Friday, July 27, 2012

Demonglass (Hex Hall #2) By Rachel Hawkins

Synopsis:

 Sophie Mercer thought she was a witch. That was the whole reason she was sent to Hex Hall, a reform school for delinquent Prodigium (aka witches, shapeshifters, and fairies). But that was before she discovered the family secret, and that her hot crush, Archer Cross, is an agent for The Eye, a group bent on wiping Prodigium off the face of the earth. Turns out, Sophie’s a demon, one of only two in the world—the other being her father. What’s worse, she has powers that threaten the lives of everyone she loves. Which is precisely why Sophie decides she must go to London for the Removal, a dangerous procedure that will destroy her powers. But once Sophie arrives she makes a shocking discovery. Her new friends? They’re demons too. Meaning someone is raising them in secret with creepy plans to use their powers, and probably not for good. Meanwhile, The Eye is set on hunting Sophie down, and they’re using Archer to do it. But it’s not like she has feelings for him anymore. Does she?


 Demonglass (Hex Hall, #2)Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was WAY better than the first one in my opinion. Still a very easy read.

I must admit, I made a few predictions in the beginning and I was only half right. A lot more happened in this book than the first one.

Sophie is still dealing with the fact that she loves Archer but he's a member of The Eye, so that means he's the enemy. She really tries to push her feelings for him out and it seems she's trying to replace them with feelings for Cal.

She is spending the summer with her dad in England. When she gets there she finds out that her and her father aren't the only two demons in the world like she thought. Nick and Daisy, the two demons, have no idea who made them. My first thought was maybe when her Great Grandmother was around before she killed her, that maybe she made them. I don't know if a demon can even make more demons through the ritual though.

Nick and Daisy take Sophie and Jenna to a club in London just for the Prodigium. The club is raided by The Eye and Just as Sophie is escaping, Archer catches up to her. He gives her this coin and says he wants to see her again, he said he had information about Nick and Daisy.

Now maybe it's just me, but I've never thought that he actually wanted to kill her. Apparently the coin shows you where to find the person that gave it to you. So Archer waits for her at an old mill on the property but she doesn't go.

She has her birthday party and Archer risks everything and shows up dressed as a waiter. He demanded to see her again and this time she agrees. He takes her back to the island where Hex Hall is but to a different part of the island. He shows her a site of demon raising. Archer said that over the last 18 years, six kids have gone missing from Hex Hall and their parents had spells put on them so they wouldn't report their kids missing. I was slightly surprised to find out that Mrs. Casnoff was clearly in on it. If Mrs. Casnoff was in on it, her sister and council member was in on it too.

Back in England, Archer says “This thing with us is the only real thing I've had in a long time. You're the only real thing. And I'm done pretending I don't want you.” He just declares his love for her. Like a typical girl, I melted just a little bit.

Sophie ends up telling her dad everything she just found out. Daisy attacked Sophie, Which was just a matter of time, and Lara stops her with the excuse of a demon immobilization spell. Now, if you're going to lie about a spell, don't lie to a demon who would know about said spell.

Sophie is set to meet Archer again only to find out that Nick has injured him. She gets Cal to save him and the council members find them all at the old mill.

They're all set to stand 'trial'. Cal was sentenced back to Hex Hall and Archer was sentenced to death and Sophie was to get her powers removed. To no ones surprise, Her dad volunteers instead of her. But they just agreed to removed both of their powers.

Then, Lara and her sister confess that they were indeed the ones who raised the demons and that the rest of the council knew about it. It was hard to pick my jaw up off the floor after that.

Her dad survived the removal, but just as they were bringing her to get her powers removed, news broke that they lost control over Nick and he had killed 20 people and The Eye was on their way to them. The eye shows up and Sophie escapes. She finds Cal, who returned because he just felt like something was wrong. He tells her to run away and find her mother. She didn't know where her mother was, but Cal said: 'Just go to the Brannicks'. The Brannicks are similar to The Eye. I was slightly confused why her mother would be there, But then I remembered that Lara said that Sophie and her dad had a habit of falling for the enemy. So my guess was that her mother was secretly a Brannick. Well holy crap.

So overall, this book was pretty good. I really enjoyed it. 4/5 Stars. I could have done with a bit more fighting scenes.

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Hex Hall (Hex Hall #1) By Rachel Hawkins

Synopsis:

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters. By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tag-along ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.


 Hex Hall (Hex Hall, #1)Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book was a very easy read. It wasn't bad. The story was simple and was maybe meant for someone younger than me. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy it. The author kind of made everything kind of obvious from the beginning. She made known that the girls in the coven had or wanted to raise a demon to do their bidding. The girls never denied it. Girls in the coven kept getting hurt or killed. Then she made it known that the only people that take blood from people are demons and vamps. It was obvious that it was a demon. I was surprised to find out that Sophie was from a line of demons. And the demon that was killing/hurting the girls was her great grandmother. Then I was shocked to read that Archer was part of The Eye.

Overall, it was okay book. moving onto book 2. I'll bet it's better than this book.

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Thursday, July 26, 2012

Insurgent (Divergent #2)

Synopsis:

 One choice can transform you--or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love. Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

 Insurgent (Divergent, #2)Insurgent by Veronica Roth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I really enjoyed this book. Yes, it wasn't as good as Divergent. Divergent kept you wondering what was going to happen.

Now that everyone knows Tris is Divergent, I think it's less of a mystery. Then you just wonder what Erudite are going to do.

The issues between Tobias and Tris were sad. I felt bad for Tris. I was surprised to find out that Caleb was working with Erudite. I get that it's his new faction, but wow. When it was revealed that they had a spy in Erudite, I knew automatically that it was Peter. I don't like him, but he did save Tris.
I liked the new characters they introduced. Sadly most of them died. You learn not to get attached to anyone.

The ending was good. I like the way Veronica Roth ends her books. Caleb and Tobias hacking into the computer to show the video was a good touch. It doesn't redeem Caleb.

And now we wait for book 3. I'm looming forward to it.

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Divergent (Divergent #1)

Synopsis: In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.


 Divergent (Divergent #1)Divergent by Veronica Roth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I'm not sure what I can really say about this book.

It was amazing. It was sweet, funny and kept me reading non stop. By the time I realised it, I was done the book.

I love the characters. Tris is great. She's a great roll model for girls IMO. She started off as kind of weak and grew into this badass!! I love it.

Four, well what can you say about Four? I love him. Like, REALLY love him. I love the way he interacts with Tris and helps her so much. Is especially love how he tells her he loves her. Just beyond cute.

Great book, great story, great writing. Great everything really! I'm about to start book two now!!

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Pandemonium (Delirium #2) By Lauren Oliver

Synopsis:

Lena has escaped to the Wilds. Her love, Alex wasn't so lucky. Now she has to make the best of living in the Wilds with new people and new threats.



 Pandemonium (Delirium, #2)Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well holy crap! What a big improvement from the first book. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I this feeling of sadness over Alex dying. I wasn't entirely convinced that he was dead. You don't showcase love like that just for it to end just as fast. I was also dying for her mother to show up.

I enjoyed the now/then style of writing. It kept me entertained. I wasn't too sure how I felt about Julian at first. I felt it was a bit soon for her to be moving on. I mean, if you were so in love with someone would you be able to move on after 6 months of their death? I sure couldn't.

The story as a whole was way more interesting than the first book. I had a sneaking suspicion that Alex was never dead. As soon as Raven said that a guy from Portland was there, and that he was from the Crypts, I knew instantly it was Alex.

When Lena read her mothers intake number in Julians fathers secret study and realized the woman that saved her was her mother, all I could do is gasp. I'm really wondering why she didn't make herself known to her once they got back to the warehouse. I'm very very very curious what her deal is.

I'm really looking forward to Requiem in March. I'm really dying to know what happens with Lena/Julian/Alex love triangle that is sure to arise. Personally, I want her to go back to Alex. But he seems kind of pissed off at her.

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Delirium By Lauren Oliver

Synopsis:


 Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy. But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love


 Delirium (Delirium, #1)Delirium by Lauren Oliver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had to take a few days to really get my thoughts together about this book. It left me feeling wanting more yet disappointed.

I was really into this book. I couldn't put it down. Lauren Oliver has a way with her words and writing that keeps you reading. I couldn't stop reading and yet felt like the story wasn't progressing very well. It was like we spent the first half of the book just reading about her day to day life and then something interesting would happen and then it was back to her day to day boring life.

The second half of the book was great. I enjoyed it. I was shocked to read that her mother was in the Crypts the whole time. I really felt bad for her. Her love with Alex was really cute and sweet. I loved him.

On the subject of Alex, I can't believe she killed him off. I'm not cool with that. Poor girl.

Book two better be good. I'm giving this been 3 stars. I probably won't read it again.

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Fifty Shades Of Grey Trilogy

Synopsis:

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY: When college student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly Ana realizes she wants this man, and Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian’s secrets and explores her own desires.

 FIFTY SHADES DARKER: Daunted by Christian’s dark secrets and singular tastes, Ana has broken off their relationship to start a new career. But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and while Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Ana is forced to make the most important decision of her life.

FIFTY SHADES FREED: Now, Ana and Christian have it all—love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of possibilities for their future. But Ana knows that loving her Fifty Shades will not be easy, and that being together will pose challenges that neither of them would anticipate. Just when it seems that their strength together will eclipse any obstacle, misfortune, malice, and fate conspire to turn Ana’s deepest fears into reality.



 Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades, #1)Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



While I enjoyed this book, it wasn't for the bondage shit that happens. I don't find it sexy when a man 'claims' a woman. I'm not down with spanking anyone. Disciplining someone for not acting the exact way you want is messed up. There were moments I want to scream at Ana to just get the hell out. In the words of Christian Grey, he really is fifty shades of fucked up. Sad part is, so is Ana Steele. She was willing to go so far as to basically let this man beat her just so she could have him in his life. I pray women don't read this and think that this is okay.

Overall, I'm not sure what kept my attention in this book. I'm not even sure why I think it's good. I guess I just want to see of Christian Grey can change and he and Ana can have a real relationship sans beatings.

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  Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades, #2) Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades, #2) by E.L. James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I will admit, the first book was a bit much for me. This one was just filled with cute, adorable, Mr. Grey. I loved him opening up and his relationship with Ana growing. There were some pretty steamy parts too. At times I had to put the book down.

I love that Elena go told off. I love even more than Ana stood up to the crazy bitch and even threw her drink in her face.

The last few scenes were great! Christian proposing. It made my heart melt. He totally had it planned out. Way to go Fifty! The scene with Jack makes me look forward to the next book. Which I'm starting right now.

View all my reviews Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades, #3)Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm not going to make this a big review since I'm short on time. Here are my thoughts on this book:

I'm glad Jack Hyde was in this book. His appearance at the tail end of book two left me wondering and excited. He's really just a complete jealous nut job. I liked the twist when it came to the connection between Jack and Christian.

I loved when Ana stood up to Christian. I think I may have actually shouted 'It's about time!' when she told him off in the bedroom. I wasn't too surprised when they made it known she was pregnant. I feel the author kind of hinted that it would happen.

Kate getting engaged was just plain awesome! She was so worried for nothing.

I couldn't stop reading this book. The part of the story where Ana was trying to get the money to Hyde and save Mia held my attention. I do feel it ended too soon though.

Rays accident made me sad. Poor Ray.

When Christian opened up about everything, I was just thrilled. I think I held my breath the whole time. Amazing. Almost losing Ana opened his eyes. He knew he had to open up to her.

The epilogue and stories at the end were great! I loved seeing what their life was life after the story ended. I especially loved reading about Christians first Christmas and his and Anas first meeting from his point of view.

Overall, I loved this series. The story really came along well. I thought this series would just be about kinky fucker. I loved it.

I would give this series as a whole 4 stars.

I would like to point out that the author used words in the wrong context and sometimes it didn't make sense. Just because you learn a new word doesn't mean you have to use it in every other sentence whether it fits or not.

The writing was a 7/10 for me.

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As a whole, the series was good, that is, if you like dirty books with a story.