BOOK BLURB: Across a Star-Swept Sea (For Darkness Shows the Stars #2)

Across a Star-Swept Sea

Author: Diana Peterfreund

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Number of Pages: 464

Date Published: October 15, 2013

Genre:Young Adult Science Fiction, Dystopia

Goodreads:

Centuries after wars nearly destroyed civilization, the two islands of New Pacifica stand alone, a terraformed paradise where even the Reduction—the devastating brain disorder that sparked the wars—is a distant memory. Yet on the isle of Galatea, an uprising against the ruling aristocrats has turned deadly. The revolutionaries’ weapon is a drug that damages their enemies’ brains, and the only hope is rescue by a mysterious spy known as the Wild Poppy.

On the neighboring island of Albion, no one suspects that the Wild Poppy is actually famously frivolous aristocrat Persis Blake. The teenager uses her shallow, socialite trappings to hide her true purpose: her gossipy flutternotes are encrypted plans, her pampered sea mink is genetically engineered for spying, and her well-publicized new romance with handsome Galatean medic Justen Helo… is her most dangerous mission ever.

Though Persis is falling for Justen, she can’t risk showing him her true self, especially once she learns he’s hiding far more than simply his disenchantment with his country’s revolution and his undeniable attraction to the silly socialite he’s pretending to love. His darkest secret could plunge both islands into a new dark age, and Persis realizes that when it comes to Justen Helo, she’s not only risking her heart, she’s risking the world she’s sworn to protect.

BOOK BLURB: Requiem (Delirium #3)

Requiem

Author:  Lauren Oliver

Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books

Number of Pages: 391

Date Published: March 5, 2013

Goodreads:

They have tried to squeeze us out, to stamp us into the past.

But we are still here.

And there are more of us every day.

Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight.

After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven—pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids. Regulators now infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels, and as Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor.

Maybe we are driven crazy by our feelings.

Maybe love is a disease, and we would be better off without it.

But we have chosen a different road.

And in the end, that is the point of escaping the cure: We are free to choose.
We are even free to choose the wrong thing.

Requiem is told from both Lena’s and Hana’s points of view. The two girls live side by side in a world that divides them until, at last, their stories converge.

***

Thoughts:

I was both excited and worried to read the third and final installment of Lauren Oliver’s Delirium Trilogy due to the mixed reviews I have been reading. Many have expressed their negative feelings toward the book. And though there are also a number of people who really liked Requiem, it cannot be denied that of the three books in the series, it has the lowest average rating on Goodreads.

What makes Requiem different from the first two books is that it was told in both Lena and Hana’s point of view. Lauren Oliver lets readers hear the voice of two very different people who are worlds apart: Lena, struggling and trying to survive in the Wilds; and Hana, trying to figure out life after being cured. Just like in Pandemonium, she wonderfully made both ends meet.

Divergent Book 3 Title, Announced!

Finally! The question every Divergent fan has been asking has now been answered.

What will be the title of the third Divergent book?

There have been many guesses of what the title will be, a few of which were sort of believable, and some were funny (referring to DETERGENT). But no need to fret people, for Veronica Roth herself announced the third book's title in the "epic as a book trailer" video below.

BOOK BLURB: The Selection (The Selection #1)

The Selection by Kiera Cass
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Summary:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

***

Date Read: August 25, 2012

The Selection had to be one of my fastest YA reads to date. And I really tried not to get the criticisms about the book get in my head and cloud my judgements. I don't know if I successfully did it, but here goes nothing.

As most of us know, there had been an issue about the book/author. I don't remember much, but I set that aside when I read this. Thankfully, The Selection wasn't bad. I actually liked it. No, I did not squirm in delight when there were romantic moments. But it was enough to grab my interest and keep me reading.

America didn't annoy me like what other readers/reviewers experienced. What bothers me, really, is the fact that it was so obvious she was different from all the other girls. It was like being rubbed on your face that she stood out, that she's special. And to top it off, she's completely oblivious to this. Hahahaha...

I know it doesn't really make sense comparing this to the Hunger Games, but there were parts that America's situation reminded me of Katniss - the makeover, the new environment they are temporary living in, her liking for the delicacies, the interviews, the televised programs. It was like the Hunger Games all over again. Hahahaha... Well, not really. Just those parts. It felt a bit unoriginal.

Now, let's go to our boys, the ex-boyfriend, Aspen, and the crowned prince, Maxon (By the way, how do pronounce Maxon's name? Is it like Mey-son or Max-son?). Oh no! Who is she going to pick? Her ex-boyfriend who she still loves or the prince who she's starting to develop feelings for? (Please note the hint of sarcasm. Hahahaha!) As usual, I always choose who I'm rooting for. And I'm going for Aspen all the way. Why? Because I always go for the guys with dark hair. (Hahahaha... That's a stupid answer.)

In a more serious note, I didn't like the part when she was like cheating on both of them. It felt like America kissed one of them because she can't have the other at the moment, or because she's mad. And vice versa. But, whatever. I'm still rooting for Aspen, even though the book didn't quite picture him enough and was mostly about Maxon's niceness.

You can't have a story without the people wanting to bring down the main character. And here, we have the typical b*tchy elite girl who's used to get everything she wants. Somehow, I didn't feel much of her presence as the villain among the girls. Mainly because America's almost always preoccupied with her own issues to pay attention to her. Yes, she had her mean and devilish moments, but I guess I was expecting more from her, like I want her to really be despicable. (wow! How weird is that?)

So there!! I think that's all I can type write now. I tried and finished. Yay me! Hahahaha... 3.5 stars for The Selection. Since I'm feeling incredibly nice today, I'm going to click the 4th star instead of the 3rd. And I have to hand it to the book. It had me gripped on to it the whole day. :)

Oh! One more thing... I really loved how the importance of family was shown in some parts of the book. That families, no matter what, stick together and accept each other for whatever each do. *sighs* There! Bye! :)

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teepee J

BOOK BLURB: Pandemonium (Delirium #2)

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Summary:

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

***

Date Read: June 11, 2012

Reaction while reading the last two pages: "OH MY GAAAAAWD!" (while pulling my hair)

Initial reaction after reading: "F*CK!!!" (I don't swear a lot. I promise. But that's just what I felt saying/screaming after reading the last word in the book.)

I would have given this book FIVE STARS just for blowing my mind off at the end. But all in all, Pandemonium's 375 pages seemed to drag on and felt longer than Delirium's 480. I liked it a lot, even though I read it with less enthusiasm and excitement, but equal anticipation, than Delirium.

Well, the only downside I could think of is that the second book introduced a "Then and Now" way of reading, with the past (after Lena ran away from Portland) and present alternating chapter after chapter. At first, I found it a bit difficult getting into my reading mode because it's a little hard for me to recall some of the events from previous chapters of a different setting (and because it's new to me). But as I read on, it became easier. The "Now" chapters are far more interesting than the "Then" chapters. Maybe that's why they alternated the chapters, to keep the readers going.

The second book is quite at the opposite end of the first one -- new characters, new setting, etc... A new Lena emerges. The story is more action-packed and more intriguing as you continue nearing the end. What interests me the most, though, is Julian.

If you have been scouring the internet for Pandemonium reviews or other related things, it may not be a surprise to you that there's a new guy in the scene. In Delirium, after her escape, Lena has been shattered and heartbroken because Alex got left behind, got caught between the cruel hands of the government. Then, in Pandemonium, her path gets tangled with the Mayor's son Julian. (That's it. No more spoiling.)

Julian? Alex? I love Alex! But let me tell you this: I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO CONFUSED IN MY WHOLE BOOK-READING LIFE! Usually, there's always a certain guy I am rooting for in love triangles and I stick with that guy 'til the end. But Julian and Alex? Urghhh!

Aside from that, I like how Lena grew in Pandemonium. She's stronger and tougher, and in a way, more independent and smarter. Lena has renewed herself as she tried to bury her past. She has new found friends and a new life.

To sum it all up, I guess the book deserves five stars. But you know, I'm a little devil inside (sometimes), so I'll give it 4.5. The beginning of the book was okay. Nothing really happened much. Some fighting, action, and romance in the middle, then, BOOM! IT ENDS WITH A BLOW. :)

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teepee J

BOOK BLURB: Hana (Delirium #1.5)

Hana by Lauren Oliver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Summary:

Lauren Oliver's riveting, original digital story set in the world of her New York Times bestseller Delirium.

The summer before they're supposed to be cured of the ability to love, best friends Lena and Hana begin to drift apart. While Lena shies away from underground music and parties with boys, Hana jumps at her last chance to experience the forbidden. For her, the summer is full of wild music, dancing—and even her first kiss.

But on the surface, Hana must be a model of perfect behavior. She meets her approved match, Fred Hargrove, and glimpses the safe, comfortable life she’ll have with him once they marry. As the date for her cure draws ever closer, Hana desperately misses Lena, wonders how it feels to truly be in love, and is simultaneously terrified of rebelling and of falling into line.

In this digital story that will appeal to fans of Delirium and welcome new admirers to its world, readers will come to understand scenes from Delirium through Hana's perspective. Hana is a touching and revealing look at a life-changing and tumultuous summer.

***

Date Read: June 7, 2012

Lena and Hana's friendship once drifted apart. Both of them pulled to the opposite ends of the road by their conflicting beliefs. We knew how Lena felt about that, and this book told us how Hana felt.

Hana is said to be prettier and bubblier than Lena. She's the carefree rule-breaker, the risk-taker, the girl who goes to underground parties and listens to illegal music. She hates the feeling of being watched and monitored all the time. She wants to feel free and to fly high. She's the exact opposite of Lena, who's afraid of breaking the rules and is very eager to get cured immediately. But beneath her eccentric personality lies her true self.

The story showed how scared and vulnerable she was. I actually felt sorry for her, though there were times I felt a little annoyed that her hormones were completely screwed up. Hahahaha.. Or maybe not. I like how she and Lena ended up. They're still best friends, but something has changed.

And this line...
"I'm sorry, Lena."
...this broke my heart. :(

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teepee J

BOOK BLURB: Free Four: Tobias Tells the Story (Divergent #1.5)

FREE FOUR: Tobias Tells the Divergent Knife-Throwing Scene
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Number of Pages: 43
Date Published: April 23, 2012
Genre: Young Adult Dystopia

Goodreads:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth retells a pivotal Divergent scene (chapter 13) from Tobias's point of view. This thirteen-page scene reveals unknown facts and fascinating details about Four's character, his past, his own initiation, and his thoughts about new Dauntless initiate Tris Prior.

***

My Thoughts:

BOOK BLURB: Insurgent (Divergent #2)

INSURGENT (Divergent #2)

Author: Veronica Roth

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Number of Pages: 525

Date Published: May 1, 2012

Genre: Young Adult Dystopia

Goodreads:

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian DIVERGENT series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

***

My Thoughts:

BOOK BLURB: Delirium (Delirium #1)

Delirium by Lauren Oliver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Goodreads Summary:

THEY SAY that the cure for Love will make me happy and safeforever. And I've always believed them. Until now.

Now everything has changed. Now, I'd rather be infected
with love for the tiniest sliver of a second than live a hundred years smothered by a lie.

***

Date Read: May 19, 2012

I'm still finding the right words to describe how I felt after reading this book. I actually thought I wouldn't like it that much. I thought it will be just some sappy story about love. But it wasn't. I think it's much more than that. And there were a lot of things in the book that actually got me thinking hard. It really got me, the plot and the characters and all the other stuff in between. Now, I guess I have to admit that my first impression was definitely wrong. I loved it. It's a smart book.

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teepee J

BOOK BLURB: Divergent (Divergent #1)

DIVERGENT (Divergent #1)

Author: Veronica Roth

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Number of Pages: 487

Date Published: April 25, 2011

Genre: Young Adult Dystopia

Goodreads:

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

***

My Thoughts: