Series Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Series: Shatter Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Books: Shatter Me, Unravel Me, Ignite Me
Series Rating: 4.75/5 stars- fangirling is appropriate for every page

Book #1's rating: 4.5/5 stars- beaaaautifuulll writing
Book #2's rating: 4.5/5 stars- TEAM WARNER WOOOOOO
Book #3's rating: 5/5 stars- the heavens are singing to me about the perfection of this

Synopsis of Shatter Me (as found on Goodreads):

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

Review:

FANGIRL REACTION (Yeah I'm not wasting any time on this)
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Shatter Me: THE WRITING. Excited!
*also met Tahereh Mafi after that one so DOUBLE YAY

Unravel Me:
WARNER JUST RAN AWAY WITH THIS THING. I THINK IT'S MY HEART. HOW DID THIS HAPPEN.

Ignite Me: I CAN'T HOW AM I LIVING WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TAHEREH WHY ARE GIVING US MORE REASONS TO LOVE HIM WHY DO YOU PUT THIS AGONY ON US WHY ARE YOU AMAZING HOW DO YOU WRITE THESE LINES HOW.
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Yeah. So my parents joked about calling the asylum because of the noises I was making reading Ignite Me.

I'M SANE OK

ok ok so first

This series is so beautifully written. I don't know what it is about Tahereh Mafi's writing, but something about it absolutely enraptures you; you can't let it go. She has these descriptions that are OUT OF THIS WORLD. They capture what you feel so perfect; sometimes it's a feeling you didn't even realize that could be put down in words. That can be even possibly be so beautifully describe. It's a magnificent breath of air.

Honestly, it's what really keeps me going on this series.

If you read the series for what it is... I would've given up if it wasn't for the writing.

BUT NO NO LISTEN IT'S ALL OK

Shatter Me brings an interesting premise to the story, a lot of questions, and some... interesting characters. I was upset that Juliette seem so... weak. The romance seemed. Cliche. Not seemed it WAS. It wasn't bad. A lot made up for it.

Unravel Me... it  almost further enraged me to know the extend of Juliette's POSSIBLE bad-assery YET she didn't embrace it because... yeah.


BUT THEN WARNER APPEARED AND SOMEHOW TWISTED EVERYTHING AROUND AND SOMEHOW MADE ME LIKE HIM AND WHAT WAIT WHY ARE YOU CARRYING AWAY MY HEART

THEN.

Ignite Me WAS THE BOMB.
IT WAS EVERYTHING I EVER HOPED FOR.

The romance was EPIC. AMAZING. FANGIRL WORTHY. BREATHLESS.
The characters kicked in and I was. Oh. Oh.
AND JULIETTE WAS BAD. ASS. LIKE. INVINCIBLE.
It was an amazing moment of plot twist and character growth and it was like explaining to me

"no no trust me I made you mad for a reason so I can take your frustration now and throw it in the air and like explode it into this pretty firework and it's all amazing and gorgeous now wait was your heart in that firework"

...
So yeah.

I'm still in disbelief that this happened. That it ended... leaving me with no dissatisfaction? Am I just dreaming that something so perfect was written?

Guest Post: A Solitary Cameo of Carmen's Friend

So my friend decided she wanted to write a review. I didn't edit anything out so... have fun? She has the most amazing sarcasm so... (and is a better English writer too...) You might see her again. If she ever wants to post again. I'll link her Goodreads riiiight HERE.

*Shatter Me series review coming! BE EXCITED :D
*P.S. Much thanks to Summer, my friend for the post title :D

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Book: Croak (Croak, #1)

Author: Gina Damico (self-proclaimed curator of terrible art and master of all things pointless)

Nominations/Awards: Nominated for YALSA’s 2013 Teens’ Top Ten

Cover Love: Eh. Meh. Neh. 3/10. Cool scythe.

Rating: 5/5 stars

Impression: Percy Jackson+City of Bones+Soul Screamers

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Fed up with her wild behavior, sixteen-year-old Lex's parents ship her off to upstate New York to live with her Uncle Mort for the summer, hoping that a few months of dirty farm work will whip her back into shape.

But Uncle Mort's true occupation is much dirtier than shoveling manure. He's a Grim Reaper. And he's going to teach Lex the family business.

She quickly assimilates into the peculiar world of Croak, a town populated by reapers who deliver souls from this life to the next. But Lex can't stop her desire for justice - or is it vengeance? - whenever she encounters a murder victim, craving to stop the attackers before they can strike again.

Will she ditch Croak and go rogue with her reaper skills?

Review:

I came across this gem completely by chance when I popped into this used bookstore (Book-Off) that I like to swing by whenever I’m in Honolulu. They have great prices, great books, and play great J-pop music. Now, what caught my eye was the spine-it’s holographic. Holographic. So, like that one klepto kid who just can’t resist snatching the shiny things, I was compelled to pick up Croak. And let me tell you, I was glad I did.

The plot is incredibly original. I’ve read quite a bit of YA, and I haven’t come across anything this original, captivating, or creative in a long time. The premise is interesting enough, promising a book that deals with grim reapers, a niche in YA lit that isn’t yet full to bursting, unlike some other genres I could mention*coughcoughVAMPIRES,WEREWOLVES,ANGELScough.* Sorry. Just had some CONTEMPT stuck in my throat, there. Anyways, back to the plot.

For the first 14 years of her life, Lex has been the quintessential good kid. Perfect grades, great attitude, respectful...you know, the kind of kid who would never dream of going around poking people with a stabby thing. But hey, fate’s a bitch, right? Overnight, Lex turns into an uncontrollable deviant and, long story short, is shipped off to live with her Uncle Mort (haha) over in Hicksville. BUT! Turns out it’s not a town of populated by potato farmers-it’s a ton of soul collectors.

The town of Croak will absolutely charm you, with its warm veneer of being just another hard working town hiding any discrepancies that become apparent upon closer inspection. Like how the residents are perpetually garbed in black. Like how the mayor is…unconventional, to say the least. Like how the “bank” actually harbors a portal to the Afterlife, where Albert Einstein and the presidents reside in all their sassy, immature glory. Croak does contain a (slightly predictable) murder mystery that adds suspense, but the main pull is the novel’s wacky characters.

Our protagonist, Lex, is just delightful. A snarky, intelligent character who can kick some serious ass, she’s all bark and all bite. She takes to Killing like a bookworm to John Green-with excitement, fervor, and pure joy. A truly multifaceted character, it’s interesting to witness her constant struggle to consolidate a strong love for her new reaper lifestyle with an equally strong yearning for her old life. Lex has a remarkable talent for Killing, and with that comes a compulsion to administer her own brand of vigilante justice. Her character is flawed, but her violent, darker side is alleviated by a humorous personality. In my opinion, qualities that make her all the more relatable and likable.

As for the romance, Lex’s partner, Driggs, is everybody’s favorite heterochromic Culler. There’s no insta-love, no hot-cold personality, and no love triangle fuckery. The relationship develops at a realistic pace, giving us a chance to witness their bickering and adorkable awkwardness. Too. Cute.

Overall, though a bit cheesy, Croak is undeniably a good time. A hilarious, well-executed, and surprisingly dark coming-of-age story in which our protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery, first love, and finding the place and people she truly belongs with. A spunky book full of laughs and quirky characters, it’s the perfect read for a day when you’re just fed up with all the unoriginality in YA lit.

Review by: Summer (Carmen’s weird, Wasian friend)

Series Review: Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Series: Article 5
Author: Kristen Simmons
Books: Article 5, Breaking Point, Three
Series' Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Book 1's rating: 4/5 stars- a dystopian rave from the early days that may have been misjudged
Book 2's rating: 3/5 stars- the story is exciting but not so much the characters
Book 3's rating: 3.75/5 stars- why can't Delirium have a clean ending like this

*I received an ARC of Three through a Goodreads giveaway. This has in no way affected my judgement of the series. Thanks to the hosts of the giveaway!

Review:

HEY GUYS I'M SORRY I FAILED TO BLOG AGAIN. So much for my new year's resolution to blog more.

I read Article 5 when the dystopian rage was INSANE. I was heads over heels for the genre at the time, I swore it could do no wrong. As I look back now, I definitely wouldn't have enjoyed Article 5 as much as I did back then if I read it now.

Picking up Breaking Point after it came out was strange. I felt like a part of me had enough of the dystopian genre- I've found tons of other more original dystopian stories that this series no longer held my attention. Also, I seemed to have forgotten a little bit of what had happened in the first book, which is NEVER a good sign with me- I rarely forget what happens in books, and if I forget it, it means the book was forgettable.

However, I got the ARC for Three and I was like: OK DO THIS. So I got my hands on Breaking Point again and pressed on, and actually it wasn't any kind of suffering. I wasn't moaning in pain, but I wasn't super excited either. I was enjoying the action, the fun kind of twists and stuff, but I was completely indifferent about the characters.

Three on the other hand, bumped up the action, which I didn't even think was possible, and I did care for some of the characters, but sadly it was not the main characters.

I'm not going to do a fangirl reaction... because there wasn't really any.

The problem with Article 5 is that it just has a sucky release time. It came out competing with all the other dystopians at the time, and Article 5 was a very classic dystopian story with really nothing new or a fun twist- but it was good at being what it was. However, it paled in comparison to other dystopian stories.

I would say that Article 5 is a classic dystopian series that could be good for first timers to dystopian genre to see how much they really enjoy the genre, and see if they should move on the more complex and unique premises. Otherwise, personally I don't think you're missing much from not reading this series.

February 2014

Monthly Wish List for this month and what I've read and seen this past month.

*OMG GUYS WHY HAVE JANUARY AND FEBRUARY HAVE/HAD SO MANY GOOD BOOKS OUT THEY'RE LIKE TEMPTING ME TO BE BROKE

Book List: 
*synopses may be spoilery if you have not read the previous books in the series. All synopses were found on Goodreads.

Book: Cress (Book #3 in the Lunar Chronicles)
Author: Marissa Meyer
Synopsis:

Rapunzel’s tower is a satellite. She can’t let down her hair—or her guard.

In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army. 

Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker—unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice. 

When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.

Note from Carmen: I NEED THIS. I HAVE BEEN DEPRIVED OF THIS FOR TOO LONG.

Book: Lady Thief (Book #2 in the Scarlett trilogy)
Author: A. C. Gaughen
Synopsis:

Scarlet’s true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood. But Prince John has different plans for Nottingham that revolve around a fateful secret from Scarlet’s past even she isn’t yet aware of. Forced to participate at court alongside her ruthless husband, Scarlet must bide her time and act the part of a noblewoman—a worthy sacrifice if it means helping Robin’s cause and a chance at a future with the man she loves. With a fresh line of intrigue and as much passion as ever, the next chapter in Scarlet’s tale will have readers talking once again.

Book: Ignite Me (Book #3 in the Shatter Me trilogy)
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Synopsis:

The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, bestselling author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, called "a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love"

Juliette now knows she may be the only one who can stop the Reestablishment. But to take them down, she'll need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew-about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam-was wrong.

In Shatter Me, Tahereh Mafi created a captivating and original story that combined the best of dystopian and paranormal and was praised by Publishers Weekly as "a gripping read from an author who's not afraid to take risks." The sequel, Unravel Me, blew readers away with heart-racing twists and turns, and New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia said it was "dangerous, sexy, romantic, and intense." Now this final book brings the series to a shocking and climactic end.

Note from Carmen: OMG MORE ENDINGS WHY WARNER BETTER LIVE AND STUFF

Book: Alienated (Book #1 in the Alienated series)
Author: Melissa Landers
Synopsis:

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them. 

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class. 
Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

Note from Carmen: Would someone like to buy me this book? :D  (you know you want to)

Book: Fates (Book #1 in the Fates series)
Author: Lanie Bross
Synopsis:

Lanie Bross's debut FATES is perfect for fans of Jennifer Armentrout, Julie Kagawa, Rachel Vincent, and Sarah J. Maas, and for girls who love all things pretty, romantic and inspirational.
One moment. One foolish desire. One mistake. And Corinthe lost everything.
She fell from her tranquil life in Pyralis Terra and found herself exiled to the human world. Her punishment? To make sure people's fates unfold according to plan. Now, years later, Corinthe has one last assignment: kill Lucas Kaller. His death will be her ticket home.
But for the first time, Corinthe feels a tingle of doubt. It begins as a lump in her throat, then grows toward her heart, and suddenly she feels like she is falling all over again--this time for a boy she knows she can never have. Because it is written: one of them must live, and one of them must die. In a universe where every moment, every second, every fate has already been decided, where does love fit in?

Note from Carmen: I LOVE PRTTY ROMANTIC INSPIRATION THINGS. I also love almost every single one of those authors. GIMME.

Book: All That Glows
Author: Ryan Graudin
Synopsis:

Emrys—a fiery, red-headed Fae—always embraced her life in the Highlands, far from the city’s draining technology, until she’s sent to London to rejoin the Faery Guard. But this isn’t any normal assignment—she’s sent to guard Prince Richard: Britain’s notorious, partying bad boy and soon-to-be King. The prince’s careless ways and royal blood make him the irresistible for the dark spirits that feed on mortals. Sweet, disheveled, and alive with adventure—Richard is one charge who will put Emrys’s magic and heart to the test.

When an ancient force begins preying on the monarchy, Emrys must hunt through the London’s magical underworld, facing down Banshees, Black Dogs and Green Women to find the one who threatens Richard’s life. In this chaos of dark magic, palace murders and paparazzi, Emrys finds herself facing an impossible choice. For despite all her powers, Emrys has discovered a force that burns brighter than magic: love.

Book: Landry Park
Author: Bethany Hagen
Synopsis:

Downton Abbey meets The Selection in this dystopian tale of love and betrayal

In a fragmented future United States ruled by the lavish gentry, seventeen-year-old Madeline Landry dreams of going to the university. Unfortunately, gentry decorum and her domineering father won't allow that. Madeline must marry, like a good Landry woman, and run the family estate. But her world is turned upside down when she discovers the devastating consequences her lifestyle is having on those less fortunate. As Madeline begins to question everything she has ever learned, she finds herself increasingly drawn to handsome, beguiling David Dana. Soon, rumors of war and rebellion start to spread, and Madeline finds herself and David at the center of it all. Ultimately, she must make a choice between duty - her family and the estate she loves dearly - and desire.

Book: Better Off Friends
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
Synopsis:

For Macallan and Levi, it was friends at first sight. Everyone says guys and girls can’t be just friends, but these two are. They hang out after school, share tons of inside jokes, their families are super close, and Levi even starts dating one of Macallan’s friends. They are platonic and happy that way.

Eventually they realize they’re best friends — which wouldn’t be so bad if they didn’t keep getting in each other’s way. Guys won’t ask Macallan out because they think she’s with Levi, and Levi spends too much time joking around with Macallan, and maybe not enough time with his date. They can’t help but wonder . . . are they more than friends or are they better off without making it even more complicated?

From romantic comedy superstar Elizabeth Eulberg comes a fresh, fun examination of a question for the ages: Can guys and girls ever really be just friends? Or are they always one fight away from not speaking again — and one kiss away from true love?

Note from Carmen: There is some serious cover love going on right now.

Book: Killer Frost (Book #6 of the Mythos Academy series)
Author: Jennifer Estep
Synopsis:

I’ve battled the Reapers of Chaos before–and survived. But this time I have a Bad, Bad Feeling it’s going to be a fight to the death … most likely mine.

Yeah, I’ve got my psychometry magic, my talking sword, Vic–and even the most dangerous Spartan on campus at my side, in Logan freaking Quinn, but I’m no match for Loki, the evil Norse god of chaos. I may be Nike’s Champion, but at heart, I’m still just Gwen Frost, that weird Gypsy girl everyone at school loves to gossip about.

Then someone I love is put in more danger than ever before, and something inside me snaps. This time, Loki and his Reapers are going down for good … or I am.

Note from Carmen: It's the finale. I'm scared. SOME PEOPLE SAY IT'S BITTERSWEET WHAT
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January Obsessions

Other Stuff
NOT FLAPPY BIRD
Food videos on Youtube
Sleep

Stuff I Read/Saw but I Didn't Review in January
Skylark (Book #1 in the Skylark trilogy)
Over You
Every Day
The Iron Traitor (Book #2 in The Iron Fey: The Call of the Forgotten trilogy)
Never Fade (Book #2 in The Darkest Minds trilogy)
Breaking Point (Book #2 in the Article 5 trilogy)