Frostbite surpassed the first book in terms of action, love, and friendship..
Adrian's appearance was one of the best scenes in the book = mysterious, funny, and dangerously handsome..

Overall, the series is definitely worth my money and time (and verrrryyy addicting) :D

5/5

Xoxo Meera

Book Review: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy #1)

Synopsis from Goodreads

Title: Vampire Academy

Author: Richelle Mead

Publication Date: 2007

Publisher: Penguin Group Razorbill

St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger. . . .

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

My Review

AMAAZING... I can't believe I haven't even tried reading it before. Everything about it was great! the characters, the action, and the romance. Rose was a kick-ass character with her sarcasm and strength (I wasn't irritaed by her at all! perfect heroine). Lissa was sweet, but kindda creepy, Dimitri was HOT!, and Christian was handsome and dark. The storyline was captivating; definitely a page turner DEFINITELY. I know I sound so positive, but it's a great book. If the first volume is this great, I can't wait to read the others (I knw it's gonna be AWESOME)

5/5

Xoxo Meera

Book Review: Graceling by Kristin Cashore (The Seven Kingdoms #1)

Synopsis from Goodreads

Title: Graceling

Author: Kristin Cashore

Publication Date: October 1st, 2008

Publisher: Harcourt

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.

     When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.

     With elegant, evocative prose and a cast of unforgettable characters, debut author Kristin Cashore creates a mesmerizing world, a death-defying adventure, and a heart-racing romance that will consume you, hold you captive, and leave you wanting more.

My Review

A sensational story; I absolutely loved it.

Plot: In the story, there are some unique people that are feared by many, and they are called Gracelings. Graced people have two different eye colors and are graced with unique powers, such as the power to swim, read people's minds, or the power to kill people. Katsa, the lead character, is believed to have the grace of killing. Her uncle is King Randa and is using her as a tool for punishing people who oppose him. Katsa hates her Uncle's commands in which she establishes her own Council to protect people from harm. One day, she meets a Lienid, Po, who is also graced with the power, as many people think, of hand to hand combat. He is the prince of Lienid in search of his kidnapped grandfather. Katsa, one day, disobeyed her Uncle, and decided to leave the country with Po as her punishment. She travels with Po to uncover the truth about his Grandfather's kidnapping. That is where the real story begins with many twists and turns.

Likes: I did not expect the action to be this amazing, I loved each and every fight. Katsa is a very strong character and is determined to do what is right no matter the cost. I HAVE to say that Po is very sweet and he is my utmost favorite character in the book. Bitterblue is a cute strong character, I felt really sorry for her, but she was able to stand strong with all that had ever happened to her. Kristin Cashore was able to introduce me to a new interesting world in which I truly imagined myself being a part of it. She was able to make the scenes as realistic as possible which was amazing. Her style of writing is very artistic and fast paced (the book was absolutely a page turner). The book is literally filled with action, there is definitely no boring stuff in there. I Enjoyed every page of the book.

Dislikes: There are not many things to dislike except for katsa's stubborness. Argh! I did not like it when she just refuses to listen!

Overall, you should not miss out on such an amazing book; Graceling is worth it :D

5/5 :D

Xoxo Meera

Book Review: Lockdown by Alexander Gordon Smith (Escape from Furnace #1)

Synopsis from Goodreads

Title: Lockdown (Escape from Furnace)

Author: Alexander Gordon Smith

Publication Date: 2010

Publisher: Square Fish

Furnace Penitentiary: the world’s most secure prison for young offenders, buried a mile beneath the earth’s surface. Convicted of a murder he didn’t commit, sentenced to life without parole, “new fish” Alex Sawyer knows he has two choices: find a way out, or resign himself to a death behind bars, in the darkness at the bottom of the world. Except in Furnace, death is the least of his worries. Soon Alex discovers that the prison is a place of pure evil, where inhuman creatures in gas masks stalk the corridors at night, where giants in black suits drag screaming inmates into the shadows, where deformed beasts can be heard howling from the blood-drenched tunnels below. And behind everything is the mysterious, all-powerful warden, a man as cruel and dangerous as the devil himself, whose unthinkable acts have consequences that stretch far beyond the walls of the prison.  Together with a bunch of inmates—some innocent kids who have been framed, others cold-blooded killers—Alex plans an escape. But as he starts to uncover the truth about Furnace’s deeper, darker purpose, Alex’s actions grow ever more dangerous, and he must risk everything to expose this nightmare that’s hidden from the eyes of the world

My Review

What an adventurous book... Absolutely a masterpiece!!..I felt like I was part of the characters, living every moment and day with them..
I felt so bad and horrified with the thought of being locked up in Furnace. Just thinking of being underground forever with no bail or way out; it can be suffocating. However, Alexander Gordon Smith was still able to maneuver that idea into making it possible to live there where u can still smile and move on with your friends; yet also brings us back to the reality of the scary fact that you might end up dying or taken away any second.
He was able to come up with amazing characters, such as Alex, D, and Zee. They felt so real in which I felt sorry, frustrated and cared about them. They were actual characters, no cliche's, no superheros, and absolutely they're not too goody goodies as well.

I obviously recommend this book to whoever wants to read something very thrilling and keeps you on your toes during the whole story.

5/5 :D

Xoxo Meera

Book Review: The Devouring by Simon Holt (The Devouring #1)

Synopsis from Goodreads

Title: The Devouring

Author: Simon Holt

Publication Date: 2008

Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers

"When dark creeps in and eats the light,Bury your fears on Sorry Night.For in the winter's blackest hours,Comes the feasting of the Vours, No one can see it, the life they stole,Your body's here but not your soul..."

THE VOURS: Evil, demonic beings that inhabit human bodies on Sorry Night, the darkest hours of the winter solstice.

When Reggie reads about the Vours in a mysterious old journal, she assumes they are just the musings of an anonymous lunatic. But when her little brother, Henry, begins to act strangely, it's clear that these creatures exist beyond a madwoman's imagination, and Reggie finds out what happens when fears come to life.

To save the people she loves, Reggie must learn to survive in a world of nightmares. Can she devour her own fears before they devour her?

The Devouring is an engrossing tale of terror that will have you wondering: what if your worst fears became your living nightmare?

My Review

The concept of the story is unique and in fact kind of creepy. I enjoyed how Simon created a creature that feeds off people's fears. The book was fast paced and enjoyable; it was definitely a page turner. I felt that I was part of the adventure in which Regina had to save her brother who was dvoured. The adventure was worth the read.

4/5

Xoxo Meera

Book Review: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (Hex Hall #1)

Synopsis from Goodreads

Title: Hex Hall

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Publication Date: March 2nd, 2010

Publisher: Hyperion Book CH

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

My Review

I have to say that this book has a little bit of everything from action, magic, romance, to suspense. I was definitely consumed by the book where I kept hungrily flipping the pages just to find out what happens next. Rachel Hawkins introduced us to a sophisticated school where not just one kind of a supernatural was introduced, but various types. She was able to mix them so perfectly together without having the book being overcrowded by supernaturals. Hex Hall had witches, warlocks (men witches), werewolves, shapeshifters, demons, AND EVEN VAMPIRES!! :P WOW..!
Well the book was mainly about a half-witch called Sophie who was sentenced to go to this reformatory school called Hecate Hall for publicly usign her magic. Sophie faces many weird incidents since then, not to mention also meeting weird people; her roommate is the only vampire student on campus!! The school was considered a safe place for supernaturals, until students are starting to get hurt, and Sophie's only friend is a suspect ( the Vampire Chick). This story is how Sophie adapts to this whole new world, after previously living so long in the human world. IT was so interesting reading about her adventure on how to get strong, and somewhat sets out on a mission to prove her friend's innocence.

This was recommended by my friend, and I do not regret for trusting her :P

WORTH the time and money

4/5

Xoxo Meera