Sweet Venom

Title: Sweet Venom

Author: Tera Lynn Childs

Release Date: 6 September 2011

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Series: Medusa Girls #1

Pages: 352

Goodreads Description:

Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a Minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.

Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.

Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they're triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.

These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight.

I was rather disappointed with this book. It incorporated such a wonderful idea, using the myth of Medusa and twisting it. I have to admit- it was the term "descendants of Medusa" that really caught me, and made me want to read this book. The idea of triplets with very different personalities- sweet Grace, posh Greer and Gretchen the warrior, yet so alike in many ways, was really interesting.

This could have been a super good book, yes, but the way the story flowed was... jarring. It was jumping from place to place, and though it is meant to be arranged that way, I hoped to see Greer's POV earlier, rather than so far into it. Many a times I had to re-read the previous chapter to link certain events together. If there were more flow, more connections made between each event, things would have been so much better.

I also felt that the guys they liked/crushed on sections were redundant. They did not move or progress the story. They were just... scabs. They're there, but it wouldn't kill you to not have it there. I feel that they are there to illicit the interest of those wanted a romance-y edge as after all, this is a YA novel, but like scabs, they're also pretty annoying sometimes. I wanted to know what would happen next, and then they come barging in. But yet again, maybe they would play a bigger part in the next story.

The ending was very unresolved. I wouldn't call it a cliffhanger, but I don't feel the sense of resolution you get when you finish reading the book. It felt more like chopping off in the middle of the book. That added on to the unsatisfaction with the book

However, there are still the high points of the novel. I especially enjoyed interaction between the triplets, and I particularly liked Grace because hey- here's a nice angelic girl who can kick ass in computer skills. Now that is a unique and interesting combination. I was also intriguing by the light the Greek deities are put in. They are, in the book, jealous petty people with nothing better to do than make everyone's life miserable although we only know them by mention. Now that, is called adhereing to the myths.

And the cover, oh my. Cover lust all the way. Her hair seems to be alive, writhing and moving like a snake which does remind one of a baroque style, where the hair seemed in motion. The simplicity of it was also beautiful. Although I have to ask: Don't Greeks usually have black hair? Just some food for thought to mull over.

I did have hopes for this book, with much anticipation while awaiting its release too, but it was quite the let down, although I will read the next book to find out what happens.

3/5 :(

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme I just started to post, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

What to do :

1. Grab your current read
2. Open to a random page
3. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
4. BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
5. Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Teaser mine:

Mimi held the blade at the creature’s throat, and finally it dropped its hold on Oliver, disappearing into silver flame. In a blink, the skies overhead turned black, and booming thunder roared in the distance.

"Lost in Time" (Blue Bloods #6) by Melissa De La Cruz

Hope you like it! Review for this book is coming as soon as I get around to finishing it :D That means around next week.

Daughter Of Smoke and Bone

Title: Daughter of Smoke and Bone

Author: Laini Taylor

Release Date: 27 September 2011

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1

Pages: 420

Goodreads Description:

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

So many would probably be wondering- to believe in the rave, or not?
Well I say to the noose with the haters, and run to your nearest bookstore! I LOVED Daughter of Smoke and Bone. The synopsis does not do it any justice. But of course, to ensure a spoiler free summary, they couldn't exactly say the juicy parts, right?

The words in the book just... flowed, you know? The information wasn't jarring, it fit right into the plot. The thing is, I can't imagine taking anything away from the book. Everything fits perfectly. I devoured it in 2 hours- what I normally do for books I love to the point of no return.
The macabre feel of it was alluring, the eccentricity inviting, and the mystery mindblowing. God knows I'm a sucker for mystery. It made me keep reading on feverishly, trying to find out what exactly is going on or about to happen.
AND THE ACTION. I really(x googolplex) love action in books. Combined with mystery (which it usually does) just about makes me faint in delight. The description of the knifes were so beautiful, I wanted to go all Willy Wonka and just "reach in, and grab one".

The description is quite misleading. It seems to suggest that the people she draws are just her imagination, and her own happy hallucinations, but ah, misleading much?
Coming from an art school myself (though not visual arts), the blurb enticed me. But I felt that the schoolshe went to was rather warped in reality. We don't do art everyday in school. There's still normal curriculum. But ah well, excuse my nitpicking, and get back to reading the book.

For about 2/3 of the book, when Karou finds out his huge bigass secret about a certain something, I loved the place where they visited, be it by metaphorical or literal (can't say too much now,can I?). It was a new element (x:x={a,b,e} INNER NERD) added, and has that whole new thing edge going, but it still fits well! In fact, by adding a new element after entering the story actually made it more of a pageturner, if possible.

My favourite character is Zuzana. Even her name is awesome. Her enthusiasm was so infectious, it was a pity not to see her as many times as I want in the book. She amuses me a lot. I also find it cool that her family line is full of marionette artisans. I thought puppets went out a long time ago! Oh her performance was so lovely, with the big Puppeteer and all. I could almost see her dance. Issa is also one. She reminds me of Drakainas. Serpent/dragon women. Seems like my crazed love for dragons or scaly characters hasn't faded.

I found the idea of wish coins very fun,and I love how the author showed that you don'tmake wishes for fun. Everything has a price. Some books tend to overlook that, but thankfully, we don't see that in here. I also found the sugarcoating (um... literal) part quite interesting. but I am digressing from the point. What exactly is the point in the first place, huh?

She did, learn the truth about herself, and it was shocking. The author also had the insight to make sure from beginning to end, you would know what you need to know. Hmmm the ending wouldn't really count as a cliff hanger, but hmmmmm OKAY fine it's a cliffhanger. I want to go ransack Laini Taylor's house right now to get my hands on the next book. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. AHH. AHH. This want is ever growing! I fear I shalt restrain thyself to prevent the crazed rampage of finding the answer to my woes! My woes! The answer! The sequel! Now!
So to get away from the weird person waxing poetic nonsense, I yet again recoomned you to run to your bookstore like your life depends on it, and take out all the cash you have. Then buy as many copies as you can, and distribute them to every person you know. Don't forget to read the book. And don't forget to give me one copy too. I like having more.


Favourite Quotes:
-“Nothing,” she told him in Chimaera. In Czech she added, sternly, “She. Did not say. Anything.”
“Yes, I did,” piped Zuzana, and like a child who has gotten a reaction for naughty antics, she merrily repeated, “Mating! Seed!”
“Zuze, stop, please,” begged Karou, helpless and so very glad the two had no common language.

-There was real magic here among the quacks and touts. She knew of a scribe dressed all in white who penned letters to the dead (and delivered them), and an old storyteller who sold ideas to writers at the price of a year of their lives. Karou had seen tourists laugh as they signed his contract, not believing it for a second, but she believed it. Hadn’t she seen stranger things?

5/5

Son of Neptune

Title: Son of Neptune

Author: Rick Riordan

Release Date: 4 October 2011

Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy

Series: Heroes of Olympus #2

Pages: 513

From the book flap:
Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring any bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth.

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem- when the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now, because of her mistakes, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wishes she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams.

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from the heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. H doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo would claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery- although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially in front of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely- enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart.

Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment in the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophecy of Seven

When I bought this book from Kinokuniya, I had to resist the urge to jump out in glee right there on the spot. I FINALLY HAVE IT! After one looooong year of waiting diligently. I quickly gobbled it up in 3 hours, savouring every word.

I would say it is hard to not compare this book with the previous series. And I must say, Rick Riordan fared much better with first person POVs.

I LOVED this book, yes, but his first person POVs from the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series blew me off my feet. They immersed me in the book completely. I loved Percy's humor, the way he thinks, and being able to see things through his eyes.

I miss his wicked humor! OY VEY :(

I would prefer it if the characters didn't speak through a third-person's POV, but alternating first person POVs. What distinguished the Percy Jackson series from other bland fantasy books was the flair Mr Riordan had with First person Narrators and of course the unique way of using Greek myths. I can admit that I was a bit put off by the new way he has decided to tell his story.

Other than that, I'm sure EVERYONE wants to know what happens to Percy right? Pretty much the usual actually. Getting almost killed several times, getting into fights, learning new things, pissing off gods-well you know what I mean.

Now Percy has amnesia, of course, and as the reader we know everything Percy does not. That sort of increases the thrill, doesn't it? I say I was surprised to see a certain character from Camp Half-blood in the Roman camp. And yes, I'm not telling! It makes it more delightful when you read that chapter.

So, Percy and his friends Hazel Levesque(I have a friend with the same surname!)and Frank Zhang (hello there, fellow chinese.)(Shouldn't his surname be Teo because his ancestors went to Europe?). They have their own shady secrets that they obviously do not want to divulge, but we get to discover them in the book anyways.

They enter a quest to a cold place in... where's Alaska in anyways? I suck at geography. OKAY so they went to Alaska, did a few in-ter-res-ting things on the way, involving some men in jumpsuits, a nice forest trek, a cool grandmama and some gambling.

On a sidenote- does there seem to be a little more focus on romance in the books now? Well my turtle be damned if that weren't true. And here's a little fun fact: In Bahasa Indonesia, "Lupa" can mean 'forget'.

My favourite camper is Octavian HAHAHAHA I know, how unexpected. C'mon, you gotta love a person who carves up stuffed animals to read its entrails. I, am not being sarcasmus. It's sounds so fun and interesting! (Amusing in the, uh, purest sense of the word) Though that practice seemed a little more Egyptian than Roman to moi. Better start locking up your fluffy teddy bear! Their greatest nightmare, Mr Octavian, is waiting for the opportune moment to carve. them. UP. HAHA I feel the temptation to see if carving toys would work. I have a bone to pick with a certain fluffy yellow duck ......

ANYWAYS,

The ending is an INFURIATING cliffhanger. I am annoyed. My internal cynic screeches marketing ploy! at me. But oh well, sometimes we gotta ignore that voice in your head.

I would prefer if Mr Riordan elaborated on the Roman camp. I would REALLY like to more about the scenery, the setting Percy is in. But alas! Perhaps it shall appear more often in future books.

Perhaps it would be better if there was more time for the book to be released, like one full year for everything to be finished, unlike now, where two separate series are fighting to occupy Rick Riordan's time. But aha, maybe that will be in the near future as we know the Kane books are ending, don't we? Ah I feel like a playground bully, stomping on the Kane series. They're nice too, but not as awesome as Percy Jackson's world, riiiiiiight?

I am so psyched for Mark of Athena! Ten Pineapples says it's not about Annabeth but another Athena camper. I have a feeeeeeeeling.

Favourite quotes:

"I saw it in the auguries." Octavian waved his knife at the pile of stuffing on the later. " The message said: The Greek has arrived. Or possibly: The goose has cried. I'm thinking the first interpretation is correct. You seek to join the legion?"

Percy tried to remember. He really did. For some reason, Annabeth and he had visited a spa and decided to destroy it. He couldn't imagine why. Maybe they hadn't like the deep-tissue massage? Maybe they'd gotten bad manicures?

A tiny dark object came sailing out of the window and landed at the giant's feet. Polybotes yelled, "Grenade!"
He covered his face. His troops hit the ground.
When the thing did not explode, Polybotes bent down cautiously and picked it up.
He roared in outrage. "A Ding Dong? You dare insult me with a Ding Dong?" He threw the cake back at the shop, and it vaporized in the light.

5/5

Ender's Game

Title: Ender's Game

Author: Orson Scott Card

Release Date: 1 January 1985

Genre: Middle-Grade Science-Fiction

Series: Ender's Saga #1

Pages: 324

Goodreads Description:
Winner of the Hugo and Nebula Awards

In order to develop a secure defense against a hostile alien race's next attack, government agencies breed child geniuses and train them as soldiers. A brilliant young boy, Andrew "Ender" Wiggin lives with his kind but distant parents, his sadistic brother Peter, and the person he loves more than anyone else, his sister Valentine. Peter and Valentine were candidates for the soldier-training program but didn't make the cut--young Ender is the Wiggin drafted to the orbiting Battle School for rigorous military training.

Ender's skills make him a leader in school and respected in the Battle Room, where children play at mock battles in zero gravity. Yet growing up in an artificial community of young soldiers Ender suffers greatly from isolation, rivalry from his peers, pressure from the adult teachers, and an unsettling fear of the alien invaders. His psychological battles include loneliness, fear that he is becoming like the cruel brother he remembers, and fanning the flames of devotion to his beloved sister.

Is Ender the general Earth needs? But Ender is not the only result of the genetic experiments. The war with the Buggers has been raging for a hundred years, and the quest for the perfect general has been underway for almost as long. Ender's two older siblings are every bit as unusual as he is, but in very different ways. Between the three of them lie the abilities to remake a world. If, that is, the world survives.

Ender's world is so bleak.

A 6 year old being sent to army school, which emphasizes more on the army than on the school part. When I was 6, I just finished reading Roald Dahl and took 1-hour lunches (I am a slow eater) while watching Hi-5(the old crew).

I initially started this book after I saw it in my school library, and the cover intrigued me. Besides, I was hunting for some good middle-grade science fiction.

I felt some of the words used were a little crass, but thankfully it didn't span the whole book. And they had a weird obsession with the word 'fart'.

This is set in the future, where there are "buggers" or just your average alien who really wants to kill humans and is preparing an all-out invasion in space for the third time(humans won the first 2). Ender is sent to battle school which is in space to learn how to fight at six. This disconcerts me somehow. Anyways, the teachers really want him to be the best so they push him a lot. not directly of course.

Their hierachy is very special. And interesting. First, there's the Commanders. they are assigned their own army and are mostly 12 or 14. Then there's the toon leaders. They have their own group to command. The toon leaders are under the commander's rule.

So therefore Commander - Toon Leader - Toon(aka soldiers). There are many armies in the school, ergo many commanders. Glad I sorted that out. All of the children also have an aptitude to violence. It is a prerequisite to just be eligible to be in Battle School.

I really really really enjoyed the part on the "invasion game", yes the games at the end. The twist was so unexpected! But reasonable. There was also something on of the characters said that I agreed with. "The teachers are the enemies". They are the manipulators behind the scene.

The psychological games really sickened me. I hate the teachers. They don't even TEACH in the first place. The kids have to learn how to fight by themselves in battle school. They really adhere to the "kill-or-be-killed" rule, huh?

I liked Demosthene and Locke the best. That part was wicked cool. Two pseudonyms for political speakers on the internet? And given their real identity? Boy, was I blown away. This idea was amazing. And the political opinions actually made sense, not like in other books when they create these sort of advice stuff and they don't make sense at all.

This book was also excellent at conveying how badly adults undermine children. Major theme. But of course, in the end,children are the best, aren't we?

I would recommend this book to any science-fiction lover, and people who can immerse themselves in a book. I know people who would hate this book because they won't take the time to try and understand what is going on. When I read, nothing else matters, therefore concentration is paramount if you are to read this. But anyways, just give it a try. I did and it rocked my world.

Oh by the way, you should check the book description by the author. Longer, though it may be a little better. http://www.hatrack.com/osc/books/endersgame/endersgame.shtml

5/5