Unhooked.

☆☆☆☆☆

unhooked.

Lisa Maxwell.

Publisher : Simon Pulse.

Publication Date: February 2,2016.

Genre: Fairy Tale Retelling|Romance.
Format|Pages: Hardcover|342.

 Source: Goodreads|Library.

 “But it’s been ages since I felt as human as you make me feel. I’ve tried not to want you, but I can’t bring myself to stay away” 

 ☂

For as long as she can remember, Gwendolyn Allister has never had a place to call home—all because her mother believes that monsters are hunting them. Now these delusions have brought them to London, far from the life Gwen had finally started to build for herself. The only saving grace is her best friend, Olivia, who’s coming with them for the summer.



But when Gwen and Olivia are kidnapped by shadowy creatures and taken to a world of flesh-eating sea hags and dangerous Fey, Gwen realizes her mom might have been sane all along.



The world Gwen finds herself in is called Neverland, yet it’s nothing like the stories. Here, good and evil lose their meaning and memories slip like water through her fingers. As Gwen struggles to remember where she came from and find a way home, she must choose between trusting the charming fairy-tale hero who says all the right things and the roguish young pirate who promises to keep her safe.



With time running out and her enemies closing in, Gwen is forced to face the truths she’s been hiding from all along. But will she be able to save Neverland without losing herself? 

 ☂

Peter Pan had always been one of my favorite’s fairy tales, as a kid. I remembered re-reading few times when I was younger. When I came across UNHOOKED while I was at the library and minute that I read the summary and found out that it was a Peter Pan retelling, I grabbed it because I was curious about it. Well cover and title was first that had captured my attention and got me to pick it up, but the summary is what caused me to be even more curious about it. UNHOOKED was the first Peter Pan retelling that I have read, and the first book I read by LISA MAXWELL . Even though when I picked it up I was not sure what to expect, but not long after starting the novel I had a thought that it was going be an amazing novel. It was. Every page, every chapter got it harder for me to put the book down, mostly because I needed to see what happens next, I wanted to see if Gwen would be able to get out, or if she would end up stuck in Neverland. As time passed, I felt like she would never get her chance to go home, because it seemed like something would always get in her way. Despite the people she met, I knew that she wanted go home and I hoped rooting her to find her way back home.



I had my mixed feelings about both Rowan and Pan. Yet, I found myself loving Rowan more than Pan. Even though Rowan was supposed be ‘Hook’ in the story, it was not the same Hook that I remember in ordinal fairy tale and I loved that spin that was put into this retelling. I had this thought, despite how he acted around Gwen in start of the book, he cared about her but just did not show it at start, because he did not want feelings get in way what he had to do. As for Gwen, I knew that she felt something for him too, she just did not realize it how much till later on. I was wondering how long it would take them to finally admit the feelings for one another. There was a point where I thought that Gwen might fall for Pan’s charm, just like Olivia had, that she would forget who she was and her home life. There were parts that I think that she always had. I had a feeling that there was something off about Pan, especially considering how he tried to convince Gwen to stay at Neverland, that Neverland could be her home. Even I did not realize how twisted he was. How far he would go to get what he wanted. The scenes between Rowan and Gwen were my favorites though, it was not long when I began to root for them, you could practically see the tension, the connection between two of them, even if they tried deny it at first, or at least Rowan tried to. They belong together.



Of course the action scenes, the mystery was amazing in this novel. There was not a single page where there wasn’t some sort of action, or at least some sort of challenge that the characters had to face. From moment that Gwen was given role to free the Queen, I wondered if she would be able to accomplish it, and once she did, what would happen next? UNHOOKED did not have a single page where you did not find yourself wondering what risks, what challenges they would have to face next. Most of all how will all of these come to an end. There was part of me that didn’t want the book to end because I felt like the characters, especially Gwen and Rowan became like my friends, they felt real to me. I did not want to say goodbye to then. This is sort of story that will stay with me, and the one that I will probably find myself re-reading in the future. An astonishing retelling of Peter Pan. I can’t wait to read what other adventures LISA MAXWELL came up with. If you love fairy tales, you won’t regret picking this one up.

A Study In Charlotte( Charlotte Holmes,#1)

☆☆☆☆☆

a study in charlotte.

Charlotte Holmes,#1

brittany cavallaro.

Publisher  Katherine Tegen Books.

Publication Date: March 1,2016.

Genre:YA Contemporary Mystery|Romance.

Format|Pages:  Hardcover|321.

 Source: Goodreads|Library.

“We weren't Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. I was ok with that, I thought. We had things they didn't, too. Like electricity, and refrigerators. And Mario Kart.” 

 ☂

The last thing Jamie Watson wants is a rugby scholarship to Sherringford, a Connecticut prep school just an hour away from his estranged father. But that’s not the only complication: Sherringford is also home to Charlotte Holmes, the famous detective’s great-great-great-granddaughter, who has inherited not only Sherlock’s genius but also his volatile temperament. From everything Jamie has heard about Charlotte, it seems safer to admire her from afar.



From the moment they meet, there’s a tense energy between them, and they seem more destined to be rivals than anything else. But when a Sherringford student dies under suspicious circumstances, ripped straight from the most terrifying of the Sherlock Holmes stories, Jamie can no longer afford to keep his distance. Jamie and Charlotte are being framed for murder, and only Charlotte can clear their names. But danger is mounting and nowhere is safe—and the only people they can trust are each other. 

 ☂

I have been a big fan of Sherlock Holmes stories, and I had seen movies multiple times as will. So when I came across A STUDY IN CHARLOTTE , a Sherlock retelling, I knew that I had to check this novel out, and I hoped that it would be as good. I was not disappointed. I loved the fact that BRITTANY CAVALLARO had the mysteries surrounding the original Sherlock Holmes stories, and I could tell that he author knew her Sherlock Holmes. Having a girl detective, instead of a guy detective put a quite bit of twist of the story. However, Charlotte was as smart as Sherlock has been and she could read others pretty well, especially Jamie Watson, from the moment that the two of them met, even without him telling her anything about himself. Just like Sherlock & Watson, no matter what their situation might have been, they were always there for one another, though there were times when the two of them fought. Then considering Charlotte’s attitude, it was to be expected. Despite that, in the end they always came to each other rescue. I feel like Charlotte cared about Watson that she was willing to admit. I could see it, the way she tried to protect him at times, and how she reacted anytime he was in any danger, there was some spark there. It has me wondering, what’s going to happen next?



I loved how much mystery surrounded the novel. From the start, from the moment that Lee Dobson is murdered, you as a reader cannot help but wonder, who did it? And why? I knew that Dobson had it coming for him, but to murder him because of his actions. I wondered if it was one of the students, and there was part of me that wondered if Charlotte had anything to do with it, considering what he done to her, for revenge. I knew that a lot had assumed that it was Watson, considering that he got in fight with him, before his death. Then another student gets attacked as Watson and Holmes get more involved into the case. It was like it was a warning sign for both Holmes and Watson. What I loved about it, was fact that it had you wondering towards the end of the book, and just when you thought that you had it figured it out, there was another twist. Holmes and Watson’s story sucks you into the mystery of it from the start, to the end. Being written from Watson’s point of view also had an interesting turn of events. As you got to know Watson more, you felt like you could connect with him more, and by middle of the book, you got a feeling that Watson became one of your friends. You find yourself rooting for him.



Have you ever read a book, that once you reached the end, you wished that the next book was out? That’s the feeling that I got when I reached the end of A STUDY IN CHARLOTTE , I came to conclusion that I was not sure how long I could wait for the next book in series, I had this feeling that I needed, no wanted to know what case, what mystery and adventures awaited for Watson and Holmes next. Most of all, I was curious what, if anything else would happen between Holmes & Watson next, because I know that there is something there. Even though this is first Sherlock retelling I read, it is best. There was a lot of mystery surrounding the death of Lee Dobson. I feel like this book should receive more than five stars. A beautiful, astonishing, mysterious debut novel. One of favorites for 2016. I cannot wait what adventures BRITTANY CAVALLARO will come up with next for Holmes & Watson. If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, this is a must read book.

Red Queen(Red Queen,#1)

☆☆☆☆☆

red queen.

Red Queen,#1

victoria aveyard

Publisher  HarperTeen.

Publication Date: February 10,2015

Genre:YA Dystopian Romance|Adventure.

Format|Pages:  Hardcover|383.

 Source: Goodreads|Library.

“Anyone can betray anyone.” 

 ☂

This is a world divided by blood – red or silver.



The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change.



That is, until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.



Fearful of Mare’s potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime.



But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance – Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart 

 

 ☂

What a magical journey! Wow, I was taken aback by this novel and once I came to the end, I was craving for more. RED QUEEN was a novel that I wished I have read sooner than I had. It’s one that been on mine to read list since last year and since then I have heard quite few positive reviews about it, to me it felt that it was the book that almost everyone talked about. Not long after I started reading the novel I saw why. It takes your breath away and takes you in Mare’s magical world, the one that you can’t help but to fall in love with. I did. When I picked the book and started reading, I only asked myself one question Why did I not read this sooner? I love any novels that have to do with royalty With fantasy in the mix, I feel like it makes it more interesting to read about. RED QUEEN was that novel, and one that you will find yourself re-reading some parts because of the unexpected twists, the ones that you did not see coming, and you will find yourself reading again, just to make sure that you read it right. On multiple occasions I found myself shocked, especially towards the end, it was the biggest twist of all. Now I need get the next book, so I can see what happens next.



Have you ever come across character, that you couldn’t help but fall in love with? And so when they turned out to be not who you thought they were, you find yourself in complete shock? That was me, with Maven, that was something that even I did not see coming. I was as shocked at Mare and his brother Cal were. I found myself sad when I found out that Maven was the bad guy, because after what he put Cal through, and the way that he betrayed them both, I don’t have it in my heart to like him anymore. As much as I wanted to, I just couldn’t, not after what he done. My emotions were all over place when I found out, I feel like part of me was in denial. Of course Cal was no angel either, but in the way Mare was at least of what he could do, what he was capable off, unlike with Maxen who pretended all way from start. I could see that Mare had connection to the both brothers, but I could see that the connection that she had with Cal was stronger then what she had with Maxen, and it made me wonder, if maybe he did all of that out of jealously. Despite the pretending I feel like he actually cared for her. Now Cal, I had a feeling that he cared her all way from start. Now with everything that happened, I wonder if two of them will actually end up together, and there is part of me that hopes that they do. I am eager to find out what’s in store for them next.



I loved fact how much action and quite bit of suspense and mystery that surrounded the novel. I cannot believe that this was her first novel, it was outstanding. There is a part of me that wishes that I could give this novel more than five stars because it deserves it. I have read both dystopian and royalty based novels before but nothing like this before, it was like it took me to completely different yet magical world. I loved fact that in this one they seemed be separated by colors, Red and Silver and how differently they acted. Mare was different, she was special but being in palace, did not stop her from being from who she was. I was so observed in their stories, in their life’s. I felt like I became part of their life. I already know that VICTORIA AVEYARD will be an author that I will love for years to come, I’m already in love with this series. Of course story and the storyline is not all that I loved about this book, I also in love with the cover and the title, it’s a type of cover that has a mystery behind by just looking at it, and it will make any reader, no, anyone wonder about it. Well, wonder no more. If you love fantasy mixed with royalty, some romance and suspense and magic in the mix, you will love it. Be ready to stay up because once you pick up the book you won’t put it down till the end.

The Glittering Court (The Glittering Court,#1)

☆☆☆☆☆

the glittering court.

Glittering Court,#1

Richelle mead.

Publisher  Razorbill.

Publication Date:April 5,2016.

Genre:YA Fantasy|Romance

Format|Pages:  Hardcover|416.

 Source: Goodreads|Library.

“We’re all in charge of our own lives—and we have to live with the consequences of the choices we make.” Those” 

 ☂

Big and sweeping, spanning from the refined palaces of Osfrid to the gold dust and untamed forests of Adoria, The Glittering Court tells the story of Adelaide, an Osfridian countess who poses as her servant to escape an arranged marriage and start a new life in Adoria, the New World. But to do that, she must join the Glittering Court.



Both a school and a business venture, the Glittering Court is designed to transform impoverished girls into upper-class ladies who appear destined for powerful and wealthy marriages in the New World. Adelaide naturally excels in her training, and even makes a few friends: the fiery former laundress Tamsin and the beautiful Sirminican refugee Mira. She manages to keep her true identity hidden from all but one: the intriguing Cedric Thorn, son of the wealthy proprietor of the Glittering Court.



When Adelaide discovers that Cedric is hiding a dangerous secret of his own, together they hatch a scheme to make the best of Adelaide’s deception. Complications soon arise—first as they cross the treacherous seas from Osfrid to Adoria, and then when Adelaide catches the attention of a powerful governor.



But no complication will prove quite as daunting as the potent attraction simmering between Adelaide and Cedric. An attraction that, if acted on, would scandalize the Glittering Court and make them both outcasts in wild, vastly uncharted lands…

 ☂

When I heard that RICHELLE MEAD wrote a new book , I knew that I had to check out. Despite the mixed reviews about the novel, that would not stop me. I have been fan of Richelle since Vampire Diaries series, so I was excited to see what this new series was all about. THE GLITTERING COURT was different from her other series, unlike anything that she written before, but once again, it was astonishing, heartbreaking and beautiful. RICHELLE MEAD brought the world of Glittering Court to live for me, and everyone in it. Of course it was filled with quite of mysteries and of course, secrets. THE GLITTERING COURT is a novel that will have you wondering what’s going to happen from start to book to end and then you will find yourself asking, What’s next? There was one part of me that could not put the book down, but there was another part that did not want come to end, because I just wanted to keep on reading. Plus I wasn’t sure how long I would be able to wait for the next novel. I’m already wishing that it was out already. Of course, I am curious what happens to Mira and Tamsin as well, especially after what happened towards the end.



Mira was sort of character that you liked from the start, however Tamsin was another story. I wasn’t fond of her at start, it was mostly her attitude that annoyed me most of time. I don’t know how Mira and Adelaide put up with it, for as long as they had. However, as time passed, she grew on me and even if she would not admit it at first, she cared about both Mira and Adelaide. I was as sad as Adelaide and Mira had been when I thought that she was lost at sea, finding out that she was alive, was a great surprise and I actually found myself smiling. All the girls had changed through the course of the novel, but I felt like Adelaide and Tamsin changed the most. Especially what had happened at the ending, I did not see that happening, especially not with Tamsin. It made me wonder, what would happen now? Because that was a significant change. I was glad that Adelaide had a friends that she could depend on, I know that she could made it in Glittering Court without them, but I feel like the two of them gave her something she might not had in a while, a friendship. The bond that the three girls had, was real and strong. Despite everything they went through together, in the end they were there for one another.



Cedric, how can you not love Cedric? Especially for everything he done for Adelaide, for a way he covered for her, even though he could turned her in easily. It’s hard not to like someone like that. The two of them established a bond pretty fast, and way that two of them were willing to help one another, they would not done that unless they cared for one another. I was eager to see what happened between them, at every page, at every chapter. The scenes between Cedric and Adelaide were my favorites. The risks they were willing to take, no matter what it took and willing to do anything, in order to protect each other, to be together. Despite the obstacles that two of them had faced. The challenges they went through, so that they could be married, finally be with each other. All through the book, I was rooting for their happy after, and after what happened with Cedric I rooted for them even more. The two of them deserved each other, they deserved their happy after.



I loved everything about this novel. The names, especially Adelaide, aren’t that a beautiful name? The setting and the descriptions of the setting, half of time I wished that there was such thing as Glittering Court so I could go visit, the descriptions were so vivid that I wished that I was there along with everyone. Of course the cover, isn’t that a stunning a cover? Isn’t type of cover that you can’t pull your eyes away from and it fits the story perfectly. In general, it was everything that I hoped that it would be. RICHELLE MEAD created another beautiful and magical world, and I cannot wait to see where she will take us next. What adventures wait for us all.



Astonishing new series.

Deadly Design.

☆☆☆

deadly design.

debra dockter.

Publisher : G..P. Putnam's Sons Books 

Publication Date: June 2, 2015

Genre: YA  Dystopian Suspense
Format|Pages: Hardcover|368.

 Source: Goodreads|Library.

Genetically engineered identical twins Kyle and Connor McAdams were born two years apart. Their parents figured it was safer that way, to increase their odds of survival. Connor was born first, paving an impossibly perfect path for Kyle to follow. He was the best at everything—valedictorian, star quarterback etc. Kyle never thought he’d be able to live up, so he didn’t even try.



But when Connor, 18, suddenly drops dead of a heart attack, and Kyle learns of other genetically modified kids who’ve also died on their eighteenth birthdays, he’s suddenly motivated—to save his own life. Like Connor and all the rest, Kyle was conceived at the Genesis Innovations Laboratory, where the mysterious Dr. Mueller conducted experiments on them. The clock’s ticking as Kyle searches for answers: who was Dr. Mueller really, and what did he do to cause their hearts to stop at eighteen? He must unravel the clues quickly, before, he too, becomes another perfect, blue-eyed corpse. 

 ☂

DEADLY DESIGN is a breathtaking tale about family, friendship and love. To be honest cover was one of first things that drew me to the story, once I came across it when I was in library. Even before I read the summary, I got a feeling that this would be a different novel that I usually read, and one that I am going like. Just look at the cover, and the way that the boy is drawn as if he’s fading away, does that not make you wonder what is going on? Make you wonder of what might happen next? That’s the question that I had when I came across the book and once I read the novel, both the cover and title made sense. Just the cover alone tells you a story, the one that you will find yourself wondering about. DEADLY DESIGN fits the story perfectly, considering what Kyle had to go through, in attempt to try others and himself, especially once he found out that he was designed differently and that he would not make it to his 17th birthday. DEADLY DESIGN is a story that will have you on the edge of your seat till the end. From moment it became clear what was happening, you will find yourself turning to page, to see if Kyle will be able to save himself.



Even though I enjoyed the novel, I thought that the beginning of the novel was a bit slow. To me, if felt like it dragged on a bit more than it should have. Plus the whole Cami and Kyle relationship, I like the two of them together, I felt like they moved on too fast from friends to love, it felt like there were not enough for them to develop feelings like that fast. However as time passed, I could tell how much the two of them cared for one another, and I found myself smiling. Both of them deserved their happily ever after. Plus once the book picked up, I could not get enough of it, I did not want to put it down, not till I found what was going to happen with Kyle. I hoped for Cami and Kyle’s sake that he will figure out a way to fix this before it would be too late, and it seemed like just when he thought that he found a solution he would run into another obstacle. It was those obstacles that had me wondering if he would be able to do it, or if he ended up dying just like the others. I was as anxious as he was, as his parents were and had myself praying for the best.




Unlike Kyle, I actually liked Connor and I felt like Kyle did not appreciate him enough, not until he was gone. Connor tried almost everything to try and spend time with Kyle and it seemed like Kyle would push every effort away. Expect towards the end, the night before Connor died, until it was too late. I feel like Kyle should have tried to make more effort, but not let his envy and jealousy get in his way. For me, it was hard not to like Connor, he was not like any jock out there, he was caring and I was saddened when he died. DEADLY DESIGN Had quite bit action in it, it was mostly a race against time through most of the novel. Even towards the end, I could not help but wonder what was going to come next for everyone. I was glad for the outcome for Kyle, especially all that trouble he went through and all those obstacles and danger that he faced. A novel that is worth checking out.