Zodiac By Romania Russell
Goodreads Synopsis:
Rhoma Grace is a 16-year-old student from House Cancer with an unusual way of reading the stars. While her classmates use measurements to make accurate astrological predictions, Rho can’t solve for ‘x’ to save her life—so instead, she looks up at the night sky and makes up stories.
When a violent blast strikes the moons of Cancer, sending its ocean planet off-kilter and killing thousands of citizens—including its beloved Guardian—Rho is more surprised than anyone when she is named the House’s new leader. But, a true Cancerian who loves her home fiercely and will protect her people no matter what, Rho accepts.
Then, when more Houses fall victim to freak weather catastrophes, Rho starts seeing a pattern in the stars. She suspects Ophiuchus—the exiled 13th Guardian of Zodiac legend—has returned to exact his revenge across the Galaxy. Now Rho—along with Hysan Dax, a young envoy from House Libra, and Mathias, her guide and a member of her Royal Guard—must travel through the Zodiac to warn the other Guardians.
But who will believe anything this young novice says? Whom can Rho trust in a universe defined by differences? And how can she convince twelve worlds to unite as one Zodiac?
My review:
OKAY *Takes deep breath* here we go *sniff*
I always found horoscopes, astrology and similar stuff interesting but I never really get a chance to read much about it, therefore I'm utmost excited when I heard about this book before BEA which I never get a chance to go cries anyway it was in my MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF 2014 I was dying to read this I even set up a count down to the day it release.
Note to future self
Do not hold high expectations with books, sometimes it will end up disappointing you like hell
IT WAS SO SAD WHEN I HAD TO DNF THIS BOOK IN 67%
I I THOUGHT I COULD MAKE IT THROUGH I REALLY REALLY DID
IT WAS ONLY 33% TO GO AND I CANNOT MAKE IT
I'M SO SHAMED OF MYSELF
This book is about a girl name Rhoma Grace who's a sixteen year old from the the "house cancer"
. Our lovely Rho is unique, special, one of a kind looks at the stars to make up stories bla bla bla. One day a typical situations occur- her house being attacked. DUN DUN DUN But, a true Cancerian who loves her home fiercely and will protect her people no matter what, Rho accepts.
*Slow claps* INTERESTING RIGHT (no sarcasm intended)
Okay I'll start of with the ONE thing I remembered why I like about this book; the world building. Using the astrology we already know the author added a lot of different and interesting elements, which made this book captivating and new to read about.
OKAY NOW THE THINGS I DID NOT ENJOY IN THIS BOOK
The writing style was difficult for me to adapted, for some reasons I just did not like it maybe because the author used present tense? Anyway is really not her problem. But I do know one thing I CANCERIOUSLY HATE THE TERMINOLOGIES I guess is just a personal thing, okay so every house there's a guardian the keeper of the house? something like that. And they're called holy mother . REALLY???
I'm not one to often use examples from the book but god IT'S SO WEIRD AND ANNOYING
"We're running out of familiar faces. I'm only asking for your help. And... if you can spare your friendship."
He bows. "As you wish, Holy M-"
"What I wish," I said loudly, before he can finish, "Is that you use my name. Rho." If Mathias ever call me mother, I will die.
Now perfect example why I hated the terminology in this book, aha and it's not only me who doesn't like it even our darling Rho doesn't like it. Another reason why I DNF this book is that the plot was just pure boring, it seems like nothing really happens. I could deal with weird terminology and not so great writing style (In my perspective) but I just could not stand a sic-fi novel that nothing really has happen in the freaking 60% of the book.
Speaking of our darling Rho, I did not like any of the other character either JUST ANYONE name it and I'll tell you I hate them. Rho our protagonist is special AHAHA TO ME she's just another annoying, brainless and stupid protagonist to me. Note to authors, stubborn female leads are so last year okay that was a bit harsh, but really no one like stubborn and stupid and reckless female protagonist who thinks they are so mighty. One thing about Rho is that she wanted to save the entire universe *claps* here's the thing don't dream big until you accomplish small, she can't even save her own house how the hell is she going to she save the universe galaxy "sighs". She's not brave people, she's stupid. I'm sorry but I just did not like Rho at all in fact I hated her. Hmm, as the holy mother did she do anything productive? I guess she did but I must have missed it because I was falling asleep and wasn't paying attention.
OH HERE WE GO Rho's other two love interest, ahaha both of them are so boring I'm just going to skip them. But I am going to talk about the crappy romance. Okay normally I don't mind love triangles, I'm not one to hate it if appropriately used and severed a purpose. BUT IN THIS BOOK I know I have no right to judge, but there is really no use of another shitty love triangle. The beauty in YA sci-fi or fantasy novels is that the romance is not like typical NA novels. The romance feels real and it connects with the readers emotions. BUT NO I ONLY FELT EMPTINESS AND BORINGNESS. The romance in this novel is extremely forced, sometimes I think there is no immediate need of romance in the beginning of the page, it could be slowly developed in.
Anyhow I'm pretty disappointed with this book, I really did want to like this book, the author herself is a really nice person :) I really hope the second one will be better then this one :D
Recommend to people who
- Who wants to try something new
- Who wants awesome world building
Official Ratings 2.3/5 Stars
Goodreads Synopsis:
Rhoma Grace is a 16-year-old student from House Cancer with an unusual way of reading the stars. While her classmates use measurements to make accurate astrological predictions, Rho can’t solve for ‘x’ to save her life—so instead, she looks up at the night sky and makes up stories.
When a violent blast strikes the moons of Cancer, sending its ocean planet off-kilter and killing thousands of citizens—including its beloved Guardian—Rho is more surprised than anyone when she is named the House’s new leader. But, a true Cancerian who loves her home fiercely and will protect her people no matter what, Rho accepts.
Then, when more Houses fall victim to freak weather catastrophes, Rho starts seeing a pattern in the stars. She suspects Ophiuchus—the exiled 13th Guardian of Zodiac legend—has returned to exact his revenge across the Galaxy. Now Rho—along with Hysan Dax, a young envoy from House Libra, and Mathias, her guide and a member of her Royal Guard—must travel through the Zodiac to warn the other Guardians.
But who will believe anything this young novice says? Whom can Rho trust in a universe defined by differences? And how can she convince twelve worlds to unite as one Zodiac?
My review:
OKAY *Takes deep breath* here we go *sniff*
I always found horoscopes, astrology and similar stuff interesting but I never really get a chance to read much about it, therefore I'm utmost excited when I heard about this book before BEA which I never get a chance to go cries anyway it was in my MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF 2014 I was dying to read this I even set up a count down to the day it release.
Note to future self
Do not hold high expectations with books, sometimes it will end up disappointing you like hell
IT WAS SO SAD WHEN I HAD TO DNF THIS BOOK IN 67%
I I THOUGHT I COULD MAKE IT THROUGH I REALLY REALLY DID
IT WAS ONLY 33% TO GO AND I CANNOT MAKE IT
I'M SO SHAMED OF MYSELF
This book is about a girl name Rhoma Grace who's a sixteen year old from the the "house cancer"
. Our lovely Rho is unique, special, one of a kind looks at the stars to make up stories bla bla bla. One day a typical situations occur- her house being attacked. DUN DUN DUN But, a true Cancerian who loves her home fiercely and will protect her people no matter what, Rho accepts.
*Slow claps* INTERESTING RIGHT (no sarcasm intended)
Okay I'll start of with the ONE thing I remembered why I like about this book; the world building. Using the astrology we already know the author added a lot of different and interesting elements, which made this book captivating and new to read about.
OKAY NOW THE THINGS I DID NOT ENJOY IN THIS BOOK
The writing style was difficult for me to adapted, for some reasons I just did not like it maybe because the author used present tense? Anyway is really not her problem. But I do know one thing I CANCERIOUSLY HATE THE TERMINOLOGIES I guess is just a personal thing, okay so every house there's a guardian the keeper of the house? something like that. And they're called holy mother . REALLY???
I'm not one to often use examples from the book but god IT'S SO WEIRD AND ANNOYING
"We're running out of familiar faces. I'm only asking for your help. And... if you can spare your friendship."
He bows. "As you wish, Holy M-"
"What I wish," I said loudly, before he can finish, "Is that you use my name. Rho." If Mathias ever call me mother, I will die.
Now perfect example why I hated the terminology in this book, aha and it's not only me who doesn't like it even our darling Rho doesn't like it. Another reason why I DNF this book is that the plot was just pure boring, it seems like nothing really happens. I could deal with weird terminology and not so great writing style (In my perspective) but I just could not stand a sic-fi novel that nothing really has happen in the freaking 60% of the book.
Speaking of our darling Rho, I did not like any of the other character either JUST ANYONE name it and I'll tell you I hate them. Rho our protagonist is special AHAHA TO ME she's just another annoying, brainless and stupid protagonist to me. Note to authors, stubborn female leads are so last year okay that was a bit harsh, but really no one like stubborn and stupid and reckless female protagonist who thinks they are so mighty. One thing about Rho is that she wanted to save the entire universe *claps* here's the thing don't dream big until you accomplish small, she can't even save her own house how the hell is she going to she save the universe galaxy "sighs". She's not brave people, she's stupid. I'm sorry but I just did not like Rho at all in fact I hated her. Hmm, as the holy mother did she do anything productive? I guess she did but I must have missed it because I was falling asleep and wasn't paying attention.
OH HERE WE GO Rho's other two love interest, ahaha both of them are so boring I'm just going to skip them. But I am going to talk about the crappy romance. Okay normally I don't mind love triangles, I'm not one to hate it if appropriately used and severed a purpose. BUT IN THIS BOOK I know I have no right to judge, but there is really no use of another shitty love triangle. The beauty in YA sci-fi or fantasy novels is that the romance is not like typical NA novels. The romance feels real and it connects with the readers emotions. BUT NO I ONLY FELT EMPTINESS AND BORINGNESS. The romance in this novel is extremely forced, sometimes I think there is no immediate need of romance in the beginning of the page, it could be slowly developed in.
Anyhow I'm pretty disappointed with this book, I really did want to like this book, the author herself is a really nice person :) I really hope the second one will be better then this one :D
Recommend to people who
- Who wants to try something new
- Who wants awesome world building
Official Ratings 2.3/5 Stars
Melt By Selene Castrovilla
Goodreads Synopsis:
MELT is a brutal love story set against the metaphorical backdrop of The Wizard of Oz (not a retelling). When sixteen year old Dorothy moves to the small town of Highland Park, she meets, and falls for Joey – a “bad boy” who tells no one about the catastrophic domestic violence he witnesses at home. Can these two lovers survive peer pressure, Joey’s reputation, and his alcoholism?
Told in dual first person, Joey’s words are scattered on the page – reflecting his broken state. Dorothy is the voice of reason – until something so shattering happens that she, too, may lose her grip. Can their love endure, or will it melt away?
My review:
Thank you net galley for sending me this arc in exchange of an honest review
DNF: 29%
Melt is divided in to two perspective, a guy name Joey and a girl name Dorothy however this is not a retelling of the wizard of oz, just a backdrop love story between them. The chapters that are set in Joey perspective are verses and Dorothy's are in normal writing style.
I find it hard to adjust to the writing style. I'm not saying that the writing style is bad or anything. It's actually pretty good and decent, but I personally don't enjoy reading poetry if it's going to be 100+ pages long. As I mention the book is in stanzas in a few chapters and normal writing in another, which I think the author did a great job on contrasting the two characters showing their differences, however I still think it would be better if it's just either.
"To his eyes then, to his smoky-grey eyes which stared back at me. He had the look of an animal caught in a trap. It was like he has caged inside that beautiful body, like he was asking me to carve deeper to set his should free"
Ahh the author is extremely metaphorical which makes her writing style another reason why it is so beautiful, It makes me feel bad for not liking it :(
Oh and one thing I DO NOT ENJOY INSTA LOVE in fact I despite it. Makes me think of Romeo and Juliet, I mean I just don't believe in love in first sight but lust in first sight. So thats another reason I did not really enjoy the book as I find it extremely fake and unrealistic.
Recommend to people
- Who likes poetry or quotes that are remarkable
- Dark romances
Official Ratings 2.2/5 Stars
Goodreads Synopsis:
MELT is a brutal love story set against the metaphorical backdrop of The Wizard of Oz (not a retelling). When sixteen year old Dorothy moves to the small town of Highland Park, she meets, and falls for Joey – a “bad boy” who tells no one about the catastrophic domestic violence he witnesses at home. Can these two lovers survive peer pressure, Joey’s reputation, and his alcoholism?
Told in dual first person, Joey’s words are scattered on the page – reflecting his broken state. Dorothy is the voice of reason – until something so shattering happens that she, too, may lose her grip. Can their love endure, or will it melt away?
My review:
Thank you net galley for sending me this arc in exchange of an honest review
DNF: 29%
Melt is divided in to two perspective, a guy name Joey and a girl name Dorothy however this is not a retelling of the wizard of oz, just a backdrop love story between them. The chapters that are set in Joey perspective are verses and Dorothy's are in normal writing style.
I find it hard to adjust to the writing style. I'm not saying that the writing style is bad or anything. It's actually pretty good and decent, but I personally don't enjoy reading poetry if it's going to be 100+ pages long. As I mention the book is in stanzas in a few chapters and normal writing in another, which I think the author did a great job on contrasting the two characters showing their differences, however I still think it would be better if it's just either.
"To his eyes then, to his smoky-grey eyes which stared back at me. He had the look of an animal caught in a trap. It was like he has caged inside that beautiful body, like he was asking me to carve deeper to set his should free"
Ahh the author is extremely metaphorical which makes her writing style another reason why it is so beautiful, It makes me feel bad for not liking it :(
Oh and one thing I DO NOT ENJOY INSTA LOVE in fact I despite it. Makes me think of Romeo and Juliet, I mean I just don't believe in love in first sight but lust in first sight. So thats another reason I did not really enjoy the book as I find it extremely fake and unrealistic.
Recommend to people
- Who likes poetry or quotes that are remarkable
- Dark romances
Official Ratings 2.2/5 Stars
A Thousand Pieces of You By Claudia Grey
#Coverlust
Ahh I have no idea what I think about this book, It took me a few days to finish it (usually it takes me around 2 days to finish a book). It wasn't because it was slow nor because I hated it, I actually enjoyed it but I'm not sure do I like it? I hope that makes sense, my feelings for this book does not make sense at all.
I'll start with what I enjoyed about this book, first thing I really like the concept about this book the fact that is set in different "dimensions" which was pretty new and fun to read about, I love the scientific knowledge in this book it makes perfect sense to me. The author did a great job blending in the information that is extremely easy to understand for a anti-scifi reader (yup I'm really bad at understanding the scientific theories in sci-fi I mean I don't make sense full-stop). I like the characters in general but I can't say I love them, they weren't extremely irritating or so. At one point the characters even bought me in to tears. However I'm sad to say THE LOVE TRIANGLE SUCKS usually I'm not one to mind about it but this book has the crappiest love triangle no offence.
AHAHA maybe it's because the author spent to much time on the characters and their relationship // the world building or setting. The plot wasn't the best as it was pretty plain, which was soo saddd because there is SO MUCH POTENTIAL IN THIS BOOK. It feels like a romance novel more then anything, I personally enjoy romance novels but I'm expecting a sci-fi novel.
Recommend to people who
- wants to read something with interesting premise
- Loves (really loves) Love triangle
Overall 2.6/5 Stars
#Coverlust
Ahh I have no idea what I think about this book, It took me a few days to finish it (usually it takes me around 2 days to finish a book). It wasn't because it was slow nor because I hated it, I actually enjoyed it but I'm not sure do I like it? I hope that makes sense, my feelings for this book does not make sense at all.
I'll start with what I enjoyed about this book, first thing I really like the concept about this book the fact that is set in different "dimensions" which was pretty new and fun to read about, I love the scientific knowledge in this book it makes perfect sense to me. The author did a great job blending in the information that is extremely easy to understand for a anti-scifi reader (yup I'm really bad at understanding the scientific theories in sci-fi I mean I don't make sense full-stop). I like the characters in general but I can't say I love them, they weren't extremely irritating or so. At one point the characters even bought me in to tears. However I'm sad to say THE LOVE TRIANGLE SUCKS usually I'm not one to mind about it but this book has the crappiest love triangle no offence.
AHAHA maybe it's because the author spent to much time on the characters and their relationship // the world building or setting. The plot wasn't the best as it was pretty plain, which was soo saddd because there is SO MUCH POTENTIAL IN THIS BOOK. It feels like a romance novel more then anything, I personally enjoy romance novels but I'm expecting a sci-fi novel.
Recommend to people who
- wants to read something with interesting premise
- Loves (really loves) Love triangle
Overall 2.6/5 Stars
Gates Of Thread and Stones By Lori M Lee
Thank you netgalley for providing me this book in exchange of an honest review
Okay I'll be perfectly honest here, this book was a bit better than I first thought it would be, as the reviews in goodreads wasn't high and I did not have to request to read this book in netgalley it was just there . Therefore I did not have a high expectation, but luckily this book exceed it/
I thought the concept was pretty interesting and unique as it's base of a mythology thats really originally, as Kai the protagonist could manipulate the time.
HOWEVER I do have issues with this book.
The plot was not the best, I thought most of the time things were a bit too convenient as Kai does not seems to have any major struggle along her journey to find her brother. The other thing is that the world building is really undeveloped and confusing, even after starting the second one I'm still confuse by the world from times to times.
BUT BUT BUT
I wasn't a fan of the writing style, it feels extremely plain and lack of depth to me. <-- This is a really personal thing so I'm not saying its bad its just I did not 100% adjust to it.
Whatever the drek
Apparently drek is a swear word in this book. "insert no mouth emoji"
Moving onto the characters:
Kai the protagonist is fine, I don't have any particular emotion towards her, I felt like she's just there. Man just there.
Avan is Kai's childhood best friend, he does not have a good reputation in their street. Ya know classic use to be bad boy but now very sweet. By all means I'm intrigued by his character but I did not come to love him. His freaking mood swings annoys me a lot "eye rolls"
Reev Kai's brother, of all the characters I think like him the best. I thought his characterization has the most depth comparing to the others. I'm captivated by his action and all, but once again I did not come to love him either.
Yeah, the characters are a tiny bit hollow to me.
OKAY THE ROMANCE
HoNestly I thought that the ROMANCE OVERLOAD THE PLOT. Every time Kai and Avan gets all touchy and stuff I just get all pissed.
Kai: AVAN SMIRKS AT ME
Me: aww good for you
Kai: AVAN TOUCHS MY HAND
Me: Ahaah sweet don't care
Kai: AVAN TOUCHS MY THIGH
Me: Hehe nOW sHuT Up
Kai: AVAN KISSES ME
Me: FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING SHUT UP
Yup thats me reading in her pov when she's getting all Avanish.
Overall, I would not recommend you to read this book if you're having a reading slump but if you want to try something new then umm why not :DD
Official Ratings: 2.7/5 Stars
Thank you netgalley for providing me this book in exchange of an honest review
Okay I'll be perfectly honest here, this book was a bit better than I first thought it would be, as the reviews in goodreads wasn't high and I did not have to request to read this book in netgalley it was just there . Therefore I did not have a high expectation, but luckily this book exceed it/
I thought the concept was pretty interesting and unique as it's base of a mythology thats really originally, as Kai the protagonist could manipulate the time.
HOWEVER I do have issues with this book.
The plot was not the best, I thought most of the time things were a bit too convenient as Kai does not seems to have any major struggle along her journey to find her brother. The other thing is that the world building is really undeveloped and confusing, even after starting the second one I'm still confuse by the world from times to times.
BUT BUT BUT
I wasn't a fan of the writing style, it feels extremely plain and lack of depth to me. <-- This is a really personal thing so I'm not saying its bad its just I did not 100% adjust to it.
Whatever the drek
Apparently drek is a swear word in this book. "insert no mouth emoji"
Moving onto the characters:
Kai the protagonist is fine, I don't have any particular emotion towards her, I felt like she's just there. Man just there.
Avan is Kai's childhood best friend, he does not have a good reputation in their street. Ya know classic use to be bad boy but now very sweet. By all means I'm intrigued by his character but I did not come to love him. His freaking mood swings annoys me a lot "eye rolls"
Reev Kai's brother, of all the characters I think like him the best. I thought his characterization has the most depth comparing to the others. I'm captivated by his action and all, but once again I did not come to love him either.
Yeah, the characters are a tiny bit hollow to me.
OKAY THE ROMANCE
HoNestly I thought that the ROMANCE OVERLOAD THE PLOT. Every time Kai and Avan gets all touchy and stuff I just get all pissed.
Kai: AVAN SMIRKS AT ME
Me: aww good for you
Kai: AVAN TOUCHS MY HAND
Me: Ahaah sweet don't care
Kai: AVAN TOUCHS MY THIGH
Me: Hehe nOW sHuT Up
Kai: AVAN KISSES ME
Me: FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING SHUT UP
Yup thats me reading in her pov when she's getting all Avanish.
Overall, I would not recommend you to read this book if you're having a reading slump but if you want to try something new then umm why not :DD
Official Ratings: 2.7/5 Stars
Thank you netgalley for sending me this book in exchange of an honest review
Lauren Morrill, is one of my favorite contemporary books author. I extremely love her book Meant To Be I thought it was phenomenal and amazing. Everything about that book was spot on :)
However I did not enjoy The Trouble With Destiny as much as I hope I did. I thought that the plot really drags on a lot, nothing truly happened until 60% in. Though both in books the romance was predictable but with this one it took way too long to develop. As it did, it was heartwarming and spectacular.
I really did not like the protagonist but I don't exactly hate her. From times to times she really irritates me, to the point where I just started skimming the book. By all means I did like the secondary characters, I thought they were all extremely likable and relatable. Especially the protagonist's best friend, it made me to want to have a best friend like she did. Anyway it was really the protagonist herself that sorts of bugs me out.
Overall I'll give it a 3.4 stars, the ending was definitely astonishing but not so much for the entire book.
I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to read a contemporary with a lighter romance. As for those who did read and enjoyed Lauren Morrill's previous work I'm afraid you'll be a bit a tiny bit disappointed with this one.
I'LL BE STILL READING HER NEW BOOK COMING OUT ON 2016 My unscripted life
This book comes out on 5th December :) go give it a try and perhaps you'll would love it!
Official Rating: 2.8/5 Stars
Lauren Morrill, is one of my favorite contemporary books author. I extremely love her book Meant To Be I thought it was phenomenal and amazing. Everything about that book was spot on :)
However I did not enjoy The Trouble With Destiny as much as I hope I did. I thought that the plot really drags on a lot, nothing truly happened until 60% in. Though both in books the romance was predictable but with this one it took way too long to develop. As it did, it was heartwarming and spectacular.
I really did not like the protagonist but I don't exactly hate her. From times to times she really irritates me, to the point where I just started skimming the book. By all means I did like the secondary characters, I thought they were all extremely likable and relatable. Especially the protagonist's best friend, it made me to want to have a best friend like she did. Anyway it was really the protagonist herself that sorts of bugs me out.
Overall I'll give it a 3.4 stars, the ending was definitely astonishing but not so much for the entire book.
I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to read a contemporary with a lighter romance. As for those who did read and enjoyed Lauren Morrill's previous work I'm afraid you'll be a bit a tiny bit disappointed with this one.
I'LL BE STILL READING HER NEW BOOK COMING OUT ON 2016 My unscripted life
This book comes out on 5th December :) go give it a try and perhaps you'll would love it!
Official Rating: 2.8/5 Stars