Top Ten YA Novels 2012: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Finally, the Goodreads Choice 2012 Winner, by the New York Times #1 bestseller Veronica Roth, the sequel of the stunning book Divergent. Time to be a rebel!

No. 1: Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Summary:

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.

"New York Times" bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian "Divergent" series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

***

(I figured I didn't write a review about it...)

Why I love this book so FREAKING much:

1. Best dystopian book ever

The 5 factions is the best thing in my life! Since I read Divergent, I always imagine what it would be like to live in Chicago. And yeah, I fall for the characters. Hard. And then things are getting crazier in Insurgent. All the fights in the Erudite Headquarters is awesome. And the betrayal of Caleb? It's more heart-breaking than it sounds because Caleb is one of my favorite characters in Divergent. The setting is perfect. Best among all the dystopian YA novels.

2. Absence of Love Triangle

Love Triangles are the main point of some very famous YA novels. But no, that is not the case in Insurgent, which is very relieving because after Clockwork Prince, I'm not sure if I can stand another wave like that. Yeah, there are emotional parts in Insurgent that gives us all the feels. But a book can be awesome without love triangles. And Veronica Roth has done a good job in Insurgent. I look forward to the final book of the trilogy.


Why you guys should read this book:

1. The previous two reasons of "why I love this book so FREAKING much"

2. More faction info

What I mean is Candor and Amity. I mean, if you read Divergent, you probably know that this is a war between Erudite and Abnegation, and the Erudite are using Dauntless as pawns. But there are not much about Candor and Amity. In Insurgent we can see that Candor is not that
"honest", and Amity leader is not that like Switzerland. She still has her own ideas. It's interesting to see because we always think that Candor and Amity should be the ones stay clean from this situation.

3. Hidden threats are everywhere

Yeah, first is the Erudite, which is no secret. But then Caleb's betrayal is kind of like a secret at first to Tris. And then there's Marcus, who would do anything to protect the information about the outside which can be the key to break free from the five-faction system. Jeanine is the same. And then there are the factionless, who will do anything to get the information and destroy it, the reason is still unknown, when they should be the group who are the most eager to break free. And then there's the outside, which is still unknown to citizens in Chicago, but can be a threat. Insurgent is the start of all kinds of battles.


Yes, you guys should definitely read Divergent and Insurgent because you will regret not reading this book. This is awesome as hell.

***

The third book of Divergent will be released on September 26th, 2013, title unknown (I hope it will be Convergent!)  

Top Ten YA Novels 2012: City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

Time for one of the most mind-blowing YA novels in human history.

No. 2: City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

Summary:

Don’t miss The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, soon to be a major motion picture in theaters August 2013.

The New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments continues—and so do the thrills and danger for Jace, Clary, and Simon.

What price is too high to pay, even for love? When Jace and Clary meet again, Clary is horrified to discover that the demon Lilith’s magic has bound her beloved Jace together with her evil brother Sebastian, and that Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is out to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. As Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle wheedle and bargain with Seelies, demons, and the merciless Iron Sisters to try to save Jace, Clary plays a dangerous game of her own. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost?

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

***

Why I love this book so much

1. (Practical) Clary is better than before

Yeah, you heard me. The reason why my practical part loves this book is Clary. Because well, Clary is not like the girl in City of Fallen Angels. She's tougher now. And more cunning. Even though sometimes she can still be annoying. I like the more warrior side of her. She should keep it this way. Maybe I will like her more if she suppress her annoying side.


2. (Emotional) All those FEELS.

Yeah, feels can kill. Feels are lethal. But then that's why I'm so caught up in The Mortal Instruments. Come on, the book... A Tale of Two Cities, with Will's LOVE LETTER for Tessa. It's in Jace's hands. And Will's definitely his ancestor, for crying out loud. And then there's Brother Zachariah. This guys stirs a whole lot of feels. We still don't know who he is. And if he's either Will or Jem our mind will blow. 

3. Sebastian

Yeah. he's the great great villain. But somehow I feel sympathy for him. I mean, obviously he wants love and he doesn't want to be half angel, half demon hybrid thing. I can see his motives and somehow it catches me. But then, just because he has this unwilling side doesn't mean he can kill. He is a great villain and very, very psychotic.

***

Why you guys should read this book.

1. Screw the haters, this book is awesome.

There are a bunch of haters out there telling you not to read Cassie's book. But screw them, along with all the lethal feels. This book sets in a world that is like nothing before. There are all kinds of creatures in TMI. This is original. And if you want a roller coaster ride of battles, you should definitely read this book. 


2. Great writing skills.

Again, screw those haters who say that Cassie's writing skills are poor. Come on, how can she gives us all those feels if her writing skills are bad? She is one of the greatest author, and The Mortal Instruments (and The Infernal Devices) is one of the greatest series ever. You miss a great chance of encountering a good book if you don't read TMI.


See my review here: 
http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.hk/2012/06/city-of-lost-souls-review-predictions.html 

(This is the very first review I write!)

City of Heavenly Fire, the last book of The Mortal Instruments series, will be releaseds on March 19th, 2014 (That's too freaking far away!!!)

Top Ten YA Novels 2012: Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Looks like 2012 centers JLA's novels!

No.3: Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Summary:

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

***

Why I love this book so much:

1. So many WTF things:

Oh, come on, throughout the book there IS a lot of WTF things going on. First is Dee being a bitch. Okay, I know she's sad, she's angry, she's devastated. I KNOW. But her attitude? She, wanna kill Blake? Yeah, totally unexpected. I mean, how can we imagine our sweet ball of sunshine will become so fierce (and dark)?

And then it's Blake's reappearance. I mean, didn't that pervert get the message? He still come back, and TRY TO LURE THEM INTO A TRAP AGAIN! I can't believe Blake did this, okay? He, confessing that he likes Kat? Yeah, so not believing it right now.

Another reappearance is Will. He's not a big problem, though, because the mutation had turn on him and made his cancer a more serious problem. Still, his reappearance surprises me. And it's really annoying. Why the hell did he appear in Kat's house again?

And then the most flabbergasting of all is Carissa and Simon. They are FREAKING mutated. And they become mindless hybrid zombies/ emotionless hybrid/ whatever you call it. Carissa is a sweet girl. I kinda like her. And even though Simon is quite a douche, I can't believe they are mutated. I mean, what the hell? Is the DOD insane, keep kidnapping innocent humans and mutate them and turn them into mindless soldiers? 


2. Stable relationship

You guys know that Daemon and Kat had a rocky relationship in Onyx. Well, the path is more stable now in Opal. And that's really something to celebrate. I mean, I'm tired of either Daemon or Kat trying to push each other away and deny their feelings for each other. A stable, and smoking hot relationship is always my first priority.


3. Kat is a different person/ hybrid

Kat is not cowering anymore in Opal. I mean, not that she is cowering in either Obsidian and Onyx. It's just that she becomes more like a fighter now. More protective. I like this Kat more because I always love fierce heronie. I mean it. Even though this Kat is a little bit too fierce sometimes, I still like her.


***

Why you guys should read this book:

1. Awesome

I mean it, it's awesome. You can see above that I state so many WTF things in Opal. These are unexpected. And Dawson wanna rescue Beth. I kinda see it coming, yes. But the rescue isn't going smooth. (Spoiler) First is the whole onyx spray thing. And second is Kat being kidnapped. (Spoiler end) These are totally unexpected. And you know what? The ending is awesome as hell, even though I'm kind of angry with JLA that she leaves this freaking cliffhanger and we have to wait over a half year for Origin. 

2. Humor

Yeah, I know I've mention humor a few times already. But I still can't believe JLA can still manage humor in such a tense situation. I mean, rescuing Beth isn't easy. And handling Blake and DOD is hard as hell. But then, this book can still bring out laughter. I was in awe that I can still laugh after all kinds of emotional roller coaster. JLA should keep it this way.


See my full review here:   http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.hk/2012/12/opal-review.html

***

Origin, the forth book of Lux series, will be released in July, 2013 (so far away)

Top Ten YA Novels 2012: Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout

It seems like I have a really big thing on JLA's novel (and I do!).

No. 4: Deity 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...

***

Why I love this book: 

1. Aiden!

One must always be prepared for Aiden St. Delphi's intensity. I know I'm always Team Aiden, even though my stance was a little bit shaken by a really sweet Seth in Pure. There are definitely more Aiden in Deity, which is great for me. And FINALLY he confess his love for Alex! (Swoons) You have no idea how long I've waited for this. How can Deity not be one of the best books I read in this year?

2. Things are happening so fast (like, really)

I mean, come on, JLA has created a scene where like only Alex taking out Seth is the only option. With all the early-appeared marks, Linard stabbing Alex, journey in the Underworld, Seth killing the Council members in front of all people, and the gods' threat, there's no way I can't love this book because all the stuff are just perfectly linked and create a situation that stakes are higher than ever.

3. Humor

Yes, humor is always the factor why I love JLA's book so much. I mean, with all the emergency things and emotional intensity, she can still put a lot of humor in the book, which is amazing because I can't believe I can still laugh in between and after all kinds of roller coaster ride in one single book! Isn't that awesome?


***

Why you guys should read the book:

1. Humor

Yeah, humor again. No way you can survive a crazy ride of emotions without some relaxation. JLA's sense of humor is always cool. You can't expect a book from her that there's no humor in it. And if you like to relax and have all kinds of fun at the same time, you should definitely read JLA's book (Not just Deity).


2. A little bit dystopian

Yeah, I know Covenant is anything but dystopian novel. But you can't deny that all the level thing happened between halfs and pures is kinda like something you often see in dystopian novels. Maybe that's why I love the book so much, because I always heart dystopian novels. And if you guys like all kinds of action packs and a little dystopian, that's the kind of book you should look for. 


3. Dangers from different sides

Many novels are like this: One side of good, and one side of evil. But that's not the case. There's a main villain, of course. He's Lucian. His side wants to get the power from Alex and rebel the gods. Supposedly that means he's on the evil side. But somehow some of his intentions are actually good.

And then there's the gods. Most of them don't want war and destroy the human race so they turn on the Apollyons instead and try to find a way to neutralize either of them (or just Seth, which is a depressing thought). On some level this is a good intention too because they don't want to hurt innocent people just to keep the Apollyons safe. But then some of them do want war, and they want both Apollyons to be executed. Not a good sign.

So that means there are no evil side and good side in this book. There's only the gods' side, The First's side, and Alex's side. Which is good because multiple dangers are always exciting to watch.


***

Apollyon, the forth book of Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout, will be released on April 9th, 2013

See my full review (With Elixir as well!):

http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.hk/2012/11/deity-and-elixir-review-and-stuff.html

Top Ten YA Novels 2012: Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

After several days, it's time for the first five favorite books in 2012!

(And you know what? Choosing between Onyx, Opal, Deity, Insurgent and City of Lost Souls is even harder than trying not to cry while reading Chapter 20 in Clockwork Prince)

No. 5: Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Summary:

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than the Arum has come to town…

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

***

Why I like this book so much:
  
1. humor:

One must always be prepared for the word wars between Daemon and Kat. They are so freaking cute! Especially the filming vlong scene in chapter 25. The "disastrous" scene":

Taking a deep breath, I started to do my vlog. "Hi, this is Kat from Katy's Krazy Obsession. Sorry for such a long absence. School and..."- My eyes darted to Daemon for a fraction of second  - "stuff have gotten in the way, but anyway, I have a guest. This is ---"
"Daemon Black," he answered for me. "I'm the guy she lays awake at night and fantasizes about."
My cheeks flushed as I elbowed him back. "And that is so not the truth. He's my neighbor--"
"And they guy she's completely obsessed with."
I forced a weak smile. "He's very egotistical and likes to hear his voice, but he's promised to stay quiet. Right?"
He nodded and smiled angelically for the camera, but his eyes stirred with amusement. Yep, this was a bad idea.

This scene makes me laugh every single time I read it. How can we not love Onyx when they got a sense of humor like that?


2. Very human aliens:

Yep, aliens. That's not something you can see in YA novels every day. I mean, many others are about either vamps, werewolves, angels or supernatural creatures like that, or dystopian novels. There's not really much about aliens. And I love alien stories. A hot alien made of light with unearthly beauty yet his emotions are so human? Definitely.


3. Cutest couple ever:

Few can deny that they look so hot and cute together, especially when we see them "in person" (Well, not exactly, since Pepe is still human, but still). And if you put them in the book, with all those word wars and steamy make out scenes, and all kinds of intense conversations, you can't deny they are the cutest couple ever made.


***

Why you guys should read this book:

1. Very different writing style:

I don't know why this is one of the reasons. But it is. Jen's words are so different from the others. There are no cruel hilarity in it, yet they can make you laugh very hard. JLA can also use words that you will bring your laughter out when these words are not humorous in other books. This kind of magic's quite cool. And there are all kinds of recovering after some steamy hot scene or unexpected danger. I find myself can't take too many things at once.


2. Aliens

Again, aliens. The reason is exactly the one above. You can scroll it back.


See my full review here:

http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.hk/2012/08/onyx-review.html


***

Origin, the forth book of Lux series, will be released in July, 2013 (That's too far away!)

And Origin will be told in both Daemon and Kat's pov! (Swooning)

Top Ten YA Novels 2012: Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

First off: Merry Christmas Guys!

And now, it's time to announce the 6th best YA novel I read this year:

Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick.

Summary:

Will love conquer all?

Nora and Patch thought their troubles were behind them. Hank is gone and they should be able to put his ugly vendetta to rest. But in Hank's absence, Nora has become the unwitting head of the Nephilim and must finish what Hank began. Which ultimately means destroying the fallen angels - destroying Patch.

Nora will never let that happen, so she and Patch make a plan: lead everyone to believe they have broken up, and work the system from the inside. Nora will convince the Nephilim that they are making a mistake in fighting the fallen angels, and Patch will find out everything he can from the opposing side. They will end this war before it can even begin.

But the best-laid plans often go awry. Nora is put through the paces in her new role and finds herself drawn to an addictive power she never anticipated.

As the battle lines are drawn, Nora and Patch must confront the differences that have always been between them and either choose to ignore them or let them destroy the love they have always fought for.

***

Why I love this book:

1. Patch: 

Okay, I love Patch all the time. But the Patch in Finale is somehow different. He's more playful than before, which is good because handling the last book in a bestselling series isn't the most peaceful thing I've ever done. And his emotions are more intense yet less consuming. Another good thing. Consuming is sometimes good. But after reading The Lost Prince and Beautiful Redemption, less consuming is better for me. And intense? Always my cup of tea.

2.   Unexpected things:

Okay, so Nora drinking devilcraft? That's probably the most OMG and WTF thing I've ever encountered. I mean, seriously, how can you imagine Nora as a evil girl drinking devilcraft, huh? And then there's Patch's feather burned into nothingness. This is not just shocking. This is devastating. And then Dante as a guy turn against Nora? Haven't seen it coming. Really.

3. Nora:

Nora is very different from before, too. This Nora is definitely tougher, and more bad-ass. Yet just as sweet. Somehow some of her annoying personalities disappear. Like her jealous self. And her always scared self. That's a true heronie in Finale. I really do like her.


Why you guys should read this book:

1. Champion out of all fallen angels series:

Okay, don't get me wrong. I like Fallen. But Hush, Hush is just so much better. I totally understand why people call Hush, Hush "champion out of all fallen angels series". No one can imagine a FALLEN angel being a good guy and so FREAKING sweet.

And then, Nephilim is always considered as a descendant of angels and humans, which is a good thing (Come on, even TMI and TID said that the Nephilim is a good thing on Earth). But then, the Nephilim in Hush, Hush is quite evil (with the exception of Nora and Scott, maybe). Main difference here. And these two factors makes the book spectacular.


2. Really peaceful:

You might ask: "What is so good about a PEACEFUL YA novel?" Well, hear me out: My peaceful is not the action-absent kind of peaceful. In fact I love battles and wars (that's why I love TMI, TID and dystopian novel so much). Hush, Hush is emotionally peaceful. Well, relatively, at least. You can't imagine how the emotions go up and down constantly throughout The Lost Prince. Needless to mention TMI and TID. So Hush, Hush? Well, not nearly a break. But good enough.


Finale is the last book of the saga. Which is sad because I miss the characters. But don't worry! Hush, Hush's gonna be a movie! Check it out on fallenarchangel.com You will definitely see the news.

Top Ten YA Novels 2012: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Time for another dystopian novel set in Portland, Maine!

No. 7: Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Summary:

I'm pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.  

***

What I love about this book:

1. Now and Then set up:

The main difference between Delirium and Pandemonium is probably the way of telling stories. First is then. Lauren gives us a detailed half-book in then about how hard Lena and Raven and The Wilds lives. How this kind of live for months shapes the Lena in now. Now is the big part of the story, shaping what will probably happen in Requiem. This kind of relationship is what makes the book amazing. It doesn't leave out what's important yet gives out very important information and intense feelings (hate, heart-break, love, whatever).

2. The "reborn" Lena"

I'm not sure if I like Lena in this way because all that is pushing her into joining the resistance is hatred. But don't get me wrong. In some way I did like her. She is fiercer and tougher. Being a true dystopian heronie is always interesting. And most importantly, she cares for Julian means she hasn't lost herself. Otherwise she would become like Raven, uncaring and kind of unfeeling and without remorse. Even though Lena is kind of driven by hatred and anger, the reborn version is way better than the naive version in Delirium.

3. Things are getting crazier:

Another main difference is that things are getting tenser (and crazier) in Pandemonium. There are no awareness of The Invalids in Delirium. People in the cities believed the Invalids are mythical creatures like vamps and werewolves. But in Pandemonium, after the Incidents (is that what they called?), The DLA rises up and the public begins to concern about the Invalids (or The Scavengers, whatevs). The stakes are getting higher and higher. I can't wait to see what will happen in Requiem.


***

Why you guys should read this book:

1. A different point of view about love:

Well, I haven't seen things like love being a disease and there's a procedure of "curing" in novels other then Delirium. The most interesting part of the story is this. Giving you a different point of view about love is always good for not just reading other YA novels, but also you life. Even though I'm definitely one of the Uncureds, I still believe that some of the information in the 

Book of Shhh is usable.

2. Pandemonium is way better than Delirium:

I heard that some of you haven't read Pandemonium because of Delirium. Yes, I know that the start of Delirium is a little bit boring. I can admit that. But once the book gets into the interesting part, I find it extremely hard to put down the novel. And after reading Delirium, I'm desperate to read Pandemonium. That's why you should read Pandemonium. This book will leave you breathless.

(Maybe you can think of other reasons. But that's all I can think of)


Requiem, the last book of Delirium trilogy by Lauren Oliver, will be released on March 5th, 2013. So does Raven, a Delirium short story.

Top Ten YA Novels 2012: Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

Time for the 8th best novel I read in 2012! It's Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi.

Summary:

Since she'd been on the outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered. This was worse.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland - known as The Death Shop - are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild - a savage - and her only hope of staying alive.

A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile - everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.

***

Why I think this book is awesome:

1. Obvious separation:

I know that most dystopian novel are about keeping the citizens ignorant and what really is happening "outside". But most people living in those dystopian novels don't know about the outside. But in UTNS, the Dwellers know about the Outside, aka Death Shop, and Aether storms. Not very much, but at least they know they're in some sort of danger.

You might ask, "well, then, what so interesting about it?" the author can push the plot harder right on the first book, and even harder on the second book (I read the excerpt of Through The Ever Night). That means: Everything's gonna be way more interesting.


2. Unexpected things keep popping up:

After several years of heart-breaking, gut-wrenching, palm-twitching, toes-curling, even I thought I am used to all kinds of surprise. But no. I still can't figure out why this book can still surprise me (in a good way, of course). First is Aria being a half-Dweller. Second is Talon being so goddamn happy in Dweller's lab (and I was like why the hell is he so freaking happy?) And third is Consul Hess's blackmail. I love surprises all the time.


3. It kind of reminds me of Shatter Me

I have a habit. You can call it either good or bad. But I always put series into pairs. Like TMI/TID, Divergent/Delirium, Lux/Covenant. And now I put Under The Never Sky with Shatter Me. Their writing style is so different yet oddly the same. Running from obvious threat. You might think just because it resembles Shatter Me by your standard doesn't mean UTNS is good (or Shatter Me). Well, there's no real explaining to that. I just love Shatter Me. And somehow UTNS reminds me of Adam and Juliette (vise versa, with Aria and Perry). Maybe that's why.


***

Why you guys should read this book:

1. A different kind of dystopian novel:

Why so different? Many dystopian novel are about science and politics. Like in Divergent, all kinds of serum and battle between Erudite and Abnegation. Or Delirium, which involves the procedure and DLA. Or even Partials, which involves a disease and some kind of man-made creature. But this is different. The Seers, the Auds, and the Scires are more like supernatural things than logical. Putting aside the Smarteye and all the Aether Storm trouble, this is like a supernatural dystopian novel. Even the Still Blue sounds more like a place like Eden. This is a nice combination.

2. Few gut-wrenching:

If you read The Mortal Instruments/The Infernal Devices/Divergent/whatever, you probably know that these series are the most gut-wrenching and heart-breaking out of all series. And keep absorbing all those feels can damage your health (no kidding :D). Sometimes we really need to take a break. And UTNS is exactly the kind of break you should take. Even with all the exciting scenes, there are fewer destroy-you-into-million-pieces feels. Which is kind of relaxing.


See my full review here:

http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.hk/2012/10/under-never-sky-review.html

Oh, and Through The Ever Night, the second book of this series, will be released on January 8th, 2013

Not far away, so no gut-wrenching? NO, I need to take part in my school examinations at the moment. *Sigh

Top Ten YA Novels 2012: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Time for another top ten YA novels I read in 2012!

No. 9: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Summary:

"In a future world, vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity."Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of "them." The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked--and given the ultimate choice. Die...or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend--a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what--and who--is worth dying for.

***

Why I love this book so much:

1. Dystopian Vampire World: vamps are no news among YA novels. However, it's rare to see vamps so bold in society and they ACTUALLY act as a higher level citizen. A dystopian world full of vampire rulers. How can this be not cool?

2. Allison Sekemoto: She is the combination of Alexandria Andros and Lena Haloway. It's hard not to like her because she is tough like a boy and don't need protection.

3. Zeke: A sweet human boy that Allison is desperate to protect. And he's got a good heart. It's extremely hard not to like him.

4. Eden and Vampire City: It's like the vampire version of Under The Never Sky. In UTNS there are all kinds of pods and there is the outside. They all face a threat: Aether storm. And then there is a mythical place called the Still Blue. In The Immortal Rules there are all kinds of vampire city and there is the outside (again), they share a common threat: rabids. Then there's Eden, where vamps are absent.


Why you guys should read this book:

1. It will change you point of view towards vamp YA novels: I happen to know that many guys out there loathe typical vampire novels because they are so plain. But this one will never disappoint you because there are not just vampires. 

2. The plot is different: Normally you'd think that Allison will follow Zeke into Eden and try to get those people accept her. But no. She went back and vow to rescue Kanin. That's a nice plot twist. Although I will be very sad if Zeke and Allison cannot meet again.

3. If you guys like the Iron Fey then you should read The Immortal Rules. The characters, the situation are so different from The Iron Fey. Yet in some ways they are oddly similar. Take Allison as an example. On the surface she is nothing like Meghan. But they share one very same quality: recklessness. Not that Allison is more reckless than Meghan. But they will do anything to protect the ones they love.

4. The dystopian world Julie created will never disappoint you: Dystopian world is becoming a trend around the world. It's time to put some old mythical creature into a world where humans are so very likely to die every minute. Julie's world is a combination of Under The Never Sky and Delirium, which is just plain awesome.


See my full review here: 

http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.hk/2012/12/the-immortal-rules-review.html 


Special:

1. Blood of Eden is gonna be a movie!

Check out the full article here: 

http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.hk/2012/12/cover-reveal-immortal-rules-and.html


The Eternity Cure, sequel of The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa, will be released on April 23rd, 2013

Top Ten YA Novels 2012: Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

2013 is approaching! After a whole year of palms twitching, toes curling, eyes bursting, teeth wrenching, it's time to announce my top ten YA novels in 2012!

Reminder: And since that I need to revise for my examinations which will be held in January, I will keep it short. My apologies.


No. 10: Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

Summary:

Perfect for the fans of Shatter Me who are desperately awaiting the release of Unravel Me, this novella-length digital original will bridge the gap between these two novels from the perspective of the villain we all love to hate, Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45.

In Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me, Juliette escaped from The Reestablishment by seducing Warner—and then putting a bullet in his shoulder. But as she’ll learn in Destroy Me, Warner is not that easy to get rid of. . .

Back at the base and recovering from his near-fatal wound, Warner must do everything in his power to keep his soldiers in check and suppress any mention of a rebellion in the sector. Still as obsessed with Juliette as ever, his first priority is to find her, bring her back, and dispose of Adam and Kenji, the two traitors who helped her escape. But when Warner’s father, The Supreme Commander of The Reestablishment, arrives to correct his son’s mistakes, it’s clear that he has much different plans for Juliette. Plans Warner simply cannot allow.

Set after Shatter Me and before its forthcoming sequel, Unravel Me, Destroy Me is a novella told from the perspective of Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45.

***

Why I like this book:

1. Warner is so different from the one in Shatter Me, which is interesting

2. Again, it's interesting to read stuff happening from Warner's point of view

3. The emotions are intense

4.  I can get a sense that Warner might join the rebellion group with Juliette


Why everyone should read this book:

1. The writing skills are epic

2. Out of all short stories I read in 2012, this is definitely the best

3. Shatter me is a worth-reading book, thus the half-sequel


Do you think Destroy Me is good? Do you think it should be one of the top ten YA novels in 2012? If not, you can suggest one!

See my full review here: http://smoking-hot-books.blogspot.hk/2012/10/destroy-me-review.html