Toxic Heart: Review

Synopsis:

A city in flames. A trust betrayed. A perfect love destroyed.

Has Aria lost Hunter, her one true love?

Ever since rebellion broke out in Mystic City, pitting the ruling elite against the magic-wielding mystics, Aria has barely seen her boyfriend. Not surprising, since Hunter is the leader of the mystic uprising, and he'll do whatever it takes to win freedom for his people—even if that means using Aria.

But Aria is no one's pawn. She believes she can bring the two warring sides together, save the city, and win back the Hunter she fell in love with.

Before she can play peacemaker, though, Aria will need to find the missing heart of a dead mystic. The heart gives untold powers to whoever possesses it, but finding it means seeking out a fierce enemy whose deepest desire is for Aria to be gone—forever.

***

I think it's going to be a brutal review.

What I like:

1) Aria is finally... well, badass enough to be called a heroine. You have no idea how much I'm annoyed by her status as the daughter of a crime lord and the daughter of a mystic destroyer in Mystic City. It's a very nice change. And the last scene with her in Toxic Heart is especially cool. I'm very curious to see how she will turn out in the third book

2) We get to see Turk! He's a very nice guy and I like him. We also see a new female character that is not very important. But she's super nice. In a book where I want to slap every single one of the character at least once, the two of them are the only exceptions (as in, I don't wanna slap them).

What I don't like:

1) World-building: I'm sorry to say it, but it's even weaker than in the first book. There are times where I just don't know where the hell Aria is in. It's very annoying to be confused, especially if that's about world-freaking-building

2) The plot is... well, it's not bad. A lot better than Mystic City. (Spoiler!) But I just don't understand why Aria is always held captive by her family and the Fosters. Is holding her captive all the time so exciting? Because I don't think so. (But other than that, the plot is actually okay)

What I hate:

1) Hunter Brooks. Class A douche. Fact solidified. Permanently. That guy pisses me off right from the second he shows up in the book. There's no way to explain how much I hate that guy. He lies to Aria. He uses her like a pawn. (Spoiler!) And he literally lock his girlfriend in the freaking basement. And he expects her to forgive her so soon? Good thing he barely shows up in the book, or there is no stopping me from destroying my e-reader.

Generally it turns out to be better than I expected. But there are still a lot of improvements needed to be made.

Rating: 6/10

New Book Announcement and Name Change

1. New Book Announcement: Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons

I like Article 5, though I'm not a big fan of Kristen Simmons. But now, an untitled trilogy is announced, and here's a blip of the blurb of this first installment of this new trilogy: Glass Arrow:

"Article 5 author Kristen Simmons's GLASS ARROW, pitched as The Handmaid's Tale meets Blood Red Road, again to ....Tor Children's.... in a three-book deal...." --from Publishers Marketplace.

MEETS BLOOD RED ROAD

BLOOD RED ROAD!!!!!!

Come on. I really, really like Blood Red Road (not so much for Rebel Heart. But still). Me waiting! 

2. Change of Names: Mystic City #2 by Theo Lawrence

Yep, it's not called Renegade Heart anymore. Truth to be told, I'm quite heartbroken despite the fact that it fits the synopsis of the book really well (but then, Renegade Heart also fits in quite well). 

Here's the name:

Toxic Heart

See what I mean being heartbroken? I mean, Renegade Heart sounds much better. Don't worry, the synopsis hasn't changed. And you see what I mean by saying this fits in the blurb really well. In case you don't know it yet, here's it:


A city in flames. A trust betrayed. A perfect love destroyed.

Has Aria lost Hunter, her one true love?

Ever since rebellion broke out in Mystic City, pitting the ruling elite against the magic-wielding mystics, Aria has barely seen her boyfriend. Not surprising, since Hunter is the leader of the mystic uprising, and he'll do whatever it takes to win freedom for his people—even if that means using Aria.

But Aria is no one's pawn. She believes she can bring the two warring sides together, save the city, and win back the Hunter she fell in love with.

Before she can play peacemaker, though, Aria will need to find the missing heart of a dead mystic. The heart gives untold powers to whoever possesses it, but finding it means seeking out a fierce enemy whose deepest desire is for Aria to be gone—forever.

Renegade Toxic Heart will be released on April 8, 2014 (What? That's too far away!)

P.S. I swear to god if Hunter hurts Aria in any way I will kill him in the most ruthless way possible (Not that Aria doesn't deserve a little hurting. But damn.)

P.S.S. There are some earlier posts concerning the very same book but tagged as "Renegade Heart". They are about the SAME book. So you can click it for some earlier posts. I will tag those newer ones (including this post) in "Toxic Heart".

Summary Reveal: Renegade Heart

Finally! There's a summary of Renegade Heart, sequel of Mystic City trilogy by Theo Lawrence

A city in flames. A trust betrayed. A perfect love destroyed.

Has Aria lost Hunter, her one true love?

Ever since rebellion broke out in Mystic City, pitting the ruling elite against the magic-wielding mystics, Aria has barely seen her boyfriend. Not surprising, since Hunter is the leader of the mystic uprising, and he'll do whatever it takes to win freedom for his people—even if that means using Aria.

But Aria is no one's pawn. She believes she can bring the two warring sides together, save the city, and win back the Hunter she fell in love with.

Before she can play peacemaker, though, Aria will need to find the missing heart of a dead mystic. The heart gives untold powers to whoever possesses it, but finding it means seeking out a fierce enemy whose deepest desire is for Aria to be gone—forever.  

***

Okay, that's unexpected. Hunter, using Aria as pawn to achieve freedom for mystics? I will definitely hate Hunter for that if he does that. And looks like Renegade Heart will be a better book than Mystic City. I can't wait for this.

Renegade Heart will be released on July 9th, 2013

Mystic City: Review

After some days, I finish the very first book of the Mystic City by Theo Lawrence. Check out the summary:

For fans of Matched, The Hunger Games, X-Men, and Blade Runner comes a tale of a magical city divided, a political rebellion ignited, and a love that was meant to last forever. Book One of the Mystic City Novels.

Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City's two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents' sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud—and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths. But Aria doesn't remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory. And she can't conceive why her parents would have agreed to unite with the Fosters in the first place. Only when Aria meets Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers of recollection—and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking her past. The choices she makes can save or doom the city—including herself.

***

This book is UNDERRATED by readers, I really have to say. I know the truth. It's not as well written as The Hunger Games (though I'm not sure why I don't like THG) and Divergent. But the guy is apparently a new writer. And this piece is definitely very good by a new writer. It has got gorgeous settings and a good messed-up world. It deserves better ratings.

This world sets on Manhattan, where mystics are either drained or living in a poor condition. Maybe my horizons are not that wide. But I've never seen paranormal dystopian world. Look at Delirium and The Hunger Games. There are no paranormal elements inside the book. Even though the main female character is as tough as nails, they are just ordinary human being. Even though Divergent is based on some unusual beings called the Divergent, they are again just human beings. That makes a main difference between Mystic City and some other more famous dystopian novel.

Aria Rose, is tough like all other main female characters in dystopian novel. I've seen so many female characters that are much more tougher than she is. Like Tris. So even though Aria is good, she is definitely not my favorite female character. But one thing I love about her is that apparently she doesn't get too jealous to the point that makes readers annoyed. Maybe I will like her more in the next book, Renegade Heart.

Hunter, is a typical hot fighter in the story. I really do like him, but there are so many out there that are...well, more extraordinary. But I like him. He's self-sacrificing and fun. I really hope that Aria and Hunter will be the end game. Because in some ways they are very similar to Four and Tris, yet they are so different from them in many ways.

The best part of the book is the battle. This is a great battle. Manhattan is a real dystopian world. Theo Lawrence is doing well for making the dystopia part very obvious. The battle truly reveals the horror and the ruthlessness in Manhattan, making New York not so beautiful after all. But even the great battle has its not-so-good parts. And that's the number of important characters dying. First is Davida. I like her. Really, even though she is in love with Hunter. But she doesn't deserve death. The second one is Violet. I know she is not the main character in the book. But she is the heart of the revolution and she seems nice enough. The third is Benedict. He is trying to help Aria all along, and doesn't he deserve better? 

Another good part is that Theo Lawrence can make the impression of making Aria's parents hateful. I hate Aria's mom and dad. They are so cruel and they are top liars. Spare me their blubbering about how they "love" their daughter and want to keep her "safe". Nothing but lies and more lies. I hate lies. But that's a part of the story. They're meant to be that way. I can finally see more about people NOWADAYS. They are claiming that they are protecting others while in reality they just think of themselves. 

The biggest not-so-good part is that the starting up lasts too long and the main part lasts too short. I hope this problem will be solved in Renegade Heart. I have high expectations in Renegade Heart. I hope that will be even better than Mystic City.

Rating: 8.5/10

New Title Announced!

From Goodreads:

The second book of Mystic City series by Theo Lawrence has a NAME!

It's Renegade Heart.

OMG.

It sounds awesome even before I read the first one!

Looks like Mystic City will be the next big series.

Information: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13483196-renegade-heart

I hope this one is official. I don't want something like the temporary cover of Opal on goodreads

Renegade Heart will be released in 2013.

Gods, 2013 is a big year.

Mystic City: Out now!

Happy Release Day! It's Mystic City we're talking about!

Summary:

For fans of Matched, The Hunger Games, X-Men, and Blade Runner comes a tale of a magical city divided, a political rebellion ignited, and a love that was meant to last forever. Book One of the Mystic City Novels.

Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City's two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents' sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud—and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths. But Aria doesn't remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory. And she can't conceive why her parents would have agreed to unite with the Fosters in the first place. Only when Aria meets Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers of recollection—and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking her past. The choices she makes can save or doom the city—including herself.  

What will you expect in Mystic City?

Gonna Read: October and November

It's almost October and I release this article about what books are gonna be released soon. It includes the upcoming months, October and November.

So let's start with October.

Beautiful Redemption (Caster Chronicles #4) US Version by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.

Summary:

Is death the end . . . or only the beginning?

Ethan Wate has spent most of his life longing to escape the stiflingly small Southern town of Gatlin. He never thought he would meet the girl of his dreams, Lena Duchannes, who unveiled a secretive, powerful, and cursed side of Gatlin, hidden in plain sight. And he never could have expected that he would be forced to leave behind everyone and everything he cares about. So when Ethan awakes after the chilling events of the Eighteenth Moon, he has only one goal: to find a way to return to Lena and the ones he loves.

Back in Gatlin, Lena is making her own bargains for Ethan's return, vowing to do whatever it takes -- even if that means trusting old enemies or risking the lives of the family and friends Ethan left to protect.

Worlds apart, Ethan and Lena must once again work together to rewrite their fate, in this stunning finale to the Beautiful Creatures series.

(Truth to be told, I will buy the UK version of the book which has already been released. If I can find it in bookshops, I will go all YAY ME)

Release Date: October 23

***
Hidden (House of Night #10) by P.C.Cast and Kristin Cast

Summary:

Neferet’s true nature has been revealed to the Vampyre High Council, so Zoey and the gang might finally get some help in defending themselves and their beloved school against a gathering evil that grows stronger every day. And they’ll need it, because Neferet’s not going down without a fight. Chaos reigns at the House of Night.

Release Date: October 16

(I am not even sure if I want to read this series anymore, cuz it lasts way too long)

***

Finale (Hush, Hush #4) by Becca Fitzpatrick

Summary:

 Fates unfurl in the gripping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Hush, Hush saga.Nora is more certain than ever that she is in love with Patch. Fallen angel or no, he is the one for her. Her heritage and destiny may mean they are fated to be enemies, but there is no turning her back on him. Now Nora and Patch must gather their strength to face one last, perilous trial. Old enemies return, new enemies are made, and a friend's ultimate betrayal threatens the peace Patch and Nora so desperately want. The battle lines are drawn—but which sides are they on? And in the end, are there some obstacles even love can't conquer?
 
Release Date: October 23

***
The Lost Prince (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #1) by Julie Kagawa

Summary:

Don't look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.

That is Ethan Chase's unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he'd dare to fall for.

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister's world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myth and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.

Release Date: October 23

***

Whispers at Moonrise (Shadow Falls #4) by C.C.Hunter

Summary:

Shadow Falls Camp is back in session with the most explosive installment yet.  A shocking new threat will rock Shadow Falls—changing it forever and altering Kylie’s journey in ways she never imagined.



Even at a camp for supernatural teens, Kylie Galen has never been normal. Not only can she see ghosts, but she doesn’t seem to belong to any one species—she exhibits traits from them all. As Kylie struggles to unlock the secrets of her identity, she begins to worry that Lucas will never be able to accept her for what she is, and what she isn’t…a werewolf.  With his pack standing in their way, Kylie finds herself turning more and more to Derek, the only person in her life who’s willing to accept the impossible.



As if life isn’t hard enough, she starts getting visits from the ghost of Holiday, her closest confidante.  Trouble is, Holiday isn’t dead…not yet anyway.  Now Kylie must race to save one of her own from an unseen danger before it’s too late—all while trying to stop her relationship with Lucas from slipping away forever.   In a world of constant confusion, there’s only one thing Kylie knows for sure.  Change is inevitable and all things must come to an end…maybe even her time at Shadow Falls.

The breathtaking fourth installment of the New York Times bestselling Shadow Falls series from author C. C. Hunter...Whispers at Moonrise

Release Date: October 2

(I don't even have time to read the first book of the series, I seriously doubt that I will make a review about this series soon) 

***

Mystic City (Mystic City #1) by Theo Lawrence

Summary:

For fans of Matched, The Hunger Games, X-Men, and Blade Runner comes a tale of a magical city divided, a political rebellion ignited, and a love that was meant to last forever. Book One of the Mystic City Novels.

Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City's two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents' sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud—and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths. But Aria doesn't remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory. And she can't conceive why her parents would have agreed to unite with the Fosters in the first place. Only when Aria meets Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers of recollection—and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking her past. The choices she makes can save or doom the city—including herself. 

Release date: October 9

(A new series, hope that it will be good, although I doubt I have the time to read it, and I gotta say that the girl looks so much like Lily Collins)
@@@

And it's time for my birthday month, November!

Deity (Covenant #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Summary:

"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... 

Release Date: November 6

(This will definitely be the best book in November!)

***

Elixir (Covenant #3.5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout 

Summary:

Aiden St. Delphi will do anything to save Alex.
Even if it means doing the one thing he will never forgive himself for.
Even if it means making war against the gods.

Release Date: November 27

(God this will be awesome, I can tell)

***

Undeadly (The Reaper Diaries  #1) by Michele Vail

Summary:

The day I turned 16, my boyfriend-to-be died. I brought him back to life. Then things got a little weird...

Molly Bartolucci wants to blend in, date hottie Rick and keep her zombie-raising abilities on the down-low. Then the god Anubis chooses her to become a reaper-and she accidentally undoes the work of another reaper, Rath. Within days, she’s shipped off to the Nekyia Academy, an elite school that trains the best necromancers in the world. And her personal reaping tutor? Rath. Who seems to hate her guts.

Rath will be watching closely to be sure she completes her first assignment-reaping Rick, the boy who should have died. The boy she still wants to be with. To make matters worse, students at the academy start turning up catatonic, and accusations fly-against Molly. The only way out of this mess? To go through hell. Literally.

Release date: November 20

(This is a new series, I hope it will be good) 

***

Echo (Soul Seekers #2) by Alyson Noel

Summary:

The second book in the Soul Seekers series about a girl who can navigate between the worlds of the living and the dead by #1 New York Times bestselling author Alyson Noël!




Daire Santos just saved her grandmother's life—and her soul. But at a cost. The Richters, a dark family of sorcerers, have been let loose in the Lowerworld, and Daire and her boyfriend, Dace, must once again work together to find them before they upset the balance between good and evil, and destroy not only their small town in New Mexico, but the entire world.

As Daire and Dace's relationship deepens, Dace’s evil brother Cade grows stronger than ever, building his power and forcing Daire to confront the horrifying prophecy that has brought them all together. One that will leave Daire no choice but to claim her true destiny as Seeker, but only by making an unthinkable sacrifice for the greater good of all.

Release date: November 13

(I seriously doubt I will read this book cuz I don't really like Fated) 


Anything that you wanna read in these two months?