The Stranger You Seek by Amanda Kyle Williams

Title: The Stranger You Seek

Author: Amanda Kyle Williams

Publisher: Random House

Rating: Three-and-a-half stars

"The papers have called me a monster. You’ve either concluded that I am a braggart as well as a sadist or that I have a deep and driving need to be caught and punished."


A letter was sent to police, taunting them, mocking them to capture the serial killer who has brutally murdered three people, at least, as far as they know. Keye Street, a recovering alcoholic addict ex-FBI profiler was asked by her long-time friend Rauser to help him solve the case, but then the murder acknowledged her and contacted her. It's one thing to get involved in a case but it's another thing to have it get into your life. Was is someone she knew? Will it draw her back to her addiction?


I'm a huge fan of serial killer stories, I've watched Criminal Minds, I've read Hannibal the Cannibal series, and planning on getting my hands on Mr.Ripley's series. When I saw this book on NetGalley, I knew I had to read it, the blurb offered the things that I liked in serial killer stories. The story was written in first-person POV which sometimes can be annoyed but the annoyance is quite limited in here. Even though Keye Street is a selfish arrogant with a tendency to push herself to the limit, she's a reliable narrator and a good observant so I could imagine the situation quite well. The killings were described in details, although not to the point of gory so it's quite safe. Even though the story isn't as depth in profiling serial killer as I would like it to be, it was good and believable. There are a lot of things I knew already either from Criminal Minds or my simple googling session after watching the series, but there are things I didn't know as well and it was fun to read. Well, not exactly fun but you know what I mean.

I think fan of darker mystery, serial killer cases, Criminal Minds might enjoy this book.


Lynossa

The Stranger You Seek by Amanda Kyle Williams

The Floating Islands by Rachel Neumeier

Title: The Floating Islands

Author: Rachel Neumeier

Publisher: Random House

Rating: three and a half stars

They flew as geese fly in the fall, in a formation like a spear point. At first the shape the winged men made was stark as a rune against the empty sky, but as they approached the ship, they broke their formation, wheeled, and circled low. The morning light caught in the feathers of their glorious wings, crimson as blood, except for one man whose wings were black as grief.

Trei had just lost his family in a terrible disaster and had to seek for a new place in The Floating Islands when he saw the Kajurai, the flying men swam at the air. Trei knew that's the one thing he ever wanted to be. The only person who understood his feeling is Arenai, his newly-found cousin. Being a woman in The Floating Islands meant you have to prepare to be a good wife and that's it. But that's not what Araene wanted. Both of them tried hard to be what they wanted but danger lurked in when Trei's old country decided to attack The Floating Islands. Will they able to be what they wanted to be? And where would Trei's loyalty lies?

The Floating Islands is a very interesting story; I enjoy reading it. Not only that but I also like Trei and Araene for being bold and fearless in pursuing what they wanted. However the other characters aren't so interesting. I guess on of my problems with this book is the conflicts aren't deep enough. Most of the characters are very good and helpful. Trei managed to fit in with the other kajurai apprentices without much problem (I would love to see a bit of clash in there), and the same thing also happened to Araene. Most of the characters are good and they rarely showed their bad side, which I would prefer to see more instead of the good-goody two shoes kind of characters. So for me it's lack of deep conflicts, either between characters or in plot, but overall it's pretty good.

I would recommend it for fantasy and middle-grade lovers.

Lynossa

The Floating Islands by Rachel Neumeier

Celtic Warriors: The Raven Queen Preview + Giveaway

As Jules Watson said in her post yesterday, Celtic has many interesting legends on its warriors. Those warriors are not only male, but also female. One of the most popular is... Maeve; wife of King Conor of Ulaid, a strong powerful woman who had the determination even greater than most men.

Title: The Raven Queen

Author: Jules Watson

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Teaser: Breathing hard, she pulled her sword free and knelt before him. "I triumphed against those who opposed me, and won the loyalty of lords and warriors. The long dark was mild, and leaf-bud early. The crops are abundant, the flocks and herds swelling. All is fertile and unfurls with life."  p218

I haven't finish read this book due to work and my country's crappy post service but I've got to tell you so far I'm enjoying it. It got the action, the romance, and all that jazz. I'm going to post my review as soon as I finish reading it.

One lucky winner will be able to obtain a signed copy of The Raven Queen by Jules Watson. All you have to do is fill this FORM et voila, you're done!

Celtic Warriors: The Raven Queen Preview + Giveaway

Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Title: Blood Red Road
Series: Dustlands #1
Author: Moira Young
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Expected publication: June 7th 2011
Pages: Hardcover, 512 pages
Rating: 4.5 - Almost Perfect!

Source: Simon and Schusters Galley Grab

Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Summary:

Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.
Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.
Blood Red Road has a searing pace, a poetically minimal writing style, violent action, and an epic love story. Moira Young is one of the most promising and startling new voices in teen fiction.

Review:

Blood Red Road is an book full of adventure. The adventure start right after Saba’s twin Lugh was taken away by the Crazy King. She sent off to search for him. But It didn’t stop just right there. She encounters many obstacles. She was captured and was forced to fight in the arena. Meet a lot of people who she thinks will only slow her down and encounters a feeling she's not familiar with. Gigantic Worms with claws. And many more.

Saba is fierce fighter. She was force to become independent when she went searching for her brother who she previously depends on. Smart and fearless. Despite her lack of experience in fighting nor knowledge about it. She surprisingly handles everything that was thrown at her. She’s pretty stubborn too. That you as reader would may feel irritated sometimes just like me. Her sister Emmi is exactly like her. Brave, stubborn and fighter she refused to be left alone without a fight. I love each characters here. They are all not the one who complain. They just go and always ready for the worst. I love how mature they are.

The romance and the action are well balanced. They kick ass and even kids do too. That maybe is the thing i like about this book. The gender is never a problem as long as you do know how to fight. Be it old or young. Their adventure just never stops. The plot is well planned. The book is well written Mrs. Young made sure that her readers are well inform. She describes every bits of action and every bits of emotions that flows in the book. To the point that you can’t contain your excitement and then suddenly you want to join Saba in the book and help her. It’s like you are watching a movie inside your head.

The setting. It’s a world where civilization hardly ever exist. People don’t know how to read nor write and how to speak fluently or use the right words or know the right grammar. That said I think it also effects Saba's narration throughout the story. People will do everything to survive their world. Even sell a girl and force them to fight in the arena. The pace is fast. You can never be bore while reading this. Though as the story progresses I come to terms that the first part of the book is more exciting. The rest was..well exciting as well but not much as the first part. As I was able to know how determined Saba was to save her brother from the people who wants to get him. But as her story goes and as she faces more obstacle even though her real goal is to save Lugh. The action was lessen. As the author was focused on building the plot and the setting and as well as the other supporting characters.

The dialect of the book might be a uncomfortable for some of you who wants to read it. As for me, before I could even decide to drop the book it was too late because I am already hooked and all I can do is to continue reading or continue regretting why I didn’t read it. And sooner before I know it I became comfortable with the dialect.

Over all. The plot. The Characters. The adventure. The monsters. The Crazy Villains and the dialect. Wow I never thought I’ll be able to read this all in one book. It gives me a heck of a crazy ride there. I’ll be sure to read the second book.

Kay-c

Blood Red Road by Moira Young

Cinder and Ella by Melissa Lemon

Title: Cinder and Ella
Series: None
Author: Melissa Lemon
Publisher: Bonneville Books
Expected Publication: November 8th 2011
Pages: Paperback, 208 pages
Rating: 3 - Fair enough.

Source: Requested at Net Galley

Goodreads

Summary:

After their father’s disappearance, Cinder leaves home for a servant job at the castle. But it isn’t long before her sister Ella is brought to the castle herself—the most dangerous place in all the kingdom for both her and Cinder. Cinder and Ella is a Cinderella story like no other and one you'll never forget.

Review:

We all know Cinderella’s story. Where there is a fairy godmother who would save our heroine, Two evil step sisters and a step mother who ruined our heroine’s life. And glass shoes that saves her from that evil family and of course a charming Prince who would come to save the day and will have a happily ever after ending. Well..FORGET THAT.

Cinder and Ella is not a fairy tale story we all know. Cinder and Ella are sisters. There was no prince( well not really) , no fairy godmother and no step sisters and mother and no glass shoes.
Cinder and ella belonged to a happy family that consist six members. A mother, father and four sister. They lived happy so far as the story starts until one night the prince arrived to and bewitched their father’s mind and one night he disappeared. Making his family worried and wonder if he still lives. Soon after that, their love for each other has banished and replaced by selfishness and greed. Katrina being the eldest among the four is used about getting what she wanted. Cinder became the servant of her own family , Ella became a stranger and invincible having no one but her beloved sister Cinder to notice her existence and Beatrice is growing to be spoiled brat just like her eldest sister who is used of being served their whole lives. Their mother is busy mending her job and only noticed the three sisters and truly forgotten Ella.

The prologue itself was enough to grab my attention. Knowing what the classic Cinderella tale was. I considere trying this twisted story. At first I don’t understand as to why the prince would actually want Ella either. The plot was a mystery even at first chapter. But all I could do is to read and read and find out why and what did our heroine had done. I was skeptical that maybe I wasn’t really paying much attention. And I was about to go back to page one just so I could understand it fully. But then I decided that maybe I was too early for me to do so since I haven’t even finish half way. So I played detective and maintain the question mark on my head.

The plot was slow. The first half of the book is about introductions and stuff. Nothing interesting going on so far and not much action so I was tempted to skip that part and jump down to the real action scene. But that would ruin the story. The plot was finally revealed in the middle. Even so, the mystery wasn’t solved.

The characters are okay. Villains...well they remain villain and I hate them. The story lacks of action. I kept on yawning and my brain wants to stop reading. But the only thing that drives me from reading are the questions. I wanted to know what happened and how will they solve the problems. In the end the ending wasn’t satisfying. Not all questions was answered. And it just ends up like that like a ‘click’. I was eagerly waiting for the battle between the heroine and the villain. But I didn’t know that by just a single threat the villain will back away. All I could say is. It is indeed not the classic Cinderella with a happy every after. But a different story with no happy ending.'

Kay-c

Cinder and Ella by Melissa Lemon

Theories of Flight by Simon Morden

Title: Theories of Flight (Samuil Petrovitch/Metrozone #2)

Author: Simon Morden

Publisher: Orbit Books

Rating: 3 and a half stars


This is the second book of Metrozone/Samuil Petrovitch series. If you haven't read the first book and don't want to be spoiled, I suggest you read it first. You can check my review on the first book of this series, Equations of Life in HERE.

Sam Petrovitch is back on his second adventure! After saving Metrozone from the AI that invaded Metrozone's system, now he's married to Maddy and dedicate his life to work on his theories and inventing anti-gravity. But just like before, people wont leave him alone. Chain showed up and told him that CIA is after those who were active involved in the bloody Long Night and wanted to get a hold on the AI. Not interesting to give up the AI nor letting CIA do whatever they wanted, Sam must put aside his research and once more do something to save the falling Metrozone.

On the second part of the series, we met new enemies; The Outies, the people who weren't allowed to enter Metrozone due to plenty reasons, and CIA, working on behalf of American government who were afraid of the AI capability in destroying Metrozone, thus want to 'keep it save', the term they use though the truth was they wanted to be able to control it.

The CIA managed to kill several people close to Petrovitch and while he still busy dealing with them, The Outies broke into the city and caused destruction everywhere while Petrovitch and Maddy was separated miles away. Dying to save Maddy and as much as people he could, Petrovitch crossed the city with the help of The New Machine Jihad and his friends. Petrovitch wasn't the guy we met in the first book - albeit still happy in spewing curses in Russian, he has more concern about other people, and despite the fact that he killed so many in order to save Metrozone, he's not happy about it and admit that he committed homicide.

Only one word to describe this book: crazy! Yes, that's right, if you think the first book is crazy enough, wait until you read this book. Blood spilled, gun trotted, bodies were piled up everywhere. The pace was even faster that the first book and I just can't stop reading it. If you like the first book, you'll like this as well and if you haven't read the first book (but somehow still ended up reading this review), and like fast-pace science fiction with a lot of action, you'll buy this book.

Lynossa

Theories of Flight by Simon Morden

Equations of Life by Simon Morden

Title: Equations of Life

Author: Simon Morden

Publisher: Orbit Books

Rating: 3 and a half stars

He had one more chance. He could turn his back, make good his escape, disappear into the crowd. She could work her own salvation out from here.
Petrovitch reached out a hand, and hers slapped into it, palm against gritty palm.

Samuil Petrovitch is a survivor. He survived the bombs falling on St. Petersburg and made it to the London Metrozone-one of the last free cities. He's lived this long because he's a man of rules and logic. For example, getting involved = a bad idea. But when he stumbles into a kidnapping in progress, he acts without even thinking about it. Before he can stop himself, he's saved the daughter of the richest man in London. And clearly saving the girl = getting involved. Now, the equation of Petrovitch's life is looking increasingly complex. Russian mobsters + Yakuza + something called the New Machine Jihad = one dead Petrovitch. But Petrovitch has a plan-he always has a plan-he's just not sure it's a good one.

A combination between gun-shooting, self-operating car, advanced technology, run-for-your-life across the streets and Russian curses, you got Equations of Life by Simon Morden. This is a fast-paced, page-turning, full-with-action kind of story about a Russian young man who hid himself from his past in Metrozone - formerly known as London - in post-Armaggedon world. Sam Petrovich preferred to lay low and concentrate only on working on his equation and his passion for science, until he saved a girl who happened to be the daughter of a business/mafia tycoon. Suddenly all eyes on him and everywhere he went, he stumbled upon either Japanese tycoon's man, cops, or Ukraine's gangster.

Reading this felt like watching an action movie, the one that somehow Hollywood able to pull it off and not butchered it into a mediocre action-flick. A smart action movie. Petrovitch is a smart and witty guy; sometimes he can be too bold but I guess that's a right formula for action main character. From the outer world's eye he is just a regular student. He's not the typical of your hero, but not exactly anti-hero either. One thing that add more interest to the story is that Petrovitch has heart problem (literary) so on the brick of dying because of heart failure, Petrovitch had nothing to lose to go all out saving Metrozone. Because I have no knowledge on science the way Petrovitch does, I barely understand all the geek talks, but it didn't stop me from enjoying the book. Though there's one thing that bothered me; sometimes Petrovitch talked in Russian and because my ability in understand Russian is lower than mine in understand cat's talk, I pretty much clueless. I read the egalley so I hope they will add the translation in the finished copy.

This book will appeal to sci-fi lovers, action lovers and dystopian lovers, but if you expect something romantic will happen in this book, you will be disappointed. There's a minor romance but really minor, this is a YA that was written by male author so no mooning and love struck, focus of the book is on saving Metrozone and the author stick with it till the end. This is part one of the series. I'm going to read the second book soon (I have the egalley in me) and will review it. I can't wait to read another Sam Petrovitch's adventures!

In this book, Morden didn't give explanation about the Armageddon; if you're curious and want to know more, you can read for free in here: http://www.bookofmorden.co.uk/stories/tkc.html
The book is released on April 1st, so mark your calendar and buy it right away at your favorite bookstore or you can click the link in the title and it will lead you to amazon!

Lynossa

Equations of Life by Simon Morden

Lies - Michael Grant

Title: Lies
Series: Gone series #3
Author: Michael Grant
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: Hardcover, 447 pages
Rating: 4.5 Almost perfect!

Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Summary:


It's been seven months since all the adults disappeared. Gone.


It happens in one night. A girl who died now walks among the living; Zil and the Human Crew set fire to Perdido Beach; and amid the flames and smoke, Sam sees the figure of the boy he fears the most: Drake. But Drake is dead. Sam and Caine defeated him along with the Darkness—or so they thought.


As Perdido Beach burns, battles rage: Astrid against the Town Council; the Human Crew versus the mutants; and Sam against Drake, who is back from the dead and ready to finish where he and Sam left off. And all the while deadly rumors are raging like the fire itself, spread by the prophetess Orsay and her companion, Nerezza. They say that death is a way to escape the FAYZ. Conditions are worse than ever and kids are desperate to get out. But are they desperate enough to believe that death will set them free?

REVIEW:

Lies is the third installment of Gone Series by Michael Grant. So for those who haven’t read the two first books and doesn’t want to be spoiled. I suggest you to read my first Reviews. Here and Here. And Go buy the book! It’s a kind that you wouldn’t want to miss!

WOW. Again. WOW. Everytime I hear or read “gone” word all I could remember is the Gone series. And then my heart will starting raising to excitement. Michael blow my mind for the third time.But!
I have good news and bad news regarding this installment. Good News is the hunger/food was sorted out (yey!) and the bad news is Drake is back (booo!) plus his immortal (booo!2x2x2x2x throws all the things she can grab to Drake) anyways.

Things are getting tougher for Sam and rest of the Council. More action scenes and more problems to that needs to be resolved ASAP!!

After many incidents that happened aka Worms in a farm fields, Caine’s attact, Human Crew, And Death of some kids in the FAYZ and Drake Merwin’s death.

It has been half a year since the children are forced to live everyday inside the FAYZ scared and hungry. Sam and the council are moving on and trying to live in FAYZ. Hunger was sorted out. More kids discovering their powers yet more kids suffered from the Human Crew’s hands as they continue to roam around the FAYZ freely and hurt those mutants/freaks bad or not. Sam is getting mad at this yet Astrid is stopping him as she wants to make a system out of her leadership. In addition to that Orsay claimed that she is able to see the happenings outside the Fayz wall (which Mr. Grand, had given us a slight Idea of what is outside the wall - Which I still have a hard time believing due to fact that: 1st duh...LIES, 2nd is its orsay. Who knows what Nerezza had put into her mind) not to mention that someone saw Drake walking around the Beach.

New and interesting/scary Characters have been introduced yet again! could they be an ally or eneme? It’s for you to find out! Anyways, Nerezza who turned out to be the ‘darkness’, Sanjit and virtue who are the celebrity children who lived across the island. Old Characters have are crueler and crazy. You wouldn’t really imagine that we are talking about kids here. They all think like adult already. Some would do for the common good and some would do things for their own selfishness and evilness.

Why Lies? Well throughout the story all things revolves around the truth and lie. As I may have mentions above that Orsay claims to see what is happening outside the FAYZ wall and telling every kids that she can talk to their parents outside using her power. That said many have believed and some doubted. Many have taken her word and happily faced their death when they turned fifteen. The council themselves doesn’t know whether to believe or not but they don’t the kids to commit suicide. So they covered up the lie with another lie.

You know the reason why I stick to this book. I want to know what humans esp. kids their age wanted to do in order to survive and live the world where death and life matters. Well that’s a bit confusing aint it? And also the story is a realistic yet fictional. Of course the obvious fiction here is the gaiaphage and the powers that the kids have gained though out the series and the cruelty of the kids, Which I think had gone worst. What I say about realistic is how kids react, would do and feels while inside the FAYZ and who and where should they hold on to? When there are kids like Caine, Drake and Zil who all wants to lead or face them and let them threatened you using this --> "I'll Kill you If you won’t let me rule" I also laugh of some Michaels remakes about the things. Like how Sam would tell Astrid how hot he is. Or what is Sam’s reaction after seeing Brittney sitting in the couch in Howard and Orc’s living room. <-- opps. As always the writing style and plot matched perfectly to that point that you’ll end up gaping to the unpredictable scenes and get mad at those ruthless kids in the story. Every page is a must read as it contains important information regarding the next scenes.

Gawd I can't wait for the fourth installment! I kept on wondering what will happen next and what are those new characters will contribute on the next series. Plague seems a sad title esp. that many kids have died in this series alone. I wonder what will Caine do next in order to defeat Sam? I kept on hoping that someday along the series. Caine and Sam will team up against all odds to fight for someone like Drake? Darkness? Zil? whoever?. And! I had the feeling it will come SOON!

Kay-c

Lies - Michael Grant

Crime Fiction Alphabet 2011: B for Bourne

B is for Jason Bourne. This is not a detective series, but falls into espionage series, even though Jason Bourne is actually not a spy but a special undercover agent, sort of. This series consist of many books but I will only preview the books that were written by the original author, Robert Ludlum.

The Bourne Identity


The Bourne Identity is the first book of this series. I don't normally like movie-cover book, but I love Matt Damon so I quite enjoy this cover. In this book, a nameless guy without memory was found drifting in open sea and saved by a fishermen boat. The brought him to a doctor where he finally manage to recover his health, but not his identity. Thus begun the search for his past.
The clue lead to Switzerland where he found out his name, Jason Bourne. But he also discover other things about himself, his capability in surviving and his uncanny skills in self-defense. This made him feeling unsure about who he was. With the help of a woman he kidnapped, he tried to unrevealed the mystery even though FBI and Carlos the Jackal were searching for him, wanting to see him dead.

Crime Fiction Alphabet 2011: B for Bourne

Freefall (Tunnels #3) by Roderick Gordon & Brian Williams

Title: Freefall (Tunnels #3)

Author: Roderick Gordon & Brian Williams

Publisher: The Chicken House

Rating: 3 and a half stars

There were four wooden benches in a row against the side of the tunnel. Resembling something one might find in a butcher's shop, they were sturdily built, their legs and tops made of thick pieces of timber. This impression was further enhanced by the fact that they were bloodstained and covered with what seemed to be scraps of old, dried meat, in some places several centimetres deep.

This is the third part of Tunnels series. If you haven't read it and don't want to be spoiled, stop reading right now. You can find the first book, Tunnels, review in here and the second book, Deeper, review in here.

Descend even deeper than ever, Will, Chester, and Elliot land on the Pore, the place equal (if not more) dangerous as the interior. Spider-monkey and Bright are roaming around looking for victims. Luckily they stumbled upon Martha, a soloist renegade who lives in the Pore and take them to her save haven. But after awhile, they starting to wonder about Martha's mental condition and going restless. But will Martha let them go? And what about the twins? Without Will and Chester knowing, they also landed on the Pore and now looking for a way out of the Pore so they could finish their evil plan to kill all Topsoil and take over the world.

This is my favorite among three books in Tunnels series I've read. Why? Finally I see character development! Not immediately as half part of the book still pretty much similar to the previous books (in term character development) and I even get frustrated with Will's naivety. But then as the story goes and he sees and experienced a lot more, Will finally grew up from that little boy who just wanting to be reunited with his father. Other characters such as Chester also changed a bit - not as much as Will though, and Elliot - my favorite character - spent half of the book lying unconsciously only to return with a bang, literary. That is so Elliot. Almost similar with the first and second book, there are some parts where I feel bored. But I didn't stop reading and things get pretty excited and intense again with a cliffhanger ending that makes you wanting for more.

Lynossa

Freefall (Tunnels #3) by Roderick Gordon & Brian Williams

Hunger - Michael Grant

Title: HUNGER
Series: Gone Series #2
Author: Michael Grant
Pages: 590
Publisher: Harper Teen
Rating: 5 out of 5

Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Summary:

IT'S BEEN THERE MONTHS SINCE EVERYONE UNDER THE AGE OF FIFTEEN BECAME TRAPPED IN THE BUBBLE KNOWN AS THE FAYZ.
THREE MONTHS SINCE ALL THE ADULTS DISAPPEARED.
GONE.
Food ran out weeks ago. Everyone is starving, but no one wants to figure out a solution. And each day, more and more kids are evolving, developing supernatural abilities that set them apart from t...moreIT'S BEEN THERE MONTHS SINCE EVERYONE UNDER THE AGE OF FIFTEEN BECAME TRAPPED IN THE BUBBLE KNOWN AS THE FAYZ.
THREE MONTHS SINCE ALL THE ADULTS DISAPPEARED.
GONE.
Food ran out weeks ago. Everyone is starving, but no one wants to figure out a solution. And each day, more and more kids are evolving, developing supernatural abilities that set them apart from the kids without powers.
Tension rises and chaos is descending upon the town. It's the normal kids against the mutants. Each kid is out for himself, and even the good ones turn murderous.

But a larger problem looms. The Darkness, a sinister creature that has lived buried deep in the hills, begins calling to some of the teens in the FAYZ. Calling to them, guiding them, manipulating them.
The Darkness has awakened. And it is hungry.

Review

Is the second book installment of the Gone novel by Michael Grant and If you haven’t read the first one and doesn’t want to be spoiled. I strongly suggest to back away or go read my first review. Here.

It's been three months since the FAYZ started. All things have gone from bad to worst. All kids are facing Hunger, having little food left in the grocery store plus more kids complaining. Sam can feel the pressure of being a leader to these little kids. Having forced to answer all their questions repeatedly. Having asked to solve some little/minor problems such as who will own the pet they both kids named? Not to mention the faces who looked out for him to answer all the things. Several months before after the adults had gone ‘poofed’ children had gone wild taking all they can have for free in the local grocery store, not minding that doing it might reflect a huge crisis in the future events : Starvation. That said children have gone joking about cannibalism. Eating the pets they once own, or their neighbors pet or hunt an animals that is available just to survive the starvation.

The book as title hunger not only revolves around the hunger in the beach kids but also the hunger of their main protagonist who called itself: darkness. As it calls whoever get in touch with it aka caine, drake, lana. Caine has spent months in bed fighting gaiaphage or the darkness. And Lana who silently is fighting the darkness is calling her back to the gold mine where they last encountered with coyotes’ are having this thought to face and finish it on her own.

Many kids are introduced in this series: Zil, Hunter, Harry, Brittany, Duck and many more. Who have a very big role in the entire series and might as well in the next ones.

For me this is not as good as the first book. Sam and Astrid only share small portion of spotlight despite their main role in the story. Caine and Diane get to enjoy their spotlight here as they both fight and plotting another war against Sam who had a breakdown after all things that happened. Astrid on the other is annoying me, she doesn’t seem the Genius anymore. Maybe she’s too smart to the point that she can't see smaller things like what Albert is planning. Saving batteries and tissue paper are indeed a good idea who knows they might need in the future. Yet she opposes it.

Also in this series. Human crew was made. As the title of the groups says they are a group of humans who does not have the power. As Caine went to the power plant and Diana winning Computer Jack’s favor using his weakness against computers and technology to prove his worth. He decided to go after them for the plan of getting the Beach electricity cut. Zil on the other hand had made a sudden attack in the beach, vandalizing, destroying some houses and even hunting kids that have power and that includes Duck who has the power over his own density and Hunter who has the power to boil the brain of his enemy or someone. Some kids favored him saying that Mutants are failing and selfish people who only cares for their selves.

Caine and Diane get to have my favor here even though I’m not really on their side. But seeing how twisted couple they are? and how they made the series more likeable and interesting. Even though Caine’s plan fails Diana will always have a backup plan making them a perfect tandem. Drake is getting more scary and ruthless.

This book is getting better as we go further. I can't wait to set my hands on the third installment.

Kay-c

PS: REVIEW - Book 3:
Lies

Hunger - Michael Grant

The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

Title: The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

Author: Stieg Larsson

Publisher: Maclehose Press by Quercus (UK).

Rate: 4 stars.

This is the last part of the phenomenal Millenium Trilogy. For those who don’t want to be spoiled, I suggest you to read the first and second books first. I have the reviews in here and here.

Salander opened her eyes when she heard a scraping sound. It was as though someone was dragging something along the corridor. For a moment there was only silence, and she wondered if she were imagining things. Then she heard the same sound again, moving away. Her uneasiness grew.

Zalachenko was out there somewhere.

The Book begun right from the end of the second book where Lisbeth was lying on hospital bed with bullet in her brain following her first encounter with her evil father after so many years. Facing a possibility of being charged for murder attempt and locked in mental facility for the rest of her life, she must do something to prove her innocence; but with his father located in the same floor, can she even come out from the hospital alive?

Meanwhile Blomkvist out there doesn't stay idle. He persuaded his sister to be Lisbeth lawyer and actively approaches everyone who believes Lisbeth is innocent and deserves to be treated like normal citizen and to tackle The Section, the evil government agency that locked Lisbeth in mental facility when she was 12 year-old. Unlike most of US crime and conspiracy stories where government and security institution considered as demi-god and uses super-awesome jaw-dropping technology, Millenium series surprisingly very realistic and trust-able.

I consider this book as the best among three. We see huge development in Lisbeth character, how she finally able to accept people and trust them to help her. other characters also been given bigger roles than the first two books. One of the things I dislike it Figuerola presence in this book. [rant]Personally I think she has no use except to be the newest Blomkvist love interest; her role (outside completely head over heels with Blomkvist) can be easily filled by male. Perhaps Larsson didn't think Lisbeth-Blomkvist will work out anyway and there's no way Berger would left her husband for Blomkvist so he create another one. But surely it doesn't have to be a super hot and sexy secret agent. I mean you can't get more cliché than that [end of rant].There are other things that for me doesn't have to be exist in this book because those have no significant meaning to the main story, but perhaps Larsson had other ideas in his mind. I guess we'll never know :sob:

Lynossa

The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

Heroes of The Valley by Jonathan Stroud

Title: Heroes of the Valley

Author: Jonathan Stroud

Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books (US)

Rate: 3 and a half stars

Halli Sveinsson, second son of the House of Svein, growing up by listening to all heroic stories and tales of his ancestor and dreams to be like him. However heroic action and swords are no longer used in his era; and the most promising thing for his future is maintain a land.

One day he suddenly finds himself in the middle of adventure and a chance to become a hero after a trick to an heir of House of Hakon. Trick that leads to chain of events and change his life forever. But dreams and reality rarely goes along, and Halli discovered the things that weren't explained in tales and legend.

Like I've mentioned before, if I like books from an author, I will collect all his/her books. I'm a huge fan of Bartimaeus Trilogy; it's funny, it's smart, it's interesting and simply entertaining with a mind-blowing ending. So I tried Stroud's another book: Buried Fire, and I disappointed, it's not half as good as Bartimaeus. When I heard he released another book, Heroes of Valley, I'm a bit skeptical. It turned out it was good; not as good as Bartimaeus (hard to top that) but it's enjoyable and very nice. Unlike most of the fantasy series that revolves around 'The Chosen One' theme, Heroes of the Valley is about choosing what's right and facing the consequences.

Halli is a second son of House of Svein. Everyone in the House believes Svein was - and still - the greatest Hero ever and Halli dreams to be like him. In here we meet a delinquent boy who desperately trying to escape the mundane daily life by dreaming of adventures. But when he finally faced the adventure as a consequence of his own action, he realize that heroic action isn't just about swinging sword and killing bad guys. A very nice coming-out-of-age theme with a twist that became a signature in every Stroud's books.

Lynossa

Heroes of The Valley by Jonathan Stroud

The Girl who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson

Title: The Girl who Played with Fire

Author: Stieg Larsson

Publisher: Vintage Crime, Division of Random House (US)

My rate: 3 stars.

This is the second part of Millenium Trilogy from Stieg Larsson. If you want to know my review on the first part, click here. If you haven't read the first part, I suggest to stay away from this review because it'll be spoiler. You have been warned >.>

So, we meet again with our heroine, Lisbeth Salander. After 'stealing' Wennerstrom's money and heartbroken, she decide to leave Sweden and travel around the world. She had her own adventure when she was in Granada; meanwhile Blomkvist - who keep trying to contact Salander - got involved with an investigation of sex-trafficking along with his colleagues in Millennium. When Salander return, she discovered that the investigation linked to her past. In the middle of investigation, brutal murders occurs and Salander was accused as the culprit. Blomkvist was trying to prove her innocence and captures the real culprit and got tangled in the whole mess.

Well, I gave this 3 stars, half star lower than the first book. The reason is simple, Lisbeth - although still awesome - not as different as she was in first book. She's gone soft and a bit girly - concern about her appearance. And the 1/3 first part of the book was basically useless, imo. Especially the part when Salander out of Sweden because it didn't linked with the main focus of the story. Either Larsson using it as a foundation for the 3rd book or he running out of idea what Salander should do why Blomkvist busy with Millennium and looking for her.

Personally I like the first book more than this one, the strong point on this book was that we get an information about Salander's dark past and why as an adult she still needs guardian.

Lynossa

The Girl who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Title: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

 

Author: Stieg Larsson

Publisher: Maclehose Press by Quercus (UK).

My rate: Three and a half stars.

I finally get my hand on this popular first installment of Millenium trilogy by Stieg Larsson. At first I’m a bit skeptical; I grew up reading various detective series and for me the old school detective stories are much better than the recent ones. But this novel hook me right away the moment I was introduced to Lisbeth. She’s a very interesting and original character, unlike most of female main character in stories, she’s a flat chest child-like anti-hero who diagnosed as mentally unstable and needs guardian even though she’s an adult. Blomkvist on the other hand, doesn’t impress me that much. For me he’s just like any other main character in most stories: attractive, smart, morally just, and went against the powerful capitalist company.

The plot revolves around Blomkvist who, after beaten in court by the powerful capitalist company, hired by another rich capitalist, Henrik Vanger, as investigator to solve a 36 years old mystery. His job was to reveal the mystery behind Harriet Vanger, Henrik’s favorite nephew, disappearance and the dark secrets that hidden within the family. According to Henrik, one the members of Vanger family was involved in the incident. This mystery has became an obsession for Henrik and he wish to find out the truth before he died. Lisbeth on the other hand, is a personal investigator who was hired by Vanger to investigate Blomkvist earlier, until Blomkvist founds out about it and offers her to work with him in solving the mystery.

It’s necessary to mention that some of the crimes in book are gruesome, disgusting, and sick. For those who can’t stand the description of brutal crime, perhaps should stay away from it. But lots of other crime series also provide the similar gruesome killing/torture methods so actually it wasn’t new or surprising at all.

Lynossa

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Gone - Michael Gran

Title: GONE
Series: Gone series #1
Author: Michael Grant
Pages: 558
Publisher: Harper Teen
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Summary:

In the blink of an eye. Everyone disappears. GONE.

Except for the young. Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not one single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. Just as suddenly, there are no phones, no internet, no television. No way to get help. And no way to figure out what's happened.

Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents—unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers—that grow stronger by the day.

It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen, a fight is shaping up. Townies against rich kids. Bullies against the weak. Powerful against powerless. And time is running out: On your birthday, you disappear just like everyone else..

Review:

The Gone introduced us to a scary place they call FAYZ (FALLOUT ALLEY YOUTH ZONE) where no 15 yrs old and above exist. Where kids are the one left behind with a question mark on their heads. Asking and hoping that the adults will be back in a few hours or days. Just a few hours ago Teachers and some other were just around then suddenly with the blink of an eye they are gone. Gone as in nowhere to be found. Then a mysterious wall appeared in nowhere that separates them from the other side which they speculate as the real world. Children who are scared and frightened looks for someone they can trust and found Sam who is known to be school bus Sam –the hero who helped the driver as he suffered from being heart attack while driving saved the bus who is full of children and the driver himself.

They soon started asking Sam questions that he, himself couldn’t even answer and have no clue of what’s going on. Sam was born as a natural leader but still reluctant to accept it as everyone looks up to him for an answers and help. He wants to run away and be someone they think he’s not. He doesn’t want to lead these kids. Afraid the things that are happening might be his fault. Having this strange ability to turn his hands to some light beam that endangered his step father and the reason why he left them behind. Afraid that he might put them in danger as well because of it. Until the handsome and charismatic Caine together with his other Coates academy crew arrived and took over. Making things worse, having all these bullies rule and hurting helpless children. Sam has no choice but to fight for the greater good.

This book blew me away for the first time. The plot aren’t predictable, the writing style is fantastic. You’ll get to know how and what the characters are doing and thinking but of course the obvious mystery is still unknown, even to us readers. Characters are awesome and scary, ruthless, cruel (you name it.) for their kind. I can’t believe they are children at 15 below of age. Can’t believe they can actually do that. I mean realistically…can someone really do that? You will pity and feel mad about all they’ve done in order to rule the village.

Right from the beginning my mind is filled with questions, “what happened?” “how did this start?” or rather who started it. And then they are isolated inside this creepy bowl like think that whenever you touch it you’ll feel electricity flowing strong inside your skin. You can’t put the book down because the further you go on reading the more interesting the story become and the more mystery unravel.

You will be shocked, you'll feel pity, mad and all the bad vibes you could feel is I think I felt while reading this book. I love Sam though I sometimes hate his reluctant side but understand him. He will get to lead this bunch of children in one moment, when he, himself is still considered one. Just like everyone in the FAYZ, he too, Needs guidance. I dislike not hate Quinn, despite his bigness compared to Sam. Quinn is a coward and by that instead of him standing in front and defending Sam, he is the one being protected, he'll easily breakdown in a fight. And because of this he made a mistake and sold Sam in their enemy but I can't really be mad at him esp. when you are in this place where people have this scary powers and bats, and guns? Plus a psychopath kids who wouldn’t have a second thought to kill you, you'll definitely be scared. Astrid on the other hand is known as “Astrid the Genius” who is friend with Sam and Quinn and their classmate for I forgot how long. She has an important role in Sam’s life, not only because she is Sam’s crush but because she’s only one who can keep Sam sane, not that Sam is insane but suddenly having this huge responsibility? Astrid may be a great help, helping Sam make good and right decisions throughout the story. And I think that having them together is perfect like a sidekick and hero relationship.

I can't wait to read the the second series. And I can't wait for another mind blowing plot.

Kay-c

PS: REVIEW for book 2 and 3:
Hunger
Lies

Gone - Michael Gran

Graceling - Kristin Cashore

Title: Graceling
Author: Kristin Cashore
Pages: 471 pages
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books

Amazon | Book Depository | Goodreads

Summary:

The Story is about a girl named Katsa. The Kings niece. Her grace is known for Killing. She can kill 7 or about soldiers even if they wear their full armor. She's her uncle's obidient dog. And uses her to scare some people who dont follow his orders or who he simply dislike. Until Prince Po from the other country arrived. Who is looking for his lost/kidnapped Grandfather. Po is known to have a combat grace. Almost the same as her. They got to know each other...

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Review:

I really love this book. Especially on how cashore made katsa looked so strong as a girl or should I say the protagonist herself that i love?. Intense action and good romance with comedy in someways. And the idea of Grace i think its unique.

Katsa is a strong wild girl. Confident and Smart. Yes. She is blessed/cursed with her killing Grace which allows her to kill whoever she wants. She's been training under her Uncle's wings in order to use her in some purposes such as scaring those he dislike and those who opposed him. Which she actually hate doing. But she still do. Because she is scared with her uncle. The King.

Po on the other hand is a Gentle Prince. Katsa's opposite. He is graced with combat skills. He came from another Kingdom who's graceling are free (unlike Katsa's Kingdom which aren't) He came to search of his lost grandfather who was abducted.

:D
Kay-c

Graceling - Kristin Cashore