Book Review: Shadowland by Meg Cabot (The Mediator #1)

Synopsis from Goodreads

Title: Shadowland (The Mediator #1)

Author: Meg Cabot

Publication Date: 28 December 2004

Publisher: HarperTeen

Format: Paperback, 287 pages

Suze is a mediator -- a liaison between the living and the dead. In other words, she sees dead people. And they won't leave her alone until she helps them resolve their unfinished business with the living. But Jesse, the hot ghost haunting her bedroom, doesn't seem to need her help. Which is a relief, because Suze has just moved to sunny California and plans to start fresh, with trips to the mall instead of the cemetery, and surfing instead of spectral visitations.

But the very first day at her new school, Suze realizes it's not that easy. There's a ghost with revenge on her mind ... and Suze happens to be in the way.

 My Review

The only time I've heard of Meg Cabot was when I watched Princess Diaries on TV.
Due to that, when I was younger, I've bought some of her books, but haven't read any of them as they had seemed too girly for me, which I tend to rarely read. That in mind, I pretty much believed that all of her works were of that type, but watching and reading reviews on some of her other books shared by reviewers I trust, I was encouraged to pick up the first book in the Mediator series.

I was not disappointed at all. Shadowland was a very entertaining, hilarious, and fast paced read. What interested me more about it was how smoothly it was written, where you get sucked in pretty much by the first sentence.

Suze is a normal teenage girl who moved to California to live with her mom and her new family which consists of a step-father and three amazing step-brothers. But wait, she is not as normal as she seems to be, see, she has a secret special gift that no one knows of, even her mom. Suze can see and talk to ghosts!
Suze, like Melinda Gordon from Ghost Whisperer :P, helps ghosts move on to the next life through solving their unfinished business, but what if the ghost wants someone dead in order to move on, or if the ghost is super hot and gorgeous that you might actually want to stick around?! That's when the adventure begins for Suze.
I absolutely enjoyed this book, and I am gonna continue with the series.

In addition, I like that fact the Meg Cabot did not include that whole cheesy romace, and love at first sight crap. Don't get me wrong, Suze had some moments of instant crushes, but thankfully not the whole "I can't live without you, you are my soul " joke. Actually Suze is a very strong, funny, and witty character. I loved it when she said something about her crush at one point who was injured which was, "Okay, I have to admit I sort of stopped liking Bryce so much when I saw him acting like such a baby..." I've never rolled my eyes with disappointment with Shadowland, which is AWESOME! :D

I loved all of the characters in the book, even the bad ones :P I really recommend this book if you are up for a light, funny read, and a hint of action.

4.5/5

Xoxo Meera

Book Review: Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin

Synopsis from Goodreads
Title: Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Publication Date: August 21st, 2007
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

If Naomi had picked tails, she would have won the coin toss. She wouldn't have had to go back for the yearbook camera, and she wouldn't have hit her head on the steps. She wouldn't have woken up in an ambulance with amnesia. She certainly would have remembered her boyfriend, Ace. She might even have remembered why she fell in love with him in the first place. She would understand why her best friend, Will, keeps calling her "Chief." She'd know about her mom's new family. She'd know about her dad's fiancée. She never would have met James, the boy with the questionable past and the even fuzzier future, who tells her he once wanted to kiss her. She wouldn't have wanted to kiss him back. But Naomi picked heads.
 After her remarkable debut, Gabrielle Zevin has crafted an imaginative second novel all about love and second chances

My Review

I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. I've had high expectations for it, but I was disappointed on how bland it was for my taste.

I've expected to read about the hardships of being an amnesiac; it was sad how little of that I got to read.

It is true that there were some struggles on Naomi's part as she tries to cope with her memory loss, but the storyline lacked emotional substance. The story just jumped from one part to another.

Even with the love interests, there was absolutely no chemistry between the characters; it all seemed superficial to me.

Probably I've set very high expectations on this book, which actually lead to my disappointment from head start. If I did not have such high hopes, I migh have liked it.

Overall, it was ok, as there were parts that made me smile.

1.5/ 5 stars

Xoxo Meera

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

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

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

Book Review: Sons of Fortune by Jeffrey Archer

Synopsis from Goodreads

Title: Sons of Fortune

Author: Jeffrey Archer

Publication Date: December 9th, 2002

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

In hushed maternity ward, an infant dies, while twin brothers thrive. By morning, one mother is told that her only child is doing fine. Another is told that she has tragically lost one of her sons...

Twins seperated at birth, Nathaniel Cartwright and Fletcher Davenport have been raised in different worlds, and have both thrived among the best and brightest of their generation. In an era of violent change, freee love, and blind ambition, Nat goes off to war, while Fletcher enters political combat. With each choice they make--in love and career, through tragedy and triumph--their lives mirror one another...until a high-profile murder case brings them together. Until a high-stakes political battle turns them into rivals. Until a decades-old secret is exposed...and two powerful men must confront their bonds of fate and fortune.

My Review

It was an okay read. Knowing Jeffrey Archer's work, I expected the book to be filled with suspense and action. However, it was more like a realistic drama. The storyline was fast paced  and easy to read, but it was lacking a climax.. the developments and twists in the story were minimal; it was such a disappointment.

Fletcher and Nat were separated at birth, where Fletcher ended up with the Davenport's, a well established family. Nat, on the other hand, was raised by his birth parents, the Cartwright's, whom although were economically challenged, were very caring and loving towards their son.

They both grew up to be well-respected men, they married the women they love,  and are both lucky to have loyal best friends. All in all, they were fortunate enough. Both brothers met each other during their political battle against each other. They were rivals and were both liked by many people around them, so the competition was pretty tough.  As the story progressed, Nat's and Fletcher's journeys had major set-backs.. they both had challenges to overcome, and a high-profile murder case to fight.

While reading the book, I enjoyed it at first, but then, I was desperately waiting for the storyline to pick up its pace, but it was just too dull. Even when there were major events that happened in the story, it wasn't as effective.

I was also anticipating some action, ESPECIALLY when the brothers got to find out that they were related and twins, but it wasn’t even a big deal to them.

Overall, the book was fast-paced and it has some interesting aspects, but it lacked a lot for me.

2/5

Xoxo Meera

Apology and a Book Review for: Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff kinney

Dear Book-Geeks

I would like to apologize for not updating my blog for quite a while now, but am BACK!
However, I would be slower than usual because I've started working and I realize it hinders my reading pace :D.
As you can all notice, I did not stick with my reading plan. To be honest, I hate knowing what I'll be reading next, so I decided to keep my TBR pile a mystery as I like the anticipation and suspense of starting a new book after finishing my current one.

That's all for an update, so here comes the book review:

Synopsis from Goodreads
Title: Diary of a Wimpy kid
Author: Jeff Kinney
Publication Date: April 1st, 2007
Publisher: Abrams Books for Younf Readers

Greg records his sixth grade experiences in a middle school where he and his best friend, Rowley, undersized weaklings amid boys who need to shave twice daily, hope just to survive, but when Rowley grows more popular, Greg must take drastic measures to save their friendship.

My Review

Absolutely loved it. Such a simple and funny read.
It was a good book to start with after my reading slump. The storyline was light and quick; Gregory is a sarcastic young boy who is deperate to be noticed at school. The storyline is in the form of a "diary" or a journal as he likes to call it. He writes down his life experiences in which he struggles to do something out of his life.

Definitely recommended especially for preteen readers. Get it for your younger siblings or your children :D.. adults can read it too to brighten up their day.
5/5

Xoxo Meera