Boundless by Cynthia Hand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a beautiful way to end the series .. awww man, I'm still in awe.
Unearthly series is certainly written to perfection! The entire time I was reading this book, I was totally on the edge of my seat and having a death grip on it. Twists and turns were all over the place, which is certainly an amazing journey for a group of very strong characters.
I'm an emotional wreck right now drbfhbdsjfn because of the Tucker-Clara-Christian thing, I'm happy with her choice ... but at the same time my heart also aches for Christian.
Christian's just been so good to Clara all this time. fnndjdnfs their time taking care of Web. Thank goodness, I have something Clara-Christian moments to hold on to. Clara and Christian doing there bad-ass angel-blood stuff. How their dynamics work *flailing* Sooooo good!
Then we have that Tucker dilemma towards the end, OH MY GOSH! My mouth was hanging wide open with that twist Ms. Hand pulled there. It made me weep and then dfhfdbskjf! emotional wreck
Lastly, just thinking that this is the end of their story already *sobbing* so yeah. Oh gahhhd I don't know what to say anymore.
UNEARTHLY IS PERFECT!
HALLOWED IS PERFECT!
BOUNDLESS IS PERFECT!
THEREFORE, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES!
Huff I'm done here x
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Originally posted on Goodreads (September 19, 2013)
Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
*SLAPS HAND ON TABLE* CONSIDER THIS BOOK SERIES AS ONE OF MY FAVORITES! HALLOWED JUST DID IT! IT WAS AMAZING, FANTASTIC, AWESOME, EPIC, HEART POUNDING, ONE HELLUVA RIDE, “BOMB-DROPPING-ALL–OVER-THE-PLACE TYPE" AND LOADS MORE KIND OF BOOK!
Once I started reading this book awhile ago, I WAS LIKE “NO NO NO I CAN’T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN AND DEPRIVE MYSELF FROM KNOWING WHAT THE ENDING WOULD BE”. I had this utmost feeling of finishing it today or as soon as possible. Enough of that, though.
HERE COMES MY RAMBLINGS …
THE STORY AND THE PACING WAS *HANDS DOWN* AWESOME! If Unearthly has this turtle-like pacing, Hallowed has a “PLEASE WAIT FOR ME, I NEED TO CATCH UP WITH MY BREATHING FIRST” kind of pacing. Jeebus! The slow pacing for Unearthly really did well for this series because that was the time (ONLY TIME) that we'll be able to grab hold of and let the basic information – world building – sink into our minds. For here on Hallowed, we get a sort of transition with the pacing - it was now fast paced and no room to be bored. Since during Unearthly basic deets were already laid out, here all we need to do is pick up and digest EVERY SINGLE BOMB BEING DROPPED TO US. Readers already eased in to the story and to the world, that in some way it was just effortless to pick these details and pile up inside our heads. I don’t know if I’m making sense but I hope I am. Yeah, for me it feels like it.
The pacing also suited where the direction of the story went. It made the book really great and quite a strong one. It was a strong one, in the sense that you’ll be able to feel the angst, tension – bad assery - of the content and not just the romance/girl-ish side of it.
Speaking of the direction of the story, WHOA - JUST WHOA. This book certainly made my “mouth hang open ... and close before a fly enters”! There were SEVERAL BOMBS DROPPED/REVELATION SCENES FHDSJFJSD *FLAILING*, it feels like my head was about to crack open or sometimes it feels like my head is minutes away from blowing up! I WAS TOTALLY MIND BLOWN! *bows* to Ms. Cynthia Hand! The book just went from one revelation to another, AN ENDLESS STRING REVELATIONS UNTIL THE ENDING OF THE STORY!
Revelations ... (view spoiler)[GATHERING OF THE ANGEL-BLOODS. LIFE-SPAN FOR AN ANGEL-BLOOD. CLARA’S VISION AND ITS MEANING. CLARA’S MOM CAN READ THOUGHTS. CLARA’S DAD IS AN ANGEL, WHITE ANGEL AT THAT – INTANGERE. CLARA’S A TRIPLARE. CHRISTIAN’S A TRIPLARE. JEFFREY’S PURPOSE. (hide spoiler)]RDUIFHSJFS I included those down so that I won’t be able to forget it or something. *SPAZZING* My heart pounding EXTREMELY HARD, AFRAID to turn another page, SQUIRMING in my seat … Well I did all those stuff while reading this book!
It may seem that, this book could prolly give me a heart attack ... But TAKE NOTE that it also made me LAUGH COUNTLESS TIMES! I like how Ms. Hand injects humour in her writings; it comes off through the sarcastic lines spoken by the characters. Those moments give a subtle change of atmosphere, from tensed/scared moment and here comes this sarcastic line by a certain character OH DEAR! You’ll end up giggling or should I say, you'll be bursting out laughing!
Rapid Character Discussion:
1. CLARA GARDNER She's such a strong character despite everything that has been happening in her life what with her family, purpose and the impending danger. Not only she learns mind blowing information about herself in this book but she also experience losing someone in her life.
2. CHRISTIAN PRESCOTT DFJNSDJSNAJASNJD I CAN'T EVEN. HALLOWED INSERTED AN "I LOVE YOU, CHRISTIAN PRESCOTT" thing in my head! Oh my gosh. He's just been so good, patient, understanding and giving to Clara. HOW CAN I NOT LOVE a character like that?
3. TUCKER AVERY IS STILL TUCKER AVERY. Mundane of all mundanes who got thrown into this asdfghjkl situation. The Tucker that we met in Unearthly is still the same here, always there for Clara ... loving her. HOW CAN I NOT LOVE a character like that?
HUFF SERIOUSLY THEY'RE MESSIN' UP WITH MY HEAD! -____- FBSDBASJDNAS I'LL JUST SPAZZ HERE FLACKKKKK!
4. JEFFREY GARDNER *sobs* My heart is aching over this poor boy's situation. He feels really lost and neglected in this angel-blood world. All this time, their mom has been focusing about Clara ... thus, neglecting Jeffrey and the things happening in his life. Especially when it comes to their purpose thing. I want to hug him (hugs my pillow instead). The single POV of this book really works for this kind of situation. It makes this dilemma, much painful. So clever, Ms. Hand. I want to know more about his character though.
5. ANGELA IS ANGELA
I'm off! x
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Originally posted on Goodreads (September 18, 2013)
Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book has been on my to-read list even before I created my Goodreads account. I just didn’t have the time to read it yet and my priority to-read books are that many. So when I finished reading Near and Far yesterday, I noticed that my to-read list is messed up already … I decided not to follow it anymore and just randomly pick books. Which got me into checking a couple of blurbs of different books … and UNEARTHLY stood out from my pile. The blurb was really interesting annnnd maybe it’s also because of its purpleyyyy and prettyyyy cover.
AND I’M SERIOUSLY QUESTIONING MYSELF WHY I HAVEN’T READ THIS BOOK UP UNTIL NOW. I was missing a whole lot of MAJOR INFORMATION AND FEELS ON ANGEL-BLOODS for the past years! *whacks my own head* WHY JUST NAWWW?!
Based from that reaction, I think you can already conclude that I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK. I LOVE THE STORY, WRITING STYLE, THE PREMISE AND CHARACTERS! It was so much fun reading this book and being introduced into a new world about angels.
Discussion:
1. The pacing of the story. Yes, Unearthly may be a slow paced one but I think it really works for the book as a whole. Ms. Hand really took into consideration the world building aspect, in which she carefully laid out all the pieces of information and proceeded with building everything up this "new world of angels" she created. She took it one step at a time, which leaves the story of the book to flow in smoothly. Achieving that kind of pacing, let the readers ease in and be comfortable with it. Thus, creating a really great effect when she dropped those BOMBS towards the ending of the story.
2. The world and the terminologies used - SO COOL! I even jotted down notes and some important terms used. Like Dimidius, Quartarius,Intangerene, Black Wing and etc. There is also the vision, the purpose, their abilities AND THE GLORY THING (WHICH BY THE WAY IS FREAKING COOL *SCREAMS*). I'm ecstatic on getting to know more about this world Ms. Hand created 'cause it is so damn interesting.
3. Let's start with Clara Gardner. Clara is basically a normal teenager who goes through normal teenage stuff, which makes her a relatable character. She feels insecure, she gets pried on by students, she gets as awkward as she can be. She's got a brother, Jeffrey, who annoys the hell out of her but still both of them cares for each other. Her mother, a typical mother - loving, caring, protective and oh she's one bad ass mother. So yeah, normal.
But that's just half of who she is though, for she is a also a quarter angel or a Quartarius. Here in Unearthly, Clara is just starting to learn the ropes of being an angel and we get to join her in that process. We see her difficulties and her worries about dealing with it, but in the end she still manages to come out strong and do what she believes is right for her. Her character is AMAZEBALLS, not only because she's an angel, she makes this decision and takes these risks in her life but she is ... “I won’t be that girl who lets the guy treat her like crap and still fawns all over him.” and that's a line we don't normally hear from female heroines. Simply amazing!
4. Well well well. We've got two *melts in a puddle of goo* guys in this book. Christian Prescott, the sexy-brooding guy and Tucker Avery, the sexy-rugged one (those terms were provided by Clara in the book).
Christian Prescott, the man starring in Clara's vision. Her visions from the beginning and how she described him *swoons*. I was having major feels for Christian and Clara in the beginning. Especially when they already transferred and Clara got the chance to meet Christian in person already fkjnsdkfsd! The idea of him just living inside your mind and now he's in front of you OMGEEEEEE ... *sigh* And the next thing you know, he's got a girlfriend LMAO. *stabs knife in chest* Twist and turns and shocking revelations are involved towards Christian's character. Clearly he will be much involved now in book 2, Hallowed, because of the ending Ms. Hand pulled off. Though, WAHAHA I guessed correctly regarding that part of the story. I just got that inkling that maybe it will end up that way, and SEE! Anyways, I don't know what'll happen next.
Tucker Avery jkfdgsjkdfnkamfkdds halpppp this time I'm drowning with feels. Tucker's gentleman, sweet, adorable, funny and so much more. The moment he was introduced, I just know it that I need to look out for his character. He just gave off this vibe, "I'm going to annoy her to death but I'm secretly in love with her" one. It's so cuteeeee, I'm greatly entertained just by reading how Tucker and Clara's relationship played out. The bickering, witty comments slowly turning into something more ... dfbdsjns! *melts on the floor*
5. There are loads of stuff that I would want to comment on but I'll just end this post with this one. I love how Ms. Hand handled the love triangle card in this book. OR was there really a love triangle? Because Clara's involvement with Christian and Tucker wasn't of the same time frame. Her infatuation with Christian started and ended. Now Tucker makes a grand entrance into Clara's life. Christian re-enters the scene, wohoops and *cue* for the mess to start. Then the purpose thing happened ... Ok. I'm done here.
It's about time for me to take flight and read the next book of this series. I'm so stoked! (Well, thank goodness I read this book just now. I can proceed immediately.)
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Originally posted on Goodreads (September 16, 2013)
Perfect Regret by A. Meredith Walters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
*hands down* Perfect Regret is definitely better than Bad Rep. Maybe it’s just because the latter got loads of drama and please stahp, it's too much to handle already. And the drama was just dragged on for too long. In terms of the flow of the story of this book, it is quite smooth with expected bumps along the road. Just a couple of bumps comparing to the drama that took place in Maysie and Jordan’s story.
I had fun reading this book, a big factor to that is Riley Walker's character. She's just a smart gal, who is capable of spewing loads of sarcastic/witty/smart-ass comments. Ughhh and she's just intelligent and whatever she says is dead on correct. It even gets better, ‘cause Riley got involved with Garrett Bellows. Garrett is the lead guitarist for the local band, Generation Rejects and he's also a guy who's capable of leveling with Riley's snarky attitude ... 'cause he's more than the guy he's known for.
Riley and Garrett's chemistry are off the charts. Even though Perfect Regret wasn't that steamy compared to Bad Rep, this book truly focuses on their interactions, banters and raw emotions coming off of both of them. Their banters are so much fun to read, I was really laughing my ass off.
"We've found something in each other that we want. Hell if I understand why. Out of all the fish in the sea, I had to hook you. One giant, snarly toothed piranha ready to bite my fingers off." - Garrett
Enough with the fun fun fun stuff because this book CERTAINLY MADE ME CRY! My heart was aching for ... Garrett. Riley's action/decision was just based on the principles instilled in her but still it was a painful thing to do. There were certain scenes that I just want to grab Riley's head inside of my reader and try to knock some sense into her. Her attitude gahhhh, *pulls my hair out*. *weeps for Garrett*
So yeah. I enjoyed reading Perfect Regret and I totally recommend this. Mark this one down and read it.
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Originally posted on Goodreads (September 13, 2013)
Bad Rep by A. Meredith Walters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
"Who gives a damn about their reputation? Oh, that would be me! Especially since mine had gone straight to hell in the span of thirty minutes".
dsbhdbjfajsa I equally love and hate this book. Seriously. I was pulling my hair in most parts because of the decisions our dear characters are choosing and also the situations they're being thrown in. Great job on that one, Ms. Walters!
Bad Rep. Just WHOA. This book was one helluva ride! Maysie Ardin and Jordan Levitt's relationship is truly a crazy journey! The drama. The gossips. The decisions. The tension. The insecurities. The parents. And even the society is involved in their relationship. It seems like everything is in here! It was very believable.
Jordan Levitt *fans myself* is just an uber hot guy. And he's also romantic - can make you swoon with his gestures and can even write a song about you. Who wouldn't want that? Now, that just makes Maysie an uber lucky gal! *sobs* But iz okay that there's no hot dude for me, Maysie and him are just perf!
I just hate the part of their relationship that they'll give in to each other one second and the next one Maysie pulls back. It was really dragging tho. Well yeah, I totally get it that her character just responds towards the situation ... but still.
Quick Discussion:
1. Shizz! Eli and Maysie talking at the end part. A-AAAAND Eli being the voice of reason/person who enlightens Mays. Whoa. I totally didn't expect that 'cause basing it from Eli's attitude in the beginning of the story - uh yeah it totally seems out of character. But then again we weren't given the chance to get to know Eli in a deeper level. That makes him a great character to explore. So please Ms. Walters, make a story about Eli's life.
2. When Maysie just let loose of all the pent up emotions she has all throughout the course of the book and deciding to stand up for herself. I truly love that scene. I'm hoping that people who always picks on others or criticize others can reflect and learn from that.
3. And when Jordan spews his own speech, *clap clap clap* after 14739292 days. Thank you for standing up for Maysie in front of the freakin' student body, including the Chi Delta sorority and Pi Sig fraternity. Hotness meter - 100%
4. Riley! Omg I'm totally excited to read Riley's story, which is Perfect Regret! The blurb of the book - fgbjdsfsj *screams* she's going to be involved with Garrett! H-O-W OMF I need to read it NOW!! Buh-bye!
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Originally posted on Goodreads (September 13, 2013)
The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Testing is an okay book for me. The concept of the story was nice. I could’ve appreciated it more if the author added more tension in it. Though, she really did great in making me feel paranoid alongside with the main character – Cia. Those moments when she basically doubted every single thing that surrounds them, just oh gosh! I thought my mind’s going to explode with the way she was thinking. LOL
Cia-Tomas relationship: It was kinda cute. Both from the same colony and both in the same circumstances, who’s trying to survive every test thrown in their way. And how their minds think alike is just an awww moment for me – especially when they checked the stuff they got for the Part 4 of The Testing. But in all seriousness, the way they analyze the different situations presented, I think is the factor which makes them look so bad-ass (imagines myself inside their brain - @_@). Lastly, I could’ve used a little more depth in the back story of their relationship before they went into kissy kissy with each other.
THE WTF moment: Like what the hell?! I just didn’t expect him (not going to mention the name here) to be the crossbow shooter. I really like his character from the moment he made an appearance in the book and now that happened. UGHHH! And that Tomas is obviously hiding something from Cia and she thinks it’s in connection with Zandri’s death … HELP!
ANYWAYS. Am I going to read The Testing: Independent Study? Yeah, definitely! I want to know what’ll happen next to these characters during their stay in the University. I think there’ll be so much going on in the following book because of how The Testing ended. With Cia …
Oh before I end this post, I just want to share this - The fact that I get to share my second name – Nicolette, with a fictional character and then she dies towards to the end of the book, not good. -_-“
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Originally posted on Goodreads (June 20, 2013)
TELEGRAPH.CO.UK: Lily Collins fronts Lancome’s French Ballerine campaign!
"Paying homage to her ballerina grandmother, actress Lily Collins is pretty in pink in her first Lancôme advert
Sporting a tulle gown, matching leopard-print ballet flats and clutching a bouquet of roses, Lily Collins looks every inch the elegant ballerina in her first advert for Lancôme.
It was announced back in October that Guildford-born Collins, whose father is Genesis singer Phil Collins, would be joining a Hollywood cast that includes Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet and Emma Watson in signing for the French beauty house.
"With her charm, gracefulness, modernity and lively wit, Lily Collins is the perfect embodiment of femininity according to Lancôme," said Françoise Lehmann, general manager of Lancôme International, of their new signing.
Captured by top fashion photographer Mario Testino, the 24-year-old provides a youthful canvas for the limited-edition make-up collection.
Lancôme's French Ballerine range features a Doll Eyes Palette (£37) of eye shadows - in all manner of dusky to earthy pinks, of course - and a Highlighter Blush compact (£35), both of which come in mirrored cases adorned with a hot pink bow on the top.
The collection, on sale from January 2, 2014, also includes a Gloss In Love Volumizer lip plump (£20); two Hypnose eye colours, (£21) and two pots of nail polish (£12.50) - one in fuchsia pink, and one Undercoat Colour Booster in bright white to apply under nail polish to maximise colour.
Looking like a modern-day Audrey Hepburn, it's no surprise that the dancer theme suits Collins so well; turns out her grandmother, Jen Hale, was a famous ballerina in the Forties."
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