Morning Star (Red Rising, #3) by Pierce Brown [REVIEW]

Morning Star by Pierce Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

GOODREADS SUMMARY: Darrow would have lived in peace, but his enemies brought him war. The Gold overlords demanded his obedience, hanged his wife, and enslaved his people. But Darrow is determined to fight back. Risking everything to transform himself and breach Gold society, Darrow has battled to survive the cutthroat rivalries that breed Society's mightiest warriors, climbed the ranks, and waited patiently to unleash the revolution that will tear the hierarchy apart from within.

Finally, the time has come.

But devotion to honor and hunger for vengeance run deep on both sides. Darrow and his comrades-in-arms face powerful enemies without scruple or mercy. Among them are some Darrow once considered friends. To win, Darrow will need to inspire those shackled in darkness to break their chains, unmake the world their cruel masters have built, and claim a destiny too long denied - and too glorious to surrender.

“What is pride without honor? What is honor without truth? Honor is not what you say. It is not what you read. Honor is what you do.”–

*BANGING MY HEAD ON THE TABLE*
I DON’T WANT TO LET GO!!! I DON’T WANT THIS TO END! *SOB*
Pierce Brown just blown my mind page by page and every charter has something that will make you feel. From start to finish the excitement never went down!
DEAR MR PIERCE BROWN, YOU ARE MASTER, MY GOODMAN. *bow*

MORNING STAR IS THE GAME OF THRONES OF SPACE. FORGET HUNGER GAMES, FORGET DIVERGENT, FORGET THOSE SCI/FI BOOKS OR ANY OTHER SERIES, THE RED RISING TRILOGY IS THE ‘IT’ YOU’LL LOOKING FOR IN A BOOK/SERIES.

They call me the Morning Star. That star by which griffin-riders and travelers navigate the wastes in the dark months of winter. The last star that disappears when daylight returns in the spring.

*MC’s Corner*
WARNING: S-U-P-E-R S-P-O-I-L-E-R-S
ITS NOT REALLY A REVIEW, IT WAS MORE OF A REACTION.

#LIFEGOAL TO MEET PIERCE BROWN.

I think I have more than 50 favorite parts. IT WAS SO GORYDAMN GOOD!
Morning Star reminds me so much of the First Red Rising & Golden Son. It is like repeating what happened on the institute but now it’s real. Then the war… now it’s bigger and more enemies.

Can I talk about the ending again? *grin*
I just love it. It’s like the old saying: ‘there’s always a rainbow after a rain’, it fits perfectly. I think Darrow super deserves that.
We don’t know what is going to happen next but you know what I was so satisfied that I don’t even care about that. That’s for us (readers) to figure out and make their ‘forever’ in our minds.

I don’t have any gripes about the way this series is written. I think this was also the best I have ever read. Not only it was well-written the placement of scenes and where the highlights and the climax of the story. AND DON’T FORGET THE DEATHS. (SCROLL DOWN)
Speaking of the climax… GOSH! THAT NEVER EVER EVER HAPPENED TO ME BEFORE. I CALL IT ‘THAT CHAPTER’.
#SUPERSPOILER
I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF CRYING –WET EYES AND NOSE–THEN SUDDENLY… *BOOM* IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE I DON’T KNOW WHAT JUST HAPPENED. OH-MY-GOD! I WAS THROWN OF GUARD. NEXT THING I KNOW SEVRO IS DEAD. O.O
And that says everything about the author’s level of writing. It was just sublime! *thumbs up*

I cried a lot reading Morning Star, I cried more than I cried when I was John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars, not as hard but more than. No jest, I did. I’ve been a fan of Pierce Brown since the day I finished reading Red Rising (days after it was first published). And then I got an ARC for Golden Son… I was the first ones to finish Golden Son… meaning waiting for the Third Book is more excruciating for me.
After I finish one chapter then another, I was thinking, ‘this is it, it’s happening’. The ending I mean, then my eyes starts to water. That happened for the first couple of chapters.

“...And when I looked out at the Hollows, I just knew, I mean I guess I realized as I was talking that justice isn’t about fixing the past, it’s about fixing the future. We’re not fighting for the dead. We’re fighting for the living. And for those who aren’t yet born. For a chance to have children. That’s what has to come after this, otherwise what’s the point?”–Darrow of Lykos to Sevro au Barca

• CHARACTERS :

o Darrow – duh! He can do anything!
He had this identity issue, he felt like he doesn’t belong, even though everyone (Sons) treats him with respect and they feared him. In a way he felt he was an outcast, he is a Red with the face of a Gold.
Those moments of Darrow with his friends… love them.
Pierce Brown gave Darrow a moment for every one of his friends. (Yeah! Those are some of the most emotional part of this book.)
I also like that even though Morning Star is written on Darrow’s POV I noticed that it was really not all about him. It was well-balanced for characters. They all had their moments.
THEY CUT OFF HIS HAND! Wah!!!!

“Maybe it’s not about what I look like. Maybe it’s about what I do.”–Darrow of Lykos

o Sevro – damn! This kid is mad! LOVE HIM! And I’m going to miss him a lot, well not his smell. HE IS THE MOST LOYAL ALLY AND FRIEND OF DARROW.
He’s wearing Darrow’s eyes.
He got married. THE LEADER OF HOWLERS GOT MARRIED? HELL YEAH THE GORYDAMNED BOYO GOT MARRIED!!!
The first part where’s he’s kinda mad with Darrow… and I felt like he really wants to be be a leader just like his (dead) father (Ares AKA Fitchner), the thing is he just can’t. Then he had a moment with Darrow and they tried killing each other… I think they talked first IDK. The first part where I felt like their friendship is falling apart, it broke my heart ‘seeing them fighting like that.

o Mustang – I’m so glad this b*tch didn’t get that much part.
Well he certainly benefited with everything. #IMBITTER
Thank stars she had a redeeming part. *sigh* Thank you Mustang.
What’s your real name again?

o Cassius – why didn’t you tell me?! *GRRR*
I agree with Pierce Brown for not killing this guy. I hated him with all might and at the same time understand him fully.
Cassius don’t ever cross Darrow again.


***DEATHS***

o Ragnar – why? *sob*

o The Jackal – I hate him more than I hate Voldemort and Cersei Lannister.
THE ROOT OF ALL EVILS!!! HE’S IS WICKED! HELL WILL SPIT HIM OUT! WHERE? HELL IF I KNOW. *evil grin*
I LOVE YOUR DEATH. (GOSH! IT WAS SO WEIRD SAYING THAT.)
But I really do. Mustang gave him mercy that he didn’t give to those people he thoughtlessly killed.

o Aja – is this b*tch a cat or something? He just keeps on popping out and alive.

o Octavia – I would love to watch her dying… She died too easily.

o Roque – let’s just say he died a Gold. Conceited bastard!
*crying* At least Darrow gave him the honor of dying that way.

o Antonia – THE FUNNIEST DEATH EVER. *grin*
OHMYGOSH! Just talking about it makes me want to laugh so hard.
I wished it was Victra who killed this b*tch.

o Sevro – OH YEAH! HE DIED BTW.

NO PREDICTABLE SCENES. FOR EVERYTIME YOU TURN THE PAGE YOU’LL ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING NEW!
AND… IT WAS SO LONG THAT I DIDN’T EVEN NOTICE THAT. NO JEST! I WOUNLDNT MIND A COUPLE OF MORE PAGES. WAHAHA!



I GUESS THIS IS REALLY IT!
I DON’T WANT TO LET GO OFR THIS SERIES. *DEEP SIGH*
ITS HARD TO LET GO… JUST THINK HOW THIS STORY STARTED. FROM A HUSBAND WHO BECAME A MARTYR FOR BURYING HIS DEAD WIFE.

PS: DEAR PIERCE BROWN, I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO READ YOUR NEXT WORK!!!
SET THE DATE!!! *GRIN*

“Break the chains!”

BYE EVERYONE!!!
#FOREVERHOWLER #REDRISNG #PierceBrown #MorningStar #SonsOfAres #Howlers #BESTENDINGEVER

@gleekidMC


View all my reviews

Map to the Stars by Jen Malone [ARC Review]

★★★★★Goodreads Summary: Author Jen Malone draws on her real-life experiences as a movie studio publicist to bring you an insider peek at love, Hollywood-style. 

The California dream was supposed to give seventeen-year-old Annie Shelton a fresh start far removed from her dad’s unusual betrayal. But when things don’t go according to plan in La La Land, Annie’s mom snags a last-minute gig as makeup artist to a teen movie idol and finagles a spot for her daughter on his European promotional tour.

Down-to-earth Annie would rather fangirl architectural sights than an arrogant A-lister. That is, until behind-the-scenes Graham Cabot turns out to be more sweetly vulnerable than she could have imagined. 

Too bad falling for a poster boy isn’t all red carpets and star treatment, especially when you factor in obnoxious fans, an overprotective assistant, a stage mom/manager, and a beefy bodyguard.

But it isn’t until the paparazzi make an appearance that things get really sticky…
Honestly… I’m never been a big fan of books with Hollywood themes. *grin*
I think you changed that… well kinda.
I just realized that Hollywood-themed YA ones are waaaay cooler than those Adult ones.

*MC’s Corner* 

Note: Spoilers.

• I hate long YA Contemporary books. So this, being that short is a plus points. Though… ironically I kinda wanted more. (You can slap my face now.)

• I read the little biography of Jen Malone by the end of the book… and it says that she worked on Hollywood… so I think this make it next to believable.
There are some things/scenes in there that is… kinda hard to, you know, believe?
THAT REALLY HAPPENS IN HOLLYWOOD?
*shrug*
(I always check the “About the Author” part before I start reading a book… so thank God!

• THE THING IS… don’t date a celebrity unless you plan on becoming one. (LOL… as if I can find a celebrity that I can date. *high*)

• This book I recommend it for girls… I don’t think it’s for boys.
ARC provided by Epic Reads Impulse (HarperCollins Publishers) & Edelweiss in exchange of honest review. Thank you! 

@gleekidMC

Grey (Fifty Shades, #4) by E.L. James (REVIEW)

★★★★★
GOODREADS SUMMARY: See the world of Fifty Shades of Grey anew through the eyes of Christian Grey.

In Christian's own words, and through his thoughts, reflections, and dreams, E L James offers a fresh perspective on the love story that has enthralled millions of readers around the world.

Christian Grey exercises control in all things; his world is neat, disciplined, and utterly empty—until the day that Anastasia Steele falls into his office, in a tangle of shapely limbs and tumbling brown hair. He tries to forget her, but instead is swept up in a storm of emotion he cannot comprehend and cannot resist. Unlike any woman he has known before, shy, unworldly Ana seems to see right through him—past the business prodigy and the penthouse lifestyle to Christian’s cold, wounded heart.  
Will being with Ana dispel the horrors of his childhood that haunt Christian every night? Or will his dark sexual desires, his compulsion to control, and the self-loathing that fills his soul drive this girl away and destroy the fragile hope she offers him?
Okay… I’m just going to ask this first…
Is there going to be a Darker and Freed books on Christian’s POV?

Say YES, please!
________________

Thank you EL James for this AMAZING book!
L-O-V-E I-T!

I don’t remember when was the first time I finished reading Fifty Shades Freed, I’ve been wanting this (Grey) that long. There’s a bonus part in there with the first Part of Fifty Shades of Grey on Christian’s perspective. GOSH! I mean... whenever–after rereading–I came to that part, I just want to reread the story all over again.
A couple of years and a movie later… TADA!
I’m so glad EL James wrote Grey in a full-length novel. *thumbs up*

If you’re a big fan of the trilogy and Christian-fucking-Grey you MUST read this!

“I’ve never wanted more, until I met you.”–Christian Grey

*MC’s Corner* 
Note: Spoilers.
DON’T FORGET TO TAKE YOUR BIRTH CONTROL PILLS… or whatever contraceptive you’re using. YOU MIGHT GET PREGNANT. 
This book is intended for mature audiences.

• Okay… YES it’s a lil bit disappointing that EL James didn’t present us with a new story and characters. Instead its ‘just’ Fifty Shades of Grey told by Christian Grey. Same story, same plot just different person telling the story.
BUT… who doesn’t want be inside Christian-fucking-Grey’s head? DUH!
The thing is… I don’t understand those people (on twitter and etc) ‘bashing’ and telling negative things about the release of this book and to EL James. I mean… it’s very simple: if you don’t want to read it then DONT. Stop making so much fuss about it. *GRRRRR*
The other thing… so many authors does this thing why EL James can’t?

• Whenever I read the first three books I always wonder what Christian thinking is. GOSH!
I love being inside CTG’s head. His dreams, past… and dirty thoughts.
This is absolutely fucking sexy and fabolous. I love it!
When you read Grey, youre going to ‘see’ the parts where Ana is… not there. LOL. Those part where even Ana doesn’t know.
It’s like filling those blanks on Fifty Shades of Grey.

• I think when I plan rereading the series again I’m going to start reading Grey first.
Though... if you guys who haven’t read the series… I don’t advice it. Uh-uh… not a great idea... this book is a #SUPERDUPERSPOILER.

• The difference and likes of Fifty Shades of Grey andGrey.
Beside the one talking… I don’t think there’s that much difference.
Its still as good and the scenes… emailing…. are as amusing as the other. NAKAKAKILIG! *giggle*

• Okay… I wish there’s a translation with the French tête-à-tête of Christian and Mia.

• Whenever I see Leila’s name… I wanna puke. And those parts where Christian is recalling his time with her… UGH! I just want to grab her by the head… and remove all those hairs. *rawr*
AND THOSE WITH MRS. ROBINSON! OHMIGOD! DON’T START WITH THAT! *glaring at her name*

• DID YOU KNOW THAT MY FAVORITE CHRISTIAN PICE OF CLOTHING HAS A NAME?
Christian calls it DJ: Dom Jeans.
He’s so hot with them. *fanning my face*
…and without them.

• So… Grey ended planning the days before he’s going see Ana again and to fly her to José’s show.
So yeah… those days before that are some kind of… bonus parts, i.e. Christian building the glider.

• NAKAKALOKA!

• LEAST FAVORITE PART OF THIS BOOK: THE COVER.
I wish it’s Jamie Dornan I’m seeing. #JUSTSAYING

• #PRAYINGFORTHENEXTONETOHAPPEN

_____________________________________
THESE ARE SOME PARTS IN THE BOOK… I did a little alterations… :)
_____________________________________


From: Elena Lincoln
Subject: The Weekend
Date: May 30 2011, 10:15
To: Christian Grey
Christian, what gives?
Your mother told me you took a young woman to dinner yesterday.
I’m intrigued. It’s so not your style.
You’ve found a new submissive?
Call me.
Ex
ELENA LINCOLN
ESCLAVA
For The Beauty That Is You™


From: Mc Manalo
Subject: re: The Weekend
To: Elena Lincoln

YOU BITCH! YOU BITCH! YOU BITCH! YOU BITCH!
YOU BITCH! YOU BITCH! YOU BITCH! YOU BITCH!
JUST DIE!
I wanna poke your eyes with my pen! GRRR!
‘EX’ THE FUCKING WHAAAAT???!

Mc Manalo
MC’s CORNER

____________________________________

Christian: We’re going to rectify the situation right now.

Me: *gasp*
I’m pregnant! And you just said that.
___________________________________

@gleekidMC

Blue Steel Chain by Alex Beecroft (Trowchester Blues, #3) [ARC] Review

★★★★
GOODREADS SUMMARY: At sixteen, Aidan Swift was swept off his feet by a rich older man who promised to take care of him for the rest of his life. But eight years later, his sugar daddy has turned from a prince into a beast. Trapped and terrified, Aidan snatches an hour’s respite at the Trowchester Museum.

Local archaeologist James Summers is in a failing long distance relationship with a rock star, and Aidan—nervous, bruised, and clearly in need of a champion—brings out all his white knight tendencies. When everything falls apart for Aidan, James saves him from certain death . . . and discovers a skeleton of another boy who wasn’t so lucky.

As Aidan recovers, James falls desperately in love. But though Aidan acts like an adoring boyfriend, he doesn’t seem to feel any sexual attraction at all. Meanwhile there are two angry exes on the horizon, one coming after them with the press and the other with a butcher’s knife. To be together, Aidan and James must conquer death, sex, and everyone’s preconceptions about the right way to love—even their own. How disappointing that I didn’t know that it’s part of a series. I never read the first ones. But… that is not a prob. Because I found out that its part of a series after I finished reading it. 

*MC’s Corner* 
Note: Spoilers.

• It’s a good one… According to my reader I read it for about 4 hours…

• Sometimes, I felt like I’m at loss… like I was missing something.

• Both main characters… are pretty annoying. Annoying in the sense of… both of them being a giant fools. I want to… do violent things…. (LOL) GRRRR Nanggigigil ako ng sobra!

• I feel like I want to sit them both and talk to them… and asked them why are they still with “them”. Then after they leave the room… I’ll call them idiots. I know Im so bad.
*face… meet palm*

• The sensuality is up to the highest point. *Phew* I wish… you know, Aidan is not… #SPOILER

• I am the kind of reader who check who is the author before reading it. So the only chance I check out an author is by reading ARCs. Because I only read books for the authors I know… or if I saw it on Bestsellers. I think Im going to start reading Alex Beecroft future books! *thumbs up*

ARC provided by Riptide Publishing & NetGalley in exchange of honest review. Thank you!

@gleekidMC

The Ninth Life of Louis Drax by Liz Jensen [Review]

★★★★★

Goodreads Summary: Louis Drax is a boy like no other. He is brilliant and strange, and every year something violent seems to happen to him. On his ninth birthday, Louis goes on a picnic with his parents and falls off a cliff. The details are shrouded in mystery. Louis's mother is shell-shocked; his father has vanished. And after some confusion Louis himself, miraculously alive but deep in a coma, arrives at Dr. Pascal Dannachet's celebrated coma clinic…Full of astonishing twists and turns, this is a masterful tale of the secrets the human mind can hide. 

…the boy came back to life, two hours after being pronounced officially dead.

I’m never been a fan of this genre in a book. I mean NEVER.

Not until I was reading my Glamour Magazine. There’s an interview there, of Jamie Dornan & Dakota Johnson (Fifty Shades of Grey) and there’s a ‘On Their Future’ thingy and Jamie answered “I’m filming The
9th Life of Louis Drax.” So yeah! I got curious and I found out its based on a book… *grin*
(Glamour 2015 Pg. 275)

It was so good! Few days after I finished reading it, I’m still ‘feeling’ it. It was a BOOK HUNGOVER. *thumbs up*
It kept me up all night, I finished it past midnight… 

*MC’s Corner* 
Note: Spoilers.

• First, thanks to this book I think I’m going to start reading books with this kind of genre. I’m kinda excited, I don’t know why.

• It was a slow paced with alternating point of view of Louis Drax & Dr. Pascal Dannachet. 
It wasn’t always on the same timeline. Sometimes Louis is on the present sometimes he’s just recalling his past. I kinda love how it was written. I love the interview style of telling a story.

• At first I thought this book is some sort of paranormal-thingy. But then the story goes on… I realized it’s mostly a ‘fantasy’ that a nine year old boy came up. I really didn’t know what to think then. 

• Liz Jensen captured the spirit of a nine year old boy. It was just amazing. I love it everytime Louis parts come up.

• There are some scenes that are so predictable. But you know what? It makes it even greater. Then I have this feeling that I-know-what-is-going-to-happen-next but still feeling the mystery that I still want and trying to solve.

• I love the way it ended. It’s just perfect!

@gleekidMC

Published January 10th 2006 by Bloomsbury USA
https://www.goodreads.com/book/118812/get_a_copy

Dreamland by Robert L. Anderson [ARC REVIEW]

★★★★

GOODREADS SUMMARY: Odea Donahue has been able to travel through people’s dreams since she was six years old. Her mother taught her the three rules of walking: Never interfere. Never be seen. Never walk the same person’s dream more than once. Dea has never questioned her mother, not about the rules, not about the clocks or the mirrors, not about moving from place to place to be one step ahead of the unseen monsters that Dea’s mother is certain are right behind them.

Then a mysterious new boy, Connor, comes to town and Dea finally starts to feel normal. As Connor breaks down the walls that she’s had up for so long, he gets closer to learning her secret. For the first time she wonders if that’s so bad. But when Dea breaks the rules, the boundary between worlds begins to deteriorate. How can she know what’s real and what’s not?



I think the most interesting part started at the very end.
This is just the ‘prequel’ for the next one.
Which I think there should be a prequel before this. It kinda started very heavy… I was looking for some support.

*MC’s Corner* 
Note: Spoilers.

• I honestly didn’t write any notes while I was reading it. Not because I was too focused on reading it just that I really don’t have anything that I can write. Maybe 70 percent of it didn’t interest me…
But I do sincerely think the concept is great. As I was saying awhile ago the last part started at the very end. It was… and if there is going to a sequel I am going to read it. (Well… if HarperCollins will still give me ARCs then. *grin*)

• If a book is a food… a writer is a chef… I guess some food have this special ingredient that people love and they keep on coming back and recommends it to some of their friends. 
Dreamland is a food that is perfectly cooked and well seasoned… the thing is it doesn’t have an oomph that will make other people like it too. Many will like it but I think some of them will choose to try another food.

• I recently made this ‘shelf’ on my head, literally. Dreamland belongs to this.
BOOKS FOR THOSE WHO ARE READING JUST TO PAST TIME NOT FOR THOSE READERS THAT MADE READING A HOBBY.

• There’s nothing to gripe on this book. The writing is okay, the concept is good, the characters are not annoying blah blah blah and the cover is awesome. 

ARC provided by HarperTeen (HarperCollins Publishers) &Edelweiss in exchange of honest review. Thank you! 

@gleekidMC

Aftermath (After the Fall) by Tom Lewis [Review]

★★★★★GOODREADS SUMMARY: The end of the world came fast. Between the time the warning had sounded on the TV, till when 16-year-old Paige O’Connor awakened sometime later, civilization had been crushed. 

The attacks had come by “them” – those things in the ships in the sky that had appeared suddenly, and without warning. 

And as Paige would soon discover, the attacks had only been the beginning. 

Aftermath is the first book in the new After the Fall dystopian action series, which follows a young girl’s struggle for survival in the wake of civilization’s collapse, and humanity’s domination by an alien race of beings. 

First, I wanna say thank you to Tom Lewis for giving me a copy of this book. I really appreciate it! Thank you so much for the trust!

Now the book,

Surprisingly, it was good.
It was kinda short though.
What I like on my YA books are longer, but even though this one is short it worked.

I think this book is perfect for those who are travelling and those just chilling out. *thumbs up*

*MC's Corner* 
Note: Spoilers.

• The story/concept is brilliant. I like it.

• I love the way the story started. It was fun, action-filled and gory! So awesome!

• The way it was written is very simple. There's not much detailing, everything was straight forward.

• I think the concept is original, but as the same time its not that fresh. Its a book you can read if you’re extremely bored and you dont have anything to do or you dont have any other book that you wish to read.

• I like the book; I finished it after three and a half hours of reading.

• There are some elements of this book that reminds me of some YA books.
• There were like those scenes on these books were compiled together. It should be a bad thing but it’s really not. Im not feeling bitchy right now so I'm kinda kind, so yeah. *grin*

• I kinda have a little issue on Paige O'Connor's expertise on handling those (I think) high powered firearms (gosh! I dont know anything about guns.) It was kinda hard to believe. Yeah she has some background... blah blah blah. Now Im bitchy. O.O


• Is there a book two or something?
@gleekidMC

The Originals: The Rise (The Originals #1) by Julie Plec

★★★★★

GOODREADS SUMMARY: Family is power. The Original vampire family swore it to each other a thousand years ago. They pledged to remain together always and forever. But even when you're immortal, promises are hard to keep. 

Arriving in New Orleans in 1722, Original vampire siblings Klaus, Elijah and Rebekah Mikaelson believe they've escaped their dangerous past. But the city is lawless, a haven for witches and werewolves unwilling to share territory. The siblings are at their mercy…especially after Klaus meets the beautiful and mysterious Vivianne. Her impending marriage is key to ending the war between the supernatural factions—and Klaus's attraction to her could destroy the uneasy alliance. As Elijah works toward securing a piece of the city for his family, and Rebekah fights her unexpected feelings for a French captain, will Klaus's volatile desires bring their world crashing down—and tear them apart for good?

*MC’s Corner*Note: Spoilers.

I only requested this book on NetGalley because I love The Originals TV show. Its one of my fave TV show right now.

I read some book that are also based on TV shows/movies, most of the times I don't finish them. Why? Because I already know the story, they just write what exactly the story of the show. They're boring.

So obviously I didn't expect myself to finish this. I am shocked when I saw that I finished this. And I am thankful that I read it. It was so good! I want more!

Julie Plec didn't write the story all over again, she wrote another story without losing what this book was based of. I even think its part of the story. This book and the TV show are connected.

If you love the TV show please grab a copy of The Originals: The Rise, you wont regret it!

You don't want to miss a romantic and in-love Klaus.And brokenhearted. 

ARC provided by Hodder Children's Books & NetGalley in exchange of honest review.  Thank you! 

@gleekidMC

The Shadow's Curse (The Knots Duology #2) by Amy McCulloch [ARC REVIEW]

★★★★★

GOODREADS SUMMARY: Raim is no closer to figuring out the meaning of the broken vow that sentenced him to exile for life. But with his former best friend now a tyrannical Khan who is holding the girl Raim loves captive, he finds it hard to care. Every day, he and Draikh learn more about their powers, but it quickly becomes clear that he will never be able to stop Khareh and free Wadi unless he can free himself from the ultimate taboo of his people. Reluctantly, Raim begins the long journey down to the dangerous South, to find the maker of his oath.


In Khareh's camp, Wadi is more than capable of devising her own escape plan, but she's gradually realizing she might not want to. The more she learns about Khareh, the more confused she becomes. He's done unquestionably bad things, horrific even, but he's got big dreams for Darhan that might improve their dire situation. What's more, rumours of a Southern king massing an army to invade Darhan are slowly gaining ground. Only if the Northern tribes can come together under a single ruler will they have the strength to fight the South - but what if that ruler is an impulsive (albeit brilliant) young man, barely able to control his ever-growing power, and missing the one part of him that might keep him sane? Whoever conquers the desert, wins the war. And the secret to desert survival lies in Lazar, which is set to become the heart of a great battle once again.

Okay, I really didn’t expect that I’m going to get accepted on my request for the ARC because of the region restriction. But I really like the idea of the first book and I gotta have this, so yeah I did.

The Shadow’s Curse is packed with of exhilarating and jaw dropping adventures and it’s a MUST READ.
*bow*
I love the ending. Great job!
The very last part made me smile, and I remembered the first book and how it all started. It’s bittersweet.

*MC’s Corner*Note: Spoilers.

• The scenes are pretty predictable. But what I like is after I “predict” some scene I got more excited and just waiting for it.
  
• The Characters
  
  ·         Raim –he’s the protagonist. I like this guy, there’s so many things happened to him: exciting and some frightening adventures. But what I noticed is that he’s on his age, not like a teenager that thinks or with a brain of an adult. He’s fun and then in times of seriousness he’s serious. He’s going and Draikh, Khareh’s shadow, will discover new about their power. I think that was cool, but it made no sense because it wasn’t that much used.
  
  
  ·         Wadi –she’s Raim love interest, kinda. *roll eyes*
  She’s an Alashan, a clan who helps people (mostly oathbreakers) travels the desert. She was captured by Khareh, she wasn’t treated like a normal prisoner, I don’t know why.  She’s confusing in a good way. Sometimes she’s in Raim side then sometimes I felt she’s in Khareh’s side, in the end I understood her.
  
  
  ·         Khareh –the new Khan. He’s Raim’s bestfriend. He’s a guy full of contradiction. He’s crazy, childish tyrant but I think all he wants is good for his country, He’s a good guy and he’s just blinded by power and to those surrounds him feeding lies but he believes on what is good to his country.  It’s like he’s so bad then suddenly he a good guy…
  
• I love the part where they travelled in boat. I wish there’s more of it. And I’m wondering what happened to the Captain and his crew…. *pout* I know it’s not that important, but still….
  
• There’s no romance or declaring of loves. And it was okay, it’s was so focused in the story, kudos! Love love love.
  
  
• Knots Duology is a story of friendship. A strong friendship that will be tested and strike by storms. It’s beautiful.      

 ARC provided by Random House Children’s Publishers UK & NetGalley in exchange of honest review.  Thank you!

@gleekidMC

 

Messenger of Fear by Michael Grant [ARC Review]

★★★★
GOODREADS SUMMARY: Michael Grant, author of the New York Times bestselling Gone series, has created a powerful and brilliant narrative that examines the nature of good and evil in every human.

Mara wakes in a field of dead grass, a heavy mist pressing down on her. She is terrified, afraid that she is dead. Then a beautiful young man dressed in black appears. He calls himself Messenger of Fear.

This boy is able to move effortlessly through space and time. He also sees the darkness in human hearts. He sees the evils done: the destructive lies, the cruelty, the bullying, the violence. And if the world does not bring justice to those who do evil, he will. He offers the wicked a game. If they win, they go free. If they lose, they will live their greatest fear. Either way, their sanity will be challenged.

It is a world of fair but harsh justice. Of retribution and redemption. And mystery. Why was Mara chosen to be the Messenger’s apprentice? What has she done to deserve this terrible fate? She won’t find out until three of the wicked receive justice. And when she does, she will be shattered.

Ooh!!! This is good. *thumbs up*
Messenger of Fear is a book you won’t appreciate till you finish it.
I think this YA book is intended for adult readers, not for teenagers. (No offense, it’s just what I think.)

*MC’s Corner*

Note: Spoilers.

• The very first part is creepy and confusing. Confusing in a way you’ll ask some questions.
  
• Okay, I said awhile ago that is book is intended for mature readers. The way Michael Grant describes every details is of something impeccable, it’ll draw perfectly and gory in your mind. There are so parts that are sooooo gruesome and horrible for young minds. Especially the Messenger’s game. *shiver*
  
• Is there is sequel? I don’t think there is… why? Because I really like how it ends. BUT my gut says there is… why? Why do Messenger needs to explain (and say all the names) those Heptarchy gods? And what the sense of having Oriax and Derek?  Hmmm I am intrigue.
  
• Oh… I think mentioning bj is not for young minds too. *wahaha*
  (Puh-lease!)
  
  
• What is this Messenger’s game?
  This is where the fun (not really. Ha ha) starts. *evil laugh*
  So if Messenger found you doing/done something wicked, he’ll offer you a game.
  “If you win the game, you will both go free to consider what you have done. If you lose the game, you will suffer your greatest fear.”
  This game is not just game. (I can’t say it was worse than the Hunger Games, kinda, but it’s not that kind of game.) I can’t describe the game because there weren’t many in the book (I wish they are, not really. They’re so bloody disgusting and will make you stomach flip. UGH!)
  
• Oh by the way if you refuse to play, technically you’ll lose, and you must pay the consequence. 
  See the tag line in the cover???
  “IF YOU ARE WICKED THE MESSENGER WILL FIND YOU.”
  So yeah… don’t let the messenger find you.
  Do something bad… HE’LL CATCH YOU!
  BEWARE!     

 ARC provided by Katherine Tegen Books & Edelweiss in exchange of honest review.  Thank you!

@gleekidMC

King by Ellen Oh (The Dragon King Chronicles #3) [ARC REVIEW]

★★★★★

GOODREADS SUMMARY: Girl warrior, demon slayer, Tiger spirit of the Yellow Eyes—Kira is ready for her final quest. In this thrilling finale to the Prophecy trilogy, fans will get even more of the fierce Kira and her quest to save her kingdom!

All eyes are on her. Kira, once an outcast in her home village of Hansong, is now the only one with the power to save her kingdom. She must save her cousin, the boy fated to be the future king, uncover the third lost treasure, and face innumerable enemies in order to fulfill the famed prophecy.

Kira braves a sea of tigers and battles armies of demons as she musters her inner strength and learns to trust herself, the romantic feelings for Jaewon that are growing within her, and the destiny that must be hers.

Okay…
Damn! It went very fast. I kinda want some more. Grrr!!!
I’ve been a big fan of this book since I read the first book.
I am very thankful for Harper Collins for giving me copy of King and the previous book, Warrior last year. I love this fascinating world and taking this journey with Kira and the gang. GO KANG KIRA!!! ILOVE YOU KIM JAEWON!!! *faint*

 

*MC’s Corner*

Note: Spoilers.

• What I love about this series is when I imagine Kira and other characters I don’t imagine an actual person     I imagine an anime character (particularly the characters of The Legend of Korra.) Do that too and I promise you you’re going to enjoy it more. (It doesn’t hurt if you have a poster of the particular anime you’re going to use.) *grin*

• If this book really happened I think it will took place somewhere in Asia right?
  They LOVE rice. And the names are Asian. I think that why I like it more because there is something Asian to it. (I am from Philippines, Southeast Asia.) 

• I also how romance, little humor and the seriousness mixed together.
  Kira & Jaewon’s scenes are… asdfghjkl GOSH! LOVE LOVE LOVE. And then the battle part I just want to grab me some sword and join the damn war. YAH!!! Assuming I have a sword… which I don’t. I wish I do… I want a sword like the girl in Shakugan no Shana. #IamgonnagoogleitbecauseIthinkIwrotethewrongspelling

• Unfortunately, there are some deaths. (Authors love killing some characters that the readers tend to love e.g. Finnick f***ing Odair, The Hunger f***ing Games )

• The ‘war’ & Dragon Fulang’s part really went very fast. I wish it didn’t I want it be gorier.

• Dear Ellen Oh,
  Write some more book/series like this and I am going to read ‘em all.

                 

 ARC provided by HarperTeen (HarperCollins Publishers) &Edelweiss in exchange of honest review.  Thank you!

@gleekidMC

Polaris by Mindee Arnett (Avalon, #2) [ARC REVIEW]

★★★★★

GOODREADS SUMMARY: Following the events of Avalon, Jeth Seagrave and his crew are on the run. Jeth is desperate to find the resources and funding he needs to rescue his mother from an ITA’s research lab and leave this whole galaxy behind for a new life somewhere else. But the ITA is just as desperate, and soon Jeth finds himself pursued by a mysterious figure hell-bent on capturing Jeth and his crew—dead or alive. In a last-ditch effort to save everyone he holds dear, Jeth enters into a bargain with the last person he ever thought he'd see again: Dax Shepherd, the galaxy’s newest and most fearsome crime lord. And he’s not the only one: upon arriving back at Peltraz spaceport for the first time since he witnessed the death of his old employer, Jeth discovers Dax has a new partner: Jeth’s mother, Marian.

This shocking turn of events is only the first in another breathless, action-packed sci-fi adventure rife with danger, love, and betrayal, as Jeth has to once again ask himself how much he’s willing to invest in a morally bankrupt galaxy in the hopes of saving those he cares for.

*SQUEEL*
I got book 2! Wahaha!!!

I love it! 5 stars plus all the stars in the universe!
I am not a big fan of Sci-Fi but I read a few, they make my head hurt, I don’t know why.
You won’t appreciate and like this series unless you finished reading it.
*thumbs up* I am looking forward to the next book!!!

*MC’s Corner*

Note: Spoilers.

• IT IS CRAZY!
  Yes, it made my head hurt. There are so many things going on and in the end it all clicked in to their places. I am satisfied.

• Be sure that you read Proxy (Avalon novella) before reading Polaris!
  Well you can read it without reading Proxy, but it was more fun and you won’t wonder why these characters just showed up out of the blue.

• #SPOILER
  Jeth Seagrave will wear an implant. (The one they stick in your head. Ugh! Eeew!)
  
• I kinda like the Axis thingy. It was kinda cool and I know it’s absurd but gave some answers on what the ones wearing them felt or something like that. (It’s like the internet, ones you “posted” something it’s, probably, forever in there.)
  
• Yes I think it cool but that doesn’t mean I want to wear one. UH-UH Hell to the f***ing NO!
  
• Chapter 31.
  DAMN YOU MINDEE ARNETT!
  Oh My God! O.O
  *BANG* *BANG* *BANG*
  
• The title is “Polaris”, why?
  It’s a name of the ship that Jeth and the gang going to use in their interstellar/interplanetary adventure. But it’s Jeth’s. It was the same type of the ship as Avalon, a Black Devil, but it was a new and better one.
  
• Where is “Avalon”?
  *BOOM!*
  
• BOOK 3 PLEASE!!! Gimme Gimme!!!              

 ARC provided by Balzer + Bray (HarperCollins Publishers) & Edelweiss in exchange of honest review.  Thank you!

@gleekidMC

Golden Son by Pierce Brown (Red Rising Trilogy, #2) [ARC REVIEW]

★★★★★
GOODREADS SUMMARY: With shades of The Hunger Games, Ender’s Game, and Game of Thrones, debut author Pierce Brown’s genre-defying epic Red Rising hit the ground running and wasted no time becoming a sensation. Golden Son continues the stunning saga of Darrow, a rebel forged by tragedy, battling to lead his oppressed people to freedom from the overlords of a brutal elitist future built on lies. Now fully embedded among the Gold ruling class, Darrow continues his work to bring down Society from within. A life-or-death tale of vengeance with an unforgettable hero at its heart, Golden Son guarantees Pierce Brown’s continuing status as one of fiction’s most exciting new voices.

Gosh!
It's quite long!
I took my time reading it. I savored every page, words, and every scene. (Well it must to be that way.)

The near end part is a total bomb. It came out of nowhere, I was totally expecting it... but still...
The thrill and went up very high. At that time I just can't wait to finish it. My heart was pounding and beating so fast. And then I finished it...
I wish I didn't (not really), but seriously... (Damn! I don't know what to say! I was out of words. I was speechless. (While crying a little bit.)
I did came up with that conclusion, not exactly like that... but Pierce Brown just got this ability to make an awesome ending to much grander than it should, you are going to get your minds blown and your mouths hanging open.

PB will take you to a place that no one ever would. And he will surely make you like you are in the story.

*MC's Corner*

Note: Spoilers.
* I want to thank Del Rey...(or Random House) for approving my request on NetGalley. Even though there's a region restriction you still approved it. Thank you so much! xoxo
Whenever I make request they're always approved, I am sincerely grateful and honored, especially this, Golden Son, one of the first to read Golden Son? *scream* *squeel*
Red Rising is one of my favorite book ever. When I got approved... GOSH!
#GoldenSon #RedRisingTrilogy #BestSeriesEverInTheMaking

* Everything went very fast. There are so many things going on, so if you are not focused or your heart is not in the book you'll get lost and confused.
Even though there are many things going on, you just don't want to miss anything.
I even wanted more!

* This book will make your heart pound so fast. It was rivetting, every page held me captive. I think I had a Stockholm Syndrome... I just don't want to be free.


* It's a book about trust, honesty, loyalty, revenge, love, and friendship. It's going to test everything and every move Darrow's making.
And the gains and the costs of them.

* I think my head is going to explode.
I'm still mind blown from what happened.
I wish you guys can read it now.
...so that we can join forces and make PB finish writing book 3 or if it's finished, publish it early to its original date.

* I don't know how long I am/we are going to wait to read book3! I want it now!
I am going to 'volunteer' to enter the Hunger Games if the price is book 3 of Red Rising Trilogy. I will kill everyone on! That is how much I want it!

* The Characters;

 o Darrow au Andromedus ~ I don't know how to explain or describe this guy...
There are some parts that I got scared to him but at the same time... it was kinda how. *giggle*
*fanning my face*
I am pissed on you Darrow!
You just... basically ignored your "friends" (or allies). Well... technically they are your enemies... but still.
Ugh! Why is everything is so fucked up?!
I don't want to be on your position.
Prime luck Darrow au Andromedus

  o The (f***ing) Bellonas ~ Mother, Father, Son, Brother.
I WANT TO KILL YOU ALL!!!
I despise this family.

 o Mustang ~ SLUT! BITCH! GRRRR!!"
Where were you?

 o Ares ~ I knew it was you!!!
(So we are going to find out who Ares really is and then he is going to tell is story... and its sad.

 o Sevro ~ *grin*

 o Roque ~ !!!
I understand what you did.
It was Darrow's fault but its really not.
The Cost of Befriending a Gold. #spoiler

 o Octavia au Lune ~ freakiest villain evah!

 o Aja ~ Octavia's "guard."
Okay... where is my sword?
I want to cut off this woman's head.
(Do I have a sword? I don't know..
maybe.)

 o ArchGovernor Nero ~ I don't know how... but I kinda like him now... *grin*
There's a part when he told Darrow to call him Father... *sigh*

 o Pliny ~ another evil.
YES! GOLDEN SON GOT A BUNCH OF VILLAINS. AND YOU ARE GOING TO HATE EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM!
This guy is a leech.


* #SPOILERS
(Don't read this part if you don't want spoilers.)

 o Chapter 9.
*sob*
It was heartbreaking.
Harmony is going to show and let Darrow hear what Eo, his wife, told her brother before she died.
For more than an hour, I stopped reading because of that scene.

 o On this book we are going to find out who Ares really is.
(I knew it was him/her! Goshy gosh!)
And then Darrow is going to have a new ally that he can actually trust with his secrets. (His true identity/Color.)

 o The last chapter...
I don't like what happened there. But the thing is... I don't want anything to be changed. It has this this-is-the-way-it-is-you-gotta-accept-it-and-wait-for-the-next-one-I-have-plans vibe... and its not arrogant and insulting way.
o The cliffhanger.
It was the kind of cliffhanger that will give you an idea to what is going to happen next but you just can't form or make a scene inside your head.
*banging my head on the table*
Next book please!

 o Golds are greedy. They don't care about the past. They only see the present and future. UnGRATEFUL.

* I love how everyone here accepts the homosexuality of other characters. It didn't become an issue, it was very open. Well... murder too seems to be accepted too... murders of the LowColors. They cannot murder Golds.

I advice every book readers/lovers/collectors out there to grab a copy book 1(Red Rising) before Golden Son come out! You don't want to miss it!
And I promise you that you wont regret buying it!
WORTH EVERY CENTS! 

ARC provided by Del Rey Spectra (Random House Publishing Group) in exchange of honest review. Thank you! 

@gleekidMC

Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman, illustrated by Brendan Shusterman [ARC Review]

GOODREADS SUMMARY: Caden Bosch is on a ship that's headed for the deepest point on Earth: Challenger Deep, the southern part of the Marianas Trench.

Caden Bosch is a brilliant high school student whose friends are starting to notice his odd behavior.

Caden Bosch is designated the ship's artist in residence, to document the journey with images.

Caden Bosch pretends to join the school track team but spends his days walking for miles, absorbed by the thoughts in his head.

Caden Bosch is split between his allegiance to the captain and the allure of mutiny.

Caden Bosch is torn.

A captivating and powerful novel that lingers long beyond the last page, Challenger Deep is a heartfelt tour de force by one of today's most admired writers for teens. 

*PHEW*
 Okay, how am I going to criticize/review a book like Challenger Deep?
The topic is a bit sensitive… It’s not my first time to read something like this, but it my first time to read that focuses only with the issue.

I want to apologize, in advanced, if I will say something rude or inappropriate. GOSH I know deep in my heart I won’t mean any of that, Challenger Deep made me respect more the people with this condition.

Honestly, when I saw someone, on the streets, with mental illness I try to avoid and not ever made eye contact with them. It’s a knee jerk reaction; I know most of you have done that also. I felt embarrassed and ashamed for myself right now.

(Gosh! It is really hard writing a review for this book! I’m sweating!)

*MC’s Corner*

Note: Spoilers.

·         Did I enjoy reading Challenger Deep?
NOPE. I did not enjoy it.
But Challenger Deep is a compelling book, it compelled my mind to finish it and it never came cross to my mind to put it down... and not picking it up again.
I think it was the topic and the concept that made me finish it. It was honest and very brave.
Challenger Deep is a pretty good book you don’t know where will it take you.
Add it to your reading list next year.

·         When I read a book I write some notes. One of the notes I wrote on the first chapters of Challenger Deep is, “Lunatic. #craydar.”
On that time I have no, absolutely no idea that Caden Bosch has a mental illness.
The very first note I wrote is, “Narnia.”
I thought Caden just went into another world, like what happened the Pevensies. I just kept on asking chapter after chapter, “What will happen next?” “How did that happened?”
So… when I realized that it wasn’t like that. GOSH. I wanted to bang my head on the table that time.
I always throw the word ‘Cray-cray’ like it’s nothing but a fun word. (Read my other review. I do love throwing that word.)
I give you guys a permission to kick my ass. Not Really. *grin*

·         On Chapter 113 Neal Shusterman said something like a… similarity between Vincent van Gogh & Michelangelo and then on Chapter 122 pointed something about the prophets. Well he did have a point… we really don’t know what on these people’s minds.

·         This book requires a lot of attention. If you didn’t you’ll find yourself lost.
And you’ll ask yourself, “Why is he scared to a parrot?”

·         Tell me… the illustrations/drawings are just outlines… RIGHT???
That is the only I don’t like about the ARCs with drawings… some of them were… unrecognizable and I just can’t make out the picture.
The pictures were drawn by Brendan Shusterman, Neal’s son. #shocking.

<i> ARC provided by HarperTeen (HarperCollins Publishers) &Edelweiss in exchange of honest review.  Thank you! </i>

@gleekidMC