Review: Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush #1)

Hush, Hush

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Summary:

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen-- and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Published 13 October 2009

*

Well, I used to eat this kind of books up! However, the concept of fallen angels, which seemed so mysterious & alluring at first, has just lost its shine lately. Too many books have been about Fallen Angels. Take "Halo" & "Fallen" for instance. (Their reviews are coming soon!)

Much to my disappointment, HH proved to be a confusing read and a schizophrenia. The main character, Nora, insanely jumps to conclusions, so much that I was getting really frustrated. 

However, with all due respect to Fitzpatrick, Patch was a extraordinarily well-crafted character, unfortunately marred by Nora's insecurity, impulsiveness and obstinacy. He is intriguing, a perfect bad boy and an enigma that has just enough secrets to pique my curiosity. Whether he redeems himself in the end was a line that I followed faithfully throughout the whole book. 

All thanks to an amazing Patch, HH was propelled from a low 3 to a 4.

For the uninitiated, if you are looking for an action-packed but tickling read revolving around foreign angels that have a captivating presence, pick it up!

Source: Purchased

xoxo,

Sel

Review: Flawless

Flawless

Author: Lara Chapman

Summary:

Sarah Burke is just about perfect. She's got killer blue eyes, gorgeous blond hair, and impeccable grades. There's just one tiny-all right, enormous-flaw: her nose. But even that's not so bad. Sarah's got the best best friend and big goals for print journalism fame.

On the first day of senior year, Rock Conway walks into her journalism class and, well, rocks her world. Problem is, her best friend, Kristen, falls for him too. And when Rock and Kristen stand together, it's like Barbie and Ken come to life. So when Kristen begs Sarah to help her nab Rock, Sarah does the only thing a best friend can do-she agrees. For someone so smart, what was she thinking? 

Published 10 May 2011


*

This book is in no ways a boring teenage flick.

Of course, it helps that it is a hip retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac, which has a film version that appeals to me!

Flawless is filled with hilariously misguided matchmaking, sweet romance, and a gentle reminder that we should all embrace our flaws.

Sweet & fast-paced, it brings me into the mind of a teenage girl facing the same problems as me!

If you are below 15, pick it up!

Source: PDF

xoxo,
Sel

Review: Firelight



Firelight

Author: Sophie Jordan

Summary:  

A hidden truth.

Mortal enemies.

Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Published 7 September 2010

*

To be frank, I wasn't so keen on this book at first. After all, I hate tragedies, and doomed love seems to say it all. But wait! Will & Jacinda's romance is far from heart-wrenching & teary--

It's simply breathtaking!

How ancient creatures cross paths with modern day high school; how Will (draki hunter) falls in love with the girl whom he had once saved in draki form; how the draki clan heir keeps his eyes on our heroine...

Need I spell it out?

This is a must-read!

I heart Will! He is no tortured Edward Cullen, who goes "I am attracted to you-I'm dangerous-stay away-it's for your own good". Instead, Will fights to be with Jacinda in front of the whole school, finally stealing her heart and mine!

Ooh, but what about the heir to the draki clan. Fear not, there is no love triangle. The book keeps its momentum and appeal simply with Will and Jacinda, a couple exploring the boundaries of their heritage.

Sophie Jordan does not let us off lightly though, she keeps us leaning forward on our seats by ending the novel with a cliffhanger. Jacinda is forced to flee into the mortal world when she breaks her clan's most sacred tenet, and now, she has gone against her clan's most sacred vows again, by turning into a draki right in front of Will's family. NOTE: they are draki hunters.

Inevitably, she has to leave her new life outside of the clan and go back to where she came from.

And, yes, the book ends here, which is really cruel! What of Will and Jacinda? Don't worry, the sequel is out. Look out for Vanish.

Stay tuned!

Source: Under the lamplight, from the library

xoxo,
Sel

Review: Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side

Author: Beth Fantaskey




Summary:

The undead can really screw up your senior year...

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction.


Published 1 February 2009

*

This book completely surprised me, a refreshing read from other YA Vampire books that always sing the same song.

Lucius may be ridiculously beautiful, but he does not fall in love straight with Jessica. Their love is one of the most believable ones I have ever encountered in books, without the typical love-at-first-sight. Instead, Lucius starts off with courting her half-heartedly with Jessica brushing him off.

However, Lucius decides to give up upon seeing Jessica with Jake, a boy he dubbs as a "peasant". And bringing a smile to my lips, Jessica finally finds herself experiencing jealousy when seeing Lucius with a cheerleader.

The story integrates into our world perfectly and genuinely, so much that I almost believe that vampires do exist.

If you are looking for a believable romance, pick it up today!

Source: PDF (ask me if you want it: that refers to you, Wu You... because you are my first reader! T^T)

xoxo,
Sel