Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

The setting of this novel is very unique, giving it an edge that is hard to find in many novels. I think Shadow and Bone will be easy to remember its details when reading the second book because I dont recall ever reading a book with a similar theme. I think that’s what stood out for me.

Of course there were parts that I wanted to skip but they were necessary to understand the details of this world. At the same time, I wished there were more history given to us and more about the ruling structure in this world. That would have been great. But I think the world will be clearer in the second book (I hope so!). That is why I am so eager to read the second book.

I didn’t feel the romance between Alina and Mal. I saw them as siblings more than anything else. That’s why I had hard time getting into them. However what happened between them towards the end of the novel-the sacrifices-might had convinced me, a little, of their love. But, still, I need more.

The cover is iconic. I mean I am pretty sure you've noticed it in the bookstores. You probably stopped, picked it and read the synopsis. Its stands out which makes it the perfect cover for this book to sell and become more marketable.

Overall, it was a great book but it would have been perfect if extra details were incorporated throughout the novel. And if the love between Alina and Mal was given more time to develop because I felt like it was rushed. I needed more time to understand and feel the romance aspect of the novel.   

Red Glove by Holly Black

Red Glove by Holly black

Release Date: April 5^th 2011
Publisher: Simon Schuster 
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 325
Source: Library
Series: Book 2 

Curses and cons. Magic and the mob. In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth—he’s the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything—or anyone—into something else.

That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she's human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila's been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion worker mom. And if Lila's love is as phony as Cassel's made-up memories, then he can't believe anything she says or does.

When Cassel's oldest brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue—crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too—they know how valuable he could be to them. Cassel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can't trust anyone—least of all, himself?

Love is a curse and the con is the only answer in a game too dangerous to lose

From where should I start.

From the awesomeness of the writing or the realistic characters or what exactly.

Red glove didn’t fail my expectations; in fact, it was better than white cat. Ok, so I don’t mean to compare the two books but Holly Black did an amazing job building the curse workers world in book 2. In book 2, the characters were more defined. We got to see more of Lila who is considered one of my favorite female character in the YA world. She is very in dependable and strong but there was a lack of these characteristics in book 2 because she is cursed to love Cassel. Therefore, she is strong in front of others but not with Cassel. And now since Cassel knows for sure that she doesn’t love him for real, he is in agony. He can't be with or without her. Holly Black did an amazing job making me feel Cassel's pain and feel sorry for him.  

In Red Glove, Cassel is more mature and aware of the mysterious world that he is part of. And my favorite part was when Cassel had become familiar with his curse and he uses it more often in Red Glove (which adds to the fun to the storyline).

There is no debate when it comes to the beautiful writing of Holly Black. Anyone who decides to read her books, must know that they will be taken to a breathless journey. Talking about breathless journeys, this series continues with the third book which will be titled Black Heart. All I can finally say is " I cant wait for Book 3"

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Book Review: The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May and June

Today I shall review a book titled The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May and June by Robin Benway. It is her second novel after Audrey, Wait!

Here is the descripition of the book:

Three sisters share a magical, unshakable bond in this witty high-concept novel from the critically acclaimed author of Audrey, Wait! Around the time of their parents’ divorce, sisters April, May, and June recover special powers from childhood—powers that come in handy navigating the hell that is high school. Powers that help them cope with the hardest year of their lives. But could they have a greater purpose? 

April, the oldest and a bit of a worrier, can see the future. Middle-child May can literally disappear. And baby June reads minds—everyone’s but her own. When April gets a vision of disaster, the girls come together to save the day and reconcile their strained family. They realize that no matter what happens, powers or no powers, they’ll always have each other. 

Because there’s one thing stronger than magic: sisterhood.

So the novel is about 3 sisters with powers. Each sister has her own character and is different from her other sisters. That’s the first thing that I liked about the book which was each character had her own distinguish voice. I could tell which one was talking by the tone and the attitude of the writing. Personally I liked all the characters; they felt real even though they are not normal. However my favorite was April. She was independent and could see the future- which is something I can do too. Like right now I know for sure that the only thing you are reading is this post. See! I could see in the future.

The cover was one of the brilliant covers I had seen this year. And yes I do judge a book by its cover. So I am hoping there would be a sequel for this book.

One thing I didn’t like about the book was the climax. I kept looking for it. I looked under my pillow, under my bed and in my closet. I just couldn’t find it. I thought the characters were going to use their powers to save the world or something. Instead they use their powers for themselves. It's just that the climax wasn’t strong enough.

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Book Review: White Cat

Today I shall review a book called White cat by Holly Black

This is my poem for white cat:

***

If you see them wearing gloves

Make sure you stay away from them

They might transform you or block a memory

They might trick you and force you to kill somebody

Allowing you to gain the hate of your soul mate

You thought you killed her

But then you realize that she is a fluffy white animal

But you are smart, at least smarter than your brothers

Realizing what kind of situation they are trying to put you in

You stopped them before you kill someone else

And you start having control on your actions

So it doesn’t matter

If they can play with their curse magic on you

They know that you are more powerful than them

***

It is confusing on purpose because the plot gets confusing sometimes so you have to be awake to be able to draw the lines. This is my first time to read something for Holly Black but she really did impress me with her unique style of writing.

I read the first part of the book online few months ago but I had to stop because I had eye problems and I couldn’t read it online anymore. Months past and I got the book from the library and started reading it from where exactly I left off. Believe or not I remembered every single thing that happened in the first part. I wish the same thing could happen to me when it comes to studying.

I 100% recommend this book as a summer read and don’t blame me if you fall in love with cassel sharpe (main character). And for you guys, don’t blame me if you start coping cassel sharpe's actions. You can blame Holly Black for writing deep characters.

All the characters had deep and mysterious side to them. You just feel like you need to know more about them. I guess we have to wait for the second book. 

Here is the book trailer:

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