Review- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

J.K. Rowling's screenwriting debut is captured in this exciting hardcover edition of the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them screenplay.

When Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York, he intends his stay to be just a brief stopover. However, when his magical case is misplaced and some of Newt's fantastic beasts escape, it spells trouble for everyone…

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, author of the beloved and internationally bestselling Harry Potter books. Featuring a cast of remarkable characters, this is epic, adventure-packed storytelling at its very best.

Whether an existing fan or new to the wizarding world, this is a perfect addition to any reader's bookshelf.

Release date: November 8th 2016

Published by: Arthur A. Levine Books

Page numbers: 293

REVIEW: 

Any book of the Harry Potter franchise always makes me happy. Always.

When I read J.K. Rowling's library collection, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander a long, long time ago, I was always curious to know more because it developed in me, a greater love for the incredible magical creatures. Then when a movie based on the book came out last year, I had the most magical time revisiting my home and the place that I belong in- the magical world. So when I saw that there was a Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay written by the Queen herself, I had to get a copy and read it. 

Reading the screenplay after months of watching the movie was one the coolest ideas I've ever had because not only did I read and get to experience the written world which Rowling does so bloody brilliantly, but I also got to revisit the movie, which I loved to bits. One of the biggest advantages of reading the screenplay is all the side action that is, albeit in brief, explained meticulously which sometimes doesn't portray so particularly well on screen because it's not explicit. Revisiting the movie and meeting the wonderful Newt again was just so amazing. 

Aside from Newt, however, I loved how close a look I got into the life of this dark but very poor and likeable child, Credence, who is one of the most important characters of the movie. It was also beautiful meeting curious and funny Jacob, sweet and sexy Queenie and lovely and strong Tina again. Not just that, but visiting the American wizarding world again was a fantastic experience. I could imagine everything so perfectly and it felt good to go back.

As always, with any magical world book by Queen Rowling, I find myself incapable of doing her writing and storytelling justice, so I will leave it up to you to buy a copy, read and devour the screenplay of which we have the privilege of reading.

Buy the book: AMAZON

Review- Kiss Of Snow by Nalini Singh

Summary-

Since the moment of her defection from the PsyNet and into the SnowDancer wolf pack, Sienna Lauren has had one weakness. Hawke. Alpha and dangerous, he compels her to madness.

Hawke is used to walking alone, having lost the woman who would’ve been his mate long ago. But Sienna fascinates the primal heart of him, even as he tells himself she is far too young to handle the wild fury of the wolf.

Then Sienna changes the rules and suddenly, there is no more distance, only the most intimate of battles between two people who were never meant to meet. Yet as they strip away each other’s secrets in a storm of raw emotion, they must also ready themselves for a far more vicious fight…

A deadly enemy is out to destroy SnowDancer, striking at everything they hold dear, but it is Sienna’s darkest secret that may yet savage the pack that is her home…and the alpha who is its heartbeat…

Release date: May 31st 2011

Published by: Gollancz

Page numbers: 432

Review-

I LOVE Hawke. I've loved him since we met him in the first book and I was waiting for his book since I finished reading the first book in the psy-changeling series by Nalini Singh. So, obviously my expectations of Kiss of Snow were super high. I am SO happy that Nalini Singh met and exceeded my expectations. I loved Kiss of Snow.

Let's start with Hawke. He is the lone alpha. Hawke has lost his mate when he was a child and he never expects to mate again. The only thing he did not see coming in his life was Sienna Lauren. I loved how possessive and protective Hawke was. He tries so hard to resist Sienna because of their age difference but there is something pulling them together.

Then there's Sienna. When we'd first met her in the previous books I wasn't completely sure about her. She was young, still is in this book and I couldn't picture Hawke and Sienna together. But they were amazing. Sienna blew me away with her feelings for Hawke and the pack. I came to love and respect her and she was perfect for Hawke.

The romance, the chemistry, every single thing in this book was hot. Hawke was HOT. Hawke and Sienna had a playfulness in their relationship which each had lost before. I loved seeing Sienna fight for more with Hawke and Hawke finally giving in. When that man falls, he falls hard.

We get a beautiful side story of Lara and Walker. With the SnowDancers we even get glimpses of what's happening with Luc and Sascha and the DarkRiver pack. Kiss of Snow has an amazing climax and things have just gotten better. This is easily one of my favorite books in the series. If there is any doubt in your mind about starting this series, ignore it because Nalini Singh is awesome!

Review- Archangel's Legion by Nalini Singh

Summary-

Nalini Singh, the New York Times bestselling “alpha author of paranormal romance” (Booklist) returns to an immortal world of violent passion and lethal power…on the brink of a deadly archangelic war.

Angels are falling from the sky in New York, struck down by a vicious, unknown force.

Vampires are dying impossibly of disease.

Guild hunter Elena Deveraux and the Archangel Raphael must discover the source of the wave of death before it engulfs their city and their people, leaving New York a ruin and Raphael’s Tower under siege by enemy archangels.

Yet even as they fight desperately to save the city, an even darker force is stirring, its chill eyes trained on New York…and on Raphael. Rivers of crimson and nightmares given flesh, the world will never again be the same…

Release date: October 29th, 2013

Published by: Jove

Page numbers: 374

Review-

I was really excited to get started on Archangel's Legion and to get back to Raphael and Elena. They are the back bone of this series and where we last left off with them they still had issues to overcome. Archangel's Legion started off a bit shaky as I could not find a solid plot to it. But never doubt Nalini Singh! As we got into the book things started falling in place.

Elena and Raphael are still going strong but there are always new obstacles coming their way and they have to deal with them. There are vampires dying of disease all around New York and Elena and Raphael have to find out the reason behind it. It looks like someone is trying to cause chaos in Raphael's territory.

I still loved Elena in this book. Elena and Raphael's bond is strong but we do see Elena's insecurities come out at times. But it made her all the more easy to relate to after she's been strong for so long with her immortality. We also see Raphael gain new powers. There were a ton of unknowns in this book and Raphael and Elena had to be strong through it.

There are a lot of changes taking place in their world because of the occurrence of the Cascade. I found the whole concept of the Cascade really interesting and I can't wait to see how Nalini Singh takes it forward. Archangel's Legion also had a good balance of action and romance and I love how we got to see how everyone was doing. 

We get a lot of Illium, Aodhan, Jason, Dmitri and Naasir in this one. I am SO intrigued by Naasir and what he really is. We get to see how strong the bonds which tie Raphael's Seven are in time of need. I am also very curious to see about the Legion. Archangel's Legion was a great installment to this fantastic series.

Review- A Light Amongst Shadows by Kelley York and Rowan Altwood

A Light Amongst Shadows on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

James Spencer is hardly the typical “troubled youth” who ends up at Whisperwood School for Boys. Instead of hating the strict schedules and tight oversight by staff, James blossoms, quickly making friends and indulging in his love of writing, while contemplating the merits of sneaking love poems to the elusive and aloof William Esher.

The rumours about William’s sexuality and opium reliance are prime gossip material amongst the third years. Rumours that only further pique James' curiosity to uncover what William is really like beneath all that emotional armor. And, when the normally collected William stumbles in one night, shaken and ranting of ghosts... James is the only one who believes him.

James himself has heard the nails dragging down his bedroom door and the sobs echoing in the halls at night. He knows others have, too, even if no one will admit it. The staff refuses to entertain such ridiculous tales, and punishment awaits anyone who brings it up.

Their fervent denial and the disappearance of students only furthers James’s determination to find out what secrets Whisperwood is hiding... Especially if it means keeping William and himself from becoming the next victims. 

Release date: June 1st 2018

Published by: x-potion designs

Page numbers: 

REVIEW: 

In case you did not know, I am a huge, huge, huge fan of Kelley York. She is one of my favourite authors, who has given me some of my favourite reads like Hushed and Made of Stars. I missed her collaboration with her wife, Rowan Altwood the last time when they wrote Other Breakable Things, so when I heard about A Light Amongst Shadows, I was super excited to read it. I was also so glad to be finally reading something by Rowan Altwood, and it was truly worth the wait. 

A Light Amongst Shadows started out as a very magical book as it reminded me of Hogwarts with the grand description of the boys school, Whisperwood. Discovering the school with the protagonist James was incredible because with time, I formed a bond with him. Going to the dining hall from the dorms to the secret tunnels, the graveyard and the forest was an adventure and I literally felt as if I was there with James. 

James was a very typical Kelley York character who I loved. He had a dark past and he worked hard towards a bright future. His friendship with Oscar, his roommate, reminded me so much of previous friendships Kelley has written about. And his relationship with William was incredibly well done. For two boys to be so comfortable and confident with and about each other at a time when such stuff was out of the question, was magnificent to see. 

The story of A Light Amongst Shadows revolves around James and his extremely sharp mind which starts discovering really odd stuff at the school. He takes it in his hands to find out exactly what happened to his roommate when he disappears one day. I would have liked to know more about the whys behind the discovery that James makes at the end, but the how of it was sad but satisfactory. I also found the story to be slightly slow in terms of pace, but it was something I could pass as I didn't want the book to end anyway. 

Overall, A Light Amongst Shadows came as a pleasant surprise because it's very different from what I'm normally used to from Kelley York. There is no doubt that she does LGBTQ really well, but now I know that she does historical really well, as well. So when the two came together here, it was a win win situation. I would definitely recommend this one, but if you are a regular Kelley York reader like me, this isn't like the author's previous works, so just be prepared for that. 

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the Kelly York in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

Buy the book: AMAZON (IN)

Review- Shield of Winter by Nalini Singh

Summary-

Assassin. Soldier. Arrow. That is who Vasic is, who he will always be. His soul drenched in blood, his conscience heavy with the weight of all he’s done, he exists in the shadows, far from the hope his people can almost touch—if only they do not first drown in the murderous insanity of a lethal contagion. To stop the wave of death, Vasic must complete the simplest and most difficult mission of his life. 

For if the Psy race is to survive, the empaths must wake…

Having rebuilt her life after medical “treatment” that violated her mind and sought to stifle her abilities, Ivy should have run from the black-clad Arrow with eyes of winter frost. But Ivy Jane has never done what she should. Now, she'll fight for her people, and for this Arrow who stands as her living shield, yet believes he is beyond redemption. But as the world turns to screaming crimson, even Ivy’s fierce will may not be enough to save Vasic from the cold darkness…

Release date: June 3rd, 2015

Published by: Berkley

Page numbers: 431

Review-

I had been waiting for the release of Shield of Winter from a looong time. That may be due to the fact that I devoured the entire series in one go last year. But anyways, Vasic seemed to be standing on the edge so I was eager for his story. Shield of Winter certainly did not disappoint me. I loved it!

Before getting into the story, I'd like to say that it is of vital importance to read the previous books. Things are explained well but there are many story arcs and I think knowing the background makes for a better read. Vasic is an Arrow. Arrows are cold blooded soldiers and because of this Vasic thinks that the crimes he has committed are irrevocable. 

I loved Vasic. He has strong but he really felt that he was undeserving of anything good and pure. His story was frankly heartbreaking and I'm so glad he found Ivy. Ivy, is an empath. Her kind has been destroyed but now the psy need their help to survive. I also really liked Ivy. She was the warmth and sunshine which Vasic needed. She was a bit pushy at times but I think Vasic needed that to overcome his insecurities.

The romance between Vasic and Ivy wasn't as swoon worthy as some of the previous books. But I may feel that way because I have solid favorites, beyond compare in this series. They know they have a connection but they take their time acting on it. It was kinda a slow burn and things only progress a bit later in the book.

I also loved the fact that we got to see Luc and Hawke with their better halves. Kaleb and Sahara were a pleasure to watch and the conversation between Judd and Vasic was hilarious! The one person who captured my attention though was Aden. Aden and Vasic's bond was amazing and I really hope we get his book next. This book was full of details and changes happening in the psy-changeling world. Nalini Singh consistently writes awesome books and Shield of Winter was just that. Go read this series!

Review- Archangel's Viper by Nalini Singh

Summary-

Enter New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s breathtakingly passionate Guild Hunter world with the story of a woman who isn’t a vampire or an angel…or human…

Once a broken girl known as Sorrow, Holly Chang now prowls the shadowy gray underground of the city for the angels. But it’s not her winged allies who make her a wanted woman—it’s the unknown power coursing through her veins. Brutalized by an insane archangel, she was left with the bloodlust of a vampire, the ability to mesmerize her prey, and a poisonous bite.

Now, someone has put a bounty on her head…

Venom is one of the Seven, Archangel Raphael’s private guard, and he’s as infuriating as he is seductive. A centuries-old vampire, his fangs dispense a poison deadlier than Holly’s. But even if Venom can protect Holly from those hunting her, he might not be able to save himself—because the strange, violent power inside Holly is awakening…

No one is safe. 

Release date: September 26th, 2017

Published by: Berkley

Page numbers: 400

Review-

Archangel's Viper by Nalini Singh is the tenth book in her Guild Hunter series. I LOVE Nalini Singh and I am completely obsessed with her writing and the fabulous worlds she creates. Finally, in Archangel's Viper we get the much awaited Venom's story. Now before I dive in to the review I'd just like to point out that this is a series and should be read in order. I guess you could read it out of order if you wanted to but there are too many connected threads and recurring characters. The vast dynamics of this world would be best enjoyed in order. 

Now let's start with Holly. Holly Chang is our heroine. We know from the previous books that she has been through a lot. More than any near immortal should have to go through. Now someone has a bounty on her head and she can't control the voice in her head. Holly needs Venom's help if she wants to get through this. I really admired Holly. She was a strong heroine though she was young and inexperienced in the immortal world.

Then we have Venom. The vampire who is a mix of vipers and cobras and who always comes off as coolly sophisticated. I love Venom. There was so much history to his character and the bond he shared with the remaining Raphael's Seven was unbreakable. Venom tried so hard not to let Holly get under his skin but he failed time and time again. Holly made him feel things he didn't want to and soon he was falling hard for her.

I loved Holly and Venom together. They were a compatible pair even if it did not look like it on the surface. I have to say that the romance in this book was significantly less as compared to other Nalini Singh books. These two definitely took their time with each other. Also, with the amount of unknown variables in their situation it was easy to see that they had to concentrate on other things too. 

I loved seeing the rest of the gang. Dimitri and Honor were amazing as always and so were Ashwini and Janvier. We got some glimpses of Illium as well and I just want to know if the Aodhan-Illium ship will sail or no. While reading I did want more romance but Venom and Holly had their own way of caring for each other. Nalini Singh's writing is impeccable as usual and it never fails to remind me why I love her books so much. So even though Archangel's Viper was not my favourite in the series it was still a really good read.

*Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. We thank them.

Review- Marly's Ghost by David Levithan

Marly's Ghost on Goodreads

 BOOK SUMMARY:

Love and I once had a great relationship, but I fear we've broken up. It cheated on me.

When Ben’s girlfriend, Marly, dies, he feels his life is over and the prospect of Valentine’s day without her fills him with bitterness. But then Marly arrives – or at least, her ghost does – along with three other spirits. Now Ben must take a journey through Valentines past, present and future – and what he learns will change him forever.

A remix of Charles Dicksons's A Christmas Carol with a Valentine's twist and the Levithan magic.

Release date: January 8th 2015

Published by: Electric Monkey

Page numbers: 176

REVIEW: 

I literally go mad when I see David Levithan books in Indian bookstores and whenever that happens, I just have to buy the books. That's how I came across Marly's Ghost, which, very shockingly and disappointingly, I hadn't even heard of until I saw it and just couldn't resist purchasing a copy for myself. When I released that the book was less than 200 pages long or short, I decided to give it a go.

In its essence, Marly's Ghost is a very David Levithan-esque book, and by that I mean that it portrays very complicated and deep but daily thoughts in a very simple manner. When Ben's girlfriend Marly dies, her ghost pays him a visit followed by three more spirits who end up teaching Ben practically everything he needs to know to move on. Like every male character by the author, Ben was also very cool, smart and extremely likeable.

While I did really like this short, simple and stunning book, I have to admit that I do have some mixed feelings about it, because I wish it were longer and I also wish it were more complex. I'm not saying that the book wasn't great, because it was, but I just wish it gave me more. Other than that, however, the story was very intriguing and unique, which I thoroughly admire.

Overall, Marly's Ghost is a nice read for young readers. It definitely doesn't live up to the other books by King Levithan, but it still managed to leave an imprint on my heart because of the very lovely and clean message that it came with. And as usual, the writing made the book and the story more stunning.

Buy the book: AMAZON

Review- Archangel's Storm by Nalini Singh

Summary-

Enter New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s darkly beautiful world of archangels and immortal power, as a pact is sealed between two souls bound by blood, stirred by desire, and driven by vengeance…

With wings of midnight and an affinity for shadows, Jason courts darkness. But now, with the Archangel Neha’s consort lying murdered in the jewel-studded palace that was his prison and her rage threatening cataclysmic devastation, Jason steps into the light, knowing he must unearth the murderer before it is too late.

Earning Neha’s trust comes at a price—Jason must tie himself to her bloodline through the Princess Mahiya, a woman with secrets so dangerous, she trusts no one. Least of all an enemy spymaster.

With only their relentless hunt for a violent, intelligent killer to unite them, Jason and Mahiya embark on a quest that leads to a centuries-old nightmare… and to the dark storm of an unexpected passion that threatens to drench them both in blood.

Release date: September 4th, 2012

Published by: Berkley

Page numbers: 337

Review-

After absolutely loving Archangel's Blade I went right to Archangel's Storm. Jason with his facial tattoos has always been a mystery so I was really curious about him. Also seeing that the book was set in India I was even more intrigued and I admit I may be a little biased here. But none the less Archangel's Storm turned out to be a stunningly unique book for me.

Jason is Raphael's spy master. He always stays in the shadows with his wings of black. When Archangel Neha's consort is found dead Jason steps in to unearth the murderer but before that he must tie himself to Princess Mahiya with a blood bond. I loved Jason! Unlike any other heroes he was quiet one, not wanting any attention on himself. He had a lot of issues which no one knew about but his strength was undoubted.

Then we have Mahiya. At first I just could not get a read on Mahiya if she was good or bad. She came off as meek but we soon find out she has a core of steel. Not everyone is an out and out warrior like Elena and I so appreciated seeing a completely different yet just as strong of a heroine in Mahiya. Mahiya has intentions of her own and when you see how hard she's been fighting just to survive you can't help but like her.

Jason and Mahiya's romance was slow burn at the best. You need to have patience while reading this book for their chemistry to grow and build. But I loved every second of it. Both Jason and Mahiya were not people who trusted easily and it was a pleasure seeing them learn about each other. The bond they form is with a quiet strength and intensity.

We also get to see a lot of Venom in this book and I am highly curious about him after reading his bits in Archangel's Storm. I also loved how seamlessly Nalini Singh incorporated the Indian culture in the book. Archangel's Storm was an amazing and unique installment to the series and I loved it.

Review- Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater

 BOOK SUMMARY:

A standalone companion book to the internationally bestselling Shiver Trilogy. 

Sinner follows Cole St. Clair, a pivotal character from the #1 New York Times bestselling Shiver Trilogy. Everybody thinks they know Cole's story. Stardom. Addiction. Downfall. Disappearance. But only a few people know Cole's darkest secret -- his ability to shift into a wolf. One of these people is Isabel. At one point, they may have even loved each other. But that feels like a lifetime ago. Now Cole is back. Back in the spotlight. Back in the danger zone. Back in Isabel's life. Can this sinner be saved?

Release date: July 1st 2014

Published by: Scholastic Press

Page numbers: 357

REVIEW: 

I was extremely excited to read Sinner from the moment I saw that Maggie Stiefvater was writing a story for Cole St. Clair. I absolutely love her The Wolves of Mercy Falls series. I read the books at a time when I didn't write reviews, so I will take the opportunity to say now what I couldn't at that time. Although I barely remember much, what I do remember is that this series had me absolutely, completely and totally engrossed. I didn't just read it, but I lived it. I felt so much while reading it. The powerful impact of the author's writing made me fall in love with the characters and the story and The Wolves of Mercy Falls is undoubtedly at the top of my most favourite Young Adult paranormal reads list. So it was but obvious that I was eager for Sinner and I had high expectations from it. 

While Sinner didn't live up to the first three books of the series, in its own way, it was a great read. Maggie promises on Goodreads that the book is "very full of Cole and Isabel" and obviously, she knows what she's saying and she's absolutely right. From the first page to the last, this story is about that destructive, unimaginable and almost I-hate-that-I-love-you pairing. We met a bunch of people before, but this book only focuses on two individuals. Of course there are other people involved and they were all lovely in their own way. Also, in a way, they were all needed to make Cole and Isabel realise that they were, in fact, contrary to thier own belief, meant to be. 

I was slightly disappointed with Sinner since- and I can say this on the part of the many fans of The Wolves of Mercy Falls series- it didn't make me feel what the series made me feel. I wasn't into it, you know? The writing wasn't as magical and poetic as it was before but yes, it's Maggie and she writes beautifully. It's just that it wasn't as beautiful as what I've read previously from her. Also, I found myself getting frustrated with Isabel more times than one. My simple point was if she's so intent on being indifferent, there was no need to care even the slightest bit. And if she did care, then she could have done it without pretending to be indifferent. Another thing was the epilogue. For me, an epilogue provides a kind of a closure- if not to the characters, then to the story at least- but clearly, this epilogue left me wondering what even happened there. It all ends well, yes, but I didn't "get" the epilogue. 

What I did love about the book was Cole. It was all about Cole and I loved every bit of it. He is fighting a battle between his past and present to make his future and it was portrayed beautifully. Isabel wasn't always with him, but when the two were together, they made for a fire-crackling pair. While there are quite a few aspects that get a bold and bright tick from me, there are also many aspects that get a simple and straight cross. My loyalty to the series and Cole St. Clair are the two things that have made me wrap up and say that Sinner was a great read, although not all that great. 

Buy the book: AMAZON

Review- Every Day and Six Earlier Days by David Levithan

Every Day (Every Day #1) on Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.
There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

Release date: August 28th 2012

Published by: Knopf Books for Young Readers 

Page numbers: 322 

REVIEW:

After reading almost half a dozen books by David Levithan, I can finally identify and make out the author's writing style. Every book he writes is so unique, creative and astounding that it seems like it's a different person writing each time. Every Day was no exception. Once again, David Levithan has proved that he is the most brilliant contemporary writer of our times. And this time, he has shown that he is brilliant even when he deviates from contemporaries. He doesn't just write. He creates magic. Author Jodi Picoult is so right in her blurb for the book where she says that she didn't just read Every Day- she inhaled it. 

A book like Every Day is difficult to explain. It's easy to read. Easy to understand. Easy to follow Easy to live. But very difficult to explain. Reading this book was an experience that I wish to experience every time I read a book, but that's not possible. Because the magic that David Levithan creates is unparalleled and unbelievable. He goes so deep in the head of his characters that they start to seem more real than the author himself. He doesn't just create characters- he becomes them, and in becoming them, he takes the reader along and the reader becomes the character too. And that is truly special. 

I don't want to say that I was lost in Every Day. I want to say that I was found in it. I was left speechless by the end of it, and all I managed to get out was a silent but heartfelt wow once I closed it. It was so special and interesting to read about a new individual, a new personality, a new body, a new life but the same head. Every time. It never ceased to amaze me how intimate and magical it was. I thought I was reading this book because it as so well written and so well made, and it was only after I was done reading it that I realised that there's so much more to it than just that. It's a book that connects and touches people because one of the lives portrayed in the book could very well be the reader's life. 

Buy the book: AMAZON (IN) / FLIPKART

***

Six Earlier Days (Every Day #0.5) on Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

In Every Day, New York Times bestselling author David Levithan presented readers with his most ambitious novel to date: Every morning, A wakes up in a different body and leads a different life. A must never get too attached, must never be noticed, must never interfere. 

The novel Every Day starts on Day 5994 of A’s life. In this digital-only collection Six Earlier Days, Levithan gives readers a glimpse at a handful of the other 5993 stories yet to be told that inform how A navigates the complexities of a life lived anew each day. 

In Every Day, readers discover if you can truly love someone who is destined to change every day. In Six Earlier Days, readers will discover a little bit more about how A became that someone.

Fans of Levithan’s books such as Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist, co-written with Rachel Cohn, and Will Grayson, Will Grayson, co-written with John Green, will not want to miss A’s adventures in Every Day and Six Earlier Days.

Release date: November 26th 2012

Published by: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Page numbers: 47 (ebook)

REVIEW:

The edition of Every Day that I read came with Six Days Earlier, a prequel that has six chapters. I read the prequel before starting the book, so it gave me a glimpse into Every Day and the very unique and special life of A. It also helped me in knowing what was in store for me in the first book of the series. While on the one hand, Six Days Earlier was really nice; on the other hand, I do believe that it was slightly unnecessary, especially if I were to read it after Every Day, because the first time was sufficient. More than sufficient, it was enough. And it was breathtaking in every way possible. Giving me six chapters is great- I'll take it, but I'd rather start from Day 1 and never stop reading about A, because he is that intriguing, exciting, special, magical and unique. To sum it all up, if you are giving me more, I want everything, David Levithan; and not just peeks, I want the whole damn life of A. 

Review- The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Summary-

Mara Dyer wants to believe there's more to the lies she’s been told.
There is.

She doesn’t stop to think about where her quest for the truth might lead.
She should.

She never had to imagine how far she would go for vengeance.
She will now.

Loyalties are betrayed, guilt and innocence tangle, and fate and chance collide in this shocking conclusion to Mara Dyer’s story.

Retribution has arrived.

Review-

Finally, I got to The Retribution of Mara Dyer. I was desperately waiting to get all the answers to the questions and the situation which had come up during the course of the series. And we do get them. But while I was expecting to be blown out of mind, it did not happen. Retribution was a very good read, just not amazing. 

Mara is stuck on the Island with things looking as bleak as they can get. She has to find a way out and find Noah. The book starts off really creepy and intense. Things get bloody and gory but Mara has to fight through it to get to the one person who matters the most to her. I liked seeing Mara going through things alone with only Jamie ans Stella but I missed Noah. 

We get to see what is happening with Noah after around 70% which was a LONG time for a central character to be missing, I felt that things were a bit dragged during the first half of the book and things weren't moving as speedily as expected. Yes, the backstory which was happening to Mara's grandmother was interesting but I wanted thing to go faster in the present.

The redeeming thing about having to wait for Noah to appear was that we get his point of view for the last 30%. The love Noah and Mara share is close to obsessive but it is real. They would do anything for each other and their loved ones. I was so happy we got a scene which clearly depicts the book cover.

Another finally we get to see is when Noah and Mara get together. Those few pages were some of the most beautiful pages in the entire trilogy. Most of the things get cleared up and we finally do get a satisfying end to the series. Though I did wish things weren't so botched up between Mara and her family. I really enjoyed The Retribution of Mara Dyer.

Review- Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh

Summary-

The severed head marked by a distinctive tattoo on its cheek should have been a Guild case, but dark instincts honed over hundreds of years of life compel the vampire Dmitri to take control. There is something twisted about this death, something that whispers of centuries long past...but Dmitri's need to discover the truth is nothing to the vicious strength of his response to the hunter assigned to decipher the tattoo.

Savaged in a brutal attack that almost killed her, Honor is nowhere near ready to come face to face with the seductive vampire who is an archangel's right hand, and who wears his cruelty as boldly as his lethal sensuality...the same vampire who has been her secret obsession since the day she was old enough to understand the inexplicable, violent emotions he aroused in her.

As desire turns into a dangerous compulsion that might destroy them both, it becomes clear the past will not stay buried. Something is hunting...and it will not stop until it brings a blood-soaked nightmare to life once more...

Review-

I was really excited to read Archangel's Blade because it was about Dmitri and Honor. After reading three books back to back about Raphael and Elena I wanted a change and I definitely got it. Archangel's Blade was an amazing read. Whatever you thought before about Dmitri completely changes when you find out his history and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

So as I previously said I was not a huge Dmitri fan even though I tried really hard to like him. He was super mean to Elena at times taunting her so I had no expectations of him. He was still the same guy in this book but we find out the reasons behind his behavior. I also started appreciating the fact that Dmitri was completely unapologetic in his arrogance and straight forwardness. My heart completely broke for him when we found out his past.

Now Honor I really liked since the beginning of the book. She is a survivor in the true sense of the word. After going through a brutal attack all she wants to do is move on with her life and in no way is she prepared for the likes of a vampire, especially Dmitri. Honor makes you understand what she is going through but never once do you feel pity for this strong woman. That was the best part about Honor.

Honor and Dmitri really do have sizzling chemistry. There are sparks flying all around when they are in the same room but they actually get together much later in the book. I also loved the angst in the book. There was a lot of pain and anger but seeing Dmitri and Honor fight through it made it worth it.

Nalini Singh is a fabulous writer and I loved how she intertwined Honor and Dmitri's past with the present murders wrecking New York. This book had a lot of focus on Dmitri and Honor as they had a hell lot to tell but we also get a few glimpses of our favorites. I loved Archangel's Blade.