Review: Beautiful Chaos

Title: Beautiful Chaos
Author: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Series: The Caster Chronicles #3
Published: October 18th 2011
Rating: 5

Cursed lovers Ethan and Lena have returned to their home town, which is now ravaged by swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms. What - or who - will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin?

For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He's being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn't by Lena - and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself - forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn't know why, and most days he's too afraid to ask.

Sometimes there isn't just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there's no going back. And this time there won't be a happy ending.

Beautiful Chaos was one hell of a ride. There are so many things that I could say and explain why this book was my favorite so far in the Caster Chronicles; maybe it was Link- the comedic guy who tries so hard or to Lena not being as annoying as she was in the previous book, it could of even been the damn sisters- Ethan's Aunts- who are constantly saying widely inappropriate and always complaining about some small detail. There's a myriad of reasons why that I could list all day but I think the one person who touched me throughout the duration of the novel was Ethan. 

Gatlin is in utter Chaos, with vexes on the loose bringing destruction in their wake and Abraham on the prowl looking for the location of the infamous John Breed, there's only so much a town and person can handle. Ethan is desperately  on the hunt to find this mysterious "The One Who Is Two" who is supposedly meant to save the mortal and caster world after Lena claimed her self both Light and Dark, which consequently broke The Order of Things bringing travesty and promise of destruction to both worlds.   

We finally get to learn some background on Sarafine! Lena and Ethan have visions of when Sarafine was claimed for Dark and her family shunned her leaving her utterly alone and depressed. At this stage she was still herself and was far more the murderous woman we know her by. We see the struggles of which Sarafine went through, forcing herself to stay in the Light to not give in to the Darkness within her. I couldn't help but feel for that past Sarafine- the one who desperately wanted to Light, the one who tried as hard as she could, but in then as we all know Sarafine gave into the Darkness and was lost from all Light.

John Breed also appears in Beautiful Chaos. I have mixed feelings about him, one side of me feels pity for him with what he went through as I child bringing brought up in such a monstrous way. The other side of me though hates his arrogant personality and rule breaker attitude. There are some moments in the book where I felt he really redeemed himself and I was proud of him for that but, I just can't keep that picture out of my mind where he had his hands all over Lena at that dance club, and not to mention turning Link into a Incubus!

Now to the sole reason why I loved Beautiful Chaos so much..Ethan! Just, I don't know *sighs* I felt for him so much throughout the novel. With his town in wrecks and getting burned every time he touched his girlfriend, to  him forgetting things his known his whole life Ethan never once gave up.  Through all that crap surrounding to him, the determination and fierce courage Ethan showed to seek the way and find the answers to save everyone's life even if that meant risking his own? I'm in awe of him and Kami Garcia and Margret Stohl for creating such a strong character, someone who had weakness and was only mortal, but a mortal who could pushes asides those aspects and do what was necessary, I'm in love with Ethan Wate no matter what anyone says. 

And also no need to worry about Ethan and Lena's relationship, their rock solid and it's going to take alot more then Liv and John to get in the middle of them.  

One thing I can promise you about Beautiful Chaos is that there won't be a happy ending this time. The last 20 pages will surely leave you in tears, I can remember the feeling of my heart breaking when I realized what was going to happen and even writing about it right now brings back all those emotions of heart-ache and sadness, but for me, I think that's what made the book, that it brought out such a huge reaction that I wasn't expecting! I highly recommend you read this nail biting installment because I don't want you to miss out on such an extraordinary read, it may be a bit hard at first but when your into the kick of it you'll never look back. I have high hopes for Beautiful Redemption and can't wait to find out what happens next after Kami Garcia and Margret Stohl left us with a cliff-hanger like that!

-Taylor X

Waiting on Wednesday

Hey guys!

This week I'm waiting for...

Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3) by Cassandra Clare

Release Date: March 19th 2013

If the only way to save the world was to destroy what you loved most, would you do it?

The clock is ticking. Everyone must choose.

Passion. Power. Secrets. Enchantment.

Danger closes in around the Shadow-hunters in the final installment of the bestselling Infernal Devices trilogy.

OMG. Put your hands up if you cannot wait for Clockwork Princess!! I expect to see all hands raised as this book is absolutely kickass and if your one of those sorry people who haven't then.. well I have deep sympathies for you, as you have no idea how AMAZING this series is! Will. Like do I have to say anymore? Like seriously, if you haven't read it stop reading this right now and go buy Clockwork Angel and then you'll know like the rest of us how excited we all for Clockwork Princess! I really hope Will gets a happy end, that's all I pray for! 

-Taylor X 

Review: The Innocents

Title: The Innocents
Author: Lili Peloquin
Series: The Innocents #1
Published: October 16th 2012
Rating: 3.5

Nothing ever came between sisters Alice and Charlie.
Friends didn't.
Boys couldn't.
Their family falling apart never would.
Until they got to Serenity Point.

In a town built on secrets and lies, it's going to be hard to stay innocent.
They're sucked into a strange and seductive world—a world they can't help but hate, and can't help but love. A world that threatens to tear them apart, just when they need each other the most. 

The Innocents was not exactly how I thought it would be, when I first heard about it and read the summary I thought 'Okay, this sounds like a really cool, super mysterious book' and I couldn't wait to read it. I know some people compared it to the likes of Pretty Little Liars and Gossip Girl and I can definitely see the similarities after reading it. It had the drama, secrets, lies, betrayal, love, twists and revelations all elements which make a fantastic teen drama but somehow it all was predictable. I knew about from the second chapter what huge secret would eventually explode! 

The two protagonists of the novel were Alice and Charlie; sister's who were super close would tell each other everything right up to the day they drove through Serenity Point, where things take a turn for the worst for the sisters. Forcing them both to take side and stick to it, unfortunately  for them, it seems like their on opposite islands now. I found I liked Alice more then I liked Charlie. Alice is the kind of character I felt you could relate to more and actually give a damn when things got bad for her. Where else when something disastrous happened to Charlie I really couldn't of cared less. Charlie has alot of potential and I see huge amounts of character development in the future for her. As scene in The Innocents drinking, partying, drugs and boys were mainly the focus of Charlie's brain. I think that's why I liked Alice more. Alice who reads, likes to have some solidarity time and never bends to anybody else's will, is much more likely heroine character.

The plot of The Innocents surrounds Alice and Charlie's mother marrying the wealthy Richard Flood, the guy who's wife and daughter died mysteriously in the past year and the startling resemblance  Alice holds to his past daughter- Camilla- the golden girl with the darkest of secrets and also the girl who drove her self of a bridge committing suicide shocking Serenity Point into a hush of the unspoken Camilla Flood.

The Innocents isn't a must read. It's a fond read but not something that had me excited or feeling attached to the characters which is something really important in a novel, but hey, if you like either Pretty Little Liars or Gossip Girl I'd say give it a go. It's not all bad, just needs some improvement in some areas and hopefully the sequel This Side of Jealousy will succeed to capture my bookworm-heart. 

-Taylor X

Review: Sweet Evil

 Title: Sweet Evil
 Author: Wendy Higgins
 Series: The Sweet Trilogy #1
 Published: May 1st 2012
 Rating: 5

Embrace the Forbidden

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?

This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.

Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She's aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn't until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He's the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?


I've been meaning to Read Sweet Evil for quite some time and it had been sitting on my bookshelf waiting to be read for months, I'd heard good things about it and it didn't disappoint. It was captivating from the first few pages and it was a nice change to the typical YA Paranormal books which seem all the same lately. The story is unlike any other book surrounding angels, demons or nephilim and had its own unique concepts which for someone like me who has read so many books involving the same supernatural beings reminds me why I love this genre so much.

On to the subject of characters; The protagonist Anna is very innocent, naive and respectful. I found her rather dull and prefer it when the heroine is strong, independent and witty. It seemed she would burst into tears at every occasion possible and gave off a strong damsel in distress vibe. 

Onto Kaidan well, he's the son of the Duke of Lust I think that explains it all. He is introduced as the emotionless player but as you make your way through the book you uncover that he is in fact so much more than that. Kaidan is unlike any other male character i've come across and trust me there has been many, even reading the book you can't help but understand the lust everyone he comes across must feel. 

The whole concept of the book was definitely well thought out The Nephilim were raised to become bad influences on humans, each one has their own sin to influence others with including envy,  greed, lust wrath and substance abuse. I found Kaidan and Anna's road trip the most enjoyable part of the book and having them confined in the small space of a car really got their relationship developing faster than if they were just two Nephs hanging out. 

Sweet Evil lives up to the high ratings and positive reviews and I'm so glad that I finally read it, Definitely a recommendation for anyone who loves Paranormal reads or even people unfamiliar with the territory as its easy to understand and become captivated in. The sequel is out on the 30th of April I can't wait to get my hands on it. 

-Lily xo

Review: Beautiful Darkness

Title: Beautiful Darkness
Author: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Series: The Caster Chronicles #2
Published: October 20th 2010
Rating: 4

Ethan Wate used to think of Gatlin, the small Southern town he had always called home, as a place where nothing ever changed. Then he met mysterious newcomer Lena Duchannes, who revealed a secret world that had been hidden in plain sight all along. A Gatlin that harbored ancient secrets beneath its moss-covered oaks and cracked sidewalks. A Gatlin where a curse has marked Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals for generations. A Gatlin where impossible, magical, life-altering events happen.

Sometimes life-ending.

Together they can face anything Gatlin throws at them, but after suffering a tragic loss, Lena starts to pull away, keeping secrets that test their relationship. And now that Ethan's eyes have been opened to the darker side of Gatlin, there's no going back. Haunted by strange visions only he can see, Ethan is pulled deeper into his town's tangled history and finds himself caught up in the dangerous network of underground passageways endlessly crisscrossing the South, where nothing is as it seems.

Beautiful Creatures drew me in from the first chapter and I was instantly intrigued in the small southern town of Gatlin and all who lived there,Casters and Humans alike and so I sped through it in a few days. I bought Beautiful Darkness expecting the same but found it difficult to focus on, I kept picking it up and putting it down, Probably on account of the fact that Lena was really pissing me off throughout the book with her stubborn ways  I just couldn't justify  the way she treated Ethan after all the extremes he has gone through because and for her.

The plot seemed rather slow/dull at first and it took a while to get to the climax at the end, it was information overload in the last few chapters. The new characters where a great addition to the series and I believe they helped develop the story and Lena and Ethan's relationship. Liv was unlike any of the characters and she was a great in contrast with Lena I couldn't help but feel for her at times, I think she truly did fall develop feelings for Ethan and in some ways he did lead her on, Lena and Ethan were meant to be though and she did act as a hurdle for them to overcome causing their relationship to become stronger in the long run. If it wasn't for John all of the conflict may or may not have occurred but he did push Lena into most of these events that had me screaming at her in rage. 

It was great to see more of Link and Ridley, They're definitely my favourite characters in the series along with Macon and it was lovely to see Ridley help out her friends in their times of need. Seeing her dedication to help Lena was a great indication of how far she would go to help the ones she loves and to introduce the fact that she's not all as bad as she sometimes seems. I'm looking forward to seeing Ridley and Link's relationship develop in the next two books as its unlike that of Ethan and Lena.

All in all, While there were certain details that annoyed me I did enjoy the second instalment of the Caster Chronicles and look forward to reading Beautiful Chaos and Beautiful Redemption, I have a feeling that the will involve even more action and crazy twists and turns! Fingers crossed anyway! 



-Lily xo

Review: The Indigo Spell

Title: The Indigo Spell
Author: Richelle Mead
Series: Bloodlines #3
Published: February 12th 2013
Rating: 5

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.

The Indigo Spell the book we've all been waiting for since that swoon worthy kiss was absolutely and completely mind-blowing! It was a serious page turner, from the minute I sat down and started reading I knew from the very first paragraph, that Richelle Mead had delivered a spectacular  read that made me feel soooo many emotions I didn't think possible. Mead had me from screaming into my pillow from to0 many emotions then a complete turnaround in other scenes where my heart felt too much for the characters that it was actually throbbing. It's safe to say that The Indigo Spell did not disappoint at all, becoming my favorite book out of the Bloodlines series. 

The story picks up after a few weeks of that forbidden kiss that had so many of us cheering for. Sydney and Adrian's relationship developed ALOT in The Indigo Spell we see how determined Adrian is at winning Sydney's heart even if Sydney the girl of his affections can be very frustrating and stubborn at times, oh and let's not forget denial. Nevertheless the romance is off the charts. It was burning the house down hot and so steamy that it had me giggling. It's fair to say my sydrian feels were put through alot and I still don't know if I'll ever recover. With the banter and chemistry they have... I don't think my odds are  in my favor.

I was proud of Sydney in so many moments and scenes in this novel. I think she finally evolved into the person who she was finally meant to be. We see this through her questioning the Alchemists rules and motives and finding out shocking revelations that rocked her to the core. Honestly I think this whole novel was about Sydney becoming this person she needed and wanted to be. Sydney questions everything to find out the truth no matter the cost, she constantly put herself in danger to protect the one's she cares about even if that meant coming around to her magical abilities which appears alot throughout the novel, as it becomes essential to the plot line.

And now onto the amazing, charming, witty, lovable, extremely attractive Adrian Ivashkov *sighs* There's really not that much to say that I haven't already stated above. Adrian was fiercely loyal and dedicated to Sydney, always trying to protect her and her honor! I didn't think I could love him anymore but I guess I'm mistaken. I wish I had a guy who loved me as much as he loves Sydney! That girl is so lucky! Adrian has really matured, well, as much as Adrian can. His still that same charming and funny guy but you could see the subtle changes from the Adrian who was in love with Rose to the Adrian who's now madly in love with Sydney. I can't quite put the exact change down, but I think it's how he carries himself, more self assured of who he is and what he want's. Which is Sydney, the reason for his change. 

Marcus Finch! At last we get to see who this mysterious ex-alchemist is. And I can most certainly assure you that Marcus does not become a  competitor for Sydney's heart. He's just a harmless flirt, nothing to worry about here guys! However we do see some intense moments between Sydney and Marcus were some alarming information is revealed about the Alchemist. I want say more on that due to spoilers. 

Eddie, Jill and Angeline were a delight to read! Always very light, usually nothing very heavy going on with those characters. I find it very enjoyably whenever we got a moment with one of them. It's hilarious to watch the drama unfold with those guys! Especially with the unknown love triangle happening! That certainly played a big cared in their day to day routine. Expect unexpected twists here! 

I'm sorry for this insanely long review but I could just gush about this book all day! If you haven't yet stepped into the Bloodlines world I seriously think it's about time that you do. The Indigo Spell was one sensational roller-coaster that I would not want to miss! Richelle Mead crafted one dazzling read here and I cannot wait to The Fiery Heart to see how this marvelous story continues. 

-Taylor X

Indigo Spell Release Day!

 

Today was the day that we've all been waiting for after months of anticipation Indigo Spell has finally hit our book shelves! We finally get another taste of our favourite Moroi, arrogant yet charming Adrian Ivashkov.







The Countdown Begins with a reply for Taylor!

The shaking returned when my phone buzzed with a notification that bloodlines replied to me!











The Official Bloodlines Facebook page posted this picture and yes i'm not ashamed to say that its me in the right top hand corner!
"How great are these IndigoSelfie pics?! Don't forget as it becomes available in your country, tag us here or Twitter with #IndigoSelfie - we want to see the love!" 










-Lily xo

Review: Once

Title: Once
Author: Anna Carey
Series: Eve #2
Published: July 3rd 2012
Rating: 5

When you're being hunted, who can you trust?

For the first time since she escaped from her school many months ago, Eve can sleep soundly. She's living in Califia, a haven for women, protected from the terrifying fate that awaits orphaned girls in The New America.

But her safety came at a price: She was forced to abandon Caleb, the boy she loves, wounded and alone at the city gates. When Eve gets word that Caleb is in trouble, she sets out into the wild again to rescue him, only to be captured and brought to the City of Sand, the capital of The New America.

Trapped inside the City walls, Eve uncovers a shocking secret about her past--and is forced to confront the harsh reality of her future. When she discovers Caleb is alive, Eve attempts to flee her prison so they can be together--but the consequences could be deadly. She must make a desperate choice to save the ones she loves . . . or risk losing Caleb forever.

It's been months since Eve been at Califia. Months since she last seen Caleb. In this stunning sequel to the compelling Eve adrenaline is high and the stakes are even higher. 

I find it hard to review something that just had so much in it, seriously it was action packed! So many questions and mysteries were answered that made my mouth drop and left me shell-shocked. We finally find out why the King wants Eve sooo desperately and to be honest I really should have seen that twist coming. It makes so much sense why and sets the tone for the rest of the novel.

The novel is set in The City of Sands - home to the new america- were danger is a high potential. Filled with secrets, love, betrayal and action it's safe to say that life in The City of Sands is never dull. Where introduced to some new characters here and I must say I did have a small soft spot for Charles. You could see clearly that he did have genuine feelings for Eve. The poor guy, he never stood a chance to capture her heart though as we see for varies reason that that would be highly unlikely- of course besides the fact that Eve's madly in love with Caleb. There was another character that I was fond of at the beginning- but you see for reason that I cannot say due to spoilers-  that one action at the end of the novel totally ruined my attachment even though it was not their fault.

In this sequel Caleb and Eve relationship was heart melting, it was truly adorable and a little steamy at times I must say. Caleb and Eve take huge reckless risks sneaking around to meet one another when it was only a matter of time one of them or both would get caught. Their relationship really grew in Once, you could see how in love they were and the determination they both had drive them to achieve their goals and ultimately be together at last. I was surprised at some moments between them with how willing Eve was, accounting for that she was raised her whole life with the mind set that males were horrid beast that'll take advantage of you any chance they get. It made me really proud of Eve, seeing her banish away those lies and stepping forward with her relationship. 

This could possible be the hardest review I've had to wright! There's a spoiler that I can't talk about that involves the whole plot line! But trust me when I say Once will not disappoint. It was none stop from start to finish with a myriad of intense and revealing scenes, right up to the explosive ending that'll tear your heart apart. I have high hopes for Rise, as I'm sure Anna Carey will deliver magnificent conclusion to the Eve Trilogy.

-Taylor x

Upcoming YA Books to the Big Screen!

In all the hype of discovering the Vampire Academy cast I did some research into some popular YA/Paranormal Romance books that will in the near future be hitting the big screen. I was so happy to see that many of Taylor and I's favourite books are among the many!

 The Immortal Rules 

(Blood of Eden #1)

 by Julie Kagawa

    Delirium (Delirium #1)

 Lauren Oliver

  Under The Never Sky (Under The Never Sky #1)

Veronica Rossi

Divergent (Divergent #1)

Veronica Roth

Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1)

Tahereh Mafi

Uglies (Uglies #1)

Scott Westerfeld

Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1)

Richelle Mead

Shiver (The Wolves Of Mercy Falls #1)

Maggie Stiefvater

Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush #1)

Becca Fitzpatrick

The Host (The Host #1)

Stephenie Meyer

If I Stay (If I Stay #1)

Gayle Forman

Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles #1)

Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Before I Fall

Lauren Oliver

Fallen (Fallen #1)

Lauren Kate

Matched (Matched #1)

Ally Condie

The Raven Boys (Raven Cycle #1)

Maggie Stiefvater

Tempest (Tempest #1)

Julie Cross

City Of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1)

Cassandra Clarke

Fingers crossed they all make it all the way to the big screen!

Follow us for upcoming production news

Which adaption are you looking forward to the most?

-Lily xo

Review: Through the Ever Night

 Title: Through The Ever Night
 Author: Veronica Rossi
 Series: Under the Never Sky #2
 Published: January 8th 2013
 Rating: 4.5

It's been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don't take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe's precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends, hidden enemies, and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night?

Veronica Rossi has done it again, delivering the most beautifully crafted heart wrenching novel. Through the Ever Night was a whirled-wind that left my heart hanging. 

In Through the Ever Night we see a load of character growth, especially from Perry. When we last saw him, he was taking the title of Blood Lord away from his brother, something that was extremely hard for Perry to deal with. Now in TTEN Perry tires to come to terms with his actions and how he now has fulfill the shoes of his dead brother. It was a struggle at first for Perry to find his voice among his people, to get them to respect him and listen to what he has to say, eventually Perry comes into his own and really honing his position as leader, finding that he's actually quite proud to be Blood Lord of the Tides. 

One thing I absolutely loved about TTEN was the dynamics! I loved watching the friendship of Aria and Roar, how close they've become over the past few months, sharing insecurities  with one another! The way their relationship was described was totally natural, it felt like talking to a bestfriend. You get to see how they lean on one another for support when no one else is there or can't. It was by far the most interesting part of the book for me to read! I admire how Rossi described a relationship between a female and a male could just be based on friendship only. So obviously I can gladly say with a huge smile upon my face that we see alot more of Roar in TTEN *squeals* I really fell head over heels in love with him! From every witty remark to his soul bearing heart-ache. Every moment in this book made me love Roar, made me feel for him. The charming and hilarious  Roar, what else can I say?

Also another insanely hot dynamic... Perry and Aria! We finally get to see them reunited after a few months apart! There were struggles they had to face as Perry is Blood Lord and Aria an outsider, a dweller. To say that the Tides weren't too fond of Aria's arrival would be putting it lightly. There are many forces at work determined to drive them apart, but I think that distance and pain made them both realize how much they loved each-other and how far their willing to protect one another. I can also say that you won't be disappointed in the romance department- Aria and Perry kind of got that down pact by now. 

Just another reason among the pile why I loved TTEN was Aria's character development. Aria is one bad-ass  knife wielding dweller! She can fight, she stands up for herself! Aria's willing to do anything to protect the ones she cares about and does so repeatedly in TTEN, making great selfless sacrifices even though it immensely pains her to do so. 

We also learn more about this mystery haven, a place where the sky is clear from aether storms, the Still Blue. The Still Blue was the motivation through-out the plot line, always there in back of people's minds.  I can't say too much without revealing too many spoilers, but the Still Blue was a big game changer in TTEN, causing many twists and turns and unlikely alliances. 

If you haven't read Under the Never Sky yet stop what your doing! Go out and get that damn book because it's amazing and the sequel will not disappoint and I'm sure the next installment Into the Still Blue  will have an explosive ending. So go out there and read this trilogy, it's truly a captivating read.

-Taylor x

Vampire Academy Cast Released!

Zoey Deutch

as 

Rose Hathaway

                                                                         

  Danila Kovlosky 

as

Dimitri Belikov

Lucy Fry 

as

Vasilisa Dragomir

Thoughts on the casting?

Personally we're not astound with the choices but its still a good pick.

To read more about the production here's the official Facebook page 

and to know what the author of the series Richelle Mead thinks of all this view her blogpost