Mimi's Bookcase

Synopsis: I'm Jaz Parks. My boss is Vayl, born in Romania in 1744. Died there too, at the hand of his vampire wife, Liliana. But that's ancient history. For the moment Vayl works for the C.I.A. doing what he does best--assassination. And I help. You could say I'm an Assistant Assassin. But then I'd have to kick your ass.

Our current assignment seemed easy. Get close to a Miami plastic surgeon named Assan, a charmer with ties to terrorism that run deeper than a buried body. Find out what he's meeting with that can help him and his comrades bring America to her knees. And then close his beady little eyes forever. Why is it that nothing's ever as easy as it seems?


My Opinion: I really wanted to love this :(

This book had been in my to-read list for a long time (actually since I first started reading Anita Blake and Mercy Thompson ^^") and I was quite excited to finally read it but was actually a bit disappointed.

First, I read the short story "Scouting Jasmine" that takes place prior to the first installment and really liked it. Written from Vayl's point of view, it was my first encounter with Jaz Parks. I loved how badass and smart she was described as. I was imagining her as not only a strong and cunning assassin but also as a sort of dark and brooding character, one that would seem emotionless and only interested in doing her job while struggling with a terrible past.
So of course, I was so thrilled when I opened the first page of Once Bitten, Twice Shy... but that didn't last unfortunately.

The heroine described in the novel was far from the one I was expecting. I didn't find her particularly strong and clever. Actually, she appeared a bit irritating in my eyes, she was much more of a whiner that I expected and almost childish at times.

When the novel starts Jaz and Vayl have been working together for a few months and they have a pretty good relationship which was pleasantly surprising to me since I was sure she was going to hate working for him. I'm so used to the two main characters "hating" each other at first and playing cat and mouse that I almost couldn't believe it at first.
The other nice surprise came from the depiction of Vayl. Again, I was expecting the usual tall, dark and brooding man but he wasn't at all. He didn't hesitate to show and tell Jaz that he cares about her and I loved that.

Once I got over the fact that the heroine was far from what I had imagined, I started to actually enjoy the read.
I found it a bit clumsy at times and not always clear but it was nice enough that I stayed awake quite late to finish it because I was so enthralled by the plot.

However, I am not sure I'm going to read the following installment as I am not a big fan of Jaz. She wasn't a terrible character but I didn't really feel anything for her and I am not really fan of the fact that the author gave her some supernatural "abilities". I'd really like to read about a normal human heroine that has to do with just her brains and muscles, that would be a very nice change.


To summarize: Unfortunately, Jaz Parks won't be added to my list of favourite heroines of urban fantasy :(

Synopsis: Winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun...
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, the shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before--and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.


My Opinion: Awesome!

It's official, I've joined the club of the Hunger Games fans.
To be honest, I tend to be wary about the successful YA series after Twilight but since those books (and the movie) are such hot topics, I've decided to bring the 3 installments in my suitcase for the holidays and I'm glad I did.

I watched the movie first and found it nice but nothing extraordinary, I thought it was a bit lacking and after reading the book, I now know why.
Let me tell you one thing: the movie is nice but nothing compared to the novel! For example, I didn't like Peeta in the movie, I thought he sounded off and seemed like a real manipulator. In the book, he was my favourite character... yes, you can imagine my surprise while turning the pages.

I was definitely and surprisingly pleased by this series. I wasn't expecting much and ended up reading the 3 books in a few days with great pleasure.

Suzanne Collins managed to create a rich universe and a thrilling and fascinating plot. I loved the characters, even Katniss though I often have difficulties with YA heroines. She isn't your typical teenager, she is not a hero not matter how much they try to turn her into one, she's just a young girl that wants nothing more than protect her family. She has flaws, she's far from perfect and that is exactly what I liked about her.
What I also loved was that the author didn't make concessions in her story. She didn't hesitate to hurt or kill a character to further the plot even if that meant bringing tears to her readers' eyes. I was even surprised by how dark it was sometimes for a YA series.

As for the love triangle... well, I have no complaints about it, I thought it was nicely written and not too focused on which is great for someone like me that has little interest in romance.

All in all, I loved that trilogy and I already know I'll read it again. I can't wait to see how they'll adapt the 2nd and 3rd installments!


To summarize: I can't emphasize enough how you should give this series a try if you like the genre.

Synopsis: Jana Webster and Michael Haynes were in love. They were destined to be together forever.But Jana's destiny was fatally flawed. And now she's in Dead School, where Mars Dreamcote lurks in the back of the classroom, with his beguiling blue eyes, mysterious smile, and irresistibly warm touch.Michael and Jana were incomplete without each other. There was no room for Mars in Jana's life—or death—story. Jana was sure Michael would rush to her side soon.But things aren't going according to Jana's plan. So Jana decides to do whatever it takes to make her dreams come true—no matter what rules she has to break.


My Opinion: Absolutely fascinating!
This is one book I loved reading from the first to the last page!
I don't remember what made me buy this book since I'm so not a romance reader especially in the Young Adult genre but I am so happy I gave it a try!

Jana Webster loves Michael Haynes, they are perfect for each other, they can't live without another, they are the modern Romeo & Juliet that everone envies. Until Jana dies in a stupid accident and wakes up in a bus going to Dead School. This school for dead kids isn't that much different from normal school: there are different groups of students, classes, homework, a cafeteria and of course rules. But while on the Planet teenagers talk about their life, in Dead School they talk about their death.
Jana feels alone at school, the love of her life isn't with her and she's ready to do anything in her power to change that... even if it means killing.
But what are those strange notes on her notebooks? Something about a murder... .

I truly enjoyed this novel. The Dead School, its students, its rules were so fascinating. The author managed to create an interesting and rich universe that I couldn't get enough of.
The heroine was nice enough though her naivety and obsession with her boyfriend were a bit irritating sometimes. I actually liked Mars and Wyatt, two Sliders aka "bad boys she shouldn't talk to" who will help her in her quest to see and talk to Michael, a lot more.

Dead Rules is a gripping, interesting and exciting page-turner.


To summarize: In case you still have doubts, yes, I do recommend it!!!

Synopsis: "The devil walks... But the devil can make no headway if he has no help. We must invite him in..."
Raised in secrecy by a mother everyone thinks has gone mad, Daniel's only link to his past is the intricately built model of the family home -- High Gates. The dolls' house is perfect in every detail. As Daniel is reunited with the last remaining member of his family -- his 'uncle' Severin, who bears an uncanny resemblance to a sinister wooden doll he has found hidden in the house, he begins to suspect that this vicious, haunted puppet of a figure has a chilling influence, bringing cruelty and spite in its wake. Now Daniel's very life is at risk as his uncle is determined to get his hands on the figure. The menace builds throughout in this deliciously creepy Gothic tale.


My Opinion: I liked it!

The Devil Walks tells the story of Daniel, a young man raised by his single mother to believe he is gravely sick and should never get out by himself. Spending his days in his room, he entertains himself with books and a dolls' house never seeing anyone other than his mother until the day a doctor comes to see him after rumors spread around the little town. While his mother ends up in the hospital, Daniel ends up living with this kind, patient and loving man and his family. Smart and mature, the young boy quickly learns to live in society while getting stronger. Everything is going well for him until he discovers he has an uncle that wishes to meet him. Going to his mother's family home, Daniel will discover the truth about his family and the reason her mother lied to him during his whole childhood.

I've found this novel quite interesting. The writing style was impeccable to me as I really like those historical fictions. The "old" british english gave it quite a character.
While the first part was a bit slow, the second half of the book was truly exciting and fascinating, I couldn't stop turning the pages, wanting to know more about this family and their past.

There is a fantasy aspect to this book but it's definitely not the main point. I was actually quite surprised by it and even went to check the Goodreads page for the novel to make sure it was indeed a fantasy read. So those who are only interesting in that, may want to read something else or be prepared to be disappointed.
Though the supernatural aspect was actually interesting, it wasn't much developed.

It isn't the best fantasy historical fiction I've read but I enjoyed this novel nonetheless.


To summarize: An interesting but a bit boring read.

Synopsis: After seventeen-year-old Thais Allard loses her widowed father in a tragic car accident, she is forced to leave the only home she's ever known to live with a total stranger in New Orleans. New Orleans greets Thais with many secrets and mysteries, but none as unbelievable as the moment she comes face to face with the impossible — an identical twin, Clio.
Thais soon learns that she and the twin she never knew come from a family of witches, that she possesses astonishing powers, and that she, along with Clio, has a key role in Balefire, the coven she was born into.
Fiery Clio is less than thrilled to have to share the spotlight, but the twins must learn to combine their powers in order to complete a rite that will transform their lives and the coven forever.


My Opinion: A bit disappointing!

After loving Cate Tiernan's Immortal Beloved series (HERE), I had to read her other YA series especially with such a synopsis, the twin thing totally caught my attention.

First of all, this book contains the 4 installments of the series and I'm glad I bought it because I am not sure I would have continued reading it after the 1st novel :s. To be completely honest, I almost stopped reading after a few chapters. I found the twins to be insufferable in their own way: Clio is a spoiled, self-centered, arrogant pest ; Thais is weak, narrow-minded and spends her time wallowing in self-pity which is so irritating! I really couldn't with them but after enjoying her 2 other series I chose to believe in the author and kept on reading.

Fortunately, starting from the 2nd book, the twins became much more bearable though they still never reached the level of awesomeness of Nastasya in Immortal Beloved.
The rest of the characters were interesting as well. I read some reviews of people saying they didn't care about the others' stories but I was actually much more interested in them and what happened in the past than in Clio and Thais' chapters.

As for the whole plot, it was nice though nothing really exciting or fascinating. Moreover, the whole twin thing should have been more developed, it had a lot of potential, it's too bad the author didn't go deeper into it.

All in all, the series was okay, I liked it enough but it was definitely lacking compared to Cate Tiernan's other works. I was especially disappointed in the ending that I found completely botched. A lot of questions were left unanswered and I was expecting something more epic after building such tension (but that was also one of the I.B's flaws in my opinion).

To summarize: If you have never read any of Cate Tiernan's novels, don't start with this one ^^"

Synopsis: A power she can’t deny. A destiny she’s determined to fight. When Ari first arrived in the dilapidated city of New 2, all she wanted was to figure out who she was. But what she discovered was beyond her worst nightmare. Ari can already sense the evil growing inside her—a power the goddess Athena will stop at nothing to possess.
Desperate to hold on to her humanity and protect her loved ones, Ari must fight back. But Athena’s playing mind games, not just with Ari but with those she cares about most. And Athena has a very special plan for the brooding and sexy Sebastian. Ari is determined to defeat Athena, but time is running out. With no other options, Ari must unleash the very thing she’s afraid of: herself.

My Opinion: Loved it!
The review for the 1st book is HERE.
Just a quick entry to say that I loved the 2nd installment of this series.
The characters are all nicely written and interesting, the plot is still gripping, fast-paced and full of actions.
I truly like that mix of Greek mythology and more recent "monsters", it makes New 2 such a fascinating universe.

I can't wait for the 3rd novel!!!!

To summarize: I definitely recommend that series to everyone who loves fantasy YA, it's great!

Synopsis: Life was different in the Before: before vampires began devouring humans in a swarm across America; before the surviving young people were rounded up and quarantined. These days, we know what those quarantines are—holding pens where human blood is turned into more food for the undead monsters, known as Ticks. Surrounded by electrical fences, most kids try to survive the Farms by turning on each other…
And when trust is a thing of the past, escape is nearly impossible.
Lily and her twin sister Mel have a plan. Though Mel can barely communicate, her autism helps her notice things no one else notices—like the portion of electrical fence that gets turned off every night. Getting across won’t be easy, but as Lily gathers what they need to escape, a familiar face appears out of nowhere, offering to help…
Carter was a schoolmate of Lily’s in the Before. Managing to evade capture until now, he has valuable knowledge of the outside world. But like everyone on the Farm, Carter has his own agenda, and he knows that behind the Ticks is an even more dangerous threat to the human race...


My Opinion: To my surprise, I enjoyed it!
The synopsis sounds a bit like The Forest of Hands and Teeth except with vampires but I thought it was better written than the latter.

To me, this novel is a real page-turner. It's entertaining, gripping, a bit scary and frankly interesting. I enjoyed the world created by the author. It reminded me a bit of Resident Evil as written by Chloe Neill on the cover though not as terrifying.

Another thing I liked about this book is that it's written from several points of view and not just from the heroine's which is definitely a BIG. I especially enjoyed reading Mel's parts and loved the fact that an author took the challenge to add an autistic character in a YA fantasy novel (it's actually the reason I decided to give it a try).
On the other hand, I didn't like Lily all that much. She's better than a lot of other YA novel heroines but I found her a bit insufferable after some time. She's smart, brave, strong-headed and she doesn't trust people easily which is a good thing and totally understandable given the situation but her stubbornness became annoying after the first half.
As for Carter, I liked him fine. He's not a fantastic character but he's interesting enough and I quite liked that we got inside his head, I don't think I would have enjoyed spending the whole read wondering if he's good or bad and what is his agenda.
The character I enjoyed the most except Mel is Sebastian and I can't wait to read more about him... no, I won't tell you who he is!

The Farm is a fast-paced, thrilling and exciting read despite its few flaws. Be prepared to spend hours reading!

To summarize: A good YA fantasy novel. I can't wait for the 2nd installment!

Synopsis : WANTED:
One young woman to take care of four-year-old boy.  Must be cheerful, enthusiastic, and selfless--bordering on masochistic.  Must relish sixteen-hour shifts with a deliberately nap-deprived preschooler.  Must love geting thrown up on, literally and figuratively, by everyone in his family.  Must enjoy the delicious anticipation of ridiculously erratic pay.  Mostly, must love being treated like fungus found growing out of employer's Hermes bag.  Those who take it personally need not apply.
Who wouldn't want this job?  Struggling to graduate from NYU and afford her microscopic studio apartment, Nanny takes a position caring for the only son of the wealthy X family.  She rapidly learns the insane amount of juggling involved to ensure that a Park Avenue wife, who doesn't work, cook, clean, or raise her own child, has a smooth day.
When the X's marriage begins to disintegrate, Nanny ends up involved way beyond the bounds of human decency or good taste.  Her tenure with the X family becomes a nearly impossible mission to maintain the mental health of their four-year-old, her own integrity, and, most important, her sense of humor.  Over nine tense months, Mrs. X and Nanny perform the age-old dance of decorum and power as they test the limits of modern-day servitude.


My Opinion: Nothing great, nothing bad.
It's been a while since my last post and I'm sorry about that. I'm pretty busy lately and it's going to get worse in a few weeks so I'll do even shorter reviews now, sorry ^^".

I don't read much "chick-lit" but this one seemed interesting and original since it involves a baby-sitter. To be honest, I was expecting something funnier, a bit like Bridget Jones (the only chick-lit novel I read apart from the Stephanie Plum series) and was disappointed.
It has funny moments but it is also full of "clichés". It took me some time to really get into it and frankly I kept on reading just to know what would happen with the kid.
It gets better after the first half and some scenes are pretty sad, emotional which I actually enjoyed.

The Nanny Diaries is just an okay read in my opinion. It was a nice enough change from my usual reads but nothing I'll remember unfortunately.

To summarize: One of those books you completely forget about after turning the last page.

... and only bought a few novels since I already have so many to read!

( Read more... )

My Opinion: Simply awesome!!
Just a quick entry to tell you how much I love this series. I've read the 5 books in record time, they are all so exciting, fascinating and even funny.
I loved the characters whether they were "bad" or "good", the stories were all very interesting, the writing was a pleasure to read,... frankly, this series deserves to be more famous, I spent such a great time with it.

Though there may be some discrepancies concerning the Greek myths, Percy Jackson is a great way to make kids (and even adults) learn more about the Mythology.

In my previous entry, I compared this to Harry Potter and there are some similarities but Rick Riordan managed to give it its own flavour, making it one of my favourite children series along with HP.

My only regret is that I had to say goodbye to Percy, Annabeth, Grover, Chiron etc. I wouldn't have minded some extra novels.


To summarize: 100% RECOMMENDED!!!!!!!!