[#22] Book Review: Let the Sky Fall - Shannon Messenger

Let the Sky Fall 

(Sky Fall #1)

by Shannon Messenger

Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Vane Weston has no idea how he survived the category five tornado that killed his parents. And he has no idea if the beautiful, dark-haired girl who’s swept through his dreams every night since the storm is real. But he hopes she is.

Seventeen-year-old Audra is a sylph, an air elemental. She walks on the wind, can translate its alluring songs, and can even coax it into a weapon with a simple string of commands. She’s also a guardian—Vane’s guardian—and has sworn an oath to protect Vane at all costs. Even if it means sacrificing her own life.

When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both of their families, Audra’s forced to help Vane remember who he is. He has a power to claim—the secret language of the West Wind, which only he can understand. But unlocking his heritage will also unlock the memory Audra needs him to forget. And their greatest danger is not the warriors coming to destroy them—but the forbidden romance that’s grown between them.

Review

Let the Sky Fall… It’s one of my reads that had taken a lot of work to finish. That’s about three weeks. Yes, three weeks! I couldn't be that patient with any other books but I say, this one’s worth it.

It has a very interesting story line that it would be a waste not to finish it and know what’s going to happen with all these screwed up characters.

The characters? Yeah, they were all screwed up. Their life, dilemmas, abilities and responsibilities makes them that way. So first there’s Vane, the last westerly living. The whole world depends on him and he doesn't even know that (okay, that’s a bit of exaggeration). He has the looks, humor and determination. I loved that he didn't turned out to be some pushy guy, pushing the girl he loves to love him back. We need more of guys like him. Loved that he’s not just patient but also senseful enough to know how to read between the lines when it comes to girls.

Audra, the girl whose suppose to protect Vane until he’s ready to take on the villains. She reeks of self pity, self deprivation and masochism, though the writer made it relatable even if there nothing I can relate about her (that kind of life just doesn't usually exist in our world, right? XD) She’s a fighter, by profession and by nature. I loved her for that. And also for giving in and being able to conduct change for someone she loves. 

Some minor characters—Arella, not so motherly and a bit too bitchy for my taste. I didn't expect her involvement on the last parts. Hannah, the girl Vane had been dating – I feel sorry for her, the one time he’d been a real jerk. Raiden and Gales, I really don’t care what will happen to them.

The ending was great. The revelation was really unexpected. Loved that not all of my guesses happened. Sometimes, it’s also nice to be able to yell “what?! Why didn't I see that one coming?!”.

Overall, it’s a good book, just lacking some serious beats. Planning to read the next installment and recommending it for readers who like lots of negativity coming from the characters. :)

How much I loved it?

3.0 Hearts

[#21] Book Review: Goddess by Josephine Angelini

Goddess 

(Starcrossed #3)

by Josephine Angelini

Synopsis

After accidentally unleashing the gods from their captivity on Olympus, Helen must find a way to re-imprison them without starting a devastating war. But the gods are angry, and their thirst for blood already has a body count.

To make matters worse, the Oracle reveals that a diabolical Tyrant is lurking among them, which drives a wedge between the once-solid group of friends. As the gods use the Scions against one another, Lucas’s life hangs in the balance. Still unsure whether she loves him or Orion, Helen is forced to make a terrifying decision, for war is coming to her shores.

In Josephine Angelini’s compelling conclusion to the masterfully woven Starcrossed trilogy, a goddess must rise above it all to change a destiny that’s been written in the stars. With worlds built just as fast as they crumble, love and war collide in an all-out battle that will leave no question unanswered and no heart untouched.

Review

Goddess... The final installment of Starcrossed trilogy. I always loved books with mythology theme and this one is totally up for it.

The plot has a lot of heart-breaking revelations, love, suspense (like why do Angelini has to keep the revelations a lot longer!), friendship and family, and the logic was really good, something that's really kept me thinking. It's also good that there was a little tragedy so not to make it like the usual happy ending. I liked the ending though, it's not so precise. 

The characters. There's jealousy, betrayal, trust, doubt and of course Love with the capital 'L' ^^ 

Orion, I really feel sorry for him, the revelations about his past kept me interested and glowing with mix emotions. Helen, she's confusing but I really like her character. She's the perfect heroin- brave and loving. Lucas, will you please stop deciding things on your own?! LOL. That is why the ending was not precise because he made some conflict that will soon affect their future, now I'm wondering what will happen if those things finally roll in. 

Okay, so I'm not so content with the ending. I feel like there has to be something more. And I can't never be content with them just living like it's their last day because of the conflict Lucas had made. Urgggg. But yeah, the trilogy's finished so I just have to wonder forever O.o

Anyway, aside from not being so content with the ending, I loved this book. Totally recommending the whole series to YA-mythology suckers like me :)

How much I loved it?

4.0 Hearts

[#20] Book Review: Towering by Alex Flinn

Towering

by Alex Flinn

Synopsis

At first, I merely saw his face, his hands on the window ledge. Then, his whole body as he swung himself through the window. Only I could not see what he swung on.
Until, one day, I told my dream self to look down. And it was then that I saw. He had climbed on a rope. I knew without asking that the rope had been one of my own tying.

Rachel is trapped in a tower, held hostage by a woman she’s always called Mama. Her golden hair is growing rapidly, and to pass the time, she watches the snow fall and sings songs from her childhood, hoping someone, anyone, will hear her.

Wyatt needs time to reflect or, better yet, forget about what happened to his best friend, Tyler. That’s why he’s been shipped off to the Adirondacks in the dead of winter to live with the oldest lady in town. Either that, or no one he knows ever wants to see him again.

Dani disappeared seventeen years ago without a trace, but she left behind a journal that’s never been read, not even by her overbearing mother…until now.

Review

Towering...  I was surprised to like this one. My previous read by Flinn was rated not more than average, so I didn't really expect to love it this much for it's just another retelling. And that's the thing, it's a 'retelling' so we all know what's it's all about and what's going to happen inside but NO, this book was really exciting and full of unexpected things. Not really one of my average reads 'cuz I loved it!

So it's the modern version of Rapunzel played by Rachel and Wyatt. That's my favorite fairy tale and this book is a total level up. The evil witch/kidnapper doesn't really exist here. I loved the characters, made me try to guess several times. 'Is she the antagonist? What's up with that? What does it mean?' So I guess I'll just read this and stop blubbering because it's getting me nowhere. 

 The plot was amazing. Too many coincidences, I guess that's how people start believing in destiny and so do I. So this is just so girly! Nevertheless, I loved it. Just the right dose of mystery, romance and magic. It never made me feel like reading a classic fairy tale children book but a modern teenage one that really suits me.

And hey, look at the cover! That's just Wow! This is the best work of Flinn that I'd ever read, can't believe that she had it on hold before the inspiration came. Mega thumbs up! 

How much I loved it?

5.0 Hearts