Book: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

 

★★★½/★★★★★

“What could I become if I stopped worrying about death, about pain, about anything? If I stopped trying to belong? Instead of being afraid, I could become something to fear.”

I remember my first Holly Black book , The Darkest Part of the Forest, which I didn’t finish since I had a hard time getting into it, believe me I tried, and when I heard about her new book The Cruel Prince, I thought twice. But when I saw the cover and heard everyone raving over it, I knew I have to try again. So with a hope that I will fall in love with Holly Black’s writing this time, I decided to read it.
The book as a whole is compelling and with its beautiful cover, everyone would totally love it. With a promising plot line and faeries on the go, The Cruel Prince for me is a new world since I haven’t read many fantasy books like this one. It’s intriguing for me and this faerie world gave me a break from my usual YA read.
I actually don’t know how to write a review for this one. I’ve been trying but haven’t gotten anywhere. So, this time I’ll try harder.

“If you hurt me, I wouldn’t cry. I would hurt you back.”

First of all, I want to say that I did enjoy this book. There are strong characters though I can’t say I’m Jude’s biggest fan (or any of them). She’s headstrong but a bit annoying at times though I get where she’s coming from. She wants to be a faerie, more likely wants to prove those who belittles her that she can be better than them so she does everything to acquire power or position in Elfhame. Taryn, Jude’s twin sister, is a miss for me. I get her role in the book but she didn’t quite interest me. She’s a bit immature and I like Vivi more. Now, Cardan is a complex character for me. I didn’t get him and had a hard time figuring him out. I didn’t like him until the latter part of the book and that’s only because I finally understood why he’s such an ass. The others, Cardan’s friends, the other faeries and such, well, I think it’d be better if they were developed as well because I was confused as hell. I didn’t know which is which and that was hard given that I wasn’t familiar with them. The world building was okay, plot line was good, I enjoyed the twists and turns of events and I think the ending was the highlight for me.
Like I said, I haven’t read many books like this one and the idea of faerie world to me is quite exciting. I actually expected more from the world-building but I guess that’s all I’ll get.

“If I cannot be better than them, I will become so much worse.”

Overall it’s an okay read. I couldn’t get into it the first few pages and there were times I got bored but the middle part got me through it. For me, it’s not that world shattering or mind blowing like what others felt but it’s good enough that I want to read the next book. If anything, I think I’m more excited than what I want to admit since the ending left me wanting more. I want to see what happens next!

Book: Frostblood (Frostblood Sage #1) by Elly Blake

 ★★★/★★★★★

“Those who can't control themselves will find themselves under the control of others.”

Well, it's not like I didn't enjoy this book but there are some things that didn't quite sit well with me. You may say there's nothing special about this book because you've read something like this before, I have, but there were surprisingly some elements that I did enjoy. The book itself felt unoriginal with all its Fire vs Ice and "the girl" saving the world tropes so in short, this book is your typical YA fantasy. 

The book tells the story of Ruby Otrera, a Fireblood living in a world of Frostbloods. She's probably the last of her kind since the Frost King orders the death of any Fireblood in their kingdom. When she is found by the soldiers, Ruby witnesses the death of her mother and village in their hands. She is then kept in prison for months until two hooded figures visit and offer her freedom. Soon, Ruby is training with Arcus and living in an abbey with the monks with a mission to kill the Frost King.

“Frostbloods are fully capable of feeling in every way. The danger is that those emotions, while powerful and deep, may be covered with a layer of ice that prevents the natural expression of them.”

I didn't instantly liked the characters but Ruby was a so-so. In the beginning she's weak, scarred and the typical heroine who questions the world why she's the chosen one. She doesn't make wise decisions and sometimes too stubborn for her own good. Arcus, I liked less especially when his character shifted from being all too mean to somehow bearable! I mean, one second he's mad at Ruby but the next he's all sweetheart. Argh! I loved the monks so I think there's that. The pacing was sloooow up until the middle of the book where everything started to get intense. There was actually a point when the whole book felt just like a long premise/introduction to the real book!

The world-building is okay since you already know what to expect. The romance, yes there is, felt forced. I think it would've been okay if there was none but there just have to be one! Then there's the division between the Firebloods and Frostbloods, with the former as dominant. Worlds with this kind of divisions always end up in war so we also know what to expect with this kind of trope. And like I said, I did like some things in this book. For starter, I liked the cover! And that counts. Another thing is the myth on how the Frostbloods and Firebloods were created, it wasn't new but I think that was interesting. There's also a bit of the twist I admit I didn't see coming. Aside from those, all the others we just okay for me.

Overall, Frostblood is an okay book. I'll probably read the next book at some point but not soon.

Book: Without Merit by Coolen Hoover

 ★★★★/★★★★★    

“Not every mistake deserves a consequence. Sometimes the only thing it deserves is forgiveness.”

So, I’ve probably said this a thousand times before that Colleen Hoover is a brilliant writer because yes, she is! I love all her books (even the ones I haven’t read, Lol) and now I can’t help but love her even more. Without Merit is my latest read from Hoover and I still can’t get over it until now. It’s one of the last books I finished last year.

Honestly, for me, it’s not Hoover’s best but it’s just as brilliant as her other books! There are relatable characters, exciting storyline and some unpredictable twists and turns. Also, I dove into the story without really reading the plot so I’d no idea what to expect but I trusted Hoover. Fortunately, Hoover never disappoints! I love every part of the book and yes, I’m in love with Sagan, as I am with Hoover’s other Male leads. Hahaha.

Without Merit deals with issues around a family who’s like any other. A family with divorced parents, sibling rivalries and a wicked step mom. It stars Merit Voss, a girl who feels left out because she doesn’t know a thing about her family, or rather she knows everything about the member of her family. There’s Barnaby Voss, her father who cheated on his wife with his wife’s nurse. Victoria Voss, her mother who never leaves the basement because she’s sick. Utah Voss, the older brother with a secret that hurt Merit. Then there’s Honor Voss, Merit’s exact opposite though they’re identical twins. The other Victoria, Victoria’s (the first) nurse, the one Barnaby cheated with. And of course, there’s Luck which I came to really love at first but ended up hating a lot! Sagan, well, he’s the only normal character in the story, I guess, and oh, the sweet innocent Moby too,, of course! Butspite having complicated characters, they are all well-developed and I love how the story unfolds. I can say I related much with the story and if anything, it gives us a good message: it’ll surprise you how much communicating with your family will strengthen your relationship with them!

“I like you enough to kiss you. Believe me. But I just wish you could like yourself as much as I like you.”

Merit and Sagan hit it off the first time they met and I’ll be honest, it was a bit predictable but I didn’t care. I love how the story went and every turn of the page was like “can’t you just get together now please?!” because I was rooting for them from the very first page. Anyway, I know I’m not really giving you an informative review but there’s only one thing you need to know about this book: it’s crazy but not far from the reality of some family out there.

Book: Making Faces by Amy Harmon

★★★★★/★★★★★

“Maybe everyone represents a piece of the puzzle. We all fit together to create this experience we call life. None of us can see the part we play or the way we see are just the tip of the iceberg. And maybe we just don't recognize the blessings that come as a result of terrible things.”

My first book of Amy Harmon surely left a mark on me. Making Faces is a beautifully written story of scarred people, both emotionally and physically, that will definitely melt your heart. It's such an emotional book with a brilliant storyline and characters you will surely love.

Making Faces tells the story of Fern Taylor, Ambrose Young and Bailey Sheen, three people who share their passion in wrestling. The lives of these three are connected in such a way they live to support, care and love each other. Fern is one of those characters you will immediately love. She's kind-hearted, loving and she cares so much for her cousin, Bailey, who has a muscular dystrophy. She doesn't see herself as pretty but plain and she has the biggest crush on the handsome Ambrose Young who doesn't see her. Ambrose is a wrestler in high school. It's his sport, the one thing he lives for. Same for Bailey who loves wrestling, but because of his disease he can't even lift his arm without Fern's help.

“I want to be a hero.” Bailey looked at Fern gravely, as if he was disclosing highly classified information. “I don't know what kind yet. Maybe like Hercules or Bruce Baumgartner. And if I can't be a hero like that, then maybe I could just save someone.”

My heart broke for Bailey everytime. He's a sweet guy, full of charms and his love for life made me want to hug him! He knew eventually he's going to die but that doesn't scare him, if anything it makes him want to live more, do more and enjoy everything to the fullest. He and Fern are so close they are practically brother and sister. He is also friends with Ambrose and the rest of the wrestling team since his father is their coach. He's watched every camp his father had with them and with it formed a dream of becoming a great wrestler like Ambrose.

As the story unfolds, we see how Ambrose decided to join the military together with his friends. Fern and Bailey continue to care for each other, left in their little town. Life continues until people in Fern's town receive a bad news. It's a tragedy that will stay in them for a long time.

I've cried a lot of times because of this book. It hurt and my heart ached for everyone. Honestly, I know what will happen next but it still broke my heart. It's deeply moving and it relays a beautiful message about beauty not only being physical. My first Amy Harmon book and I totally loved it!

“If God made all our faces, did he laugh when he made me?
Does he make the legs that cannot walk and eyes that cannot see?
Does he curl the hair upon my head 'til it rebels in wild defiance?
Does he close the ears of a deaf man to make him more reliant?
Is the way I look a coincidence or just a twist of fate?
If he made me this way, is it okay, to blame him for the things I hate?
For the flaws that seem to worsen every time I see a mirror,
For the ugliness I see in me, for the loathing and the fear.
Does he sculpt us for sure, for a reason I can't see?
If God makes all our faces, did he laugh when he made me?”

Overall, Making Faces is a highly recommended book! An emotional book with brilliant storyline and beautiful characters.

Book: Tone Deaf by Olivia Rivers

★★★/★★★★★

“She’s probably wondering what just happened, but I’m too rattled to stop and explain things: The more I get to know her, the more I like her. And the more I like her, the more I want her to like me.”  

Okay, so I'll be totally honest with this one because Tone Deaf by Olivia Rivers is one of those books I really wanted to love because it has music, romance, interesting plot line but sadly the characters were a bit disappointing. I was all excited when I picked this up thinking it'll be a great one but it somehow failed to impress me. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it but there were things that I found lacking and the romance felt rushed which sucked! 

The book tells the story of Ali who at a young age lost her hearing due to a brain tumor. It took away Ali's chance of being a great musician and around the same time, she also lost her mother, leaving her to her abusive father. Now seventeen, Ali wants to escape the hands of her father so when an opportunity presents itself, who is she not to grab it? Then there's Jace Beckett, lead singer of Tone Deaf. Jace has his own issues but when Ali suddenly comes into his life, or band, he realizes that some pain are worth feeling.

“You're the best kind of pain I've ever felt. I've always avoided pain but as much as you hurt, I don't want to leave you.”

 I expected so much from this book and I won't say it didn't live up but the characters irked me a bit especially Jace! Yes, he has his issues but it didn't grant him a pass to be a class A jerk. I initially didn't like him and all through out the book he kept annoying me. He's arrogant and I hated that he can switch character in an instant like one second he's this cold person and the next he's all sweet and what-not. Maybe it was my first impression of him when he first met Ali. But despite Jace, I liked his band mates! Killer is probably my most favorite just because he's hilarious and Arrow, well, he's also my favorite! Ali is a so-so. I liked her at times but sometimes I didn't understand her actions.

The romance between Ali and Jace was sweet. Another insta-love but it was okay, I think, when you meet a rock star and he kinda saved you from a hell-hole that is your life. I loved the music and though I was expecting more of concert scenes and music writing session, I guess what the book had was enough. The ending was fine but it felt rushed! Like I was around 95% but it felt like there were a lot more that could've happened.

Overall, the book was good and I liked that Ali is different from the typical YA characters. It has complex characters and a promising story line but if you don't like insta-love and cheesy romance, well, this has both.

Book: Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

★★★/★★★★★

He leans close and whispers into my ear, “You belong here with me.”
And for that moment, I believe that I do.

Alex, Approximately has been on my TBR for months now and I was only able to get around it a couple of weeks ago. It's my first Jenn Bennett book, a lighthearted contemporary with fun characters and classic movie references which are also cute! It's a good book but not good enough for me to give it a higher rating than 3 stars.

The book tells the story of Bailey Rydell who goes to live with her dad at the beginning of summer in California after things got bad with her mom and her mom's new husband. Living with her dad is actually what Bailey really wanted for she gets along better with her dad. And besides, she's excited to be in the same city as Alex, an online friend who is also a classic movie fanatic and who constantly tells her to come and visit. Now, being in the same city as Alex, all Bailey has to do is find him, and maybe stalk him a little, before she decides if she actually wants to meet him in person because what if he's not what he tells her online or what if she's a bad guy or something. Enters Porter Roth, the hot quiz-obsessed/weather geek security guard at the museum Bailey is having her summer job at. Bailey and Porter can't stand each other at first but as they spend time together at the museum, they realize that spending time with each other is not as bad as they thought it would be. Distracted by Porter, Bailey almost forgets about her other plan for the summer until her other plan finds her instead.

He holds his hand up, and I slap it, but instead of it being a simple high five, he laces his fingers between mine, squeezing. It’s probably only for a second, but it feels longer. When he releases my hand, I’m a ball of chaos: fingers tingling from where his just were, mind trying to make sense of it. Is he just being friendly, or is this maybe some sort of surfer handshake?

Honestly, I didn't like Bailey in the first few chapters. I don't know *shrugs* but I didn't connect with her right away and found her a bit frustrating and pretentious. She keeps telling us that she's an evader, that she's a pro when evading situations she doesn't like or not prepared for, but I didn't buy that at all. Also, she's clueless! For someone who is supposed to be a great detective, she fails to figure out one of the important things for her. Because I knew who Porter was the moment he was introduced. I mean, sure, at first Bailey wouldn't know it but come on! Even her dad figures it out eventually.

The characters are fine, but like I said, it took me a while to finally warm up with Bailey. Porter is adorable but I didn't like that he was an ass to Bailey in the beginning for no reason at all and then next thing we knew he and Bailey were all lovey-dovey with each other and that's not okay! I understand that this books is mainly about the romance between them (and believe me it's cute) but I would prefer it if the author explored other things too like Davy's character or Bailey's family issue. Despite that, I did love Porter's mom and Bailey's dad because they're both super cool.

I didn't have any problem with the writing style and actually loved the film references at the beginning of every chapter. I haven't seen some of the films mentioned but I still think it's cute. Overall, this book is good with swoon-worthy romance. A bit predictable but I get why many loved it. I guess the romance between Bailey and Porter is just too cute to resist.

Book: Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

★★★★/★★★★★

“Is this how it goes? You fall in love, and nothing seems truly scary anymore, and life is one big possibility?”

Always and Forever, Lara Jean was a big surprise when Jenny Han first announced that To All the Boys I've Loved Before (review here) will have a third book. Everyone was excited, so was I! The first two books were lovely and swoon-worthy but I think my favorite is Always and Forever, Lara Jean.

The conclusion to Lara Jean and Peter's story is inside Always and Forever, Lara Jean which I think is so cute and just perfect. I can't say I was a big fan of Peter Kavinsky in P.S. I Still Love You (review here), or To All The Boys I've Loved Before for that matter, but in this book, he's just so adorable and he's such a sweetheart! 

“Peter will love Lara Jean with all his heart, always”

 Lara Jean is enjoying her last year in high school; she's in love with her boyfriend Peter, her dad is going remarried and Margot will be home just in time for the wedding which excites them all. Everything is going right and she's having the best time of her life when suddenly her plans change when her College acceptance letter arrives. It makes Lara Jean think of a new plan which might affect her relationship with Peter. 

I love how the book focuses on Lara Jean and some of the changes in her life. Her father re-marrying Ms. Rothschild is a big change for them and I love how it makes not only her but Kitty and Margot as well to grow and accept the new addition to their family. Graduating high school and going to College is another big thing for Lara Jean and when her plan to go to the same university with Peter has changed, she has to think of a way how to compromise. Of course she wants to stay in a relationship with Peter and she's going to do everything just to keep it. 

All the characters have grown so much in me and I still love how heartwarming the story is. Lara Jean getting even closer with her family, her relationship with Chris (yes, her bestfriend, Chris!) and Peter, how she makes big decisions for herself and how much she's matured in this book. And the romance, of course I'm going to talk about the romance! Lara Jean and Peter are just sooo cute I want to keep them to myself! Peter Kavinsky actually made me fall in love with him!

“Being vulnerable, letting people in, getting hurt... it's all part of being in love.” 

Overall I adored this book! And if only it's not the last book! My advice, if you want a cute and lovely read, try To All the Boys I've Loved Before series if you haven't already. It wouldn't disappoint.

Book: Nevernight (The Nevernight Chrnonicle #1) by Jay Kristoff

★★★★/★★★★★

 “Your mind will serve you better than any trinket under the suns...It is a weapon...and like any weapon, you need practice to be any good at wielding it.” 

My first Jay Kristoff novel and I liked it! I'll be honest, I was not interested at first, got bored a lot of times but didn't notice that I was actually already enjoying it at some point. It'd been a hard read for me, the writing style is kinda not in my taste, it was very dense, but, but! I was engrossed with the story and I grew to love the characters nevertheless. Not to mention the footnotes anymore because I stopped reading them early in the book.

Nevernight is actually hard to rate and review. At some point I was convinced I'll only give it 2 stars but in the end realized it deserved 4 stars! Now I don't know how to explain. I think it's a matter of liking the book as a whole or not. In short, you have to be patient with this book! There were parts I didn't like but there were also parts I really loved. That's how crazy this book was for me. I'm torn between disliking it to totally loving it!

Own nothing, Mercurio had said. Know nothing. Be nothing.
Mia breathed deep. Swallowed hard.
Because then you can do anything.

The book tells the story of Mia Corvere, a girl who chooses to enter a school of assassins, to train and master the skills she needs to get what she desires most; vengeance for her family. At a young age Mia lost her father, mother and a younger brother but found a friend in Mercurio who later becomes her teacher. There's also Mister Kindly, a cat who is not a cat, a shadow Mia befriended when she was young. With Mercurio's assistance, Mia goes through a series of trials just to get to Red Church and along the way meets Tric, a boy who like her also wants to get revenge. At the Red Church, Mia starts training, she meets new friends/enemies and learns about the skills she needs most if she wants to avenge her family. 

The boy stared at the hands that held his. “This is a dark road we walk, Mia.”
“Then we walk it together. I watch your back. You watch mine. And if I fall before the end, you get Scaeva for me. Make him scream. And I’ll swear the same for you.”

Like I said, you have to be patient with this book. It's 450+ pages long with dense writing, violence, intense scenes, sex and strong language. It is bloody, you guys! Dark and edgy with twists and turns you wouldn't imagine. There's a bit of romance, only a bit, but I'm satisfied. You see, I'm a sucker for romance in every book and I'm contented with what little this book offered. I actually loved Tric! Like, really. He's both sweet and a badass and I liked that he cared for Mia as Mia did for him. The supporting characters are also all pretty interesting. Ash and her brother are pretty cunning and I loved all the Shahid. With world building, a lot say it reminded them of Harry Potter and even though I haven't read but only watched HP, I can agree it somehow reminded me of Hogwarts. The Red Church is cool enough to be Hogwarts, I think.

Overall, it's a great book. A pretty slow beginning but when the story starts to grab you, you wouldn't want to stop reading. Now I'm pretty excited to read the sequel, Godsgrave!

Book: A Conjuring of Light by V.E. Schwab

 ★★★★★/★★★★★

“Love and loss,” he said, “are like a ship and the sea. They rise together. The more we love, the more we have to lose. But the only way to avoid loss is to avoid love. And what a sad world that would be.”

One word: Brilliant. 

Gahd, I really love this series and now that I've finished the last book, I don't think I'll ever be the same again! I mean, after knowing Kell, Lila, Rhy and all the other characters, it's hard to move on! And thinking that their story is already over... no, no, no! But well, Shades of Magic has been an amazing adventure. 

It's been over a week since I finished the book but until now I still have a book hangover. I tried picking up another book right after finishing but I just can't take my mind off Kell. It's a bit crazy, I know, but I needed a while to absorb everything and convince myself that it's really finished. The series is over. And it still makes me frown everytime I tell myself that.  

Everything in this book is just plain brilliant. The characters, the plot, the prose, the worldbuilding, especially the world building! I fell in love with everything the instant I read the first chapter and right there and then I had my new favorite series. And author! 

“Picking out a gift?” asked the captain.
“No.”
“Good, then take this.” He dropped a ring into Kell’s hand.
Kell frowned. “I’m flattered, but I think you’re asking the wrong brother.”

The characters are what made me love this series even more. I've already grown fond of Kell, Lila, Rhy, Alucard and even Holland who broke my heart in this last book. They all had their own moments, times when they had to make crucial decisions and I think that's when their character shone the brightest. Rhy has finally started acting like a prince, wanting to do something to protect his family, his people, his kingdom. Kell is ever the self-sacrificing prince/brother/Antari. (And I fell in love with him all over again!) Lila, well, she's still the best thief out there, always headstrong and  stubborn. I've always liked Alucard since the AGoS but in this book, omg, he stole my heart! And Holland, oh poor Holland. My heart ached for him all throughout.

I also love the interactions between the characters because they always just end up bickering with each other, annoying the hell out of one another. Especially Kell and Alucard! Sometimes Holland too. But those playful moments are what I'll miss most!!!

Her heart was beating hard against her ribs, some primal part of her saying run, and she was running, just not away. She was tired of running away. So she was running into Kell.
And he caught her.

Now let's get to the romance part where oh. my. gulay. Kell and Lila. Lila and Kell. Do I need say more? Because they're perfect. For each other. With each other. From the first book I've been rooting for their romance and finally, finally, Schwab gave us something exciting in this book! And can we also talk about that scene where Kell was teaching Lila some magic words? OH. MY. GOD! I was practically grinning the entire time. And when Alucard walked in on them? It was hilarious!

Moving on, we also have Rhy and Alucard and they're the cutest! I enjoyed every moment they had together especially when Rhy acted all prince-y at first but in the end finally realizing Alucard's true feelings. 

 When Kell Maresh and Lila Bard had first parted ways, he’d whispered the word in her wake, beneath his breath, full of the certainty—the hope—they’d meet again. He’d known it wasn’t an end. And this wasn’t an end, either, or if it was, then simply the end of a chapter, an interlude between two meetings, the beginning of something new.

 Overall, I'm very satisfied with this series. Schwab didn't disappoint and that ending is just... perfect! I honestly had to stop myself a few pages away from the ending because I just didn't want it to end. I love this series that much! I guess I wasn't just ready for it to end that I tried to draw it out for as long as I could. But of course, it had to end. 

Anyway, I know I only ended up fan-girling without even coming up with a proper review but there's really only one word to describe this book and it's brilliant. So read it, you guys!

And, well, Anoshe.

Book: Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

★★★★/★★★★★

“I somehow knew that the particulars didn't matter. She was my heart, she was half of me, and nothing, certainly not a few measly hundred miles, was ever going to change that.”

 Okay, so SYBG is my fourth Morgan Matson book and if you're a fan of books about friendship, love and summer fun, you should read this! This is my fourth Matson book and ever since reading The Unexpected Everything (my first) and loving it sooo much, I knew I gotta read her other books. You can read my review of her other books here: Amy & Roger's Epic Detour and Second Chance Summer.

Since You've Been Gone tells the story of Emily Hughes when she wakes up one day to find her best friend, Sloane, gone. She and Sloane have been best friends for two years so Sloane and her family just disappearing without a word worries her. Emily doesn't know where Sloane has gone to and she's sure that if ever Sloane will leave town, she'll definitely tell Emily. Because that's what best friends would do, right? But when it's been two weeks and Sloane still hasn't picked up her phone or replied to any of Emily's messages, Emily doesn't know what else to do. Until a letter, or to be exact, a list, came for her. Emily is sure it's from Sloane by the writing alone but what she doesn't understand is why would Sloane send her a list. But it doesn't matter, all Emily knew is that it's from Sloane and it's something. 

1. Kiss a stranger.

2. Go skinny-dipping.

3. Steal something.

4. Break something.

5. Penelope.

6. Ride a dern horse, ya cowpoke.

7. 55 S Ave. Ask for Mona.

8. The backless dress. And somewhere to wear it.

9. Dance until dawn.

10. Share some secrets in the dark.

11. Hug a Jamie.

12. Apple picking at night.

13. Sleep under the stars.

 I can understand how Emily is feeling without Sloane to spend her summer with. Because while Emily is the awkward, shy one, Sloane is the out-going, friendly and adventurous one. Sloane makes Emily feel braver and she encourages her to do things Emily would never dare to do. They have everything planned out for the summer, how it's going to be their best yet, so Sloane's sudden disappearance freaks out Emily. But with the arrival of the list, Emily feels like it's a way to find Sloane. She thinks that maybe, just maybe, if she finishes everything on the list then Sloane will miraculously just comes back. 

I love the concept of the list and it actually reminded me of the times when I used to have lists of things I'll do on summer too. It included crazy things like Jump into the pool with your clothes on and yeah, Dance until dawn which I really enjoyed! Sloane's list is a little bolder but I was glad for Emily for she's able to finish everything on it. Kiss a stranger is crazy but Skinny-dipping is definitely crazier. I'm also happy that the list brings new people into Emily's life because if it used to be Emily-and-Sloane before, it's Emily and her friends (Frank, Collins and Dawn) now.

The characters are all endearing and Frank, oh Frank! I wasn't sure about him at first but as I read on I came to like him more and more. I mean, he's just so nice and smart and perfect! He sees Emily when no one else does and I love how their friendship blooms into something more. Their runs together are probably my favorite part especially the mixed tapes! Then there's Collins and Dawn, too. Collins is so adorable and I loved the friendship he has with Frank. He's funny and he acts all cool but deep inside he knew the real him. Dawn, on the other hand, comes out at the right time in the book and I love how she and Emily instantly clicked. Next thing we knew they are hanging out and summer is fun again. It's just sad to see how their rift is never resolved in the book. And of course, there's also Emily's family. I like Beckett and how cute he is! I don't have a brother so I'm so fond of little/older brothers in books. 

“I don’t think you have to do something so big to be brave. And it’s the little things that are harder anyway.”

Emily and Frank's romance is also adorable. It's cute and I love it everytime Frank says the right things to Emily. They slowly work on their friendship, from being running mates to being Living Room Theater actors together which I think is really sweet. But the latter part of the book where Frank went to see Lissa and Emily thought Frank has chosen Lissa over her, I was a bit frustrated with Emily because if she thought Frank would choose Lissa after their kiss, then she's a dumbass. I mean, didn't she see that things between Frank and her are going right and Lissa is already history?

He looked right at me as he gave me a half smile. “You're the brightest thing in the room”, he said. He lifted his hand from my waist, and slowly, carefully brushed a stray lock of hair from my cheek. “You shine.”

My breath caught in my throat. People said those kinds of things about Sloane-not about me.

 “What?” frank asked, his eyes on mine.

 “Just...” I took a shaky breath. “Nobody's ever said something like that to me.”
 

“Then they don't see what I see,” he said.

So the book ends with Emily finally figuring out where Sloane is. She goes to find her and after a long drive, with Frank, she finally found her best friend. We get to see Emily and Sloane's friendship with flashbacks and with them, we see why Emily is so attached with Sloane. They had a great friendship, not all fun but they also had some small fights and misunderstanding and sometimes Emily feeling inferior, but they were what made their friendship stronger. 

Overall, I super enjoyed this book! I love the characters, the story, the romance and everything else. Highly recommended if you love a fun, summery book (with lists and mixed tapes!) 

Book: Cress (The Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer

★★★★★/★★★★★

“Captain?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you think it was destiny that brought us together?”

He squinted and, after a thoughtful moment, shook his head. “No. I'm pretty sure it was Cinder.”

 I managed to finish this book early this year but wasn't able to write a proper review until now. Actually, I was planning on finishing Winter first before writing a review for both but I don't think I'll get around Winter anytime soon since I'm still stuck with my other books. Anyhow, I'm writing a review for this now and I can say that I loved it but not as much as Scarlet which is my favorite in the series so far.

Continuing where Scarlet left off, the third book finally introduces Cress, the brilliant hacker girl who contacted and informed Cinder about Queen Levana's plan on killing Prince Kai even after they get married. After the attack on Earth by a Lunar army of wolf-like creatures, Scarlet and Wolf have also joined Cinder and Thorne on their ship and they are forced to go into hiding in space. While forming a plan on how to stop Prince Kai from Marrying Queen Levana, Cinder and the others are able to contact Cress again and since she can be useful to them and she's willing to help anyway, they decided to rescue her in the satellite where Sibyl Mira has been keeping her hostage. Of course Thorne willingly agrees to help save a damsel in distress so they execute a rescue mission and everything seems to be going right until something happens which causes them to lose Scarlet, Thorne and Cress. Now Cinder is left with a wounded Wolf and a Lunar guard named Jacin. 

“Captain,” she murmured. “I think I’m in love with you.”
An eyebrow shot up. She counted six beats of his heart before, suddenly, he laughed.
“Don’t tell me it took you two whole days to realize that. I must be losing my touch.”

 There are a lot of reasons why I enjoyed this book but I think the main reason is Captain Thorne. I mean, how can you not love him with all that sense of humor and charm? He's really adorable and I liked how nice and sweet he is to Cress. Cress, on the other hand, is a genius when it comes to computers and somehow a romantic. She's sure that Captain Thorne is who she was waiting for all her life to save and sweep her off her feet. She's a dreamer and her imagination gets the best of her. I actually love that she's not your typical heroine and she's so cute she complements Captain Thorne's personality so well. Then there's also Cinder and Kai, of course! With the wedding preparations and everything, Kai is all stressed out and frustrated especially when Queen Levana keeps on threatening the Earth with her Lunar army. My heart is still aching for Cinder for she's trying her best to stop the wedding and save the Earth at the same time. It's a lot for her but she shew she has to do something. And between trying to find her friends and Dr. Erland, she also worries about Prince Kai who also worries about her. Scarlet and Wolf don't have a lot of appearance in this one but I love them the same. I think Wolf grows a lot in this book and his relationship with Cinder might've gone down hill in the first part but towards the end they learn to understand each other. Another awesome character is Iko and she actually has a big role in this book. She's funny and I liked it everytime she and Jacin, who I will discuss later, bickers.

 Aside from all the endearing characters, it's well plotted, action packed and very exciting. The turn of events will surprise you and you wouldn't help but get engrossed with every page you turn. Meyer surely did a good job with this series and every book is special in their own way.

By the end of the book almost every character is already introduced. Cinder and Kai, Scarlet and Wolf, Cress and Thorne, and Jacin is introduced at the beginning as a Lunar guard who along the way changes allegiance and decided to help Cinder and her friends instead. We also see a little of Winter who is Queen Levana's step daughter. She's a little creepy to be honest and I'm yet to read her story in the next book. It also turns out that she's keeping Scarlet with her and I can't wait to know what happens next.

“You serve the queen,” she said. “How can I trust you?”

His lips twitched, like she's make a joke, but his eyes were quick to harden again. “I serve my princess. No one else.”

The floor dropped out from beneath her. The princess. His princes.

He knew.

If you haven't read the series, you better start now because it's amazing! Highly recommended for those who love good re-tellings with well developed characters, good world building and interesting plot lines. 

Read my full review of Cinder here and Scarlet here.

Book: This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales

★★/★★★★★

“Sometimes people think they know you. They know a few facts about you, and they piece you together in a way that makes sense to them. And if you don't know yourself very well, you might even believe that they are right. But the truth is, that isn't you. That isn't you at all.”

Nope, I'm pretty sure by now that Leila Sales' books are not for me. After not liking Tonight the Streets Are Ours I was already hesitant to read her other books but of course, I decided to give her another chance. So I did, but unfortunately this book is also a disappointment for me. It actually took me almost two weeks, I think, to finish this book because most times I was bored.

 

I didn't like Elise at all and her attitude towards everything frustrated me sooooo  much! I mean, she was bullied at school because she was uncool so Sophomore year she tried to change herself by being and acting like the cool kids, changing her style and everything. Yes, she tried but it didn't change the fact that she was a snob and as judgmental as she said everyone was.

 

I know I'm only ranting but I really tried to understand Elise but no, I didn't get her at all. She's pretentious and I hated that she always blamed her "uncool-ness" for every wrong thing that's happened to her. Because I wasn't like this..., Because I didn't have that..., etc. And for me, she could've at least told her parents something about it so they could've done something about the bullying. 

I actually expected to like this book because there was music in it but the unlikeable Elise just made everything bad. The only thing I liked in this book was the music. (That and Alex!) The DJing thing was cool but Elise being the best Dj after only a week of practice? Oh, come on! And no, I didn't like Char, too. But, but, the ending kind of redeemed Elise so I gave it two stars.

Book: Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows #2) by Leigh Bardugo

★★★★¹⁄₂/★★★★★

“I would have come for you. And if I couldn't walk, I'd crawl to you, and no matter how broken we were, we'd fight our way out together-knives drawn, pistols blazing. Because that's what we do. We never stop fighting.”  

I knew the moment I finished Six of Crows I had to read this book right away! I loved the first book but Crooked Kingdom took my love for it to a whole new level. I mean, oh my god Kaz and his crew! It's been a crazy ride this book and every twist and turn will make you love it more. Like seriously!

So we're back with Kaz and his crew after they broke in and out of the Ice Court. It was a suicide mission, an impossible heist, but thank all the Saints they got what they came for (more or less) in the form of Kuwei Yul-bo. They were to get their reward that could make them rich beyond their wildest dreams when Van Eck crossed them. Uh-oh, not a good idea. But Kaz is smart and he'd somehow expected that to happen so he had a plan. The only problem was he made a teeny tiny mistake that caused them to lose Inej. Now they're plotting to get Inej back and make Van Eck regret crossing them. And when the news about jurda parem spreads and reaches the leaders around the world, Kaz needs all the help (and tricks) he can get to protect Kuwei and rescue Inej at the same time. To make things a lot messier, Van Eck teamed up with Pekka Rollins and if Kaz gets lucky, he can get Inej back, can protect Kuwei, make Van Eck pay and finally get his revenge to Pekka Rollins all at the same time.

My gahd! This book is a masterpiece! If the first book managed to wow me, this book, this book!!! has blown me away. The character development is superb and every character deserves a round of applause! *clap clap clap* We have a wonderful and awesome world building and of course there's Bargudo's brilliant writing style.

“Have any of you wondered what I did with all the cash Pekka Rollins gave us?” 
“Guns?” asked Jesper.“Ships?” queried Inej.“Bombs?” suggested Wylan. “Political bribes?” offered Nina. They all looked at Matthias. “This is where you tell us how awful we are,” she whispered.

Kaz, Inej, Nina, Matthias, Jesper and Wylan. These six people has grown so much in this book, each carrying a role that is crucial to the group. Their every action affects the group and I think that's why I love them so much because they work perfectly together and yes, they might've done some mistakes but they regret and learn from it because they knew that their lives depend on every action they do. Kaz is as cunning as ever, still giving the orders and running things around. When Ketterdam turns its back on him, he makes sure to make every person responsible pay and to get his home back. Inej is braver and more determined after what Van Eck did. She's still that strong-willed girl who believes in her friends. Nina and Matthias are lovely in this book! I love those witty banters Nina always throws Matthias and I have to admit that Matthias has somehow started to sound like one of them everytime they plot something. Jesper still has his sense of humor and I don't think I can love him any more than I already do. Wylan becomes more confident now (latter part) and he's still adorable. It made me laugh every time Jesper teases him and I love them both, you guys!! I think they're cute together. Six people, several cons, hundreds enemies, this book is crazy exciting and I dare you not to get hooked after everything!

“How many times have you told me you're a monster? So be a monster. Be the thing they all fear when they close their eyes at night.”

Cons upon cons, trick after trick, this book has a lot of twist and turns that will surely surprise you. There were times when I thought I knew how things will turn out but of course, Leigh Bardugo will prove me wrong. She made Kaz so cunning it was impossible to predict what he's thinking. And I'm in love with him because of that.

“Nina glanced from Inej to Kaz and saw they both wore the same expression. Nina knew that look. It came after the shipwreck, when the tide moved against you and the sky had gone dark. It was the first sight of land, the hope of shelter and even salvation that might await you on a distant shore.”

Dark, violent, entertaining and brilliant, Crooked Kingdom just proves to be one of the best sequel ever! It's a bit lengthy but I didn't mind because I enjoyed every page of it. I rooted for them every step of the way from rescuing Inej to auctioning Kuwei. Honestly, I want more of Kaz and his crew but well, can't do anything about it. This book is truly a page turner, something you won't be able to put down because you're eager to know what happens next. It'll make you laugh, excited, frustrated, will give you the feels and yes, it'll make you cry because of Matthias, oh Matthias! My heart broke for Nina and after everything they'd been through, I can't believe Matthias didn't make it to the end. *sobs*

“Go home to Ravka, Nina. Be free, be as you were meant to be. Be a warrior, as you always have been. Just save some mercy for my people. There has to be a Fjerda worth saving. Promise me.”

Now let's talk about Kaz and Inej. Oh my god, those two! I'm not sure whether I should be satisfied with their ending or not because I want mooooore! I know the two of them touching (holding hands) is already too much for the both of them but come on! A hug, maybe? But either way, I'm really really glad for Inej and Kaz, well, may the Saints guide him as he build his empire now that he got his money! And revenge.

Overall, this book is one of the best I've ever read and I can't recommend this book enough! So do yourself a favor and pick up Six of Crows then READ this book! :D

Book: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

★★★★/★★★★★

“Kaz had taught her to crack a safe, pick a pocket, wield a knife. He'd gifted her with her first blade, the one she called Sankt Petyr―not as pretty as wild geraniums, but more practical, she supposed.”  

I finished this book a month ago but only able to write a review now.

Six of Crows was my first book of Leigh Bardugo and oh my god I loved it! I'd been hearing about this book while reading A Darker Shade of Magic (some comparing them) last year and I'm glad I listened when people told me to read this one if I loved ADSoM. I'm a big fan of ya fantasy and the world Bardugo created in this book is brilliant. The characters are also amazing, unique in their own way and you can't help but love them all! Especially cunning Kaz. :)

Six of Crows is set in the dark and violent city of Ketterdam, a trading hub where everyone wants to make money and is ruled by street gangs. Among these gangs is Kaz Brekker, the leader of the Dregs and a prodigy when it comes to thievery and secrets. When Kaz is offered a job that could help him speed up his revenge plans for the person who ruined his life, he knew he needs to take this job no matter how impossible it is. And for that, he needs a crew that can make impossible possible.

Kaz assembles his team of misfits; Inej, a spy known as the Wraith; Jesper, a sharpshooter who loves to gamble; Nina, a Grisha who can kill by just twisting her hand; Matthias, a convict who has thirst for revenge; and Wylan, a runway with privileged past. All six of them will try to do the impossible, trusting and depending on each other. And if they get lucky, they might just get the fortune and freedom and revenge they mostly desired. 

“No mourners. No funerals. Among them, it passed for 'good luck.” 

Gosh! I really enjoyed this book. The characters are all well-developed and they complement each other. It was hard not to like them because they're all cunning and funny and I liked that Inej and Nina are as competent as the boys. Of course each of them has their own unique personality and they might not get along well at first but along the way they learn to put aside their dislike for each other and just focus on the big heist they must pull off.

With everything happening in this book, I'm impressed that Bardugo managed to thread everything in the right place. I mean, I was hooked from the very first page until the last because it was so intense and the switch in POVs made it more exciting! The emotional tension between characters also made it more interesting and suspenseful. I think I was actually waiting for someone to snap and just, I don't know, quit or something because, hey, that would be a good twist but of course, something else happened. 

Kaz leaned back. “What's the easiest way to steal a man's wallet?” 
“Knife to the throat?”  asked Inej.“Gun to the back?” said Jesper.“Poison in his cup?” suggested Nina.“You're all horrible,” said Matthias.

There's action, suspense, a lot of comedy and of course a little romance in this book! I was actually very satisfied and happy with what little romance this book have because Oh my god! I ship them all!! I think Kaz and Inej are epic and I love them together!! Inej is fierce and lovely at the same time, I adore her! Kaz may not be the showy type and he may be cold at times but he cares for Inej. He wants her and that's so hard to say!

“He needed to tell her...what? That she was lovely and brave and better than anything he deserved. That he was twisted, crooked, wrong, but not so broken that he couldn't pull himself together into some semblance of a man for her. That without meaning to, he'd begun to lean on her, to look for her, to need her near. He needed to thank her for his new hat.”

Nina and Matthias, on the other hand, are intense! There were times I wasn't sure if they were going to rip each other's heart or what. They had a bad history so Matthias isn't that thrilled to join Kaz's crew even if the reward is his freedom. Matthias is stubborn but he's rational and loyal. I wasn't sure about his at first but I came to love him towards the end. I like Nina because she's kind and a loving friend. She's also funny and like Matthias, she's loyal. And of course there are Jesper and Wylan who bicker a lot, and I say a lot! They're both hilarious and I think they complement each other well. It's like where Jesper lacks, Wylan supplies. Lol. In short, I love them both!

Overall, Leigh Bardugo surely did a great job with this book and now I want more! The world-building was amazing, the characters were well-rounded and the plot was well written! I'm reading Crooked Kingdom now (only few pages in) and I'm so excited to read the rest! I hope it live up to my expectations.

Book: The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon

★★★★/★★★★★

“There’s a Japanese phrase that I like: koi no yokan. It doesn’t mean love at first sight. It’s closer to love at second sight. It’s the feeling when you meet someone that you’re going to fall in love with them. Maybe you don’t love them right away, but it’s inevitable that you will.”

I've read and loved Everything, Everything (read review here) so when I heard that Nicola Yoon was having another book, I was sold right away. I instantly liked Yoon's writing style in Everything, Everything and I love how creative she can get. And having read her second book, she became an auto-buy for me beginning now.

The Sun Is Also A Star is the story of Natasha and Daniel, two people destined to meet but not fated to stay together. Natasha and her family are only hours away from getting deported back to Jamaica. Years ago, her father went to America to chase his dream of being a broadway actor and with the promise of better life, Natasha and her mother followed. The only problem is, they are undocumented. Now Natasha is spending her last day in America trying to get help from USCIS so they can stay. Daniel, on the other hand, is a Korean-American boy whose life is already planned out. His parents immigrated to America to take their chance and now they have a successful business there. Always been a good boy, Daniel is also ready to follow his parents' dream of him becoming a doctor. He's supposed to have an interview to get to Yale but one unexpected meeting has changed everything.

I really enjoyed The Sun Is Also A Star because it's beautifully written and the characters are well-developed. I love how Natasha and Daniel's meeting changes a lot of things; their perspective, feelings and a lot others, and by the end of the book you can't help but feel overwhelmed by how things turned out. I also think that this book is more than just a boy meets girl because despite being somewhat light, it deals with some heavy issues.

There are also back stories to some secondary characters and some random people Natasha and Daniel meet and I think they make the story more compelling. I also admit that I was a bit disappointed with the insta-love (at the beginning) but at the latter part, Natasha and Daniel make me feel like it's okay to fall in love with a person you just met. Maybe it's destiny or the stars or the universe intervening but I do believe in that, too. I believe that when fate decides that you're going to fall in love with this person, then you will.

“Human beings are not reasonable creatures. Instead of being ruled by logic, we are ruled by emotions. The world would be a happier place if the opposite were true, For example, based on a simple phone call, I have begun to hope for a miracle. I don't even believe in God.”

Natasha believes in science, in numbers, in things provable. She doesn't believe in things she cannot see and prove. That's why when Daniel tells her he's falling in love with her, she thinks it's a joke. Daniel is a dreamer. He believes in the stars, in the forces in the universe and he believes in the power of words. He's a poet. That's why the first time (or maybe the second time) he sees Natasha, he knew he's going to fall in love with her. And he did.

This books is more that just a story. It tells us things about families, life, love and life's mishaps. It's beautiful in a way that Natasha and Daniel have learned that sometimes, it will only take you one day  to figure out your whole life. One day and your life can change. One day and Natasha and Daniel have found love, new dreams, gotten their heart broken and in that one day they also learned how to live their life.

“We are capable of big lives. A big history. Why settle? Why choose the practical thing, the mundane thing? We are born to dream and make the things we dream about.”

Gahd, this book is just wonderful. If you love stories about destiny, fate and chances and how they can change things in your life, you should definitely read this book!

Book: Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer

★★★★★/★★★★★

“I knew they would kill me when they found out, but…” He struggled for words, releasing a sharp breath. “I think I realized that I would rather die because I betrayed them, than live because I betrayed you.”

I finished this book a couple of months ago but wasn't able to write a proper review until now. After loving Cinder, I decided to dive into Scarlet's world, the next installment in The Lunar Chronicles series. And I tell you guys, I'm loving this series more and more!!

Goodreads Blurb:
Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She’s trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she’ll be the Commonwealth’s most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit’s grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn’t know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother’s whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

***
First of all I want to say that Oh. My. God. this book is brilliant and I. Love. It!! I enjoyed Cinder but I definitely loved this one! There are new characters in this book and I really didn't expect that Cinder and Scarlet's story will be told at the same time. I think Marissa Meyer did a good job weaving their stories together. And Scarlet with Wolf is my favorite of all! I'm not a fan of insta-love but I'll make an exception because I did enjoy the time Scarlet and Wolf spent together. They faced a lot of danger and I think that connection they have just strengthen the feelings they have for each other.

“Wolf.” Her tongue was parched. She tires to wet her dry lips and tasted blood. “What have they done to you?”

“You.” The word was spat out at her, full of hatred. “What have you done to me?”

I still love Cinder because she's still a kick-ass heroine but Scarlet is a different type of kick-ass. She's brave and strong-willed, determined to find her grandmother. When Wolf shows up, I knew where their story will end but I love it anyway. And Thorne, oh my god Thorne!! He's my favorite ever. He's adorable and witty, never failed to make me smile/laugh everytime. I also love it whenever he and Cinder banter with each other.

A relieve grin filled up Thorne's face. “We're having another moment, aren't we?”

“If by moment, you mean me not wanting to strangle you for the first time since we met, then I guess we are.” Cinder slumped back on the floor.

As much as I want to tell you everything about this book,. I don't have time. I'm writing this in a computer shop (my computer broke down again!!!) and I need to go soon. But overall I enjoyed this book (more than the first) with all the plot twists and other surprises. Cinder's fight with Queen Levana are getting more and more interesting now that things are unraveling. I actually just finished Cress (the third book) last week and now I can say that this is my new favorite series. I think it couldn't get any better!