My Favorite Books of 2011

Yay still fireworks! Not as exciting as the real one, but close enough. 

Almost 12 hours until 2012 here in the Philippines! I feel like I should post my favorite books of 2011 now, because my mom will probably force me into helping her prepare dishes for the New Year. (She's already doing it now.) So, without further ado, here are my favorite books of 2011.


 King of Attolia (Queen's Thief #3) by Megan Whalen Turner
These are not usually my cup of tea. I read them for the sake of one of my favorite childhood  reads (The Thief!), and when I did, all I could think was Meghan Whalen Turner is a freaking genius!

I've read a lot of dystopian books this year and most of them are major disappointments. This is one of the very  few that lived up to my expectations.

One of the two best contemporary YA's I've read since the day I was born! Unforgettable characters, beautiful flawless writing... Seriously, Cath Crowley is one of my favorite authors now.

Also one of the two best contemporary YA's I've read ever since the day I was born. 

This brought back my faith in dystopian books. It's going to be released on January 2012 so I feel very, very lucky to have given the chance to get an ARC of this.

This has got to be the most surprising book of 2011 for me. I got this as an early Christmas present from a friend back in US. I was reluctant to read this but after so much nagging from my friend, I finally read it. And when I did, it was everything (and more) I could ask for!


What do you call a book you're still obsessing over 4 months after reading it? That book that's been keeping you awake at nights, letting you wonder what will happen next? It's called your favorite book of the year! I'm not one to obsess over books for more than a couple of weeks. So I was quite surprised myself when my obsession for this book is as strong as when I finished it.

The Hunger Games Soundtrack: Safe & Sound by Taylor Swift Feat. Civil Wars

I have to admit that I was extremely disappointed when I heard that Taylor Swift released a single that was part of The Hunger Games soundtrack. First is because I'm not a big fan of her songs. Second is because she's a country singer! When I heard about the announcement, I imagined a song very much like her Love Story. But oh gods, when I finally listened to it... EARGASM! I've listened to this about a hundred times and it gives me goosebumps whenever I do.

Listen to it and tell me you didn't think of the Katniss/Peeta cave scene!

WU2011R Update #1


I didn't get a lot of reading done today because the family's busy preparing for the Noche Buena. I swear, Christmas is crazy here in the Philippines. Everyone woke up before the sunrise to prepare dishes. And they're still not done yet!

Anyway, as of December 24th 3:00AM EST (4pm PHT), I've managed to finish:
  • Incarnate by Jodi Meadows (ARC); and
  • Before by Cambria Hebert - this is a prequel and is very, very short. I think it's only around 20 pages, but still!
And I'm currently reading:

The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols

Wrapping Up 2011 Readathon!

Wrapping Up 2011 Readathon is hosted by Jessie at Remarkable Reads

This readathon will run from December 22nd to January 1st. It's already December 23rd in my place now, but I've been reading nonstop since yesterday and having my own readathon. :)

These are the books I hope to finish before the year ends:

 Knowing myself, I probably wouldn't be able to finish all, but I'll try my best to read as many as I can. :)

Book Review: Legend

Legend (Legend #1)
by Marie Lu
Hardcover, 305 pages
Published November 29th 2011 by Putnam Juvenile
ISBN 039925675X (ISBN13: 9780399256752)
Challenge: Dystopia Reading Challenge
Source: Bought

Summary:

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.


Review:

Marie Lu's Legend was like a dream come true. Okay, that sounds a bit exaggerated, but still. I've always wanted to read a book about enemies that turned into lovers. Although the enemies part was one-sided, it still had (albeit) the same effect on me. I never really paid attention to the book's description before I picked it up, or before I added it onto my wishlist. So I was surprised when I finally started reading this.

The first surprise came in the form of a thief called Day. After reading Megan Whalen Turner's Queen's Thief series, I developed a soft spot for smart thieves. There's just something so amusing about how they outwit other smart people. Especially if they have a good heart. The second surprise came in the form of the Republic's child prodigy called June. June oozed with mischief. I thought she and Day would become really good friends if given the chance. However, the tragedy that struck next, made it somehow impossible.

I like how observant June is. She can deduce something about every move you make. I don't know if there's really like that in real life, but still, she awed me. She was like a Sherlock Holmes. Day is perceptive too, not so much as June but in his own way. He steals only because of his family who doesn't even know that he's still alive, except for his brother, John. And then, there's Tess. Day took her under his wing after seeing her scavenging garbage. She's very adorable and loyal to Day.

The only thing I didn't like about Legend is Day and June's age. I'd make them older by a couple of years if I had the chance, which apparently I don't. But other than that, Legend was like an early Christmas present. I didn't think expect it to be great, but somehow, it was just that. Great, I mean. It is compelling and enthralling, the plot is fast-paced and the characters are lovable. I was literally bouncing with joy as I read the book. Legend is definitely recommended to both dystopian lovers and non-lovers alike.

Rating: 5/5 stars!

Waiting on Wednesday (19): The Immortal Rules

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My WoW:
The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1)
by Julie Kagawa
Hardcover, 304 pages
Expected publication: April 24th 2012 by Harlequin Teen

Summary:

You will kill. The only question is when.

In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive.

Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire.

Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love.

Why am I waiting for The Immortal Rules? Why am I waiting for The Immortal Rules? The answer is Julie Kagawa. I haven't done a WoW in a long time but the moment Julie posted the cover reveal, I totally went ballistic. I had to feature this on my blog somehow. So here it is!

In My Mailbox (23)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

So I got only 2 books in my mailbox this week. Both of which I've already read. I devoured Shatter Me the moment I got home from the bookstore. Though I think I like Legend a bit more.



What did you get in your mailbox this week?

Book Review: Shatter Me

Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1)
by Tahereh Mafi
Hardcover, 338 pages
Published November 15th 2011 by Harper/HarperCollins
ISBN 0062085484 (ISBN13: 9780062085481)
Challenge: Dystopia Reading Challenge
Source: Bought

Summary:

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.

In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.


Review:

I have a serious love-hate relationship with Shatter Me. This has been gaining a lot of followers even before the official release. And after reading, I finally understood why. But I also understand why some people would find this, for the lack of word, irritating.

Tahereh Mafi's writing is unique. It has a gripping feel to it. That, coupled with an unpredictable plot and intriguing characters make this for a compelling read. I felt awkward at first though, what with all the strike-throughs. But after some time, I grew to liking them, but there were still times that I find them tiring.

Juliette was locked up in a cell for a murder she did not intend to commit. It had been almost a year since she last saw or talked to another person. During her time in the cell, she had bouts of doubt whether she had become insane. She was very scared, especially when all of a sudden, a new prisoner was thrown in the same cell. She was careful of what she said to Adam, for fear that she might scare him and think of her as crazy. It explains all the strike-throughs in the book; the things she wants to say, but did not dare utter. Also, the repetitive words/phrases. I think it's to remind herself that she was alive and she was okay and that she hasn't lost her mind yet.

I think the characters are okay. They intrigue me, but they're the least of my favorites in the book. I like Juliette, but I couldn't connect to her. Warner especially intrigues me the most. I'd like to know more about his obsession for Juliette. He's also very villain-ish, which is strange for a human teenager. But the most awkward part of the book, for me, was the ending. I really have nothing against X-Men, but I'd rather watch them than read about them.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars


Book Review: Under the Never Sky (ARC)

Under the Never Sky
by Veronica Rossi
Hardcover, US, 400 pages
Expected publication: January 3rd 2012 by HarperCollins
Challenge: Dystopia Reading Challenge
Source: NetGalley

Summary:

Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction.

As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions.

They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY..


Review:

Almost all the books I read in the past month are really good. Adding to that list is Veronica Rossi’s dystopian YA, Under the Never Sky Told from third person POV that alternates between the two main characters, Under the Never Sky tells the story of Aria and Perry; two persons who grew up from two entirely different worlds. Aria was raised at the Pod, a place where nobody gets sick, hungry or even feels pain. Perry was raised at the Outside or “the Death Shop” as Aria puts it, the complete opposite of the Pod where people die of hunger and sickness, and where they strive so hard to survive.

I almost lost faith in dystopian YA’s after trusting so many and getting disappointed. But Under the Never Sky put that faith back. It’s funny because I never intended to read this when I downloaded it from NetGalley. In fact, I only downloaded it because I also downloaded the other two YA’s from Harper that are also on my most anticipated list, but I ended up loving this book way more than the other two anyway.

Even at the beginning of the book, the story is already oozing with suspense. No boring page for this book; the plot is fast-paced, making it a very quick read. I love how Aria and Perry’s relationship began; no insta-love (yay!) but instead the romance built up slowly but surely. The characters are all easy to connect with as well. Roar and Cinder are such lovable characters. Aria annoyed me at first, but she grew up on me just as fast. I like how she asks too many questions and just never shuts up. Perry acts like a grown man, but I like how his maturity compliments Aria’s ignorance.

Under the Never Sky is that type of book with no flaws written on it. Or maybe there are but I was too engrossed reading such epically awesome book to even notice. It’s exciting and mesmerizing, breath-taking and enthralling; an absolute must-read whether you’re a dystopian fan or not.

Rating: 5/5 stars!

Disclosure: This e-ARC was received from the publisher (HarperCollins via NetGalley) for free in exchange for an honest review.

In My Mailbox (22)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

I didn't get any physical books in my mailbox for the past two weeks. All of them are e-books and almost all are ARCs from NetGalley.



For review:
Under the Never Sky - Veronica Rossi Finished! Review to come. <3
Everneath - Brodi Ashton 
Hallowed - Cynthia Hand
Incarnate - Jodi Meadows
Seraphina - Rachel Hartman (no cover yet)
Gifted:
Angelfall - Susan Ee (Review here) <3

Angelfall and Under the Never Sky are both epic. You can buy Angelfall at Amazon for only $0.99. Trust me, you won't regret it! <3

Thanks to HarperCollins and Random House for the e-galleys!

What did you get in your mailbox this week?
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