Passion || Lauren Kate

Book: Passion
Author: Lauren Kate
Pages: 432
Published: June 14, 2011
Publisher: Random House Children's Books


Summary: Luce would die for Daniel.

And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . .

Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last.

Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history.

Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever.

Sweeping across centuries, PASSION is the third novel in the unforgettably epic FALLEN series.

I'm actually quite torn! This book is surprisingly difficult for me to review, in a sense that there were several elements I absolutely loved, and others that I disfavored. In the end though, I think the pros and cons balance out to produce the lyrical conundrum that is Passion. 

PROS: 
I would be lying if I didn't admit that Passion was a poetic blend of love that transcends time. Contrary to other strongly voiced opinions regarding Kate's writing, I found her style to be anything but prosaic and tiresome. From the first page I was ensnared by the rich and vividly depicted landscapes spanning millions of years and cultures. In fact, I commend Kate for her bold plunge into the paranormal and historical. She did just enough research to give the reader a sense of cultural diversity without making the entire novel sound like a history lesson. 

I've been ardently curious about Luce and Daniel's past interactions since the beginning of the series, and I have to say, this book has certainly quenched my acquisitiveness. The numerous lifetimes and encounters revolving around this couple were filled with budding intensity and surprising tenderness. I loved how Daniel and Luce never ventured past deeply passionate kisses, but were still able to capture all the finer points of an emotionally concupiscent romance. 

Moreover, I found the premise of Daniel's character more evocative than ever. Seeing him eternally devoted, selfless, and passionate gave him a new dimension as a character. Witnessing his never-ending suffering over the endless millennia was almost too distressing to repeatedly endure for Luce, and me as the reader alike. The relationship that Lauren Kate weaved between Luce and Daniel is something truly unique. An angel and a mortal: doomed to love and to lose each other for eternity. It's really quite beautiful. 

CONS: 
There were some constituent elements in Passion that not even elegiac prose can mask. After I flipped past the final page, there were still many unanswered questions that left me feeling unsatisfied. For example: 

1. How can Daniel look ethnically different in every one of Luce's lifetimes? He is an immortal. 
2. How exactly do the announcers work? The descriptions were achingly vague. 
3. How did Luce become so powerful at time travel? It was rather convenient.
4. Why are Cam, Gabbe, Roland, Ariane, etc. still hanging around Luce and Daniel? It's like they have nothing else to do. 
5. What was the point of Shelby and Miles coming along? 
6. If Cam and Daniel are "enemies" why do their interactions seem neither negative nor positive? 
7. Other than the usual angel crew, where are all the other angels? Isn't this supposed to be a huge war? 
8. Why can Luce cleave so easily, while Daniel finds it torturous? 
9. Shouldn't interacting with one's past self somehow alter the future? 
10. What determines whether Luce dies or not? Is it Daniel or is it Luce? 
11. WHY IS LUCE STILL ALIVE IN THIS LIFETIME? 
12. WHAT MAKES THIS LIFETIME DIFFERENT? 
13. HOW DID DANIEL PICK LUCE? If he was condemned to love, why is it that Luce is the one he loves over and over? He was sent spiraling down from Heaven, and after that, there must have been a time when he was "looking" for love before he was doomed to experience it over and over in the most painful way. 

So as you can see, many unanswered questions were storming through my mind. Through the endless time travel, many gaping holes in the plotline simultaneously swelled open thus creating a sense of confusion. There is no doubt that Passion was written quite differently from it's predecessors , but it wasn't necessarily for the better. The constant time travel seemed to be an aimless cul-de-sac resulting in an abrupt and immanently lacking ending. When Luce finally reunited with Daniel, it didn't seem as if she grew to understand their relationship on a deeper level, in fact, she seemed slightly more self-centered than ever. The ending, or rather, the epilogue was by far the most disappointing section. There was no transition between Luce's time traveling excursion and the finally continuing plot. Thus, I felt the lack of gradual progression into the "bigger picture," completely vanquished the point of the story. 

OVERALL: 
There is no denying that I am enchanted by the rich and picturesque quality of Lauren Kate's writing. She executes her stories with ultimate finesse through interlinking the vivid layers of her characters' past lives. However, there are simply some preeminent questions that cannot be left unanswered, especially when the plot line is growing ever more complicated. Although my perception of the quandary that is Luce and Daniel's saga is far from holistic, I most wholeheartedly look forward to concluding book. 

-Carina L. Tai 

Cover Reveal || Fever by Lauren DeStefano

So here it is ladies and gentlemen! The long awaited reveal of Lauren DeStefano's Fever. I have to admit, I'm really excited to find out what happens to Rhine! She's such a unique character who possesses an unparalleled fighting spirit. DeStefano is really pumping up dystopia! As for the cover, I still have to admit that I'm a bit more in love with it's predecessor. Though this new cover is almost equally as stunning! I can't wait to have this exotic cover sitting next to my copy of Wither! 

P.S. SERIOUSLY. I can't get over it! The model looks like Avril Lavigne, but with Ariana Grande's hair! 

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY || MEN OF THE HUNGER GAMES EDITION!

As I signed onto Twitter a few moments ago, I couldn't help but notice the bombardment of Hunger Games photos from this week's Entertainment Weekly. Although the magazine doesn't hit stores until Friday, a few scans from this week's "Men of the Hunger Games" issue has been floating around on almost every HG related fansite. And since I just LOVE compiling pictures, I made one especially for you guys to enjoy :) It saves you the trouble of sifting through hundreds of the same photos on virtually dozens of websites. 

What do you guys think? It's gorgeous right? Josh Hutcherson is slowly morphing into the very image of Peeta I have in my head, but Liam, still lacks that cool and cavalier persona that Gale carries so well (Is it just me, or does he dress like Indiana Jones?). Leave your love in the comments, or Tweet me @DystopianDssrts.

Alex Pettyfer rumored to be cast as Daniel Grigori from Fallen?

Ahh, there's nothing like seeing a giant and seductively posed picture of Alex right when you open up my blog. I should get brownie points for this! Again, I must inform you that I am hyperventilating whilst typing away furiously on my clicky-sounding keyboard. I seem to be doing that a lot nowadays. ESPECIALLY when it involves my future lover, ALEX PETTYFER! So as you might or might now know, Disney has acquired the film rights to Lauren Kate's "Fallen," the first book in an ongoing paranormal series.

Article Source: Wikipedia.com

"The series is scheduled to be four books long. The first sequel, Torment, was released on September 28, 2010. The third book, Passion, was released on June 14, 2011.^[2] Lauren Kate also announced that her fourth book, Rapture, would be released in Spring 2012.

A Fallen movie is in talks^[3] and Disney has optioned the rights to Fallen. Since the Fallen series is a four part series, Disney made sure that they obtained rights to all four of the books in the deal.^[4] Mark Ciardi and Gordon Gray will produce the movie."

Okay, so since I've already done oodles of foreshadowing in both the title and first paragraph, I'll just give it to you straight. ALEX PETTYFER has been (very strongly) rumored to be playing the sexy bad boy angel, Daniel Grigori! Take a moment, fan yourself, and stay conscious! I KNOW IT'S ALMOST TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE! Although nothing has been confirmed yet, IMDB has confidently suggested that Alex P. is already going for the role alongside Elizabeth Gillies (Jade from Victorious) who will be playing the gutsy Arianne Alter. Lucy Hale has also been suggested to portray the coveted female role of Luce, but again, nothing is confirmed.


What do you think? Is Alex's body, personality, style etc. commensurate with that of the stunning Daniel Grigori's? One thing's for sure, I'm getting FRONT ROW SEATS to see that movie!

Hunger Games || OFFICIAL MOVIE POSTER

"It's something fans of The Hunger Games have eagerly been anticipating -- the release of the first official movie poster for the upcoming adaptation.

Lionsgate has obliged fans, releasing the first Hunger Games movie poster to Yahoo! Movies in a special animated image that features the iconic Mockingjay emblem up in flames, along with the title itself and the tagline "May the odds be ever in your favor."

This follows a promotional "teaser" poster that was unveiled last month at Licensing International Expo. The simpler promotional poster also featured the Mockingjay icon and the same tagline, though it lacked the flames featured in the official poster revealed today."

Article Source: http://www.examiner.com/the-hunger-games-in-national/lionsgate-unveils-official-movie-poster-for-the-hunger-games

Clean || Amy Reed

Book: Clean
Author: Amy Reed
Pages: 288
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication Date: May 8th, 2012
Rating: 5/5




Five teenagers. Five different addictions. One rehab center. 

My Summary: For Olivia, Kelly, Christopher, Jason, and Eva, teenage life is a harsh wake up call. These teens aren't worrying about prom, or passing English honors. They've been forced into a Seattle rehab center with little choice but to face each other day after day and learn to come to terms with the mistakes they've made, even if it was never their fault to begin with. Despite how supportive, rich, abusive, uncaring, or naive each of their parents might be, in the end, they're all facing the same obstacles together. But it's not too late for them to change. 

My Review: There is something about Amy Reed's writing style that leaves me feeling cold and unsettled. The message she conveys in her story is loud, brilliant, and perceptively shattering. Her complete regard for censorship, or lack thereof, is simply brave and eye-opening. We need more young adult writers like her. 

Everything about Clean was raw and completely sincere. Reed depicts these teenagers at the lowest point in their lives: all feeling vulnerable and uncertain of what is to come. Through a series of personal essays and introspective questionnaire questions, the reader is invited to lift the curtain and take a small peak into each teenager's life. Each has a unique and heartbreaking story. I felt as if I was standing at a window and peering into the fictional rehab center where all five teens were having seemingly day to day conversations. But it's evident that everyone is trying to cope with the hardships of life while trying to appear strong. 

I especially found the title of the story, Clean, to be thought-provoking in itself. After I finished the very last sentence, I spent moments pondering the single word that described all five teenagers. Clean. It might symbolize their clean bodies, free from alcohol and other abusive substances. However, I feel that Clean most accurately depicts how each and every one of them felt on the inside after discovering blooming friendships and most importantly, self-respect for themselves. It shocked me how each of the characters transformed into someone more confident and beautiful just by being around people who cared. Nobody is ever truly alone. 

Clean was a beautiful read that I simply could not put down. Never have I read a book so honest. Sure, some readers might think that it's another sob story about drug abusive teens. But I invite you to explore the encoded meaning beyond every quip and insecure quote. This book was not meant to make you cry, or feel pity. I think each of the characters, Olivia, Kelly, Christopher, Jason, and Eva were depicted to represent what we dislike about ourselves. Feeling physically unattractive, feeling worthless, feeling insecure, feeling disappointment, and feeling unwanted. In the end, not everybody in life is going to treat you with the respect you deserve. But maybe if you're lucky, you can find those people who can help you become the best you can be. 

Brava Ms. Reed. Clean is a story that should be read by teenagers and adults alike all over the world, not only to promote the negative effects of drug abuse, but to show the rawest type of beauty and power in unlikely friendships. 

Blood Red Road || Moira Young

Book: Blood Red Road
Author: Moira Young
Pages: 459
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry 
Publication Date: June 7th, 2011
Rating: 5/5


My Summary: Lugh and Saba are twins, both born on midwinter eighteen years ago. Lugh is light-haired, blue-eyed, and bright as the sun. Saba is dark-haired, brown-eyed, and his shadow. Together with their Pa and a younger sister named Emmi, they live in a wasteland ravaged by dust storms and interminable drought. But when four cloaked horsemen come and take Lugh, Saba knows she has no choice but to find him. Setting fire to the life that previously defined her, she embarks on an epic quest to save the one boy who means everything to her. He is her other half. But life beyond Silverlake is not as merciful as she thinks. Immediately she is captured and sold as a cage fighter. But Saba is survivor. She is fierce. She is the Angel of Death. In a calculated collaboration with the Free Hawks, a group of girl revolutionaries, and a handsome thief named Jack, Saba plunges into a journey of self-discovery, death, and adventure. Little does Saba know, she is about to spark a revolution. 


My Review: When I finished Blood Red Road, I just had to stop, close my eyes, and take a deep breath. It was THAT good. I'm going to be honest and say that this was a book that had been sitting on my shelf for a while, and when I finally did decide to read it, I thought I wasn't going to enjoy it because of the peculiar Midwestern type dialogue used by the characters. I understand that being the grammatically capable people we are, the obvious spelling mistakes and lack of punctuation are going to be a headache. However, in retrospect, I found that Saba's unique dialect was what added that extra kick of flavor. It made her journey that much more primitive and haunting. And trust me, after 100 pages, it's hardly noticeable. 

This is a book that kept me up until 4 a.m. in the morning. It's the day after, and I'm STILL thinking about it! Moira Young wove an adventure that completely took my breath away. It was a cunning and clever story that had me drunk on adrenalin up until the very last page. The world in which Saba lives is barely able to support human life, and yet, this is a setting where she learns to thrive. Everything from the dust to the heat is a part of who she is. It's slowly becoming a part of me too. 

I particularly like Saba as a character. She was so mentally strong, so guarded, and so independent. She showed the perfect amounts of reluctance and inhibition and displayed a poignant sense of loyalty. She is the perfect dystopian heroine, surpassing Katsa from Graceling and even Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games. As the story progresses, I enjoyed seeing her learn about her own strengths and growing friendships, especially with Jack. Although romance was not a main focal point, it was certainly a nice touch! I found myself grinning ear-to-ear between the lines of Saba and Jack's witty and flirtatious banter. I think Saba possesses a rough sort of beauty that not even a shaved head and scarred body can mask. Somehow, in the midst of a violent rescue mission, she finds time to reflect upon her cogent feelings for Jack, and even brings herself to admit them. This was definitely not a cat and mouse game. Jack and Saba grow certain of their feelings, and learn that an instant love can bloom even in the harshest conditions. 

Wow. Even after pouring my thoughts into a heartfelt review, I still think it's insufficient to describe the way I feel about Blood Red Road. This was hands down, the best young adult book I've read in 2011. Even in a parched and dying world, Young was able to paint a palette of vivid colors through her characters, and through her story. Blood Red Road is a book that will whisk you away on an adventure of a lifetime.

500 FOLLOWER GIVEAWAY!

Ahh, it's that point in every blogger's life when he/she realizes that 500 is halfway to a thousand (math was never my strongest subject)! It's mind boggling! So in celebration of it all, I'd like to do another fantabulous giveaway :) That's right, I said it, FANTABULOUS! 


**NOTE: Giveaway is for U.S. residents only (International contests may enter if they are willing to pay for shipping)

SIMPLY FILL OUT THIS FORM TO ENTER!

SIMPLY FILL OUT THIS FORM TO ENTER!

Pandemonium (Delirium #2) || Cover Reveal!

Lauren Oliver captivated readers with Delirium, the first book in a thrilling dystopian trilogy in which Lena Haloway dared to fall in love with Alex and escape the cure, the government-mandated procedure that renders a person immune to the disease of love. Lena and Alex staked their lives on leaving their oppressive society, but only Lena broke free. 

Pandemonium continues Lena’s gripping story. After escaping from Portland, Maine, Lena makes it to the Wilds and becomes part of an Invalid community, where she transforms herself into a warrior for the resistance. A future without Alex is unimaginable, but Lena pushes forward and fights, both for him and for a world in which love is no longer considered a disease. Swept up in a volatile mix of revolutionaries and counterinsurgents, Lena struggles to survive—and wonders if she may be falling in love again. 

Full of danger, forbidden romance, and exquisite writing, Lauren Oliver’s sequel to Delirium races forward at a breathtaking pace and is sure to appeal to fans who crave the high-stakes action of The Hunger Games and the bittersweet love story of Romeo & Juliet.


Summary via: Goodreads.com

MY GOODNESS, PANDEMONIUM'S COVER IS GORGEOUS! Just in case you've been living in a cave and hiding from humanity, I've posted Pandemonium's summary up once again, and now that the cover has officially been released, I'm more excited than ever!! Visit Lauren Oliver's website HERE.

Upcoming Releases 2012 SEQUELS

In order to stay organized and keep up-to-date on all the newest book releases, I create a list of sorts :) A lot of great books are coming out next year, so take notes! These are just a few of the popular authors/series that I follow. Many of the books have tentative release dates, and some have only the year or month listed because it's too soon to know when the exact publication date will be. 

A Million Suns 
(Across the Universe #2)

by: Beth Revis

Release Date: January 10th, 2012

Hallowed

(Unearthly #2)

by: Cynthia Hand

Release Date: January 24th, 2012

Fever

(The Chemical Garden #2)

by: Lauren DeStefano

Release Date: February 21st, 2012

Pandemonium

(Delirium #2)

by: Lauren Oliver

Release Date: March 6th, 2012

Spell Bound

(Hex Hall #3)

Release Date: March 13th, 2012

Goddess Interrupted

(Goddess Test #2)

by: Aimee Carter

Release Date: April 2012, 2012

City of Lost Souls

(Mortal Instruments #5)

by: Cassandra Clare

Release Date: May 2012

Dreamless

(Starcrossed #2)

by: Josephine Angelini

Release Date: May 2012

The Enchantress

(Nicholas Flamel #6)

by: Michael Scott

Release Date: May 2012

Bitterblue
(7 Kingdoms #3)

by: Kristin Cashore

Release Date: June 21st

Insurgent

(Divergent #2)

by: Veronica Roth

Release Date: 2012

Thumped

(Bumped #2)

by: Megan McCafferty

Release Date: 2012

Perception (Clarity #2) by Kim Harrington || Cover Reveal

This hotly anticipated sequel to CLARITY delivers another dark, paranormal mystery. 

When you can see things others can't, what do you do when someone's watching you? 

Everybody knows about Clarity "Clare" Fern. She's the psychic girl in school, the one who can place her hands on something and see hidden visions from the past. 

Only Clare would rather not be a celebrity. She prefers hanging back, observing. Her gift is not a game to her. 

But then someone starts playing with her head . . . and heart. Messages and gifts from a secret admirer crop up everywhere Clare turns. Could they be from Gabriel, the gorgeous boy who gets Clare's pulse racing? Or from Justin, Clare's hopeful ex-boyfriend who'd do anything to win her back? 

One thing is certain. Clare needs to solve this mystery, and soon. Because the messages are becoming sinister, and a girl in town has suddenly disappeared.


Summary: Goodreads.com


Expected Publication: March 2012

Freedom Giveaway Hop WINNER!

Again, it's been a pleasure hosting this giveaway on my blog! I hope you all had a wonderful Independence Day weekend filled with fireworks and food!

The winner of this giveaway is Comment #40: ranyka7. Please respond within 48 hours to claim your prize! I'll be sending you your book from the Book Depository.

Delirium || Interactive Book Trailer!

In honor of her own engagement, Lauren Oliver has presented us with a beautiful new INTERACTIVE trailer for Delirium! What does this mean for you? It means that you should watch the entire trailer, and decide whether or not you wish to be cured from LOVE. Choosing YES or NO will take you to two different videos where your fate will be revealed depending on the answer you have chosen.

Be sure to visit Lauren and her BLOG!

Choose your answer to go to the next video:

WOULD YOU CURE LOVE? YES 

WOULD YOU CURE LOVE? NO

A Booklover's Dream Home

For all you booklover's out there, has shelf space ever been an issue? Well, with this house, it'll never be an issue again. Check out this article I found on Yahoo!  

The innovative 'Shelf-pod' house in Osaka, Japan can hold 10 tons of books.
Photo: Kazuya Morita Architecture Studio

"Floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall shelving defines a compact, 557-square-foot home in Osaka prefecture, Japan, designed by Japanese Architect Kazuya Morita.
Every element -- from the stairs to the windows -- were scaled to the individual shelf unit, "with the aim of achieving geometrical harmony which is comparable to Islamic architecture," Morita's website notes.

Designed for a young historian with an extensive book collection in Islamic history, Morita designed the house with interlocking laminated pine boards that slot together to form a lattice of towering shelving units.

The shelving had to be strong enough to support the entire house. "This is an unusual structure. I never experienced this kind of architecture," said Morita, who declined to disclose the cost to build the house. Numerous tests and experiments were run on models to ensure the structural integrity and convince city planning officials to issue a building permit. The home's exterior features a painted clay and bamboo wall, with cedar exterior wall plate. The interior is finished with plaster.

Exterior of the shelf-pod house in Osaka. Photo: Kazuya Morita Architecture Studio

"It can support 10 tons of books," said Morita, who opened his architecture studio in 2000. And, he added, "it can survive earthquakes."

The shelving even extends into the home's bathroom, covering a wall above the toilet and bathtub.

Construction of the shelving for the "Shelf-Pod" home began in mid-2006, and the home was completed in March 2007. Morita's website details the many stages of construction, including the preconstruction of the large shelving units, which were assembled and structurally tested in a massive laboratory at Kyoto University's Katsura Campus.

He commented in a blog post that the client "was not entirely (sure) how to use this," when he saw the design. Morita also commented that he was "rather pleasantly surprised," during a visit to the home in 2008, to see how the client had furnished the home and was using the space.

A good place for knick-knacks. Photo: Kazuya Morita Architecture Studio

Considered part of a new generation of architects, the 39-year-old Morita has wowed interior design and architecture critics with the Shelf-Pod and some other innovative and unique housing designs, including the "Pentagonal House." He noted that the Shelf-Pod was one of his most ambitious and challenging projects.

For Morita, the Shelf-Pod embodies a movement toward smaller, greener houses, and the increasing need to build more compactly in crowded big cities and retrenching suburban communities. He describes his work as a harmonious marriage of traditional and modern architecture, which incorporates sustainable materials and eco-friendly amenities. His homes blend indoor and outdoor environments and demonstrate that comfortable living can come in small spaces.

"Japanese architecture always has to be smaller. We have to live more efficiently," he said in an interview from his office in Kyoto, Japan. "Many big cities have the same problems. They are sprawling and sprawling. It's a very international situation." His smaller home designs, he said, are "very useful in China, New York, London and other big cities."

Article Source: Yahoo.com

Across the Universe #2 COVER RELEASE || A Million Suns

My god. I am nearly hyperventilating right now! I could never, in all my life, imagine that the cover of Across the Universe's sequel would be so damn AMAZING. It is even better than it's predecessor! Anyhow, I'm definitely looking forward to A Million Suns. Across the Universe was one of my favorite 2011 reads thus far! The expected publication date of A Million Suns is January 10th, 2012 . *SIGH* I CAN'T WAIT THAT LONG! Currently, the plot and summary of A Million Suns is a secret (according to Goodreads). 

Pandemonium (Delirum #2): Official Summary

"Lauren Oliver captivated readers with Delirium, the first book in a thrilling dystopian trilogy in which Lena Haloway dared to fall in love with Alex and escape the cure, the government-mandated procedure that renders a person immune to the disease of love. Lena and Alex staked their lives on leaving their oppressive society, but only Lena broke free. 

Pandemonium continues Lena’s gripping story. After escaping from Portland, Maine, Lena makes it to the Wilds and becomes part of an Invalid community, where she transforms herself into a warrior for the resistance. A future without Alex is unimaginable, but Lena pushes forward and fights, both for him and for a world in which love is no longer considered a disease. Swept up in a volatile mix of revolutionaries and counterinsurgents, Lena struggles to survive—and wonders if she may be falling in love again. 

Full of danger, forbidden romance, and exquisite writing, Lauren Oliver’s sequel to Delirium races forward at a breathtaking pace and is sure to appeal to fans who crave the high-stakes action of The 
Hunger Games and the bittersweet love story of Romeo & Juliet."


Source: Goodreads.com

 Pandemonium's cover art has yet to be released, but Lauren Oliver, the author, has posted sneak bits of her work on Facebook and Twitter. For now, enjoy the summary!

Matched: Paperback Cover!

Click for Full Size

Isn't the cover stunning? I actually love the new paperback even more so than the hardback cover because of the typography on the front.It gave me chills just reading it! The paperback edition of Matched will be released on September 20th! I can't wait!!

Be sure to visit Ally Condie's Website.