Impossible by Nancy Werlin

Title: Impossible

Author: Nancy Werlin

Publisher: Speak

Release Date: August 16, 2009

Edition: US Paperback

First Sentence: On the evening of Lucy Scarborough’s seventh birthday, after the biggest party the neighborhood had seen since, well, Lucy’s sixth birthday, Lucy got one last unexpected gift.

Quick Blurb: Unique and captivating, Impossible shares a great contemporary young adult novel with a dash of fantasy.

 

Impossible by Nancy Werlin was based off of the Elfin Knight and sets up the main conflict of the novel. Lucy Scarborough has to fight against a curse that has loomed over the Scarborough women over the centuries. Forced to complete three impossible tasks and risk living a life of insanity, Lucy must complete these tasks before she gives birth to her unborn child.

The novel began oddly, and a bit creepy. I was initially frightened when Nancy Werlin introduced, Miranda, Lucy’s insane mother. I was terrified to the point I even had a nightmare. Werlin’s writing style is what pulled me in, and mostly discovering that this novel has a fantasy aspect roused my curiosity. However, as the story progressed I was in this state of boredom, but wanting to see what happens next. I was not attached to any of the characters and I was in an okay mood whenever I was reading. The middle was a bit unrealistic and the love story that it claims to have is passionless. It were as if Zach, the love interest, is being forced to be Lucy’s lover as they progress with her tasks. I did find the way of handling the tasks creative. They were innovative and amusing, but I still didn’t feel a tremendous pull. The ending itself wasn’t very good at all. It was much like a pathetic compromise that ended up killing one side of both parties.

The plot was very innovative and new, a book none like other. I had never heard of the Elfin Knight before and was never a fan of folklore, but this made me slightly reconsider. However, the characters were unexciting and weird, with distracting names and peculiar personalities. There was no way I can relate which led to great disappointment. However, the writing itself was profound and new. Nancy Werlin randomly switches point of views and perspectives without odd transitions, making everything mesh well together.

Impossible was a satisfactory read with a beautiful, eye catchy cover! I praise the book’s originality and Nancy Werlin’s writing style which earns the book a B-.

Beginning: 15/15 100%

Middle: 17/20 85%

Ending: 16/25 64%

Plot: 10/10 100%

Characters: 4/10 40%

Writing: 10/10 100%

Cover: 5/5 100%

Originality: 5/5 100%

OVERALL 84% B-

Rules Of Attraction (Perfect Chemistry, Book #2)

Title: Rules of Attraction (Perfect Chemistry Book 2)

Author: Simone Elkeles

Publisher: Walker

Release Date: April 27, 2010

Edition: US Hardcover

Page Number: 324

First Sentence: I want to live life on my own terms.

 

Quick Blurb:

There was a lot of hesitance when I knew that Rules of Attraction was my next read. After reading the preceding book, I can’t help but feel nostalgia, because the second book shifts focus to different characters. I wanted a continuation of Alex and Brittany’s love story, but instead I’m handed a book starring Carlos and Kiara, who were complete strangers. I was insanely disappointed and wanted to forget the book altogether…until I read the first chapter.

The book centers on two main characters who embark on this journey of finding themselves, finding each other, and falling in love. Born and raised in a Mexican family, Carlos Fuentes lives a life of struggling and violence as he involves himself to a gang. Kiara, a rich professor’s daughter, is healing from a recent breakup. Together, these two discover a strong love, one of which defies the accepted moral values of those against them.

Rules of Attraction is just as good as the first book, but comparisons are unavoidable. I found myself comparing a lot of scenes and situations, weighing down the score of this book. Fortunately it redeems itself for having a strong beginning, middle, and end. The story pace and flow was never dull, and the chapter lengths were short and straightforward, not needing to delve into unnecessary lengthy details.

The plot was very similar to the first book, but this one was less complicated. I found that the conflict only resulted from Carlos and his arrogance, not much of Kiara. Fortunately, this book was lighter, a lot steamier, and easier to read that it was so much fun to cruise along. The characters were hilarious and have distinct and diverse personalities that mesh well together. However, Carlos’s arrogance can be off putting and sometimes, I felt that there was a lot of cheesy moments between Kiara and Carlos that made me want to vomit.

The cover itself is so cute, showcasing a lot of the book’s passion and one of the most climactic scenes, It fit’s the book well and attracts the female young adult readers. Simone Elkeles’s writing is amazingly concise and funny! She presents male characters realistically and attractively that made them extremely enjoyable! The book isn’t as original, but I love the way it presented the relationship between a young Caucasian and a young Mexican.

Beginning: 15/15 100%

Middle: 20/20% 100%

Ending: 24/25 96%

Plot: 9/10 90%

Characters: 8.5/10 85%

Writing: 10/10 100%

Cover: 4/5% 80%

Originality: 3.5/5 75%

OVERALL: 94% A- Fast paced and romantic, Rules of Attraction delivers steamy scenes, heart wrenching moments, and hilarious characters!

Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles, Book 1)

Title: Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles, Book 1)

Author: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Publisher: Little Brown

Publish Date: December 1, 2009

Edition: US Paperback

Page Number: 563

First Sentence: There were only two kinds of people in our town.

 Quick Blurb:

There was so much hype for Beautiful Creatures in the young adult bookworm world, because of the whole idea of a forbidden love story between a witch and a human. After purchasing this book, I was very ecstatic and itching to read this 563 page novel. Once I dove into it, I was extremely enthusiastic, drawn to the mysterious new girl that becomes the talk of the town in Gatlin, South Carolina. I was anxious, impatient, and frustrated to find out more and the novels first150 pages starts to set up this BIG mystery and love story that I started expecting a lot.

Unfortunately, the middle dragged out for me so slowly that I was so tempted to put it down and never to pick it up again (I did at one point to read Pure Sin). The love story that it passionately foretold was so dry and boring that it didn’t feel like anything dramatic or passionate. It was as if the authors attempted to provide the reader of something great, but fails miserably.

The ending was looked at very critically, because my patience for this book was thinning. I wanted it to end badly so I didn’t read to feel as if I was the character. I read to get it over with. That being said, the ending would most likely be better if I had more patience with it. I felt that there was too much going on and not enough details to back it up and the unnecessary events that unfolded were unfitting. The twist also failed to make me change my mind and the method of tying up the loose ends was just pathetic.

The plot was very good, save for the unnecessary content and pacing. It would have been more exciting if there wasn’t too much detail. Unfortunately, it did set up very high expectations that were not met. The writing was not phenomenal and had a lot of weaknesses, but wasn’t really the book’s problem, but only a contributing factor. However, having the book told from a male perspective is refreshing, because this happens rarely with young adult books.

Thankfully, the characters were good and not completely dry. The language and dialogue was great and hilarious! The novel also had the strength of capturing the deep southern dialect, making it more realistic. The cover itself is beautiful with iridescent trees and a vibrant purple. I was glad that, although I did not like it, at least it will look pretty on my shelf.

All in all, the novel’s concept was original, yet somewhat familiar. It was great for being situated in a stereotypical town for what will soon occur and the events that will unfold. Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough to make the novel a recommended read, as it falls flat to a solid D.

Beginning: 15/15 100%

Middle: 9/20 45%

Ending: 16/25 64%

Plot: 10/10 100%

Characters: 8/10 8%

Writing: 6/10 60%

Cover: 5/5 100%

Originality: 5/5 100%

OVERALL: 74% D

Sets up very high expectations for the reader, due to an interesting subject, but fails to satisfy.

Pure Sin (Privilege, Book 5)

Title: Pure Sin (Privilege, Book 5)

Author: Kate Brian

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publish Date: October 6, 2010

Edition: US Paperback

Page Number 191

First Sentence: This is the life.

QUICK BLURB:

     There is always this charm to Kate Brian’s writing that draws you in after reading the first page of her novel. I have read every single Private and Privilege novel, and have spent four years with them. At times, I find myself putting of these books because I get tired of their similar plot lines, faults, and twists. However, after reading the first few sentences, I’m hooked! However, there are times where I questioned how many years have passed since the Private novels, because that was never clarified. Anyway, I find myself never paying attention to how many pages are left and when a certain chapter is over. Soon enough, I’ve surpassed the beginning, and started cruising along the novel’s core.

 Although there’s really no difference from how one privilege novel opens to another, its charm still reels the reader in. There are no amazing moments and phenomenally written passages, but it does provide comfort. The novel provides the comfort of reading a suspenseful, but light read that’s easy to finish. The realistic aspect of Pure Sin is also refreshing after reading so many fantasy and paranormal books.

      Endings matter most to a book, and there is only so much in Kate Brian’s writing which causes me to be more lenient. I found the ending favorable with a good cliffhanger. If this were my first Privilege novel, it probably would affect me more, but after fifteen, it is kind of getting old.

      As for the plot, it was mediocre and nothing new. One can simply shrug and move on, but the characters were much better! Ariana Osgood definitely depicts a psycho’s mind and actions compared to the first few novels. I was very pleased. The writing was okay, like I said, it’s just Kate Brian. This novel is good for those nights of “non-heavy” reading and an easy finish. Unfortunately, the cover puzzles me so, because I could not figure out which character she is and why she gets to be in the cover. There is a bit of originality, and some interesting parts, but all in all just okay.

Beginning: 13/15 87%

Middle: 18/20 90%

Ending: 20/25 80%

Plot: 7/10 70%

Characters: 10/10 100%

Writing: 8.5/10 85%

Cover: 2/5 40%

Originality: 4/5 80%

OVERALL: 83 % C+

Suspenseful, riveting, sexy and exciting! A great addition to the Privilege series!

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Ashes

Author: Cassandra Clare

Release Date: March 24, 2009; US Paperback

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Edition Read: US Paperback (452 pages)

       City of Ashes was very difficult to grade, because I couldn't help but be biased over the fact that I liked City of Bones so much. I had very high expectations and needless to say it exceeded my expectations. Unfortunately, its predecessor was a lot better, although they received the same grade in the end.

 

          The beginning was really good, but surprisingly I was disgusted on the non-incest relationship rather than the incest aspect of the novel. I felt that it didn't fit and it was downright gross. I will not say who it was between, but it's revealed in the first fifty pages. I also liked the darker aspect of the book. Jace's playful humor had a darker tone this time around, and although still very charming, Clare seems to already set up the tone of the next novel, preparing her readers for the worst. If the series were constructed this way, I'll be downright impressed and will definitely enjoy the climactic end.

          The middle was also very exciting, showing even more action than the first book. Like I mentioned in the City of Bones review, Clare's writing has a lot of interesting plot twists and turns that are really exciting to be involved in. The book's pace is well done and the middle did not drag at any point at all. I found the events fun and riveting. A great rising aaction to a very climactic ending.

           The ending has a great battle scene! This series may well be designed for a movie, because the actions are vivid and descriptive. You, as a reader will feel as if Jace Wayland is fighting right beside you, trying to save you from getting killed. The new concepts interact well with the ending and the fact that Cassandra Clare is not afraid to throw in a lot of death in a book is very refreshing.

            The plot is still very exceptional and completely amazing like its predecessor and its more driven and easier to understand. However, it is next to impossible to understand this book if the first one is not read. The characters are still compelling and I love Clary's short interaction with Max! I just need to learn to accept Clary's faults for no heroine is great without some fault. The writing is still great and well paced out; enough said.

             The cover is okay...but I can't help but wonder why Clary is blue in this book cover. it's driving me crazy and grosses me out. I feel like I'm staring at a mermaid. And as always, this novel could not get anymore original than it already has.

Grading Scale:

Beginning: 14.3/15  95%
Middle:   19/20 95%
Ending:   23.5/25  94%
Plot:    10/10   100%
Characters:  10/10 100%
Writing:   10/10   100%
Cover:  3.8/5 76%
Originality 5/5 100%

OVERALL: 96%  A+ 
         

City of Bones  by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Bones

Author: Cassandra Clare

Original Release Date: March 27, 2007 (with 497 pages)

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Edition Read: Paperback (485 pages)

         City of Bones is about a girl named, Clarissa Fray who embarks on a journey in a world of Shadowhunters (demon killers). One night at a club, she witnesses a murder committed by three teenagers. Here she meets, Jace, an arrogant, exceptionally skilled Shadowhunter who pulls Clary into his world. Soon, Clary is drawn to a whirlwind of mysteries, in which she discovers the truth about her family, her past, and herself.

          The beginning did not fail to pull me into reading the book, but the setting did bore me a bit. The book opens in a club, the Pandemonium, in which Clary drags her friend. However, being a curious teenager, Clary follows a certain teenager whom she witnesses getting murdered. That is when the novel entrances you in its pages; the killing. The beginning also introduces you to most of the main characters, but the most noticeable is Jace. Being a bit biased, I did not expect this book to have any romance, but it did and it caused me to shift my views about the book, making me read further.

          The middle of the novel was a whirlwind of fun. In the beginning, Clare introduces arrogant Jace, and explains a bit of his past. The ghosts of his past sparks a curiosity none like other. The fast pace and uniqueness of the novel was just so entertaining that putting down the book was not an option. It were a if I was begging time to lend me a few more minutes (even hours) so I could read another chapter.
          Endings are very tough to judge on their quality, because they are what matters most to a book. An ending that pretty much sucks can bring a hell of a great novel, to one of the worst a person can ever read. It goes the same way for a horrible novel with a fantastic ending. Needless to say, this ending did neither, because the beginning was GREAT and the ending was FANTASTIC! It was very movie-like, already hinting at a sequel before a person can even wonder whether or not there is going to be a sequel. However, the ending was a bit boring, but that was due to the lengthy dialogue of explanations and the fact that I was rushing to end it.
          The plot was VERY unique, including anything you can think of and some that aren't even known to man. Plainly from Cassandra Clare's mind, the plot has so much depth that it's such a fascination to venture on through the novel.
          Although the characters had perfect roles, namely Jace, I couldn't help but be bothered by Clary's insecurity. What makes a main character weak is their inability to have confidence in themselves, and this was even on a mior thing: her beauty. Then, as you see Jace and Clary's relationship progress, you will notice a sort of Disney princess type of relationship going on. However, Clary also has many great qualities that makes her insecurity only a tiny bit annoying.
          Cassandra Clare's writing is phenomenal with profound vocabulary and eloquency. Clare is like the Simone Elkeles (expert on YA romance) of adventure. Her debut novel proves to be a worthy read that is impressively a page turner from the very first page.
           The cover was good, and the fact that Jace is on the cover is amusing. It proves that he is  basically the main reasons City of Bones was even written. Needless to say, the originality is very genuine and the inclusion of myths were fun to surf through!

Grading Scale:
Beginning:  14/15  93%
Middle: 20/20 100%
Ending: 23/25 92%
Plot: 10/10 100%
Characters: 9/10 90%
Writing: 10/10 100%
Cover: 5/5 100%
Originality: 10/10 100%
OVERALL: 96 A

Fallen by Lauren Kate

Title: Fallen

Author: Lauren Kate

Page Number: 452

Release Date: December 8, 2009

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Edition Read: Paperback 

Paperback Release Date: September 28, 2010

       Fallen by Lauren Kate tells the story of a young adult, Luce Price who is forced to go to a reform school: Sword & Cross, due to a tragic event that occurred, for which she has been blamed for. Arriving at Sword & Cross, Luce feels as if there are many secrets to unfold and she sets off along with her new friend, Penn, to discover them. 

     

            Fallen tells a beautiful romantic story that is passionately forced to constantly see heartbreak and how Luce Price & Daniel Grigori fight for their right to love against those that will to pry them apart. 

           As you begin to read the novel, you are instantly thrown in a boat of confusion that you constantly feel the need to unravel. We are introduced to a couple of seemingly juvenile kids at Sword & Cross who have an ominous vibe to them. As you mostly see Fallen's world in Luce's eyes, we are instantly introduced to two guys that pose the two sides of the coming love triangle. We are introduced to Cam, a sweet, rock star kid who seems to have a knack of being overly nice to Luce as he is initially attracted to her. Then, you will meet Daniel Grigori who will instantly besmirch Luce. However, if you read the synopsis on the back, you'll be compelled to know that he is basically the male lead in this book. 

        Moving on to the middle part, you will find yourself a bit bored--almost-- forcing yourself to plow through page after page. Not much happens except for the ever present weirdness that occurs to Luce in Sword & Cross. She also relives an experience that are awkwardly connected, but it still fails to draw you into the book. 

                However, as you progress towards the middle's end, you are thrown in this chaotic world that unravels itself to the point where you will devour page after page. You will also encounter a very romantic speech that will just completely cause your opinions to divert in favor to this certain character. 

                  Getting to the ending is where it really gets going for everything is revealed in a beautiful manner that reveals such mind boggling information that forces you to go into shock. The ending is where the most dramatic scenes come into play and will force you to definitely give this book a positive review (as it did me). 

          Unfortunately, the plot was not very relatable  and in some parts of the book it will appear very dry. It is difficult to enjoy a book that does not deal with similar experiences, especially if you are one of those who have never been to a reform school.

          However, the characters were very compelling and I was surprised to find that I was never annoyed with Luce for one bit. I feel that what she contemplates and does are clever and reasonable that I did not find any ounce of hate to give her. It is also very refreshing to go from disliking the main character and loving him in the end, for I despised Daniel Grigori's arrogant character from the beginning. By the end, however, after realizing his motives, I found myself melting at the sweetness of his character.

       The writing was excellent, save for the boring parts you will encounter in this book, namely the middle. The cover is also beautiful, but its successor definitely outshines it in some ways. Nevertheless, the novel is very original and one of the first angel related books out there (this is revealed on the synopsis, therefore I am not spoiling), but also settled in a very unlikely place. 

Grading Scale: 

Beginning:  10/15 67%

Middle:        15/20 75 %

Ending:       25/25 100 %

Plot:            9/10   90 %

Characters: 9.5/10 95%

Writing:      9.5/10 95%

Cover:         4.8/5   96%

Originality: 10/10 100%

Overall Score:  93 % A