Prodigy (Legend #2)

Finished on 15th October, 2014

5 Stars

* * * * * * * * * *

Injured and on the run, it has been seven days since June and Day barely escaped Los Angeles and the Republic with their lives. Day is believed dead having lost his own brother to an execution squad who thought they were assassinating him. June is now the Republic’s most wanted traitor. Desperate for help, they turn to the Patriots – a vigilante rebel group sworn to bring down the Republic. But can they trust them or have they unwittingly become pawns in the most terrifying of political games?

* * * * * * * * * *

The moment that you realise a sick June is still smarter than you’ll ever be.

Nail-bitingly suspenseful, Prodigy is another genius novel of the dystopian genre.

I absolutely adore how Marie Lu writes romance. Although I’m all for soul mates and instant connections, I find the relationship between June and Day to be strikingly realistic and really sweet. There is a deep understanding and they are each other’s rock. It’s really sad when June and Day just don’t set that and fill themselves with doubts.

That ending – I was torn between bursting into tears, screaming in frustration and throwing the book across the room. Just- I can’t even. There really are no words… Let’s just say that I’m extremely glad that I’ve got the final book at home ready to go.

I loved Tess in Legend but although she was great in Prodigy, I found myself struggling to see past my annoyance at her acclaimed love threatening my ship and pity for her since it would never work out for them. I just could not get past the wrongness of her love for Day, because even though they might make a “great couple” as Kaede said, Day and June are meant to be and anyone who says otherwise will face my wrath. The same goes for Anden – I love him, but… no one gets in the way of my ship. (Do they have a couple name? Jay? Dune? Something way more awesome than that? I would love to know).

I loved Kaede. I didn’t expect to, but I did. Not to mention, she is an amazing pilot. Prodigy reveals more of her backstory and develops her as a character. There is an epic flying scene near the end of the novel where she pulls off some awesome manoeuvres which made me wonder how good she was before her eye injury as she is ridiculously skilled even though her sight was permanently impaired.

“My point is this: The Colonies are better than the Republic in some ways. But believe it or not, the reverse is also true. No such thing as the stupid utopia you’ve been fantasising about, Day. Doesn’t exist.” – Kaede, page 300

The Colonies had been built up to be the perfect society so I was weary when June an Day ventured there – it was all too perfect. However, I did not expect it to be as Kaede showed Day – I think that I’d actually prefer the Republic to stay separate and just change in itself as opposed to the Colonies taking over and “reuniting the United States”.

If you loved Legend and suspense is your cup of tea, I highly recommend picking up this novel. With sweet, relate able romance and a major cliff-hanger ending, Prodigy is a great, thoroughly enjoyable read.

Friday Finds #5

FRIDAY FINDS, a weekly book meme by MzB of Should Be Reading, showcases the books you ‘found’ and added to your To Be Read list… whether you found them online, or in a bookstore, or in the library — wherever! (they aren’t necessarily books you purchased).

My Finds:

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I’m picking this up tonight! (So excited ^_^)

Feel free to share your own Friday Finds and I’ll be sure to check them out 🙂

WWW Wednesday #6

WWW Wednesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MzB of Should Be Reading. To play along, just answer the following three questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

My WWW Wednesday:

I am currently reading…

Prodigy by Marie Lu

I have just finished reading…

Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Next, I am planning to read…

Champion by Marie Lu

Share a link to your own WWW Wednesday and I’ll be sure to check them out 🙂

Teaser Tuesday #6

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read.

Randomly open a page.

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.

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!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

“Few people kill for the right reasons, but if any reason is the right one, it must be this. Isn’t it?

– Page 61, Legend</em by Marie Lu

Share a link to your own Teaser Tuesday in the Comments and I’ll be checking it out! 🙂

Sentinel (Covenant #5)

Read on 6th October, 2014

5 Stars

* * * * * * * * * *

It’s a beautiful day for a war.

As the mortal world slowly slips into chaos of the godly kind, Alexandria Andros must overcome a stunning defeat that has left her shaken and in doubt of their ability to end this war once and for all.

And with all the obstacles between Alex and her happily-ever-after with the swoonworthy Aiden St. Delphi, they must now trust a deadly foe as they travel deep into the Underworld to release one of the most dangerous gods of all time.

In the stunning, action-packed climax to the bestselling Covenant series, Alex must face a terrible choice: the destruction of everything and everyone she holds dear… or the end of herself.

* * * * * * * * * *

That has got to be the best ending ever. I’m still laughing and crying really heavily right now, but it feels so good. Gosh – what a perfect ending to a perfect series. Sentinel blew my mind and then some, I simply can’t express how amazing this book is – I just… Can’t.

All through the series, the titles have connected with a character but Sentinel… I’m not quite sure, but somehow I think it’s referring to her Dad. It would make sense, wouldn’t it? Half-Blood referred to Alex, Pure Aiden, Deity Apollo, Apollyon Alex and now Sentinel her father. Of course, Armentrout could be talking about any number of characters, but I just have a feeling that it’s Alexander. After all, when Alex “talked” with him he was not wearing servant’s garb but the Sentinel uniform and he is referred to a Sentinel on server so occasions. It makes sense.

I’m so happy – I love Seth again!! For a while, I was hot and cold on whether to trust him or not, but he pulled through in the end. I actually think that I may be in love with him… Especially after what he did for Alex and Aiden. I’m so happy that he finally saw the light – it seems Ares was good for something, it seems.

While I loved all of the characters (even Perses had his moments – “Make war for the pure bliss of it, but never make war in order to take control.” – only he would say something like that), I have to say that one of the main highlights of Sentinel was Athena – proper, old-fashioned Athena – saying “Army of Awesome”. I just- wow. It majorly cracked me up. Another highlight is Apollo’s timing. Leon was bad enough, but Apollo? He was absolutely brilliant. The amount of times he scared the heck out of everyone present, not to mention popping in on an inappropriate moment… Priceless.

During the latter part of the Covenant series, we have established that an Apollyon can only be created by a female pure and a male half-blood, one of whom must be a descendent of Apollo. “You were supposed to be the First, Alex. All the Apollyons came from Apollo. I was created for this-for what Ares wanted. It was the same with Solaris and the First.” So my question is (aside from the obvious “how the heck did Ares manage to create Seth and Solaris’ First?“) – why establish the Breed Order in the first place? Surely there aren’t that many descendants of Apollo (then again, this is Apollo we’re talking about). The conditions are certainly rare. How is it fair to ban all relations between Pures and Halfs? But then again, the Council established the enslavement of Half-Bloods and claimed it to be decreed by the gods, when it that was not the case. At least the fact that he was “created” explains how Seth had amber eyes even before he Awakened…

An absolutely stunning series, Covenant is something everyone should get behind. Witty, strong, hilarious, hot, sexy, tear-inducting, swoon-worthy, heart-breaking, inspiring, Armentrout has hit the nail on the head with this one. – I might even go as far as to say that it is better than the Lux series, but I have yet to read the final book so I cannot make a comprehensive judgement there. My point is, the Covenant series is absolutely amazing – certainly one of my favourites – and 100% worth the read.

If I had to rank the series, I would have to go with…
1. Sentinel
2. Deity
3.Apollyon
4. Half-Blood
5. Pure
(Keep in mind, there is very little difference between the ranks)

Apollyon (Covenant #4)

Read on 5th October, 2014

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

5 Stars

* * * * * * * * * *

Fate isn’t something to mess with… and now, neither is Alex.

Alex has always feared two things: losing herself in the Awakening and being placed on the Elixir. But love has always been stronger than Fate, and Aiden St. Delphi is willing to make war on the gods—and Alex herself—to bring her back.

The gods have killed thousands and could destroy entire cities in their quest to stop Seth from taking Alex’s power and becoming the all-powerful God Killer. But breaking Alex’s connection to Seth isn’t the only problem. There are a few pesky little loopholes in the whole “an Apollyon can’t be killed” theory, and the only person who might know how to stop the destruction has been dead for centuries.

Finding their way past the barriers that guard the Underworld, searching for one soul among countless millions, and then somehow returning will be hard enough. Alex might be able to keep Seth from becoming the God Killer… or she might become the God Killer herself.

* * * * * * * * * *

A true Armentrout novel, Apollyon was well-paced, witty, heated, fun, with well-developed characters that have come a long way and a plot to match. While not exactly fast-paced (in comparison to, say, Deity), it was still quite intriguing and featured many astounding revelations.

Though she was rather amusing, I didn’t like psychotic, “evil” Alex. In fact, for the first seven chapters, I seriously wanted to punch her in the face – with love, of course. I was so relieved when she came to her senses! And Aiden… Where can I get myself an Aiden? Seriously? Even though she hated his guts, he had such unwavering faith in her.

What I love most about Jennifer L. Armentrout’s romances is that, while her books are written in third person, the love is obviously mutual – i.e. it’s clear that Aiden is as crazy about Alex as she is him. It’s something that I really admire about her. Also, isn’t it skilful how some authors can write about sex without making it sound like they’re actually having sex? It’s pretty clever, to be honest. And it doesn’t take away from the experience at all. Just saying… *coughs and looks around awkwardly at all the stares, ‘whaaaat? It’s true…‘*

So, let me get this straight:
– A god and a mortal make a demi-god
– Two demi-gods make a Hematoi (a pure)
– A pure and a mortal make a half-blood
– A half-blood and a pure make an Apollyon (sorry, a female pure and a male half-blood make an Apollyon)

So what does a pure and an Apollyon make?

I really hope we’ll find out, because I am beyond curious. Maybe they make a demi-god, bringing it back full-circle? Or an immortal? A minor god/goddess? I have no clue. (I’d love to hear your thought, speculations and crack-pot theories!)

I really don’t have much more to say… Other than Apollyon is totally awesome, well-worth the read, I really want to kill-but-not-kill so many characters (in a good way!), I love how Caleb just keeps popping up and how he’s so chill (“yeah, I play wii with Persephone every day, like a boss“), I SO KNEW *bleep* WAS THE GOD BEHIND LUCIAN AND SETH! I CALLED IT!!! And that ending – are you kidding me? WHAT IS UP WITH JENNIFER AND CLIFF-HANGERS???? Even though it’s not technically a cliff-hanger… (Yeah, this isn’t going anywhere so I’ll shut up now – just read it and you’ll understand. I apologise for the fangirl gush/rant.) Oh, and I love the cover!

Deity (Covenant #3)

Read from 4-5th October, 2014

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

5 Stars

* * * * * * * * * *

“History is on repeat, and things didn’t go so well the last time. ”

Alexandria isn’t sure she’s going to make it to her eighteenth birthday–to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she’s a goner… and so is Aiden.

If that’s not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time “training”–which really is just Seth’s code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time–she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.

But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she’s caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed… and destroyed.

Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate…

* * * * * * * * * *

How on Earth did I ever think that Seth stood a chance? Honestly, I’m clueless.

Aiden is just so awesome! And cute, hot, sexy, loyal, over-protective, bad-ass… Shall I go on? I – like Alex – had fooled myself into believing that she wasn’t “settling for Seth” and that what they had was real. I was wrong. To be honest, there were times when Seth actually scared me – and most of the time I didn’t even know who he was. What Alex and Aiden have together – well, I can’t believe that I believed Seth was even in the running. Harsh, but true. Pure seemed more like a dream than anything else when it came to Alex, Seth and Aiden…

Deity was full of non-stop action, wonderful suspense, hilarious banter, beautifully developed characters, a artfully devised plot line, and moments that stir your emotions like never before.

The brown-eyed man. I guessed that he was important, but his identity left me breathless. I had a faint inkling when Laadan was talking about Alexander attending a Covenant, but this? Awesome. Wicked. Amazing. I had no idea that was what created an Apollyon, but it does make sense…

I loved Apollo!! He was absolutely, downright hilarious and such an enjoyable character. When Leon got all deep and meaningful, echoing the words of the oracle (was it in this book or Pure that it happened? I’m not quite sure) I knew something was up. But this? Totally epic.

Seth. I don’t know if I’m frustrated with him, feel sorry for the kid, or just want to kill him. Especially that ending – are you kidding me!? (I would undoubtedly have a significantly more explosive reaction if I haven’t got the next two books lined up on my bedside table, as opposed to at the library where I would have to wait a few days before obtaining them.) I knew something was off about him, but seriously? Urg, it seems I cannot form any cohesive thought when it comes to him… Just- yeah.

Let’s talk about the cover for a moment. I like the flower and colour scheme (consistent throughout the series, I like it. Much better than the Lux covers – they were all terrible, save perhaps Origin) but what is up with the neck? At first I thought it was a shoulder, but at a weird angle. Speaking of which, it’s a weird angle regardless. It’s just- weird. I mean, I suppose I understand the significance – but a neck? Seriously?

*In my review of Pure I mentioned a Minister “Tilly” – I meant Minister Telly. Telly, not Tilly (that sounds so weird!)

If I had to rank the series so far, I’d have to go with:
1. Deity
2. Half-Blood
3. Pure
But really, they’re all awesome.

To sum it up, Covenant is an awesome series that you should definitely get on board! Half-Blood is the first book of the Covenant series.

Pure (Covenant #2)

Read from 3rd-4th October, 2014

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

5 Stars

* * * * * * * * * *

There is need. And then there is Fate.

Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn’t exactly awesome–especially when Alexandria’s other half is everywhere she goes. Seth’s in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom–so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do–and sacrifice–for her.

When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies–lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon–and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn’t blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude–or killing her.

When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.

* * * * * * * * * *

Pure is another thrilling read from Jennifer L. Armentrout. Surprising, fun, sexy, touching, hilarious, with moments that will make you cry – if you haven’t jumped on this boat already, I highly recommend it!

Seth or Aiden – isn’t that the question?

In the last book, Half-Blood, I thought I had it all figured out, but now… Pure features Seth more prominently and we get to see what he’s all about. I actually really like Seth – he’s always there, he can sense her emotions and with that comes an understanding. I have to say, I’m cheering for them – the pool scene and the one with the brew were great. Not only that, but how he just sat with her when she went through that traumatic experience? Seth’s genuine, and that’s pretty hard to get. I love how Seth and Alex argue all the time, yet have really sweet moments when they’re just together.

At first, I was loving Aiden. The zoo scene in particular was really cute. As the book pressed on, he became more reserved, even cold at times. Despite this, we know that he truly cares for Alex in the things he says and how he acts – especially as we near the end of the novel. I am aware that any intimate relationship between a pure and a half is forbidden – we’ve known that from the beginning – but Pure seemed to really hit the message home. After witnessing what actually happens to both pures and half-bloods when they’re caught together, I felt even more inclined toward Seth. Despite this, I still love Aiden – so I really have no idea. I felt that Half-Blood leans towards Aiden and Pure toward Seth, so now I suppose we’ll see what comes next.

To be honest, I had totally forgotten about the council session. That didn’t last long… Minister Tilly is such a *insert offensive word here*! The nerve of that man – I utterly loath him with a firery passion. His accusations against her (insinuated or otherwise) are absolutely despicable. And her room? You have got to be kidding me.

There were many times when the plot took me by complete surprise – as it should. There are numerous unforeseeable twists and turns, most coming out of the blue with no warning whatsoever. My only issue was that (and this is being very nit-picky) the furies were barely mentioned. When something is mentioned as part of the synopsis, it is assumed that it will be at least somewhat prominent in the story.

Pure was a brilliant read that left me eager for what is to come. Featuring a great plot, witty banter and developed, loveable (and love-to-hate) characters in true Armentrout style, this novel is a great second book in an awesome series.

Friday Finds #4

FRIDAY FINDS, a book meme by MzB of Should Be Reading, showcases the books you ‘found’ and added to your To Be Read (TBR) list… whether you found them online, or in a bookstore, or in the library — wherever! (they aren’t necessarily books you purchased).

My Finds:

I borrowed all of these lovely finds from the library. Though, considering my holidays end in a couple of days, I have absolutely no idea when I’m going to find time to read them… On top of the books I already own and am yet to read, no less.

Share the link to your Friday Finds and I’ll be sure to check them out! 🙂

Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)

Read from 1st-2nd October, 2014

Author: Sarah J. Maas

5 Stars

* * * * * * * * * *

Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy.

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?

* * * * * * * * * *

Where do I even start? As a die-hard bookworm, I have come across many brilliant, beautiful, amazing books but I have to say – none of them top Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass chronicles. Absolutely none. I know my review will not even begin to do justice to this stunning series, but I’ll give it my best shot.

Ripe with emotion and words that touch you in the deepest part of your soul, Heir of Fire will bring tears, triumph, anguish, despair, hope, loss, friendship, sorrow, laughter, understanding and joy. Sarah J. Maas will rip your heart in two, fix it, only to destroy it again, but leaving behind some semblance of hope. It will fulfil you and leave you hanging, screaming for more.

Everything comes full circle. Everything. Including new elements and characters that will become as beloved as those familiar to us.

Assassin, Fae, Queen, Friend, Traitor, Liberator, Fire-heart. To quote Tamora Pierce, “Celaena is as much an epic hero as Frodo or John Snow.” What is not to love about Celaena? She is lost and aches with a fierce darkness in her soul, that which has been stirring for over ten years, with the added loss of Sam and Nehemia. She is sarcastic, humerus, clever, witty, loyal, broken and lost, but breaks through and finds hope in herself and for a better world.

Rowan. The perfect companion for Celaena. He is just as lost and broken as she, but they forge through together “to whatever end.” He is reserved, fiercely loyal, skilled and downright hilarious when he’s fussing. I love their silent conversations – what I wouldn’t give to be able to do that, to form a bond with someone and trust them so entirely, to be able to read them and be their equal… I fell in love with Rowan just as I have with Chaol.

Manon was interesting. I’m still not quite sure what to make of her, but it was great to hear the story of someone so completely different to those we are familiar with. I enjoyed her fierceness, composure and kickass attitude, especially her rivalry with Iskra. The coven dynamics is fascinating and I feel like Maas definitely has something big planned for her.

At first I too bought into the image that Aedion was a lying, scheming, traitor who was turned on his own people, but I was pleasantly surprised that this was not the case. Aedion was revealed to be strong, loyal and have a heart of gold, willing to do anything for Aelin, his cousin, his queen. In flashbacks we see their close relationship as children and it is heart-wrenching. His only wish is to see her again one last time and we can only hope that they will soon be reunited.

My heart broke for Chaol. He was always a favourite of mine and to see him so lost, so broken, absolutely crushed me. To see him sell himself to his horrid father to send Celaena to Wendlyn (I had actually forgotten about that part of Crown of Midnight) and the repercussions of that decision – not only having to leave all that he’d strived for and worked for, but to see his relationship with Dorian all but shatter… I wept for him many times, and all I can hope for is that when he and Celaena meet again they take each other back, for they love each other and are truly a match made in heaven.

While I love Dorian, I have always preferred Celaena with Chaol, so when Sorscha came along, it was just too perfect. Dorian and her are adorable together! At first I thought that nothing would come of it, but when it did… I was totally rooting for them.

Dorian. I was so proud of him! Finding love with Sorscha, acting like the king he truly is. I could see it, clear as day – Dorian as King with Sorscha as his Queen. What happened to him… Let’s just say that Maas is truly cruel, no matter how great of a writer she is.

I didn’t actually think it was possible to despise the King any more than I already do. But no, he just had to become an even worse (or is it better?) villain. What he did ten years ago… *shakes head* And that end scene – it totally broke my heart. Sorscha, Dorian, Aedion, Chaol… I completely balled my eyes out. Everything was perfect, but then THAT STUPID, PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR A KING!!! I just-can’t. Just, no.

Heir of Fire is truly a must-read for all! If you’re new to the series, Throne of Glass is the first book, followed by Crown of Midnight. Read it! You won’t regret it.

For those of you that have read this breath-taking novel, I would love to discuss with you! Also, please let me know that you think of my reviews – constructive criticism is welcome! 🙂