Unravel Me (#2 Shatter Me) By Taherah Mafi review

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it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.

5 Stars

Well, you either read this book before you read the e-novella Destroy me, or after. And trust me, that novella make a hell lot of difference. 
Trust me, I'm the kind of person who hardly ever reads the novellas. But this time, I made an exception. And darn it, wow. 
I saw everyone, including loser extreme, Juliette, in a different light. And there is SO much to Warner than we give him credit for. (Well, apart from his devilish good looks, now)

I had hated Shatter Me, the first book in the series, rather passionately. What? It's freaking useless and eventless! But this one, one the contrary, is SO good. Eventful, amazing, funny. Its kept me so hooked, I was feeling like Juliette after she starts liking Warner. (THAT, though)

No, really. I was pretty content on my stand for this series, and had absolutely no intention of reading it. Then, #ShatterMeTV happened. That was pretty much enough to convince me. 

There is so much Warner in this book that its just freakin' overwhelming, man. And Adam is just lost and stupid. And in the light of a new discovery about him and why he can touch Juliette breaks him further. And trust me, I'm not complaining. He's not even worth my time when Warner is around. It's rather funny for me when people talk about "teams" here. When were there freaking teams? There be only Warner!
And as for Juliette, *sighs*she starts out as a complete basket case 

but goes on to be a somewhat badass. Her character hit character development faster than spontaneous combustion.  Literally. 

We see Warner all head-over-heals, makes-you-wanna-cry mood. He's actually nice. But he still maintains his bad boy charisma we love him for. I try my best to like Adam. To adore the brother side of him, or anything. But bam, no. There are 2 sides to Adam. One is bearable, and one makes me wanna give him a hug. On the neck. With a rope. 
As for Warner, there are so many sides to him. So many. If you don't like one, love the other! You either love him, or you're freaking asexual. 

Aaaaand when you find out about the Adam-Warner relation..

And Warner's real name is Aaron. Aaron. Aaron. I can say it all day.

And the Warner-Juliette scene at the end. I. Couldn't. Believe. The. NERVE. of that wretched girl. HOW? How could you? 

All in all, I'm happy that they're getting this on TV. Can't wait. 

P.S- I'm reading Fracture Me, the novella from Adam's point of view, and making funny sounds and faces at him. #SorryNotSorry

The Heir By Keira Cass #4 of the Selection series review (Spoiler free)

Princess Eadlyn has grown up hearing endless stories about how her mother and father met. Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won the heart of Prince Maxon—and they lived happily ever after. Eadlyn has always found their fairy-tale story romantic, but she has no interest in trying to repeat it. If it were up to her, she'd put off marriage for as long as possible.

But a princess's life is never entirely her own, and Eadlyn can't escape her very own Selection—no matter how fervently she protests.

Eadlyn doesn't expect her story to end in romance. But as the competition begins, one entry may just capture Eadlyn's heart, showing her all the possibilities that lie in front of her . . . and proving that finding her own happily ever after isn't as impossible as she's always thought. (synopsis from goodreads)

For most, this was there most anticipated novel of they year. And most expected a round up struggle story of Maxon Schreave and America Singer after their marriage. Instead, get ready for an inanely proud protagonist, their bitchy daughter, Eadlyn.  
4.5 stars.

I frankly have no idea what I even expected from this book. But one thing I was sure of was the follow-up story nostalgia. Did I feel it? NAH. The mere posibility of that feeling was demolished on the first page. America herself was hard enough to bear because of her immaturity and stupidity. But her daughter, my my. Eadlyn is the kind of character with which a love-hate relationship is the only way to sustain yourself throughout the book. She is smart, confident; but stupid at the same time. She acts like a total bitch, BUT SHE HAS NO REALISATION OF THE IT!

"My name is Eadlyn. I am going to be the queen of Illea. And no one is more powerful than me" 

The story turns around when Eadlyn is forced into a Selection and she has to choose among 35 suitors, the guy she will marry. But seeing how headstrong she is: she comes up with a counter attack to her father, poor ol' Maxon, that she will only hold it up for 3 months. Fair deal, I'd say, But she doesn't freaking try! Speaking of the boys, she sees no potential in any hardly any of them. Except Kile, Marlee Woodwork's son who she had hated most of her life (believe it or not, because of hygiene problems. That's how picky she is), A Finnish guy called Henri (who doesn't speak English), and as much as I think, his translator Erik, who is not even a part of the Selection. I found him and Kile growing on me, and if she picks either one, the sadness in my heart will be inevitable. I also saw that any people have started shipping Erik with Eadlyn, but can't really say. 

But my favourite guy, *sighs* has to be Eadlyn's twin (She's older by 7 minutes) Ahren. Ahhhh, Ahren!

He's the perfect picture of Maxon from his youth. Not like I liked Maxon before, but Ahren is sure to make you swoon. 

P.S I Still Love You by Jenny Han review (Spoiler-ish)

Lara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter.

She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever.

When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too.

Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?

No. She can't be in love with 2 boys at once. And this book is all about how epically she fails at that..

3.5 stars.

I'll keep this review as honest to god as I can without spoiling it. 

This book was everything To all the boys I've Loved before wasn't. Which is stupid, cheesy, Overly romantic. And I did not like this book for those very same reasons I had LOVED TAILB. This can definitely be my let favourite book by Jenny Han. I love her, but this book, NO. 

Lara Jean's cute innocence turned into nails-on-a-chalkboard disturbing. I couldn't bear her. Any bit. The end, I assure you, was good, and settled the crazy emotion storm that that was going on in me. I was just thinking about all the negative things I'm going to write about in the review. 

Okay. So here goes. I LOVED the relatively conclusive ending to the first book. What EXACTLY was the POINT of writing this book with unnecessary drama? 

We see the emergence of a new character. John Ambrose McClaren. Remember him? MUN guy? Blonde who hadn't received her letter? That one. He comes back with his heart warming confession that he had liked her all this time. And Lara Jean is very confused both by this new twist and Peter's "friendship" with Genevieve. So, basically, Jenny Hen gets us all mushed over Kavinsky, and now, poof, LIKE THIS NEW GUY. I say, WTF?! 

At so many times, I wanted to throw this book. Why didn't I? Because I don't throw books, and it was an Ebook on my iPad. Lucky beyotch.

I wouldn't throw a Hemingway away, anyway

As I had obviously loved Peter so much, I was very territorially protective of him. It was like we were being Assassin (read the book, you'll know), and I had taken it upon myself to protect Kavinsky. 

I had liked TABILB because it was realistic. This book, nah. It made me SO angry at times, I couldn't handle it. 

"Peter came into my heart first. Now he won't leave"

Uh, so why did you leave him? 

The Winner's Curse By Marie Rutkowski Review (Spoiler free)

Winning what you want can cost you everything you love..

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel

 has other intentions. 

 One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. 

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

PICK IT UP. DON'T WAIT.  5 FRIGGIN STARS.

For all those of you who follow my reviews on Goodreads (If you aren't, then go follow!) know that I was constantly updating my views on the book as I was advancing in it. Up until page 250, I couldn't decide which genre to put this book in. It was Fantasy, but I'd never read a fantasy book even remotely close to this one. This was unique in its own way and gave me a book I'll remember for a long time. This book really surprised me, and pretty much half of the time my reactions were simple.

I'd been starving for a good fantasy novel ever since Throne Of Glass, and had been disappointed by each and everyone that had come my way. Either they'll be blatant copies or scrap offs for some old good fantasy novels. This book, though, was very different. Marie Rutkowski took elements, built upon them, and gave them a good end. She didn't leave anything hanging in air. And if she did, she did it with the promise of answers in the next book. 

The complexity of the characters was limited to the choices they made. They were very well thought of, well executed and very easy to follow. The events that occur leave you with the scent of that Greco-Roman feel that was perpetually around, only not visible, like a ghost.

Kestrel is the kind of character that makes you reconsider your definition of "strong". She was not a good fighter in the world where it was almost a necessity, but she never for once considered it her short coming. The way she strategised was a one of a kind experience to read. 

Arin's character, on the other hand, was just the right kind of character. He was refined, knew how to keep his darkest secrets, and gave Kestrel tough competition on the strategising grounds. I loved the conversations they had, and they felt pretty real to me.

“A kestrel is a hunting hawk.”
“Yes. The perfect name for a warrior girl.”
“Well.” His smile was slight, but it was there. “I suppose neither of us is the person we were believed we would become.” Ahhh<3

My favourite parts are many, but Kestrel's fight with Irex, a haughty going-to-be lord was FANTASTIC. She knew her asset, and his weakness. And the way she used it..WOW.

AWARDS!

Favourite Character: Kestrel. 

She is a calculated young woman, and doesn't let her feeling come in the way of her goals. Although I won't really mind if she proves me wrong in Book 2. Arin+Kestrel is a RAGE.

Favourite sidekick: Jess

She is sweet, helpful, and needy. Just the kind you want as a side kick. 

And a Special Mention to Arin. He is a FANTASTIC male protagonist.  Good looks, brains and understanding. PERRRFECT.

The Diviners By Libba Bray Review (No Spoilers)

Evie O’Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling

 streets of New York City—and she is pos-i-tute-ly ecstatic. It’s 1926, and New York is filled with

 speakeasies, Ziegfeld girls, and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is that she has to live with her

 uncle Will and his unhealthy obsession with the occult.

Evie worries he’ll discover her darkest secret: a supernatural power that has only brought her

 trouble so far. But when the police find a murdered girl branded with a cryptic symbol and Will

 is called to the scene, Evie realizes her gift could help catch a serial killer.

As Evie jumps headlong into a dance with a murderer, other stories unfold in the city that never

 sleeps. A young man named Memphis is caught between two worlds. A chorus girl named Theta

 is running from her past. A student named Jericho hides a shocking secret. And unknown to all,

 something dark and evil has awakened.(Synopsis from Goodreads)

Review: 5 stars

THIS. BOOK. 

OH. MY. FREAKING. GOD.  If you haven't picked it up yet. WHAT. ARE. YOU. WAITING. FOR?

You know, when you start a book, you tend to read the back of the book to know what its about? Guess what mine said:  

"A Restless wind sweeps the streets..Dashing along the Hudson river, past the crowded bars of Harlem, the air filled with smoke, laughter and jazz, it comes to rest outside a deserted Mansion. Something is stirring deep within its dilapidated walls..."

Wow. This is like the new Shadowhunters TV series teaser. Gave away DAMN too much. What was I supposed to make out of this? So, I jumped into this book without any forethoughts and what I found was indeed a treasure.

When I thought of reviewing this book, I don't know what was up with me. I don't KNOW how one can review a book like this. A masterpiece is an understatement, every praise will be fallen short as and when I keep remembering more events from this book. I find myself short of talent to be reviewing this. So if I leave out anything, I think I've written a pretty impressive apology.

Now, if you've read Libba Bray's previous works like the Gemma Doyle trilogy, you know that she is the queen of Historical Fiction Land. She puts all her heart into her characters and her scenarios, That it feels almost as if you are in 1926 New York City, living the life of a flapper girl. But this is where it twists. Gut twisting twists. Our amazing and powerful protagonist Evangeline O'Neil has superpowers. Where she can touch the belongings of any person, and its almost as it a movie is playing before her. She can find out anything about that person. Now that would be a cool superpower in another world.  In this world, Its downright spooky. 

A serial killer from 1800s is back again, through an Ouija board, of course. His name is Naughty John. Not scared? Imagine this: When you're watching a horror movie, all the characters and ghosts have been made and thought from a few people's minds and out on the screen. As far as their imagination goes, the characters go. But when you, reader, think of the possibilities and make up a Naughty John in your head, NOPE. SCARY SHIT.

And when the Naughty John tune plays? *Shudders*

This book doesn't leave poor Evie alone with her misfit superpowers. Nope. The thing is, There are WAY too many people in this book that half of the time you're confused where you actually are and whose life you're living. There is Memphis, a handsome (also was my first guess as Evie's gonna be guy) and gifted healer, Theta Jones, the quintessential flapper 20s girl with powers to yield and control fire, Jericho, with a secret that was so overhyped, but literally nothing, and Sam Lloyd, a rakish pick pocket with the power to disappear, but not in the way you think. 

This book takes you through a series of oooohs and aaaahs and WTFs? But the creepiest part is, the characters and Naughty John just feel so real to you..I still shiver from the memory. I remember when I had finished the book and I had to switch off the lights to the main door at night. I'd literally dragged my half asleep brother with me taken by the absolute fear of Naughty John. The story keeps you guessing so much, and nothing you expected will even happen.

The end will leave you literally SCREAMING for answers coz this book raises SO MANY OF THEM!

Also, the second book's release date has been pushed 9 TIMES! NINE!

And also, Libba Bray had the Naughty John tune made out for the fans. Wanna hear? https://soundcloud.com/littlebrownbooks/thedivinersnaughtyjohn

Happy sleeping tonight!

5 Summer Must Haves in YA

Summer is my favourite time of the year. Judge me all you want, But yeah. Swimming, Mangoes, Smoothies, Cold drinks..*sighs*
It's all too overwhelming! Up until last year, I didn't read many summer contemporaries. I don't know why, I just didn't. They either sounded boring, or, the point is, I am a new Contemporary reader. If you're not into them, I can totally relate. So, I bring you a compilation of my favourite summer contemporaries!




1) The Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy by Jenny Han

Belly has always lived for the summertime because it means 

all her favorite things: swimming, the beach and the Fisher 

boys, Conrad and Jeremiah. She has spent every summer 

with them at Cousins Beach for as long as she can remember. 

She has always been in love with Conrad and finally, one 

summer, it seems like he might have feelings for her too. But 

it turns out, so does Jeremiah.

As the summers go on, Belly has to choose between two 

brothers who love her as she comes to the realization that she 

will have to break one of their hearts.

The title will sound vain. And stupid. Trust me, I was pretty reluctant to pick it up because of the title as I expected something cheesy and way too romantic. But what came out was a complete treasure. 
The right combination of funny, cutesy and an over all heart warmer! (Review coming soon)

Funny: Somewhat. 
Romantic: Yes
Emotional: Yes
Heart Warming: Totally!
Relatable: SO MUCH!
Pace: Fine
Rating: 4.5 stars



2) My Life Next Door By Becca Fitzpatrick

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, 

affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, 

Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one 

summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and 

changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the 

awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family 

embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from 

her 

own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom 

drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an 

impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is 

it time she saved herself?

A transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, 

and how to be true to one person you love without betraying 

another.

 Arghhhh. If you need to get over a bad cliffhanger, sucky ending or even a (book) Break up, This, right here, IS the book for you. Not just romance but also so much thinking and self discovery! You can feel the happy hormones come up to you when you read it. Overwhelming!

Funny: Yes
Romantic: Yes
Emotional: Yes
Heart Warming: yes!
Relatable: Nah
Pace: Fine
Rating: 5 Stars!




3) To All The Boys I've Loved Before By Jenny Han
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, 

who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead 

wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it 

in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that 

somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing 

all her crushes from her past to confront her about the 

letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her 

sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past 

loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good 

may come out of these letters after all.

Another one by Jenny Han. She is LOVE! This book is a heart warmer, a page turner, and an absolute wonder!

Funny: YES YES YES!
Romantic: Uh huh
Emotional: Not much.
Heart Warming: AHHHHH!
Relatable: Maybe
Pace: You'll fly along
Rating: 6/5 stars



4) Anna And The French Kiss By Stephanie Perkins
Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where   

she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the 

verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than 

thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--

until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming,beautiful, 

Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend.

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. 

Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-

awaited French kiss? 

If you love irresistible male protagonists, this is for you! Ahhh <3. This book will make you downright giddy, happy and sooooo good. Etienne inspired a lazy ass like me to learn French, so he can do wonders to you!

Funny: So much!
Romantic: Its PARIS, Dude!
Emotional: A Little
Heart Warming: Yes
Relatable: Nah, but, Etienne doesn't happen to everyone!
Pace: Easy
Rating: 6/5 stars!



5) Lola and The Boy Next Door By Stephanie Perkins
Lola Nolan is a budding costume designer, and for her, the 

more outrageous, sparkly, and fun the outfit, the better. And 

everything is pretty perfect in her life (right down to her hot 

rocker boyfriend) until the Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, 

return to the neighborhood. When Cricket, a gifted inventor, 

steps out from his twin sister's shadow and back into Lola's 

life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the 

boy next door.

Stephanie Perkins is the best feel good author out there! Her books, Her characters, the interests and passions that they have! Ahhhh. So heart warming. There is no way you're leaving a Stephanie Perkins book without a smile.

Funny: All her books are!
Romantic: Its there
Emotional: Nope.
Heart warming: YES
Relatable: A little
Pace: Fine
Rating: 4.75 stars





So, here was my compilation, all very difficult!