Review: Divergent

Summary

Divergent by Veronica Roth is another dystopian novel that I loved. In this novel, there are five factions: Abnegation, Dauntless, Erudite, Candor, and Amity. Each child is born into one of the factions, but at the age of 16, each individual is free to choose their own faction, regardless of the test that determines which faction best suites them. Many choose to stay with their family and the faction they were born into, but Beatrice has always had difficulty fitting in Abnegation, and her test results are inconclusive. Inconclusive test results show that Beatrice is Divergent, but she has no idea why this is so important or so dangerous. As Beatrice decides which faction to join, and how to fit in to that faction, she will discover a love that makes her feel capable and the importance of being divergent.

Review

I have said before that traditionally, I have not been a fan of dystopian/post-apocalyptic novels. However, again, my views have been challenged. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was another novel that I could not put down. I think Roth did a great job of creating an interesting world full of competing factions. Some aspects of the novel were a bit transparent. Even before Tris meets the boy she falls in love with, I knew who it would be. However, I loved seeing Tris's (Beatrice) emotional growth and transformation throughout the novel. I also enjoyed the end when we find out how politically corrupt some of the factions are and about the manipulation that occurs, which was one thing I did not foresee. I would definitely recommend this book, and will have trouble waiting until May of 2012 to read the next book, Insurgent. 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review: The Hunger Games

 

Summary

"In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel 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." --back cover of The Huner Games by Suzanne Collins.

Review

I absolutely LOVED this book. In the past, I have never been a fan of distopian/post-apocalyptic novels, but I could not put this book down. Collins does a fantastic job of creating real characters that survive in a harsh and cruel world. Collins also manages to weave a love story among all the fighting for survival. Katniss mentions that Gale is her best friend, and that there is nothing romantic between them. However, I can't help but think that Katniss has difficulty identifying what love is. I think that is one reason why she does not recognize Peeta's feelings for her. At the end of the novel, we are left wondering if Katniss will act on her feelings and who she will choose. I definitely would recommend this book, and I can't wait to read the next installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games Trilogy, Catching Fire. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Review: Lover Unbound (BDB 5)

Summary

Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward focus on one of the brothers that readers saw very little of in the previous books. Vishous, like several other brothers, has a curse he must live with. Vishous must be careful not to touch anyone he cares about with one of his hands, as doing so will most likely kill them. In this novel, Vishous finds out he inherited his curse from his mother, the Scribe Virgin. He also finds out that she want him to be the Primale and sire children to propagate so that the vampire race will grow and become stronger. He has never particularly enjoyed sex, but the situation becomes even more complicated when he is shot and rushed to a human hospital. It is there that he meets Jane, the surgeon who operated on his heart. And a bonded male without his female is just an empty vessel.

Jane has had a difficult life. Her dearest friend and sister died when she was little. After Jane's sister passed, Jane was left alone with a family who no longer cared. Jane's life and her sister's death led Jane to become a surgeon. As Jane is working one evening, she receives an unusual trauma case. As she operates on the man's heart, she discovers that his heart is abnormal. Her patient's heart has six chambers, and she knows that he is not human.

Review

I love the way this books begins! It starts out with Jane consulting an ouija board and receiving an unsettling answer to the question of who she will one day marry. The next morning, Jane wakes up to find that her dear sister has died of a congenital heart defect. This trauma is quickly followed by Vishous being shot in the chest. I love the feeling the beginning evokes, adrenaline and despair. The rest of the novel progresses in a predictable manner consistent with the other books in the series. The novel resolves in several parts. I thought the first part of the resolution was a bit predictable. However, the second part of the resolution threw me. I have to say, I do not know if I like the final product. I think I will have to continue to read the series to know whether or not I am satisfied with this particular resolution. I have a feeling Ward has a few surprises in store for her readers. I do like the resolution between Vishous and his mother. The last scene in the books is a touching display of the love between a mother and her child.

Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars

Stephissa Event Giveaway

As The Pages Turn is hosting a great giveaway! The giveaway will be going on through November 12th. Each day there will be a set of books given away to one lucky winner! All you have to do to enter is to leave a comment on the day's blog post. There are also extra possible entries for sharing the giveaway. Visit http://www.asthepagesturn.blogspot.com/ to enter!

Review: Lover Revealed (BDB #4)

Summary

Lover Revealed by J.R. Ward is the fourth installment in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. This book continues the story of the unofficial brother, Butch O'Neal. Butch's character was first introduced in the first novel in this series Dark Lover. Butch is a no-nonsense kind of guy who is as tough as nails. He has to be to be able to live with the Brotherhood. It is ironic when he falls for the charming and very feminine Marissa. One night when Butch is out on the town, everything goes horribly wrong. Butch comes across several lessers and is kidnapped and tortured. The Omega  treats Butch to a special surprise that will change Butch forever.

Marissa was once Wrath's shellan. After renouncing Wrath of his obligation, she moved back home with her brother, Havers. However, as fate would have it, she has been disgraced by the glymera due to her now tarnished reputation. In an effort to protect her, Havers kicks her out of the house. With nowhere to go and only an hour until dawn, she is forced to rely on the kindness of the Brotherhood.

Review

I really enjoyed this book. After reading the previous three books in Ward's BDB series, I have gotten to know and like Butch. It is nice that his story is finally told. The beginning of this story is heart-wrenching and a bit traumatic. Butches kidnapping scene is just horrific, which makes for a very entertaining read. While things start off looking quite hopeless, it is nice to see how events conspire to work out for the best. What I particularly liked about this book was that while it was still a romance novel, there seemed to be a good bit of plot that drove the novel as well. Ward did not focus only on the relationship between Butch and Marissa, but also on the war between the vampires and the lessers. If you have not read this series, I definitely recommend giving it a try!

Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars

Review: Lover Awakened (BDB #3)

Summary

Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward focuses on Zsadist and his past. As the brotherhood continues to search for Bella, Zsadist's emerging feelings for Bella start to become evident. As Zsadist fights his emerging feelings for Bella, we start to see glimpses of his past. Throughout this book, Zsadist struggles to cope with his past and reconcile his personal beliefs with his unprecedented feeling of emotions.

Review

This was a beautiful book about personal change and redemption. I think that Zsadist's story is raw and emotional. Out of all the brothers, Zsadist is the most unpredictable and has the most potential for violence. It is good to finally know the details of his past and to understand what made Zsadist so numb and uncaring. At some points during Zsadist's exploration of his past, I wanted to scream at him. He lives his life stuck in the past, and it is frustrating when he refuses to accept himself. I think that is one of the reasons I like Bella so much. She knows when to push Zsadist and voice the frustration I feel, but she also knows when to stop. Ward also explores Zsadist's relationship with his twin brother, Phury. Reading the previous BDB books, I always thought that Zsadist was an enigmatic character. I thoroughly enjoyed discovering who Zsadist is and exploring the relationship he has with his brother and the one he develops with Bella.

Rating 5 out of 5

Review: Lover Eternal (BDB #2)

Summary

Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward is about a woman who simply wants to lead a life free of complications. However, when her cancer returns, her life is turned upside down. The man who has been calling the hotline unwittingly entangles Mary into a life full of danger and desire. When she goes on a date with a man she doesn't remember meeting, she cannot believe that he could actually be interested in her. Despite the fact that he does like her, she has remain strong so she can deal with her illness, and that means keeping him at arms length.

When Rhage meets her for the first time, something magical happens. Her voice soothes him. In an attempt to get to get closer to her, he sets up a date. Things get complicated when they are attacked by lessers. The lessers know where she lives now, and he has to protect her. He goes against the command of his brothers when he brings her to his place. Rhage must pay a price for his disobedience. As things get steamy, they also get complicated. Rhage has a secret. He has a beast inside of him, and it wants her.

Review

Before I started reading this book, I did not know what to expect. It is the second novel in the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by J.R. Ward. As I started reading, I was slightly disappointed in the change in characters. After reading Dark Lover, I had really come to like Beth and Wrath. However, as the story progressed, by disappointment disappeared. While the story might focus on different characters, those character become just as enthralling as the ones in the previous novel. I especially love Rhage's acceptance of the beast inside of him and his commitment to the woman he loves, regardless of the consequences. I am anxiously waiting for the third novel to become available at the library. I heard great things about this series, and it is definitely living up to my expectations!

Rating 4.5 out of 5 stars

Review: Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood #1)

Summary

Dark Lover by J.R. Ward is about a woman who is thrust into a world that is entirely unfamiliar to her. Beth grew up as an orphan, never knowing who her parents were. When she meets a mysterious stranger who shows up at her apartment one night, it leads her on a road to discover who she is and where she came from. Lucky for her he shows up, otherwise, she would not survive when her very nature turns against her.

Wrath is a warrior. His duty is to protect his race and his people. His destiny is to lead. He has vowed to protect his dead brother's daughter as a favor. However, things do not entirely go to plan when he meets her. There is something about her that entices and endears him to her. However, taking a lover is not something he has ever wanted or planned on. That is, not until he meets her.

Review

Dark Lover is an enthralling novel with an abundance of romance and passion. Ward does a fabulous job of characterizing the hero and heroine.  I love when the lead female character is strong, and Ward does a great job of  creating a strong heroine in Dark lover. Beth, is a strong character who is does not let fear stop her, but she also has depth. She is a great match for her male equivalent. Wrath is a warrior who lives to protect his race and his brothers. Over the course of the book, the reader is able to see a change in him as he learns to accept love.

Rating 5 out of 5 stars.

Blog Hop

Hey everybody. The spook-a-licious blog hop is ending soon. Monday the 24th is the last day to participate in this amazing event. The blog hop is a number of blogs that have joined together to celebrate their readers. The participating blogs are giving away lots of cool prizes. Head on over to http://enchantedmusebloghoptours.blogspot.com/ for a list and link to all the participating blogs. I hope everyone has fun during the tour!

Paranormalcy Book Review

     Summary

     Paranormalcy by Kiersten White is a story about a young girl who has grown up bagging and tagging paranormals. Everything is fine until a young man named Lend breaks into the center, and someone starts killing paranormals. That is when Evie starts to question herself and her role at IPCA. Who is killing the paranormals, and what is Evie?

Review

    Paranormalcy is a story of a young girl's self discovery. Kiersten has a way of drawing the reader in from the very beginning, and Evie's story is unique. I have never read a story quite like this. This was the first of Kiersten's books that I have read, and I was rewarded with a unique and compelling story that filled me with satisfaction. I enjoyed the characters the most. Kiersten's book is filled with various types of paranormals. There is more than just the typical vampire and werewolf. My favorite character would have to be Cresseda the water elemental. She answers Evie's questions in a vague manner that is typical of immortals while still seeming to care about Evie. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I am anxious to read the second book in Kiersten White's trilogy Supernaturally. 


Rating 4 out of 5 stars

Book Giveaways

I promised to share some book giveaways. Here are a few giveaways that I thought were interesting.

Head on over to Hobbies on a Budget at http://hobbiesonabudget.com/book-bonanza-giveaway/ to enter the Book Bonanza Giveaway. She is giving away over 20 books to a lucky winner.

There is another great giveaway: Escape and Emjoy. Visit http://www.joanswan.com/buzz.giveaway.htm and enter a chance to win a copy of Fever!

The last giveaway for today is a chance to win Dearly Departed at http://www.firstpagepanda.com/2011/10/first-page-and-giveaway-dearly-departed/

Wickedly Charming eBook Review

     Wickedly Charming is a book about fairy tale characters who did not live happily ever after.  Prince Charming divorced Cinderella and moved to the "Greater World" and met Snow White's evil stepmother Mellie. Things aren't always what they seem. What if the archetypal fairy tale characters are not who everyone thinks they are. That is what Charming and Mellie discover in Kristine Grayson's Wickedly Charming.
     This book was a cute take on fairy tales. It was a story of discovery, growth, and romance. The hero and heroine (h/h) are dynamic characters who overcome their insecurities and find love in the process. The story starts out with Mellie ranting against the unfair portrayal of archetypes. As the story moves along, several interesting plots develop. However, towards the end, Grayson wraps up some of the subplots too quickly and easily, leaving the reader not completely satisfied. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. It was a heart-warming tale of a second chance at happily ever after.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Hello!

Hello Everybody! My name is Cheryl and I am just starting my blog To Be Determined. Why don't I start out by telling you a little about myself and what my blog will be about. I am an avid reader. Reading is one of my favorite pastimes. My favorite genres are science fiction, fantasy, romance, and any combination of the three. On this blog, I will post reviews of books I've read along with links to book giveaways. I hope you enjoy reading my blog as much as I will enjoy reading the books I review! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to comment, and will do my best to get back to you!