Book Review: Heart-Break You

                     "This seems to go on forever, but time for me seems to be at a standstill. It's like watching a slow-motion movie playing out in front of me and not knowing how to stop it." 

                    I could not put this book down! I read the whole book in one sitting, it is that good. Seriously!!! This picks right up from where we left off, almost like watching a movie scene play out. I love this book a lot more than the first installment, which is funny because I really liked the first one. The characters are just flawless, and the plot is spectacular! 

Summary: 

                    "Our story didn't exist, it was broken before it began. Kisses were covered with lies. Lies were covered with kisses. Hate turned into lust. And lust turned into fantasy. That's what we were, a fantasy. Nothing more, nothing less. Now it's time to move on. But how can you when your heart wants to say stuck in the fantasy? When even through all the lies and kisses, you still have lust?" 

Characters:

                    Theadora: I find myself loving Theadora more and more as time goes by. She is such a strong character with a personality to match; you can't help but love her. She goes through a lot more in this book than the last, and it definitely shapes her views on everyone. I love how she is able to love herself, and takes the time she needs to do that. She is a lot stronger than she was in the beginning, and she has a whole new respect for herself. 

                    Atlas: In the first review I wrote about this character, I didn't really like him. I felt like he was just an average character, nothing more. However, in this one, he stands out to me! He has such a great character arc, and we see him in a whole new light. He still has the same personality and attitude before, but we can see his growth and attempt at being who he wants to be, rather than who he should be. 

                    Secondary characters: These characters have a bigger role in this book than the last, and I love that. I was able to connect to all of them in a different way and perspective. The first book sort of had them there for just entertainment purpose, but in this book, they are there for plot and entertainment. They all help the story to be as good as it is. 

Plot:

                    Since this book takes place seconds after the first book, the plot continues from book one. It slowly progresses into a new plot, while still having parts and tidbits of the old plot. 

                    I loved the plot! I love how Theadora is her own boss now, and doesn't take sh*t from anyone, including Atlas. There are so many surprising moments, and emotional moments, you can't help but just get sucked in. The pace is pretty fast, but it's kind of a short book to me, so it works out. 

                    This novel seems to develop the characters a lot more. They all have a character arc at some point, which definately changes up the plot. However, the plot is still very suspenseful, and sometimes violent. 

                    Everything just comes together perfectly in a simple and concise way! I like that the author sticks to the characters, and remains true to them. She doesn't change a character, but rather makes them better. 

Rating:

                    I constantly changed my mind between a 4 or a 5, so I went right down the middle: 4.5 stars. This book is a rather quick read, but it keeps you on your feet at all times. There are so many great moments between characters, even the villainous ones. Overall, I really liked this book, and can't wait to see where the author goes in the future! 

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Book Review: Beautiful Criminal by M.N. Forgy

                                        "That's what every girl wants, right? That guy who is unruly and mean to the world. Yet, they treat that one girl as if she's special, like she's number one and if you come near her you'll face her man's wrath?" 

OK, before I even get into this review, can we just take a minute and appreciate this quote? I don't know how M.N. Forgy does it, but she literally put what almost every girl wants in these three sentences. (round of applause to her!) 

Now the review: This was actually a pretty fast read for me, maybe two to three hours. I saw some of the turns and predicted them, but the execution was good. It was a little too insta-love for me, but that could just be me, because I LOVE my build up. I liked the characters, but I feel like we didn't really get to know them on a really deep level. I need to be inside the character and their minds!

Summary: 

                                    "As the son of the infamous boss of the DeAngelo family, I have merciless duties expected of me. The public labels me a monster, a man without a soul, and one hated by many. They’re not wrong, and I’m not sorry for it. When my father orders me to marry a longtime enemy’s daughter to settle a score between our families, she did what any smart woman with a beating heart would do. She ran. So, I found her. She tries to negotiate for her freedom, but despite being inexplicably drawn to the deviant woman, I refuse her pitiful bribes with pleasure. I still have a job to do, and I’ll make her tell me her family’s secrets, turning a treacherous situation into a game of hatred. A code of silence will be broken. Lines will be crossed. I’ll promise her freedom to get the answers I need, but I’ll burn this city to the ground before I let her go."

Characters: 

     Kieran: Kieran is controlling, dangerous, possessive, and merciless. However, he is also caring and respectable. I like him. He is not my favorite character in this book, but I didn't really have any problems with him.

     Leona: Leona is innocent and oblivious  She seems to just be in the wrong spot at the wrong time. I like her, but not as much as I thought I would. She seems to be very obtuse and oblivious, when she shouldn't be. There are some scenes with her that are really bizarre and strange. I don't want to spoil things, so I won't tell you what happens, but those scenes just don't fit into the story. 

One thing I noticed while reading, was that the characters would be described one way, and then act a completely different way. That confused me a little, because the story then contradicts itself. I like the main protagonists, but I feel like I didn't connect with them. There wasn't really a personality for me to bond with. Some characters I instantly love, and others, it takes time. For me, in this book, I just didn't really bond with any of them. 

Plot:

    The plot has a ton of potential! There are some really good scenes that are executed quite well. Then, there are other scenes that really aren't necessary in this book. Those scenes don't help the plot nor the characters. 

    While the reading went fast, the book went pretty slow. I felt that the scenes were extremely long, but not very detailed. For example, there is a scene that seems pretty important and is about ten pages, but isn't detailed enough for me to delve into the characters and plot. 

    The storyline and idea of this book is really good! I like the idea of a mafia/mob story, but in order for it to work, there has to be a lot of mafia/mob. In this particular book, I thought that there wasn't and it took a backseat to the relationships and romance. Now don't get me wrong, I love romance! But, I also love my violence. 

    To me, there can only be so much change a person can have in a certain amount of time. I felt like this book was a little unrealistic in that department. People can change, but they cannot change in exactly two seconds. 

Rating: 

    I give this book 3 stars! I liked it and it has great potential. For me, I just couldn't connect with the characters that much. I don't know if it's because I'm not in the mafia/mob or what, but I just couldn't. I like the overall story, and it has some good twists. I did think that this book would have more violence than it did, which changed my opinion a little. However, this book is a great read, and I recommend it to anyone who is interested!!!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Blast From The Past: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

"One must always be careful of books," said Tessa, "and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us."

I first discovered Cassandra Clare through the movie-The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones. Before then, I had only heard that she was an author. After this movie, I decided to give her books a go (A chance if you will😊). I read the first three books in the Mortal Instruments before I took a break. I liked them, but I didn't love them like so many other people did. Luckily my friend recommended The Infernal Device Series to me. She said they were a prequel worth reading. Thus, began my journey with Casandra Clare. 

I had very little hope in this series since I didn't enjoy the Mortal Instruments. However, the first chapter had me hooked. I read this book in one day, to my family's disappointment 😊. I was a complete slug all day, (by the way, totally worth it!). The journey this book took me on, was one I won't forget.

Summary: 

                    In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. Welcome to the Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series. The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London's dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovered that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters-including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves u against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with  magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them... 

                                                                -Goodreads 

Review: 

    I loved this series from the very beginning to the end. My favorite book was Clockwork Princess, (the third and final installment in this series). The plot was fantastic. There was every paranormal creature known to man, and yet the plot wasn't too crowded or busy. The story shaped the characters flawlessly and vice versa. Their personalities matched their actions and thoughts extremely well. I really got to understand everything about the shadowhunter world and the events that led to the Mortal Instrument Series. The romance was amazing. This book was the first book I picked up that detailed more than just a kiss. (I may have skimmed past those scenes, but don't hate. I was young and in my mind I was like WHAT?) The romance was not a major part of the book, which was good because it didn't need to be. It was a simple side story. I really liked reading about the culture in the 1800s. I definitely will reread this series again. 

After Reading: 

    I really enjoyed this series. It took you on a great adventure. I remember vivid scenes like their first breakfast together. The small, human-like, actions were what made this book. In a world full of supernaturals, it was really funny to watch these creatures do such mundane things. 

My mind was shocked by what happened at the end, especially the end of the whole trilogy. Trust me, you don't see it coming! 

Advice:  

    I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this book if you like paranormal, fantasy fiction books, or if you are just a big Cassandra Clare fan. I loved the series and the romance in it. It was a very entertaining and enjoyable read. I had my nose in this book the whole day, until I finally finished it. Then I bought the second book on kindle the same day, because I couldn't wait for the physical copy😊. 

    

Blast From the Past: Tumtum and Nutmeg Series by Emily Bearn

Blast From the Past: 

    This series was one of my favorite children series I ever read. I read this series with my mom when I was really young and to this day, I still love it. Literally right after we finished this series, I searched the house for Tumtum and Nutmeg. I used to be jealous of Arthur and Lucy, because they had Tumtum and Nutmeg. ( Now, if I ever saw Tumtum or Nutmeg, I will scream! This actually happened unfortunately. There was a mouse in my room, and I was terrified. I did not sleep in my room for a whole week after the mouse.) 

    Back to the book now! ( I digress a lot.) This was such a fun adventurous book to read, especially at a young age. I remember being extremely entertained, and constantly wanting to read the book over and over. Tumtum and Nutmeg made me fall in love with reading. I loved the feeling this book created. 

Summary:

   "Deep inside the broom cupboard of Rose Cottage, two mice live in great style. Tumtum and Nutmeg lead cozy ad quiet lives, secretly looking after Arthur and Lucy, the disheveled human children of the cottage, never dreaming that so many exciting adventures will soon find them. But when evil Aunt Ivy, a squeamish schoolteacher named Miss Short, and pirating pond rats threaten the safety of those they hold dear, the courageous pair will stop at nothing to save the day. In three thrilling tales with charming illustration in every chapter, Tumtum and Nutmeg--along with the valiant efforts of veteran hero General Marchmouse, Ms. Tiptoe's bouncing ballerina army, and a team of caged gerbils--prove that small-size mice can have world-size hearts." 

                                                                        -Goodreads 

Review: 

     As I keep saying, this series is one of my favorite childhood tales, well other than Pippi Longstocking and Winnie the Pooh. These tales were very light-hearted, and charming. When I was younger, I was so engaged in this book, I wanted to keep reading until my eyelids were so heavy. The adventures Tumtum and Nutmeg went on, were so unique and original. The character and personality these two mice had, created such a fun and exciting environment. This book had everything. It had humor, adventure, character, fluidity, and so much more. I had so much fun when I read this book. I give it 5 stars because of how original the premise is, and how fun it was to read. 

After Reading: 

    I work at the YMCA with children, and whenever they ask me what to read next, I always say "Tumtum and Nutmeg". I mean, what's not to love? You have two very cute and charming mice that go on really fun adventures. I read this about 10-12 years ago, and I continue to remember how much I love reading this. I remember the nights my mom and I read this book together. I remember laughing at General Marchmouse, and Tumtum all the time. This is a book that lives on in your memory!

Advice: 

    I HIGHLY recommend reading this! Whether you read this book with your children, or by yourself, it is such a fun read no matter the age. There is something for everyone in this book; a little adventure, a little romance, and even some laugh at loud moments. 

Final Points:

    -Tumtum and Nutmeg is a really fun read for anyone. Their adventures together are really cute and funny. 

    -The story-lines are so original, and entertaining, you will never be bored. 

    -If you see a mouse in your house, maybe it's Tumtum and Nutmeg. (You never know...)

    -Go Read This Book!!!

    

Blast From the Past: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

Blast From the Past:

     I read this book all the way back in 2009 with my mom. Every night she would read me a chapter of the book, up until we finished it. I loved it. Then I reread this book by myself in 2014. I loved it even more because I understood it a lot more. I used this book in countless school projects and research papers as well. 

    This book actually got me into mythology. I read all about Chinese mythology, then I widened my horizon. I learned about Greek mythology, Egyptian Mythology, and Norse Mythology. I loved them all. My love of mythology got so big that I decided to write a book using all the stories and gods, but that clearly didn't happen. I look back on this book with great fondness. This introduced me to my culture, a culture I learned about, especially the fun and interesting side. My love of dragons came out of this book, and now they are my favorite animal, even if they do not exist. (In my head they do :D). 

    I love this book and the way Lin incorporated the Chinese myths into Minli's journey. 

Summary:

    Minli, a young girl, and her parents live in the valley of Fruitless Mountain. She spends her days working in the rice fields, and her nights listening to her father's stories about the Old Man on the Moon, the Jade Dragon, and many others. However Minli's mother believes these stories are all just nonsense, and wants Minli to focus on the fields, but Minli doesn't agree. She believes these stories and embarks on a quest to find the answer to her question: How can her family change their fortune? On this quest, she encounters an assortment of characters and creatures, including a Dragon, who decides to join Minli. 

Review:

    This book was soooo good. I loved it. Lin incorporated many myths and characters in a phenomenal way. There were so many stories that all added. But each one was different, in a perfect way. Each character Minli met along the way had their own story and myth, which I thought was incredible. All the characters made the story, and I even loved Minli's parents adventures too. It is such a good read for anyone, at any age. I cannot recommend this book enough. It has everything in it: A magical cast, enchanting stories, long lasting messages and themes. To put it simply, just read it. You will not regret it. I give this 5 stars, it was THAT GOOD. 

After Reading: I still think about this book and the stories today. I loved them and cannot get enough. I won't spoil the book, but my favorite stories are towards the end. The actual ending was so fantastic, and so put together, it was like watching everything come together. It was a masterpiece. I do not know how else to tell you about this book. I loved it as a child, and I still love it now. 

The Message:

    The messages in this book are so important! I loved how Lin was able to show a complete spectrum on Minli, and her journey. From the beginning to the end, this book tied it all together with each new story. 

Final Points:

    -This book helped me understand and accept my culture. It influenced my life so much, and I am forever grateful. 

    -I loved reading this book. It was just such a fun read. I fully enjoyed myself reading this book. I smiled, and laughed at times. It was THAT GOOD. 

    -Everyone should read this book, because it will take you on a journey to discover Minli, and yourself along the way.