Marked (House of Nigh, #1 by P.C. Cast + Kristin Cast

After a Vampire Tracker Marks her with a crescent moon on her forehead, 16-year-old Zoey Redbird enters the House of Night and learns that she is no average fledgling. She has been Marked as special by the vampyre Goddess Nyx and has affinities for all five elements: Air, Fire Water, Earth and Spirit. But she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers. When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school’s most elite club, is mis-using her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny – with a little help from her new vampyre friends

Goodreads Synopsis 

Review

I give ★★✩✩✩

I'll admit, I've been avoiding reviewing this book because I was so unhappy with it, 2 stars is me being super generous, and the ending kind of earned it a star. Like the fact that she became this person that sort of brought everything together and fixed an issue the "mean girl" (Aphrodite) But it just doesn't leave me wanting to read more even though the ending is kind of a cliffhanger. 

This is such a childish book. 

1. I'm so tired of hearing the phrase "Hags from hell." 

I get it! I get it, no need to repeat it in every damn page. I don't care how evil or stupid these girls are, I already get the fact that, that group of characters don't like those girls, but stop for the love of God.

2. Who cares I just may have created a weird bond with my ex, but let me just whatever it and not tell anyone. 

I'm sorry what?

3. Let me go for that one guy I almost saw getting a BJ in the hall that other night because why the hell not?! 

Yeah, Erik Night is the one.

4. Let me still act like a total child even with the most powers out of everyone ever met in universe.

So unlike anyone ever met in their world, Zoey has an affinity for all 5 elements: air, water, earth, fire and spirit. WOW. If only Nyx marked her brain too and talked some sense into her judgemental mind. 
5. Big deal she likes blood, she's a vampire, what's so embarrassing about that, it's like me saying "Uh, I hate Nutella, let me not tell my friends cuz' I'm ashamed of it." 

She has a weird mark, why would it be a surprise that she developed a little faster.  And what world involves vampires who don't drink blood, this is waaaaay out of my comfort zone, which was fine because I was looking for something a little different, instead I ended up with a children's book in my hand...

6. We were given very little information on her parents and the religious people to understand what was so wrong with them. 

7.  For a protagonist I see no character development in the future. 

I read a book to learn 

8.  The antagonist is no different than the protagonist, Aphoridte just picked a stupider group of friends.

Wasp and Warlike? What the actual hell?! Just say their name for the love of God, I don't even remember it because stupid Zoey decided it was easier to call them names that aren't even names or words. Way to complicate them characters.

9. What isn't wrong with Zoey's friends.

It feels like they all lack personality. 

The Twins: Oh wow they just said the same thing lets do that every time we're mentioned to prove our point. Let's call ourselves twins even if we're not related, because what makes twins twins is the fact that they always have the exact same thoughts and answers. I know twins that are quite human and not each others' parrots. The Casts made them fake characters, know what that is? I just invented it, it means you can have no emotional connection to them. The lack of thought put into these characters made me very, very, VERY PISSED. 

Daemon: Has this crush on Erik Night and everyone needs to remind him that "he's not playing for your team." We get it friends, we get it, he's just being a guy with a mini crush, can't he do that?! However the way the Casts describe him may seem offensive to those who are gay and "act all girly." Because no, no Daemon isn't this way, but let's discriminate those because they aren't the kind of gay people we would want in this perfect little book.

Stevie Rae: So she's a sweet, country girl with a country-girl accent. I have nothing against this one except... Oh wait nevermind, she's stupid.

10.  MODERN TIMES 

Blowjobs are a normal thing: no they aren't Zoey. Not everyone wants to do that. And if they do it's none of your damn business. And in the HALL?! So much idiocy...

Skinny like Paris Hilton: I have no idea how Paris Hilton even looks like, that's an irrelevant reference to a known pop star (she's a singer right?!) so I had no idea how anorexic-looking Aphrodite was. 

They made religious people seem like these really absurd, closed-minded people with no goals in life but to worship whatever they worship. Also humans are just... I don't even know, like if you're not. Vampire, you're either an idiot or a religious person. Okay....

What is up with everyone famous being a vampire because humans aren't gorgeous enough?! It's not about looks, I've seen singers look not so pretty and sing like .... Amazing...

This is definitely a vampire world I will never read about. 

Ahhhh i'm frustrated with this book, it took me so long to finish it. It's so damn boring and there's no real thinking behind it and I'm praying that the next 3 books have a more mature tone to them, at least the last one. I made the terrible mistake of buying the first 4 books. NEVER BUY A BOXSET FROM AUTHORS YOU NEVER READ FROM.

The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines, #4 by Richelle Mead)

The struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure — and re-education — looms larger than ever.

Review: 

I am beyond frustrated.

At myself. 

For not ordering the 5th book already. 

I should have. I can't wait. I can't wait so long for the next book to arrive, I didn't even order it. 

This book was amazing, the only reason why it took me so long to read it (approximately a week) was because I wanted to find every reason not to finish the book. I knew it would result in suffering if I had to wait for the next book. And here I am, suffering. 

Zoe's the real bitch, I so, so, so expected her to turn her back on her sister. If Sydney forgives her, I won't approve, I'll be mad. Mad! Angry! Frustrated at the world!

God, Eddie is such a sweetheart, I'm so happy that Jill learnt something from Adrian. That kiss should've happened earlier. 

Those Alchemists are ruining everything! GET A LIFE PEOPLE! Let Sydrian live. 

I couldn't believe Adrian has a POV, I loved being in his head, and I wonder, how did Richelle Mead successfully wrote parts of the book from a guy's point of view. How would anyone understand what goes on in guys' heads. It was a first for me. A guy's POV, and I could not have imagined it to be better. 

I absolutely love Adrian and Sydney, best couple of the vampire world. 

"It's specific gravity and perfect cleavage go a long way too."

The only part of that I understood was "perfect cleavage," but I had a feeling we weren't thinking the same thing. "So, uh, what's the summary?" 

-Dies- 

I loved that. It was so Adrian, I can't even put into words how much a thought to small in a whole book can create a character so amazing. 

"I was once part of a large regiment of guardians protecting a royal family when two Strigoi decided to attack," he said. 

"Two Strigoi against a whole group of guardians, huh? Wow. That's pretty hard core."

Adrian does it again. That tone, in the voice I imagine he has, once again makes me die.

I worte: I never doubted. Would you believe I made a breakthrough with charms too?

Her response came fast. Of course I believe it. When do you get back?

Early evening. Can you come over?

I'll try. We need to celebrate.

Should I get champagne and cake ready?

Get your bed ready.

Wear the black bra.

I didn't plan on wearing one. 

"God help me," I murmured, earning a surprised glance from Neil.

I LOVE THIS!

Call me crazy, but despite how I'm not even sure how to describe it, it's aaah... 

I couldn't help but smile to the end of the chapter  after I read that. 

ADDRIAN AGAIN!

"You actually have a subject?" I looked around to see if I'd missed somebody, but it was just the three of us. "One of the cats?" I asked.

That earned a long, loud laugh from me. 

I woke in the morning, happier than I'd been in a long time, and saw she was standing at the window in nothing but my T-shirt. It was so mind-blowingly sexy that all coherent thought stopped for a moment.

This is a major cliche, one I was happy to find in this book. This needed to happen, because unlike other romantic cliches, this one is different. Their relationship is so complex and secretive that just makes my mind explode with dizzy, happy, super high butterflies. 

The center will hold.

The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3, by Richelle Mead) Review

Blurb

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.

Review time.. 

I'll admit, seeing, whom I'm assuming is, Markus on the cover of the book gave me a number of doubts. I thought Adrian would be completely exterminated from the story and it had me worried, A LOT. 

This book was different. I mean, it was different from the two previous books. It's the characters have changed completely. It's great don't get me wrong, it's exactly what I wanted and expected, it's cute and really romance-y, and I believed  the previous books didn't have much of that, so this book definitely makes up for it. 

I like all three books equally so far, but this book had the best ending. My brain started creating all those awkward scenarios with Sydney hiding from her sister and trying to act colder towards Eddie, Angeline and Jill and especially Adrian. I think, and I hope the next book will be full of humorous situations, because honestly that's pretty much all I can picture at the moment. 

I don't have a lot to say about this specific book, except that it involved a lot of problems at once, I felt like my head would explode along with Sydney's as I read every responsibility she had under her nose, it tends to be overwhelming when trying to keep up with everything. 

There was little mention of the gang, which wasn't as fun, despite Angeline being the real issue, I would have liked a bit of Jill moments, even though I might have had enough of her in the first book. 

Oh, Richelle Mead, excuse me if I ask but what's with obsessing over blue eyes. If I'm not mistaken, all guys introduced in the book have blue eyes, except Adrian, but still, I have barely imagined different faces with the same eye color. And coffee and sweet stuff. I found myself craving pies and other desserts while reading this book. I, just like Sydney, obsess over calories consumed and pies and other desserts are just no fun to keep away from. 

I like how Sydney wants to be who she wants to be and not what people expect her to be, so I admire her, and her courage for going against everything she was taught just because it felt right, yet wrong at times. 

I've grown very fond of the characters, the past 3 days have been all about the Bloodlines series, I'm taking a break because I have one last book to read before buying the last one.  

Much appreciation, I adore these books, I've become a huge fan of Richelle Mead's works and hope to read more from her. 

Golden Lily (Bloodlines #2, by Richelle Mead) Review

Blurb

Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she’s been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.

But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age–old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong. When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney’s loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.

Should she trust the Alchemists—or her heart?

Review

No, no, no. The book was not supposed to finish like that, I wanted to put a stop to my obsession, it seems like I failed. 

So first things first, what is up with Brayden? I'm sure as hell that Sydney is way smarter than I am, so it should have been easy to spot what an idiot he is. And if Brayden was that smart, he should have done a brief check on what girls like: COMPLIMENTS (I think they tend to just make situations more awkward, but whatever.) But still, Sydney's the best he'll ever strike. 

Second: If I were to take a sip at every mention on Sydney's car 'Latte', I think I would have drowned in a dozen gallons of LATTE. I couldn't bear to keep myself away from coffee while reading. Unluckily for me, when I was reading the first book, I was fasting (No food, no water) and occasionally found myself craving a cup of coffee. 

Third:  I was so, so, so happy at the fact that Adrian's character came floating on the surface compared to the other characters. I got to know him better, Sydney got to know him better, and well I might've gotten more attached to him than she did, but I believe it's what made the book so great. No Adrian, no goody goody stuff. 

Fourth: I absolutely liked the fact that Sydney was so confused as to what she was supposed to feel when she got kissed, when she went on a date, what was appropriate, and I just might've related to her in so many ways at that point, which is very rare because all characters in the books I read seem to magically have a past of boyfriends and whatnot. 

Speaking of magic... I KNEW IT! I knew she was going to use the blind spell, hell, I guessed it from the moment it was mentioned, also I knew about the tattoo and it's significance on Trey's back, I knew he was evil, I think the author intentionally made sure the readers wouldn't get too attached to him, just enough so they would not be disappointed by revealing the sad truth about Trey. 

I like the twist involving Eddie, Angeline and Jill, that love triangle, thankfully it's two girls against a guy instead of the typical stuff with two guys, one girl, despite the fact that, that might have also been there with Mikah and Eddie, however it didn't exactly get to the point of it being annoying, Eddie's decisions were reasonable and I came to appreciate his loyalty and admiration towards Jill, overall I found it cute. 

Vampire hunters?! What- 

That was a bit surprising, not completely, after the way the last book ended, I actually believed this whole idea of a vampire-hunters group would just fade away, clearly it played a major part, and it was different however I wanted more action, maybe Adrian should learn how to throw some punches and start defending Sydney for a change, she's got magic on her side, what's he got? Art skills, which as an artist myself, have come to appreciate that I share so many things in common with him. So yeah, I expected that to be an excuse for the both of them to start learning how to fight, but the sign up classes with Wolfe was a good bonus to their abilities. 

OVERALL: Don't be surprised but I LOVED IT! 

The humor, the characters, story, and as some things may have come off as mysteries, either I'm a genius or they were too obvious. I could be taking into account every little detail, so that could be it.

Bloodlines (Bloodlines series #1 by Richelle Mead) Review

Blurb

Sydney belongs to a secret group who dabble in magic and surf to bridge the world of humans and vampires. But when Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, she fears she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. What unfolds is far worse. The sister of moroi Queen Lisa Dragomir is in mortal danger, and goes into hiding. Now Sydney must act as her protector. The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one. 

Closer review on Bloodlines Series' first book

23 Hours, sleep not included, so that makes it... 14 hours of reading, possibly constant reading, small gaps in between, perhaps no more than 3 hours. That's how long it took me to finish the book. I'd say it was a record, I can't remember finishing a book so fast before.
Meaning... I liked it, perhaps exactly just about how much I wanted to like it.
Despite the boring introduction and everything, it seemed to me like the story progressed quite slowly, but that was just the beginning of it, and then as she had finally moved to Palm Springs, it felt like the story had finally begun.

I loved Adrian's remarks throughout the whole story, the beginning when he opened their door to that mansion, that moment was just AMAZING!

"They're waiting for you. Go on in." Adrian leaned close to Keith's ear and spoke in an ominous voice. 

"If. You. Dare." He poked Keith's shoulder and gave a "Muhahaha" kind of monster laugh. Keith nearly leapt ten feet in the air.

I would ruin it for you if you haven't read the book, so maybe I'll keep those "moments" to myself and laugh out loud at just how hilarious they are so I won't list any of them, just that first one that got me super attached to the rest of the book.

So the story's told from Sydney's point of view, which was something I did NOT expect, I actually thought it would be from Adrian's point of view, and by the time I finished the 'Last Sacrifice', the last book from the Vampire Academy series, I was worried that Adrian would go on and on and on about how sorry he felt for himself that Rose chose -SPOILER- Dimitri over him, that's hardly a spoiler alert because we all expected that-DUH! But what got me super furious was that it kinda seemed like the world revolved around Jill. WHY DOES EVERYONE HAVE TO FREAKING FALL FOR HER?! Okay, so if I'm going to be a professional reviewer, perhaps capitalizing how furious I was with Jill's character would be a bad move. She is exactly the perfect description of the most difficult and infuriating teenager I will ever read about. I was fifteen once. like two years ago, and I do not remember being so desperate to be out there, much less be all over this whole idea of wanting to get a boyfriend, or be involved in all this romance-y-stuff. So maybe that kinda almost got me to throw the book out the window, if Adrian would have fallen for her as well, I might've as well burnt the book to ashes, Adrian is for Sydney and that's that. I hope.

So, more infuriating characters... Well the twist at the end with Lee really got me surprised, shocked, all words to describe that emotion. It was crazy and it covered all the missing "climaxes" in the story, which I seemed to not have noticed.

Keith.. if there is any character I could not hate more, it would be Keith, I wanted to cry just as much as Sydney wanted to every time he pissed her-off-excuse my language- but how can he be so ANNOYING and MEAN and RUDE and how in the world could he get away with RAPE?! I would have pinned him near a very-awake-volcano on a stick and let him burn from the increased temperature-he deserves to BURN!

Sydney is the ideal character for this series, I kind of doubted I'd enjoy reading and well seeing everything from her perspective considering how I haven't given her much attention in the Vampire Academy series, to be honest, I hardly noticed the fact that she feared vampires so much. Anyways, the story was interesting BECAUSE she was so scared and despised them. This was no I-hate-them-because-it-is-a-cliche-to-love-them, loving them would be almost like a sin to herself. She was raised to hate them and because of that I came to appreciate her effort at getting closer to them, even though it was not in her job-description to do so, if anything, it was against everything The Alchemists did. Perhaps falling in love with one will be beyond complicated. I can't to find out.

I couldn't help but notice the excess mention of COFFEE. I craved coffee while reading the book, and since it's Ramadan, I could not drink ANYTHING. I kept dreaming of a cold Frappuccino, or a freaking Latte, because her car HAD to be named LATTE! Of course, after the eating hours I made myself a Latte, now, I can't sleep.

Overall the book was amazing and I'll be very likely to read it again, once I'm done with the Goodreads challenge, with reading 30 books in the rest remaining months of 2014.

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