Book Recap: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Cover Inspection:
It doesn't matter what the cover looks like.
This book is fantastic everyone should read it!

SUMMARY (book description based on GoodReads):

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.
Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.
Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

BOOK REPORT CARD:

Cover	3.0
Plot	4.0
Writing	4.0
Characters	4.0
Ending	4.0
Overall Rating	4.0 Excellent (97% to 100%) * highest rating possible is 4.0

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Book Recap: Wither by Lauren deStefano

Cover Inspection:
Very beautiful!

SUMMARY (book description based on GoodReads):
Obviously, something went terribly wrong. Genetic mutations have festered, reducing human longevity to twenty-five, even less for most women. To prevent extinction, young girls are kidnapped, mated in polygamous marriages with men eager to procreate. Sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery, a recent victim of this breeding farm mentality, has vowed to break loose from its fetters; but finding allies and a safe way out is a challenge she can only hope she will survive. A dystopian fantasy series starter with wings. Editor's recommendation.

BOOK REPORT CARD:

Cover	3.5
Plot	3.0
Writing	3.0
Characters	2.5
Ending	3.5
Overall Rating	3.0 Very Good! (89% to 92%) * highest rating possible is 4.0

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Book Recap: Light of Asteria by Elizabeth Isaacs

Cover Inspection:
Fitting. I think it symbolizes Gavin and Nora's love
like in the story itself.

SUMMARY (book description based on GoodReads):

If Nora Johnson hadn't been on campus that day she would have never known her true destiny. Helping her friends move into the dorm that she wanted to call home, Nora accidentally collides with mysterious stranger, Gavin Frey. His very first touch sends flames through her heart. The world seems different-something within her has changed. She tries to resume her mundane life, but she is now consumed with the one whose very presence ignited her soul, the one with eyes of emerald. Nora soon learns that an energy buried deep within has been unleashed. She now wields unimaginable power and has become Gavin's source, his strength. Her newfound joy is shaken when she discovers that Gavin is not who he appears to be and she has been thrust in the middle of a war of mythical proportions. Negativity allows all things evil to flourish, the earth is under siege. The fate of creation hinges on the power within her heart. Will she be strong enough to survive? A gripping tale of unbounded love and ancient power, The Light of Asteria will take you on an epic adventure filled with war, treachery, and demons, as well as unimaginable delights.

BOOK REPORT CARD:

Cover	3.0
Plot	3.0
Writing	3.0
Characters	3.0
Ending	3.5
Overall Rating	3.0 Very Good! (89% to 92%) * highest rating possible is 4.0

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Book Recap: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Cover Inspection:
This cover is one of those that are simple
beautiful at the same time.

SUMMARY (book description based on GoodReads):
Grace and Sam share a kinship so close they could be lovers or siblings. But they also share a problem. When the temperature slips towards freezing, Sam reverts to his wolf identity and must retreat into the woods to protect his pack. He worries that eventually his human side will fade away and he will be left howling alone at the lonely moon. A stirring supernatural teen romance.

BOOK REPORT CARD:

Cover	3.0
Plot	3.5
Writing	3.5
Characters	3.5
Ending	3.5
Overall Rating	3.5 Superior! (93% to 96%) * highest rating possible is 4.0

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Book Recap: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Cover Inspection:
Okay... so whats's the connection with the story?

SUMMARY (book description based on GoodReads):
Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.
The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.
The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.
Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

BOOK REPORT CARD:

Cover	3.0
Plot	3.0
Writing	3.5
Characters	3.0
Ending	3.0
Overall Rating	3.0 Very Good! (89% to 92%) * highest rating possible is 4.0

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Book Recap: Tiger's Voyage by Colleen Houck

Cover Inspection:
I am a little bit disappointed as there are no tigers in the cover!

SUMMARY (book description based on GoodReads):
In the third installment of the Tiger series, Kelsey Hayes pushes through the pain of lost love and strengthens her friendship with Kishan. Despite his strong feelings for her, Kishan has agreed to be her ally in helping her reunite with the man she still loves. Together, they seek to help Ren regain his memory and begin the search for the third magical gift—an object of power that will help break the curse that causes them to live part of their lives as tigers.
They board a luxury yacht and seek Durga's aid once again, who supplies them with her golden weapons. With Nilima, Mr. Kadam, Ren, and Kishan at her side, she soon learns that the task ahead will be even more difficult than the others. Confronting a dark magician, multiple dragons, and terrifying denizens of the deep seems easy when compared to facing the daunting task of stitching up her heart. Just when she thinks she's ready to set her feet on a new path, she is yanked back with a jolt to the one she's determined to leave behind.
The jarring tug-of-war that ensues for Kelsey's heart leaves her anxious and confused. Combined with the stress of almost being killed every other day, it would appear that saving the tigers is almost more than she can handle. Still, she presses on, knowing that a choice is looming on the horizon. One she cannot put off making for long.
Tiger's Voyage is an irresistible romance with a barrage of action on the high seas, where a reader will find a treasure chest full of dragons, sea monsters, knights in shining armor, fabled weapons, and enduring love. The tropic waters of India create the backdrop for the latest installment in the tiger series. This novel, a multicultural take on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, delves into the complex emotional turmoil and pressure associated with not only making the best choice for a nation but also the best choice for yourself.

BOOK REPORT CARD:

Cover	3.0
Plot	3.0
Writing	3.5
Characters	3.0
Ending	3.0
Overall Rating	3.0 Very Good! (89% to 92%) * highest rating possible is 4.0

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Book Recap: Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

Cover Inspection:
Don't you just love the mask?
Like Laini Taylor's writing,
the book cover is beautiful.

SUMMARY (book description based on GoodReads):

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.
In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.
And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.
Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.
When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

BOOK REPORT CARD:

Cover	3.0
Plot	2.5
Writing	3.5
Characters	3.0
Ending	2.5
Overall Rating	3.0 Very Good! (89% to 92%) * highest rating possible is 4.0

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Book Recap: Fateful by Claudia Gray

Cover Inspection:
This is the cover I got.
I think it's boring and similar to the covers of the Evernight series.
I found there is another  design, but not available where I live. 

SUMMARY (book description based on GoodReads):

In Fateful, eighteen-year-old maid Tess Davies is determined to escape the wealthy, overbearing family she works for. Once the ship they’re sailing on reaches the United States, she’ll strike out on her own. Then she meets Alec, a handsome first-class passenger who captivates her instantly. But Alec has secrets....

Soon Tess will learn just how dark Alec’s past truly is. The danger they face is no ordinary enemy: werewolves are real and they’re stalking him—and now Tess, too. Her growing love for Alec will put Tess in mortal peril, and fate will do the same before their journey on the Titanic is over.

Featuring the opulent backdrop of the Titanic, Fateful’s publication is poised to coincide with the 100-year anniversary of the ship’s doomed maiden voyage. It is sure to be a hit among Titanic buffs and fans of paranormal romance alike.

BOOK REPORT CARD:

Cover	2.5
Plot	3.5
Writing	3.5
Characters	3.0
Ending	3.0
Overall Rating	3.0 Very Good! (89% to 92%) * highest rating possible is 4.0

LOCATION/SETTING:
The story takes place during the first and that last voyage of that unsinkable ship Titanic in the year 1912.

MAIN CHARACTERS:
The story is narrated by Tess Davies. Tess is a maidservant of Viscount Lisle's family. Physically, she describes herself as an English Rose - pale skin, pink cheeks, and fair curls. Throughout the book, she was very conscious of her low social status. However, this did not deter her from aspiring for more in life. She firmly believes that her life will improve as she is strong-willed, brave, and intelligent.

WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT:
** spoilers ** The story opens in Southampton, England, where the Titanic was docked before sailing across the Atlantic to New York. Tess Davies, the maidservant of the Lisle family. The family is going to New York dragging Tess along. Tess is quite excited as this gives her a chance to start anew in America after she quits her job as a maidservant. While running an errand, she was caught eavesdropping by a man, a Russian noble named Mikhail. Mikhail stalked her incessantly like its the end of the world. Then a mysterious, and yes, handsome man saved her from her stalker, but the two parted ways as her mystery man asked her to leave him. Tess was then asked to bring a box to the ship's first class suites for the Lisle family when she again caught the attention of Mikhail. Tess found out that Mikhail was a first class passenger at the Titanic, and he was very, very interested in the box that Tess is carrying, and would stop at nothing to get it. The young man she met earlier appears and saves her again. She later found out that this young man is Alec Marlowe, the son of a steel magnate. She soon found out Alec and Mikhail are werewolves, and that Mikhail wants Alec to be part of The Brotherhood, a dominant group of werewolves and the ruling pack, so they can control Alec and have a share in the Marlowe money. In return, Alec would have the power to control himself in shifting into a werewolf. But Alec refuses to be controlled by anyone. Meanwhile, Tess is falling in love with Alec but is very aware of the gap in society and knows that she cannot expect anything from Alec. But Alec is falling for her too. Now, they must stop Mikhail, and find a way to stay alive and be together as the Titanic is sinks. ** spoilers end **

LOVE:
I love the romance in this book. Tess and Alec are meant to be together, but they are also meant to be apart. There are so many things that point out their differences, but they inevitably fall in love with each other. In many ways, it is similar to Jack and Rose from the movie Titanic. I also love the fact that Tess is so determined to change and improve her status in life. I love that she is independent and do not want to rely on anyone for anything.

NO LOVE:
The book emphasized too much on the differences in social status between the first class passengers and the third class passengers. I felt that everything revolved around this. I am fully aware that that's just the way it was at that point in history, but reading about the differences between rich and poor page after page in a book  can be annoying.

FAVORITE CHARACTER:
I like Tess. Like I said, she is strong-willed, and determined to change her life for the better. Unlike other servants in the Lisle household, she believes that she will not be a maidservant forever. And she's not only dreaming of change, she's actually doing something to achieve this dream.

FAVORITE LINE:

What I feel for Alec - the depth of his desperation - moves me more than logic or caution or any thought of my own safety. Perhaps I should believe it has only made me insane, but down deep, I know: He has made me braver. Stronger. Someone who could do anything.

MUSINGS:
Here's the equation: Titanic + Werewolves + Romance + Claudia Gray's Writing = Fateful. Imagine the movie Titanic, add a paranormal element of shifters, and what you have is this amazing book! The romance is very much like Jack and Rose in the movie, and if you loved the movie, then there is 99.99% chance that you'll love Fateful. Claudia Gray's writing is so smooth and flawless, the pages will fly, and you'll be sinking in Tess and Alec's romance in the RMS Titanic.

DOODLES:

AUTHOR'S WEBSITE:
Claudia Gray

SIMILAR READS:
Nothing like it! Unique combination of the paranormal and the Titanic! Amazing!

CONTENT REVIEW:
profanity: mild
violence: mild
sexual content: mild to moderate (tackles virginity; implied sex scenes)
mature themes: mild to moderate
age recommendation: 14+

Book Recap: Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink

Cover Inspection:
Meh. I like the second one best.
Forget the cover.
READ THE BOOK.

SUMMARY (book description based on GoodReads):
With time dwindling but her will to end the Prophecy stronger than ever, Lia sets out on a journey to find the remaining keys, locate the missing pages of the Prophecy, and convince her sister Alice to help--or risk her life trying. Lia has her beloved Dimitri by her side, but Alice has James, the man who once loved her sister--and maybe still does. James doesn't know the truth about either sister, or the prophecy that divides them. And Alice intends to keep it that way.

There are some secrets sisters aren't meant to share. Because when they do, it destroys them. This stunning conclusion to Michelle Zink's Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy will make saying good-bye bittersweet for readers.

BOOK REPORT CARD:

Cover	2.5
Plot	3.5
Writing	4.0
Characters	3.5
Ending	3.5
Overall Rating	3.5 Superior! (93% to 96%) * highest rating possible is 4.0

LOCATION/SETTING:

Lia's story continues and it takes place  in London initially. However, there were parts in the book where the characters travel to neighboring places, the final destination being Avebury. In Avebury, Lia hopes to ends the prophecy.

MAIN CHARACTERS:

Lia is still the center of the story. However, in this book, Lia is not quite the same. The book presents her darker side. Here, she is alienating herself from her friends, has serious trust issues, and is a little bit on the wild side, sometimes to Dimitri's enjoyment. There is a completely different Lia from the first and second book. But, Dimitri is still the same as in Book 2 - protective and supportive of Lia. Only this time, more romantic and... hornier. I is obvious that he feels so much for Lia, and we see here that he is completely devoted to her. As to Alice, I have to say I am surprised to see her human side - her sisterly side.

WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT:

** spoilers ** The time is ticking, and Lia must find the remaining key. She does, and it happens unexpectedly. The only thing remaining is for Lia to convince Alice to close the gate. Alice declines saying that all her life, she has devoted herself to the cause of the souls and Samael, and then wishes Lia all the luck in the world. Without Alice, Lia will not be able to close the gate. She felt hopeless and can sense already her impending doom. However, she must try close the gate while she is still in full possession and control of her soul. She feels that as time goes by, she will eventually give in to Samael. Hence, Lia's little group travel to Avebury in the attempt to close the gate to Samael, thus ending the prophecy once and for all. All that, and her burgeoning darkness are what is placed on Lia's shoulders in the story. Here, we see that the souls are slowly eating Lia up. Although she is strong, we see her weakness and darkness that we have never seen before in the first two books. It's probably safe to say that she is her own worst enemy. Good thing that Dimitri is by her side; he is the one thing that keeps Lia sane. Their relationship is taken to the next level in this book, both emotionally and physically. ** spoilers end **

LOVE:
I love how Michelle Zink writes. Her storytelling prowess just amazes me. While reading the series, I was taken  to Lia's world by her descriptions. The dialogue fits the time period, but is easy enough for the book to be a quick read. I love Lia and Dimitri's relationship. Although their scenes in this book are mostly fueled by their hormones, I could really feel Dimitri's despair knowing that there is a big possibility that he might lose the one person that he wishes to spend forever with.

NO LOVE:
I hate that this is the last book in the series. Truly, I am saddened that this series ends with this book. I read it very slowly because I just didn't want to reach the conclusion.

FAVORITE CHARACTER:
Dimitri. As opposed to all the other YA book boyfriends, Dimitri is mature. I don't really know how old he is (he is probably a few years older than Lia), but to me, he doesn't act like a teenager. He is already man. In this book, I feel that he is indeed serious in wanting to spend the rest of his life with Lia. It's just too bad that Lia is doomed. Nevertheless, he continues to be at her side, being there when Lia needs him, and making the most of what time they have left together.

FAVORITE LINE:

One must never be a prisoner to fear.

MUSINGS:
From book one to this final book, I have to say that the hotness meter rose from zero to hero. In book one, there was barely any kissing scenes. In book two, there were a few sweet and tender kisses. In book three, it got so hot you would need to take a shower after.

DOODLES:

AUTHOR'S WEBSITE:
Michelle Zink

SIMILAR READS:
Great & Terrible Beauty Trilogy by Libba Bray

CONTENT REVIEW:
profanity: mild
violence: mild
sexual content: moderate
mature themes: mild
age recommendation: 14+

Book Recap: Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink

Cover Inspection:
I like the cover. It's a development from the statues
that was on the cover of book 1.

SUMMARY (book description based on GoodReads):

The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for a way to end the prophecy, her twin sister Alice hones the skills she'll need to defeat Lia. Alice will stop at nothing to reclaim her sister's role in the prophecy, and that's not the only thing she wants: There's also Lia's boyfriend James.

Lia and Alice always knew the Prophecy would turn those closest to them against them. But they didn't know what betrayal could lead them to do. In the end, only one sister will be left standing.

BOOK REPORT CARD:

Cover	3.0
Plot	3.5
Writing	3.5
Characters	3.5
Ending	3.0
Overall Rating	3.5 Superior  (93% - 96%) * highest rating possible is 4.0

LOCATION/SETTING:
The initial setting is in London months after they left the Manor. But Lia and her friends travel from London all the way to Altus, the place where her Great Aunt Abigail resides. Altus was described as a beautiful place, and Lia actually feels a connection to it. The place is hidden from plain view and is not seen in maps. The ways of the people from Altus is very different from the ways Lia is accustomed to.

MAIN CHARACTERS:
Lia continues the narration of her story as the Gate. Her twin sister Alice is gaining more power, and is allying herself with the souls and Samael. With that, Lia must go to her Great Aunt Abigail living in Altus, and ask for help. Along the way, Lia meets a handsome young man named Dimitri Markov.

WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT:
Lia and her friends travel to Altus to retrieve the missing pages. But as the Gate, the Souls are after her, or more particularly, her medallion, and they are doing everything, and using anything to get to it. Now, in order to banish the souls, she must see her Aunt Abigail, a dying old woman. The way to Altus is very dangerous, and Lia and her friends encounter some fierce creatures, and tests of loyalty to Lia's cause. In this book, Lia does not know who to trust. She is always wary of people, and thinks that they are always trying to get the medallion. In addition, Lia is faced with choices which can altogether change the course of her destiny. Not only that, she is beginning to doubt her feelings and loyalty to James, as she cannot seem to resist the handsome Dimitri. The romance between Lia and Dimitri is actually quite hot and scandalous for their time, but it works such that the book has that romantic adventure kind of feel.

LOVE:
I love that this series changed from being super creepy (in book 1) to a romantic adventure (in book 2). Lia and Dimitri's scenes together would make any young girl blush, but nothing inappropriate for a YA book. Dimitri is so charming that I believe that James is entirely forgotten by Lia!

NO LOVE:
Well, there is nothing I didn't like in this book pe se. But there is one thing I didn't like in the series, and that is the fact that James does not have many scenes. We do not really get to know him. How can we say that there is competition between James and Dimitri when James does not really get airtime with Lia? We do not know anything about him other than the fact that he is Lia's childhood friend turned sweetheart. Let us hope we get to know James in the third book.

FAVORITE CHARACTER:
Dimitri! He's so romantic and protective! He is respected in Altus, and can even be considered high ranking. He takes responsibilities for his actions. Despite the difference in their ways, Dimitri is respectful of Lia's societal customs.

FAVORITE LINE:

“Would it be possible for you to sleep in my bed while… honoring the laws of my society?”

MUSINGS:
I could not put the book down. Unlike the first book, where there are so many slow parts, the pacing of the second book is fast and exciting. It will leave you wanting to get your hands on the third book, Circle of Fire. It's a complete mix of action, adventure and romance.

DOODLES:

AUTHOR'S WEBSITE:
Michelle Zink

SIMILAR READS:
Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (as to the romance)

CONTENT REVIEW:
profanity: very mild
violence: mild
sexual content: mild-moderate
mature themes: mild
age recommendation: 13+