Tag: beautiful covers

YA

Review: Dream a Little Dream by Kerstin Gier

Andge @ Down the Rabbit Hole

Series: Silver #1

dream a little dream -kerstin gierMysterious doors with lizard-head knobs. Talking stone statues. A crazy girl with a hatchet. Yes, Liv’s dreams have been pretty weird lately. Especially the one where she’s in a graveyard at night, watching four boys conduct dark magic rituals.

The strangest part is that Liv recognizes the boys in her dream. They’re classmates from her new school in London, the school where she’s starting over because her mom has moved them to a new country (again).

But what’s really scaring Liv is that the dream boys seem to know things about her in real life, things they couldn’t possibly know–unless they actually are in her dreams?

Luckily, Liv never could resist a good mystery, and all four of those boys are pretty cute….

4 Drink Me Potions

This sounds so trippy, was my very first thought upon seeing this book in the bookstore.

Weird lizard doorknobs? Talking statues? A girl with a machete? All found in crazy dreams that our protagonist Liv gets at night? Uh, heck yeah. This is totally trippy-sounding.

Knowing me and my love for Alice in Wonderland, Dream a Little Dream certainly seemed to remind me of Lewis Carroll’s level of eccentricity in storywriting. So I absolutely couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book.

Ok. Now I have to say, it wasn’t as crazy and eccentric as the premise may make it sound. That’s not to say that it wasn’t still very fascinating in so many facets. I will admit, this is my very first translated book. Most YA novels are just…well, written in English originally. However, I think this is not some story that gets lost in translation. It’s downright amazing. How so, you may ask? Friend, let me tell you.

The setting and culture
Yes, I think some people may start seeing a trend in which I absolutely ADORE stories set in London, whether historical or present day. There’s just something so fascinating with the Brits and their city. With the book beginning off with Liv and her sister and their au pair (I had to look up what this was…) leaving to move to London, I was more than excited from the start. And once they were there, the setting was just so beautifully described. I totally wanted to hop onto the next plane set for this destination. London just seemed to make this fantasy story really pop and come alive.

But – I think a lot of this excitement comes from loving the protagonist.

The characters
I shall start off with Liv. She makes for a wonderful character. She’s adventurous, curious when a mystery seems to be afoot, and sometimes even a little reckless when it comes to solving whatever has been hidden from her. I read a review where someone said that Gier writes with a voice that truly sounds like a teenager. And this statement is very true. Liv doesn’t come across as some mature little young person. She really does sound like a teenager trying to find her place in the world, while still enjoying the wonders of the world that seem more prevalent in teens.

And I love Liv’s relationship with the various secondary characters. From her younger sister Mia (who sounds more mature than Liv sometimes…), to her newfound almost-step family and even the not-always-the-nicest friend she made at school. They all fit into the story in their own place while enhancing the suspense as the big mysterious aspect of the story builds.

The “mystery”/plot twisters
There were a few rather interesting things that aren’t necessarily solved in this first novel in the series. Firstly, there’s some mysterious character named Secrecy who literally knows everyone’s secrets. It’s kinda scary how fast this person figures things out. And so far, this person’s identity remains a, well, secret. But, exciting, isn’t it? Especially when the answer doesn’t seem to be obvious to the reader.

The other thing was the ending that involved the central theme of the plot: the 4 boys who seem to have gotten themselves into rather dark dream magic. It was definitely an intriguing concept, being able to dream with someone else. Having a dream door that fits each individual’s personality? Man, makes me wonder what my dream door would look like. Being able to go into one’s dreams and live through that with them? Freaky and personal. Totally impinges on privacy rights – which makes it all the more cooler.

Anyway, I guess I’m saying that Dream a Little Dream definitely had its surprises when it came to the mysterious 4 boys. Plus, it didn’t hurt that all 4 of them were rather cute….and individually unique.

You’ve got Henry, who I still can’t make head or tails about. He’s so mysterious. Sometimes I wonder if we really know him yet. He’s definitely hiding something.
Then there’s Grayson, the sweet almost-stepbrother of Liv’s. He was introduced rather early on and I initially thought he’d be the one Liv falls for. Of course, I totally dig the big brother role he’s stepped into (and I think I’ve taken the little sis role heavily ’cause I DETEST his girlfriend).
Jasper’s…sweet, but not the brightest bulb in…well the world. He carries some innocence to his character, in the sense that the dark stuff they’re doing doesn’t tarnish who he is.
And finally, there’s Arthur. The golden boy and “best looking” of the four. I am still figuring him out.

That leaves me to just comment on one final thing.

Er, the romance
Don’t get me wrong. As you can see, I do love the boys. AND there was no love triangle! Hoorah! That’s like +10 points in my books already. I just…I love the one Liv picked but sometimes the chemistry didn’t feel quite right. Like, I’m not really sure how the guy suddenly fell for her. I understand Liv’s reaction more, but his attraction to her puzzles me. I hope it lasts through the sequel, but I really need closure on this or else I may just wish she ends up with her almost-step brother.

Anyway, this may not be as Alice in Wonderland-esque as I had wanted it to be, but it amazed me in so many other ways beyond what comparisons I initially may have drawn. Dream a Little Dream may be the only translated book I’ve read so far, but as biased as that may be, I think it’s probably the best I’ll find. Definitely worth the read. I cannot wait for book 2 – which is published but needs to be translated! Urgh! Impatience abounds.

Overall Recommendation:
Dream a Little Dream is a beautiful title for a beautiful fantastical story on dreams and mysterious magic. Set in the gorgeous city of London, we follow the amazing Liv as she finds herself in a new school and new possible stepfamily and – oh uh – falls into a mess that she cannot help but be curious about. Getting dragged into the world of shared dreams with four of the hottest guys at school, I must say, this book has it all. A definite must-read. Too bad it has to be published in German and then translated. I’m biting my nails in anxious impatience already! Gier is one story writer that you’ve got to try.

YA

Review: P.S. I Still Love You by Jenny Han

Andge @ Down the Rabbit Hole

Series: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before #2

p.s. i still love you -jenny hanLara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter.

She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever.

When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once?

In this charming and heartfelt sequel to the New York Times bestseller To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, we see first love through the eyes of the unforgettable Lara Jean. Love is never easy, but maybe that’s part of what makes it so amazing.

2.5 Drink Me Potions

Can I just first say that I’ve been DYING for this book for a whole long year? Ever since I read its predecessor, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, which mind you is THE book that got me into writing reviews, I was absolutely ecstatic to hear that there was going to be a second book. Could my life have gotten any better? was the question that flowed through my mind at that point.

And that is where all my hopes and expectations fell.

It literally hurts to write this review which is less than the 5 stars I was expecting. Where shall I begin?

The plot
It was just SO slow. For a good first half of the book, nothing REALLY happened. Yes, Lara Jean was enjoying her newfound relationship with Peter (my heart was screaming YES! ’cause I absolutely adore him…but I’ll get to him later). Everything wasn’t hunky dory or anything. It wasn’t THAT bland. That beautiful hot tub scene from the end of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before? Do you remember that? Well. Let’s just say, it’s become a publicized meme around the school. I know, heartbreaking right?

So Lara Jean is fretting and embarrassed. Her sisters are equally helping her deal with it in their particular ways. But it truly was not worth half a book to focus on. Yes, Peter showed off his gallant side (*happy sigh*), but even that didn’t entertain me for long enough.

The writing style also seemed so disjointed. Some chapters were so short. It was literally one event, and then you jump to the next event which could be a day or whatever later. And then onto the next event in the next chapter. There wasn’t a whole lot of flow, like Jenny Han was sticking short constructed pieces together. It wasn’t the most enjoyable format, especially when things were already going quite slow substance-wise.

Then things just got downright UGLY in the next half. I shall start off with…

Lara Jean
I like that she’s still her unique self, being half Korean and all. Jenny Han is still amazing at integrating such cultural aspects into the story. But I was just SO annoyed with Lara Jean in this book. She was too jealous and mistrustful of Peter’s friendship with his ex. Mind you, I don’t particularly like her either. She’s truly a dog (and I mean that in a not-so-nice way). But to be wrought with jealousy to the point that she would mistrust Peter’s intentions wasn’t pleasant to see unfold.

John What’s-His-Name (he has a REALLY long name – which I don’t care about)
And then there was John. The other guy that the synopsis hinted at. I don’t understand why Jenny Han had to bring him back. Was there really nothing else to give this story substance?

Okay, maybe the answer is yes, considering the first half wasn’t all that great with substance either. But still. He felt so unnecessary. Please. A random love triangle thrown into the middle of the SECOND novel? It was already a little weird with the neighbour/good friend Josh in the last novel, but I actually liked him more because he was someone Lara Jean knew. John just kind of…popped up. She may have known him in the past, but I, as the reader, sure as heck don’t give a crap about him. He wasn’t MY past crush.

I admit I may be a teensy bit biased ’cause I love Peter, but still. My reasoning is sound. Lara Jean shouldn’t have tried to get herself to rekindle such feelings for John when in reality, I felt she was never quite over Peter.

The OTHER characters
That leaves me with the characters I did still enjoy, even with minor irritants.

Margot, Lara Jean’s older sister, seems to have forgiven her for the uh, minor problem with Josh (Margot’s ex and one of the crushes). However, things are NOT la-la land for Margot & Josh. I was a bit sad. I don’t know. I didn’t love them as a couple even in the previous book, but to me, if they weren’t with each other, it just felt weird seeing them with different people.

Kitty, the younger Song sister, was as wild as ever. I’ve always had such a strange liking for her. I wouldn’t exactly want such a manipulative yet still adorable younger sister in real life, but I can’t help but like her. I love that both sisters are so unique and made in a way that both complements Lara Jean as well as showcases what a sisterly relationship looks like. It’s not always perfect, and there may be HUGE differences between the girls, but they have each others’ backs at the end of the day. The Song girls united. I loved that.

Oh, and that brings me to Peter. Ah, Peter Kavinsky. First, I’d like to mention that I missed seeing Josh in this novel. He was rather big in the previous one, and he just wasn’t relevant I suppose in the sequel, considering Lara Jean got over him and what not. Still. I missed his presence as the good family friend he was. I suppose it was realistic. Not everything can go back to the way things were after relationships get complicated.

Okay, back to PETER. He made my day in the story. I was so tired of reading it. That breaks my heart to say. I SO, SO hoped it would have been a fun read. I even bought it on the very first day it came out. But seeing Peter’s actions and dialogue, I think this novel showcased his personality really well. We got to see the better side of him in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, but as a boyfriend? That was something new. He may be a lot of imperfect things, but he tried his best for Lara Jean. I may have despised what she did to him, but I appreciated how the author handled their relationship in the end. It wasn’t as open ended as the previous book, but it gives a lot of hope and a wonderful message.

Relationships aren’t going to be easy, and people may even get really hurt. But at the end of the day, it’s worth jumping into. What’s one of my favourite sayings? It’s better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. It’s pretty applicable here.

I wish I could say the good outweighed the bad, but I couldn’t handle this book. It may have been my HUGELY escalated expectations, but I think it just didn’t hold the kind of substance I look for in a novel. I’m quite saddened to say I’m rather disappointed.

Overall Recommendation:
I waited forever, or so it seems, for P.S. I Still Love You. I absolutely ADORED To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before that I thought Jenny Han could do no wrong when it came to a sequel that had my very favourite people in it. She has a way with making her characters come alive. From the Song sisters to Lara Jean herself, there is the cultural aspect of being half-Korean and holding onto that heritage, while still giving each girl a very distinct personality. I also hold Peter K to the highest regard when it comes to male protagonists. That being said, with such love comes high expectations, and occasionally, a great fall into disappointment. I’m sad to say that the plot was extremely slow and held far too little substance. The focal points were unnecessary and rather childish in my opinion. So with a saddened heart, I must say that I recommend enjoying the first book and maybe only reading this if you must see how Peter and Lara Jean’s relationship unfolds (and refolds ’cause it’s complicated and messy that way).

YA

Review: Ice Kissed by Amanda Hocking

Andge @ Down the Rabbit Hole

Series: Kanin Chronicles #2

ice kissed -amanda hockingIn the majestic halls of a crystal palace lies a secret that could destroy an entire kingdom…

Bryn Aven refuses to give up on her dream of serving the kingdom she loves. It’s a dream that brings her to a whole new realm…and the glittering palace of the Skojare.

The Skojare people need protection from the same brutal enemy that’s been threatening the Kanin, and Bryn is there to help. Being half Skojare herself, it’s also a chance for her to learn more about her lost heritage. Her boss, Ridley Dresden, is overseeing her mission, but as their undeniable attraction heats up, their relationship is about to reach a whole new level—one neither of them is prepared for.

As they delve deeper into the Skojare world, they begin to unravel a long-hidden secret. The dark truth about her own beloved Kanin kingdom is about to come to light, and it will change her place in it forever…and threaten everyone she loves.

4 Drink Me Potions

Following the aftermath of events in Frostfire, Amanda Hocking didn’t disappoint me with any middle book syndrome. I found Ice Kissed rather compelling and intriguing.

As I mentioned when I reviewed Frostfire, the whole premise of this strange, almost fantastical world set WITHIN our every day world is very unique. It definitely intrigues me more than say, if this was a whole new and separate world of its own. This second installment didn’t go out into the human world but the land of the Skojare tribe (of trolls) was nicely explored.

With the Skojare Queen still missing, Bryn feels like she failed at her duties and mission to bring her back. Many questions were thrown about. What happened to her? If they found her, was she a part of whatever weird conspiracy that was going on with the Kanin tribe’s most wanted criminals? I loved that there were always things to wonder about, never quite making the story boring even when the pacing wasn’t terrible fast or anything.

I was scared that there was going to be some horrid love triangle in this series, but I’m happy to say that I may have read the implications wrong. Ridley is still his amazing self, and as their relationship gets more complicated after crossing that line past friendship in the previous novel, Bryn can’t seem to hide even to herself just what he means to her. Although I like that their growing attraction is developing, I’m very pleased that it wasn’t the centre of the story. Trying to figure out what is going on with the Skojare and how it may relate to the Kanin’s current problems was definitely the highlight, and it made the whole story more enjoyable.

My one complaint would be that I wished the story was a little longer, or at least held some more substance. There are questions, but there are few answers given. The Kanin are preparing for war, and Bryn has no idea who she can trust anymore. Maybe the bad guy Konstantin Black isn’t all that bad after all. Everyone’s motives are so hard to predict. It’s awesome – and frustrating at the same time. I’ll be impatiently waiting to figure out the answers in Crystal Kingdom when it comes out.

Overall Recommendation:
Following Frostfire, this second installment, Ice Kissed was pleasantly enjoyable while still carrying on some of the intrigue from the previous book. Ideas of conspiracies are afloat and Bryn isn’t sure who she should trust. All the while, the steady but complicated relationship with her boss Ridley is ever present. Their growing attraction has to be dealt with, and it is the only promise for something good in a future that only seems to hold bleak events. War is looming and Bryn has no idea who her allies are. With a great set up for the final conclusion, Ice Kissed was entertaining in itself as a novel, but definitely added to the greater picture.