Beez: Unearthly 

Cynthia Hand

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

I''m truly mind blown by this book. Cynthia Hand has artistfully written this book. This is a type of book that progresses slowly. It starts on a normal note and then brings the surprises gradually and before you know it you are completely smitten by this book.

Clara is quarter angel. 
Just that, the idea of being part angel is soo awesome.
Now angels have a purpose in life(in this book). And its their job to figure out what is this purpose. And purposes doesn't come with guide books that tell you exactly what to do, how to do and other questions of that sort.
So this is Clara figuring out purpose. 

Now as we all know that that is no easy job. Clara has to first understand what her visions are telling her. Then she has to prepare(this includes flying practice) so she can ensure she fulfills her purpose.
But not without distractions aka Tucker.
Lets rewind,
(this is especially hard to do without giving out stuff)
Clara is doing all that she can and its not going too bad. She's discovering new things about being an angel. Everything is going just fine when Tucker enters.
Tucker is a total breath of fresh air for Clara. 
And very soon Tucker and she are enjoying every day in a different yet beautiful place everyday. They go hiking, swimming, fishing and berry picking too! 
And then the part after this is so magical and amazing(i had to read it twice) and i was skipping all over the place. 

After this point i could hardly put the book down. This book had become soo interesting. I was madly in love with Tucker and i liked him way better than Christian. 

And then the whirl wind roller coaster begins. 
Before you know it earth shattering things are happening and you are struggling to catch a breath unable to keep this book down.

I won't tell you what happens after because that's for you to read.
I wasn't surprised this book was soo amazing. The summary and the cover page did it for me. I guess i just didn't expect it to be this amazing.  
To everyone who loves supernatural with romance and to those who love YA, this book is a must read.
Actually i even think that people who don't even like this genre will like this book. its not overly strong but its sort of like a fantasy book. It keeps you interested and hungry for more. 
For further proof, I have even started reading Hallowed, the next book, which has an equally pretty cover and is an amazing book till my knowledge.

This is where we usually end the reviews but i feel i haven't done this book justice. 
And Tucker.
I definitely haven't done Tucker any justice.

Reasons i like Tucker more than Christian.

1. He's human.
In every way. He's not perfect. He's cute, he's shy, he's got flaws and he's such a gentleman.
Whereas Christian is defined as a God, perfect. He doesn't have an ego or a chip in his back but he is just too perfect. He doesn't have any flaws. As said many times in this book, Christian isn't the type of guy you date, you just admire him from afar. Whereas Tucker has this charm about him that makes any person warm up to him.

2. He adores Clara.
While Tucker is absolutely smitten with Clara, Christian might or might not be in love with another girl. And the best thing about Tucker is that he shows it. In that totally cute and nauseating way.

3. He is a damn good kisser.
Self explanatory.

4. Carrots
When Tucker and Clara meet, they are soo cute as in they're always fighting and picking over each other and making fun of the other. It is so ridiculously funny. Tucker even names Clara Carrots because of her fake hair color. 

5. Tucker and Clara fall in love
And its not the instantaneous kind. Far from it. Its not one of those ridiculously god-knows-how-it happened loves. Its the kind where you talk, do stuff together, have fun, come to know more about each other, think constantly about each other and slowly fall into love.Its true love.

6. Stuff matters
When Tucker comes to know about Clara's angle-ness it's not just magically okay. He's hurt that she told him lies. He's scared of what she is. He doesn't treat it like it makes no difference at all. Nor does he start believing that Clara is some kind of heavenly being and he's not good enough for her. He tries hard to understand and he doesn't always get it. His love is no way superficial.

7. He has character
Tucker works hard, he's not rich, he doesn't get everything at the flick of his finger. He has a job. He is determined, strong and doesn't have is head up in clouds. He's also not to cocky in attitude and of his abilities. He's humble, down to earth and truthful. He also has a cute sense of humor.

Currently my mind fails me and a movie is calling.
Will update more reasons later.

Without a doubt, 5 stars!

Lots of love and berries
Beez.

Raven: The Mark of Athena (Heroes of Olympus #3)

A novel by Rick Riordan

Tempest & Blackjack! <3

Publication Date: January 1st, 2012

Publisher: Hyperion Books

Pages: 574

Targeted Audience: Hyper Demigods

Summary: Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo's fantastical creation doesn't appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.

And that's only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close—the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?

Annabeth's biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he's now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.

Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare.... 

(Psst! It's a Rick Riordan book! You don't even need to read the summary to buy it and read it!)

So I start reading this book, desperate to see more of percabeth since the last book (The Son of Neptune) had a major cliffhanger in it. Their reunion was hilarious and sweet at the same time.

Now, as I said. The beginning was cute, awesome, funny... you name it. There are people rejoicing as Jason comes back to the Romans and we get to know more about what the Mark of Athena is really about. Apparently Athena wasn't the strongest female warrior among the Romans (Bellona was) and The Mark of Athena was a statue that was stolen from the Greeks by the Romans. Now this statue is the base of enmity among the Roman and the Greeks.

Annabeth's job is to get this statue and restore peace between the two enemies. Sound easy right? Well, it isn't. One of Athena's brightest child is chosen every century to get back the statue but none have been successful, but will Annabeth finally get it back? Now that's a question I ain't answering.

But the Romans and Greeks were just beginning to trust each other (Since Jason had come back to them with the Greeks) when Leo fires at New Rome with his spanking-hot Argo 2. Now why did Leo do this? Was he crazy? Was he possessed? Yup, another question I ain't answering. 

By the end of the last book (The Son of Neptune) you find out that Nico Di Angelo is kidnapped and in this book they go to free him because if they don't free him then the original Rome will be destroyed. And to save Nico they would have to voyage across the Mediterranean Sea, which is not safe for half bloods at all.

In the end of the last book we also find out that Hazel's old lover looks just like Leo (I am really sorry if I'm ruining it for you guys out there who haven't read SON) so is Leo, Sammy? Was he brought back to life? And hence we see the love triangle of sorts between Hazel, Frank and Leo.

There were a few minor gods introduced in this book, like Nemesis, Echo, Narcissus, Hercules, Achelous, etc. Percy and Jason have a few problems adjusting since both were meant to lead but nothing major. The book has funny scenes in it as usual. I will be adding two of them at the end of the review. *grinning* I love Percy Jackson!

All in all, every character got their chance to shine. I fell in a deeper abyss of love for Leo. I don't understand why Riordan would not give him a girlfriend! He is soooo cute!

Also.... This book has another MAJOR!! cliffhanger. And this cliffhanger is true to it's word. Your soul will be hanging off a cliff to know what happens next! I think it's chapter 51 that you should beware. *evil grin*

I rate this a 5!! And as I promised here are a couple of the books funny excerpts:

"Behold!" Percy shouted. "The god's chosen beverage. Tremble before the horror of Diet Coke!"

And here's the other one:

"We have trained all the famous mer-heroes! Name a mer-hero, and we have trained him or her!"

"Oh, sure," Leo said. "Like... um, the Little Mermaid?"

P.S: I am really angry with Rick Riordan. He no fair! *randomly losing ability to speak proper english* HE GIVING CLIFFY HANGERS WHICH R OUTRAYGAS! 

*smart part of the brain butts in* You mean outrageous?

WATEVAAA!!!

Please! Don't do this to me. I need House of Hades and it's going to take some time before I have it. Before I can savour it... *sobbing uncontrollably*

Five Eiffel Towers! with cooookies!

Lots of Love & Pasta

Raven (who is still sobbing... even after the cookies)

Beez: If I stay 

Gayle Forman

The critically acclaimed, bestselling novel from Gayle Forman, author of Where She Went, Just One Day, and the forthcoming Just One Year. 

Just listen, Adam says with a voice that sounds like shrapnel. I open my eyes wide now. I sit up as much as I can. And I listen. Stay, he says.

Everybody has to make choices. Some might break you. For seventeen-year-old Mia, surrounded by a wonderful family, friends and a gorgeous boyfriend decisions might seem tough, but they're all about a future full of music and love, a future that's brimming with hope. 

But life can change in an instant. 

A cold February morning ...a snowy road ...and suddenly all of Mia's choices are gone. Except one. As alone as she'll ever be, Mia must make the most difficult choice of all. 

Gripping, heartrending and ultimately life-affirming, If I Stay will make you appreciate all that you have, all that you've lost - and all that might be.

This book is brilliantly written. From the beginning I loved Mia and her family and her connection to music. I loved the music part esp. And Adam. Adam is the utmost perfect boyfriend. 

Mia's family is the family everybody wants. The perfect family. Everybody's happy. Parents love each other. Siblings don't hate each other. In fact Mia loves Teddy(her cute monkey little bro). 
This story is a heart breaking story. What happens in this book is so unfair. Of all families. This book is also like a path of realization for Mia. There are flashbacks and she its hard to believe all of its been snatched away. I for one refused to believe what happened to Teddy. I was madly hoping that he was alright. I'd read the lines about him over and over but I didn't want to believe it. That cannot happen to Teddy. Anyway I had no choice in the end. But its true that not everything you wish were true is necessarily true. This book also teaches us to appreciate what we have; the people we love and of course the people who love us. You never realize what you have before its taken away.

I have to say I have a the hugest character crush on Adam from the book. My heart melts out to him. He is so sweet and so amazing. When I found out that where she went was Adam's POV I flipped. And on ll the dates that Mia recollects I was lying at his feet in a gooey puddle. One of the best part I thought was when Mia asks him which me do you like, he gives the perfect reply. Kinda like Cricket Bell in Lola and the boy next door and unlike Max from Lola and the boy next door. And Adam's and Mia's first date is soo adorably cute I just wanted to kiss him. My heart literally broke into two when he asks Mia to stay.
Stay.

 Another thing I loved in this book was the music. It adds soo much more character to the book. I think the book would be incomplete without it. Mia is nothing if not for music. The way she related to it is beautiful. I also makes her human. And the part that all her family is into rock and pop music and she happens to like classical is amusing. I loved the music in this book. It helps you connect to this book.

I just realized this book was soo much like the serial The secret life of the american teenager. Mia is just like Amy- both are good girls, musicians who play less popular instruments, and have come across a life changing decision. Also my mind discovered that if you try to rearrange the letters from Mia to Ami it sounds exactly like Amy! And vice versa.
Adam is quite like Ben. He loves Mia soo much. And he'd do anything for her. I could feel Adams pain when he said its ok if Mia decides not to stay with Adam any more cause it would hurt loads. I thought Mia would stay forever with Adam. But I found out otherwise from the summary of Where she went. 
There's no Ricky or any other guy. 
And of course there's no teenage pregnancy but there's the accident which is a huge thing. She's facing the same problems as Amy just in a different way. 

This story can be said as cliche and like every other book but what makes it different is that it has a powerful story and it really connects with you. Especially the music. Its not just the normal but it has everything. It has pain, reminiscing, beautiful family moments, normal problems and amazing characters. The idea behind the story might be very common but the style of writing make this book spectacular. 

There are a lot of sad moments in this book. That's the main focus of this book. Losing whats close to your heart. And making the decision. Stay or not to stay?
The ending is heartbreaking. It probably will reduce you to tears. But i think she made the right decision. After all life is hard, what matters is that you do the right thing or at least try to.
That being said i'm not really a doer of the right thing. I'm more in favor of the more fun thing.
Call me crazy but i'm having a lot of fun ;)

4.75. The only reason it lost .25 is the common plot, and I feel terrible for even taking that much.

Lots of love and strawberry, lemon and black pepper popsicles!
Beez.