Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi (novella)

Book: Destroy Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Pages: 109
Published: October 2, 2012
Publisher: Harper
Obtained: Bought from Amazon (Unite Me)
Started: January 1, 2015
Finished: January 1, 2015



Summary: (Courtesy of Goodreads)

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.

Cover:

Like all the covers in this series, this one was beautiful. Every. Single. One. Of. Them. Seriously, whoever thought of these and their intricate design, I applaud you.

Plot:

I liked this novella a lot, and don’t get me wrong because it definitely gave me more insight to the workings of Warner’s brain and made me switch to Team Warner, but it was so slow paced for me. I had to keep telling myself that the moment I finish, I’ll get to start Unravel Me. I love her writing and her descriptions, but this novella was simply just a filler between when Juliette left and when he saw her again. I feel however that this novella was needed. It gave more insight to his true feelings for her way before the reader would have found out by reading the novels. By giving me this initial insight, I was able to see Warner as the true person he was and not just Juilette’s filtered version of him.

Characters:

There were not as many characters in this novella as it focused more heavily on Warner and gave valid reasons to his “evil ways”. There was some hardcore character development going on in his department. As readers, we are also able to learn more about his father and Delalieu, but not near as much as I had hoped, because well, it was only a novella. You can only add so much before it’s its own novel.

Series:

This is the first novella of the Shatter Me triology.

Rating:

3.5 out of 5 birds

This bird got some air, but it faltered some.

(and yes, I’m aware that the notion of half a bird is somewhat morbid but roll with it, sweetie.)

Next Review: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Happy Reading!

VF, xoxo

Where the heck have I been? Well...

Just your regular update: (blah, blah, blah)

I have been MIA for way too long. I’m not going to sit and type that I will be posting a ton; I’m not going to sit here and say that you’ll hear from me 3 times a week even. However, I will tell you that I’m going to try my best to be here more often. The past year has been absolute madness. My hand has healed, by the way, and I usually have no problems with it (only when overworked or it’s really friggen cold). My laptop DIED. I mean the motherboard of my mac just gave up on life and died. So, I have no computer (yay for the library even though it’s 20 minutes away!). I got married in October 2014. In that regard I am so so happy. And the school year has been intense. I keep telling myself only a year and a half, only a year and a half. By May 2016, I’ll be blogging and reviewing CONSTANTLY. I just got to make it there, but it’s been a struggle. I’ll even review my school books if I have to (be prepared for Survery of British Lit and Shakespeare). I just miss this. I miss you all. I miss being in my element. In all reality, I’ll probably be struggling to post once a week (due to not interwebs on my house), but I should be able to do that without fail. Thanks for sticking by me this whole time. I could never repay that. Also, a major sorry to all the reivews that I promised authors I would do. I will do them. I promise. I swear. I have them in a stack ready to go. It’s just taken me a lot longer than I had antipicated. And for that I am truly sorry.

Also, I will be participating in Bout of Books this week. (So excited!) I actually plan on reading some review books during this time as well. I will post a TBR later on sometime. Also, by the way, by moving I now have my own library which my husband and I are currently painting and making pretty. I can’t wait to share that with you all. My website is STILL under contruction so look past weird things. I’m getting there, I’m getting there.

I’ve missed you all so much a freaking ton. <3

Happy Reading!

VF, xoxo

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Book: Shatter Me

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Pages: 338

Published: November 15, 2011

Publisher: Harper

Obtained: Amazon--kindle

Started: December 27, 2014

Finished: December 30, 2014

Summary: (Courtesy of Goodreads)

I have a curse
I have a gift

I am a monster
I'm more than human

My touch is lethal
My touch is power

I am their weapon
I will fight back

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior

Cover:

The cover is absolutely beautiful. In fact, the entire series is overtaken by beautiful, original covers that are eye-catching and colorful. I like the new covers sooo much better than the old.

Plot: (This is a SPOILER-FREE zone)

As much as I liked this book, it was probably my least favorite of the three. From the beginning it caught my eye. It took me a short time to get used to her writing style and the crossed out words. At first, I was skeptical of this style, but it definitely worked out for her. I’m utterly impressed. Mafi did a beautiful job of capturing the tortured soul of mental illness and depression.

The plot was definitely on-going. There was always something going and twists coming your way. The book literally kept me on the edge of my seat most of the time I was reading it. However, it was not near as engaging as the last two.

Admittedly, I started the series full gun-ho Team Adam ftw! As I’m sure most people did, especially how he was portrayed in this book. From reading Shatter Me, I couldn't even BELIEVE that someone would be Team Warner. What a prick. (Or so I thought).

However, my only complaint with the plot was Juliette’s whiny-tendency, but I completely understand why she is this way and why it’s necessary. It just dragged me down because I knew deep down that she was meant for more. I’m sure this is how Warner felt when he looked at her as well. (Weird that I compare myself to him but there it is). I know it was necessary in order for her to grow and become a stronger, more independent character. My favorite female protagonists are ones that can hold their ground and be their own person. I felt that that was what Juliette was lacking in this story. Like I said, I know the purpose of it and Mafi wrote it beautifully, but it still aggravated me at points. But I am empathetic because I know how it feels to struggle with anxiety, and I do feel that Mafi captured that perfectly. (Admittedly now that I think of it, during my struggle I was whiny some, too.)

Characters:

All of the characters are magnificently written. I fell in love with all of them. The characters were only just introduced in this book, and there was not a lot of time for development. However this book does lay the foundation for further development in the series. It allows the readers to get a better overall view of a character’s personality. By the end of the series, I could explain the characters’ strengths as well as weaknesses. (James is so adorbs, by the way).  

Series: This is the first book in a trilogy.

Rating: 

4.0 out of 5.0 birds

This book definitely took flight with me.

Next Review: Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

Happy Reading!

VF, xoxo

Because I need to explain....

THIS WEBSITE IS CURRENTLY

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

So, first and foremost all of you deserve to know why I haven't been reviewing/making videos for the past few months. Not to be cliche, but Fall 2013 was the hardest semester of my entire life. I wish I was exaggerating. College is hard enough, but God almighty, it was awful. To put worse on top of worse, I have a seriously stressful job at which I put in around 30 hours a week. I had no time for anything.

And then my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to have surgery. It seemed once the grief of that was beginning to pass and she was doing better, they thought my 5 year-old niece had cancer. Turns out luckily, they were wrong, but she also needed surgery. Two days later, I was in a car accident that resulted in me going over a 60ft embankment into a creek. I came out with a concussion and the middle tendon on my right hand cut in half. A few days later was Thanksgiving, Finals, Christmas, and New Years. Oh, and more work. I was running myself into the ground. I literally couldn't review books, because I hadn't actually read an entire book the whole semester. I would start one, put it down, start another, put it down. I couldn't focus.

Luckily, everything is going smoother so I'm simply praying this time I can be consistent and have time to do what I love: read and review books.

I'm taking 3/4 English classes this semester, so even if I'm not reviewing YA, I'll be reviewing SOMETHING. ANYTHING.

I also had surgery on my hand, and I went to my last physical therapy appointment yesterday. My hand is exactly what it used to be, but it's getting better everyday. I was extremely blessed.

I'm going to be working on this blog a lot over the next week: making changes, fixing tabs, creating lists, etc. I'll inform you as they come.

But until then, happy reading!

I've missed you, guys.

xoxo, VF

Wake by Lisa McMann (Book Review)

Book: Wake

Author: Lisa McMann

Pages: 225

Published: March 4, 2008

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Obtained: Checked out of library (audio book)

Started: July 25, 2013

Finished: July 27, 2013


Summary (Courtesy of Goodreads):
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1661957.Wake

For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime.
She can't tell anybody about what she does they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can’t control.
Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant.

Cover: To be frankly honest, I hate this cover. There's nothing original about it. At. All.

Plot: I checked out the audio book from my library. After listening to The Prince of Mist I found myself loving audio books all the more. The plot at first is confusing. There's a lot of lapsing into the past and discovering when Janie's dream participation began. Finally when we hit present day on a steady basis, things begin picking up. There's not really a lot of action. It's mostly Janie falling in love with Cabel, and their trials with that. There's a little bit of action at the end but not really. I still liked it though. There was.... something.. about it. I liked her relationship with Cabel. ALOT. That's probably definitely what it was.

This is for a mature audience. There's is a lot of sex and a lot of cursing.

Characters: To me, the character development stops at Janie, Cabel, and Carrie.

Janie at points frustrated and annoyed me. At other times, I was totally sympathetic for her. She has an amazing ability/curse that she is trying to learn to control. Her relationship with her friend, Carrie, is a comic relief on the situation. I applaud Carrie for not dropping Janie because she's poor. Everyone else deserted Janie except Carrie. And of course, Cabel. I love Cabel. He seems to be mixed in a shady business, and Janie isn't sure she can handle that. But as much as she tries, she just can't let go of the only boy who knows her secret and brings a smile to her face. Cabel is honestly my favorite character. He's sweet, caring, and independent.

Series: This is the first book in a trilogy.

The second book, Fade, was published on February 10, 2009

The third book, Gone, was published on February 9, 2010.

Rating: 3.4 out of 5 stars.

Next Review: TBA

Happy Reading!

VF, xoxo

The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (Book Review)

Book: The Prince of Mist

Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Pages: 218

Published: May 4, 2010

Publisher: Little Brown Books

Obtained: Checked out of library (audio book)

Started: July 15, 2013

Finished: July 19, 2013


Summary (Courtesy of Goodreads):
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7128341-the-prince-of-mist

A mysterious house harbors an unimaginable secret. . . .

It’s wartime, and the Carver family decides to leave the capital where they live and move to a small coastal village where they’ve recently bought a home. But from the minute they cross the threshold, strange things begin to happen. In that mysterious house there still lurks the spirit of Jacob, the previous owners’ son, who died by drowning.

With the help of their new friend Roland, Max and Alicia Carver begin to explore the suspicious circumstances of that death and discover the existence of a mysterious being called The Prince of Mist—a diabolical character who has returned from the shadows to collect on a debt from the past. Soon the three friends find themselves caught up in an adventure of sunken ships and an enchanted stone garden, which will change their lives forever.

Cover: I liked the cover, but it wasn't anything to die for. It wasn't what even attracted me to the book. The title caught my eye while I was browsing for an audio book for BookTube-A-Thon.

Plot: The plot was slow at the beginning. Luckily, since I was listening to the audio book, this wasn't near as painful to have to bear through. The man who voiced the book did an amazing job. This is a short, easy book to read/listen to. I originally thought this book would be about Jacob's ghost, but I was WRONG. It took such a different turn. It was a delightful approach.

The three friends try to unravel a mystery involving a young boy named Jacob who previously lived in Max's and Alicia's house. Jacob drowned when he was very young, and now strange things are happening to Max's family. Harmful things.

Characters: The characters are incredibly brave. There's not much character development as I like, but they do have a little depth. I love Max's and Alicia's relationship as brother and sister. At first Alicia was bratty and princess-ish, but that's because she didn't want to move. She left a lot behind. After she has sometime to adjust, the relationship she has with her brother blooms. As well as her relationship with Roland. They are so sweet together.

Roland is my favorite character. He's strong, caring, and extremely loyal. His parents died when he was a baby, and he lives with his grandfather who runs the lighthouse. His grandfather is a perplexing character as well. He's probably my second favorite. His life has not been an easy one. His tales of the Prince of Mist will make your skin crawl. Speaking of the Prince, he's a frighteningly great villain. On second thought, he might be my favorite. I love a good villain.

Series: This is a stand-alone book.

Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars.

Next Review: Wake by Lisa McMann

Happy Reading!

VF, xoxo

Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick (Book Review)

Book: Finale

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Pages: 454

Published: October 23, 2012

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Obtained: Purchased from Wal-Mart

Started: July 17, 2013

Finished: July 17, 2013


Summary (Courtesy of Goodreads):
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12751687-finale

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.

Cover: This is my least favorite cover out of all of them. I like the back of the book, but I do wish they would have chosen a different man to represent Patch. No offense to the guy they chose, but he just doesn't do Patch justice.

Plot: This story throws you into the Nephilim/Fallen angel war. Nora is the leader of the Nephilim army against the fallen angels, thus against her true love, Patch. Together, the two of them try to find a way to end this before they lose each other in the process.

The plot throws twists at you that keep you reading, but that battle scene just felt so rushed to me. I wish Fitzpatrick would have drew it out a bit longer. But the very very ending made me extremely happy *squealswithdelight*.

Characters:

Nora - Nora in the book is well, faltering, at times. She gives into addiction, begins keeping secrets, and uses her Nephilim power for wrong-doing. The power of the situation goes to her head. As I said in my blog pertaining to when I was reading the book, I knew she would get herself into a situation that she couldn't come out of without Patch's assistance. But when she is paired with Patch, the two of them are virtually invincible. To me this proves that Nora is a part of Patch, and that Patch is a part of Nora. That's a perfect type of love.

Patch - Patch has decided to take neither side in this battle. He is on Nora's side, whatever she may choose. I respect Patch for this decision. He holds true to Nora the entire book, just as he has the whole series. I truly love his character. WHY ISN'T HE REAL? *sobs*

Scott - Scott has completely 180-ed since the 2nd book. I respect his character, but I also miss the spunky, sassy Scott I grew to love. He'll do anything for Nora and has made a promise to protect her no matter what. It's just weird to me that he went all brother mode in this book when before in the previous two, he kissed her. Who. Knows.

Dante - "I knew [he] was trouble when he walked in... *goatnoise*" Sorry. I had to. :) But really. He Dante has some serious character development going for him. I admire the way Becca wrote him. He's strong, intelligent, determined, and has a way with words.

Vee - There's a big twist with Vee. Very big. But it felt kind of, oh, I don't know, put in there for reader closure. It felt unrealistic with the situation. I still very much love her character. ALSO: Vee and Scott are perfect for each other.

Marcie - Going to be honest, Marcie isn't near as deceitful and bitchy in this book. She kind of grew on me, but old habits die hard.

Series: This is the final book in the saga.

The first book, Hush, Hush, was published on October 13, 2009.
Link for my review: http://vivaciousfiction.blogspot.com/2013/07/hush-hush-by-becca-fitzpatrick-book.html

The second book, Crescendo, was published on October 19, 2010.
Link for my review: http://vivaciousfiction.blogspot.com/2013/07/crescendo-by-becca-fitzpatrick-book.html

The third book, Silence, was published on October 4, 2011.
Link for my review: http://vivaciousfiction.blogspot.com/2013/07/silence-by-becca-fitzpatrick-book-review.html

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Next Review: The Prince of Mist by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Happy Reading!

VF, xoxo