Raven: Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment (#1)

A novel by James Patterson

Publication date: April 11th, 2005
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Pages: 423
Targeted Audience: Young Adult

Summary: Get ready for the maximum thrill ride from #1 New York Times bestselling author James Patterson.

After the mutant Erasers abduct the youngest member of their group, the "bird kids", who are the result of genetic experimentation, take off in pursuit and find themselves struggling to understand their own origins and purpose. (Wow! This is pretty short)

I had been dying to read this book for ages now. But I was a little disappointed. I was expecting intense action I guess, but there was a lot of waiting and dawdling away what they were actually supposed to be doing. 

But of course I think that there are reasons for it. Maybe Patterson just wanted us to bond with the characters and understand how terrifying the Erasers really are and how much the characters mean to each other. Because I felt like I was tied to the characters by the end.

The plot is really awesome! Avian DNA with humans and mutant Erasers. The dreadful Lab from where they escaped. Betrayal, the discovery of hidden secrets, and their constantly taking over huge appetites. 

I really like Max's sarcasism and protectiveness, Fang's silent I-am-so-wise attitude which made me fall for him, Iggy's heightened senses and a knack with working with gadgets even though he is blind, Gasman's random fart attacks, Nudge's constant blabbering that reminded me of my sister and Angel's cuteness and awesome abilities. 

It's all really good, but it is a slow read. However I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Hopefully, that book will be a little more action packed.

I rate it a 3.75

Lots of Love & Farts

Raven

Beez: Insurgent (Divergent#2) 

Veronica Roth

I HAVE DONE BAD THINGS.
I CAN'T TAKE THEM BACK,
AND THEY ARE PART OF WHO I AM.

Tris has survived a brutal attack on her former home and family. But she has paid a terrible price. Wracked by grief and guilt, she becomes ever more reckless as she struggles to accept her new future.

Yet if Tris wants to uncover the truth about her world, she must be stronger than ever... because more shocking choices and sacrifices lie ahead.

*rubs hands*

If you read my review on Divergent you know that i was so hyper because i had only a day more to wait for Insurgent!!

Now as you can guess, I'm waiting for Allegiant. I cannot wait!! Only 1 month more!!

This book was amazing. I feel that every word i will write in praise of it will still be underestimating it. Every part is heart breaking and thrilling. I couldn't get enough of it. All the Tobias and Tris moments esp in the starting nearly reduced me to tears. My heart was going thud-thud-thud. My mouth was wide open. 

I'll confess something, i felt like kicking Tris more than a few times in this book. I wanted her to tell Four everything. I knew Four would always be with her. Whatever her reasons Four would forgive her. Though there is a huuge part of me who was angry at Tris for not shooting Will in the leg or something. But my sympathies lie with her since she just saw her mother die in front of her eyes. I don't blame her. But that didn't stop me from wishing that Will would magically appear. Will *sob*.

Speaking of Will, I feel for Christina. She loved Will. But the moments between her and Tris are magical. She is soo forgiving. I love Christina. I was smiling through tears at the part when she forgives Tris. I was holding my breath. I think Christina is also a divergent. She is soo abnegation, Dauntless and Candor.

Speaking of dead people, Noooooo. Marlene. I loved Marlene. Uriah did too. I was constantly shaking my head, No No Noo this can't be happening. Marlene was so cheerful and lively. 

*wipes tear*

I know its incredibly childish of me but I'm going to believe that Marlene took the form of a star and she'll be watching over Uriah.

More on Tris and Tobias.

I. Wanted. So. Badly. For. Them. To. Patch. Things. Up. I couldn't wait. 

I hated it when Tris was lying to Four. Four was always going to be there for her so why wasn't she telling him and trusting him? Though when you read the book its easy to understand as she says that she doesn't trust him to love her after what she has done. But Four would never leave her. 

Every moment was so painful. In the midst of everything bad happen and no ray of hope, Tris and Four were supposed to be the best part.

It just left me frustrated and angry.

Though the ending parts of them together almost makes up for it.

The bad guy in this book is surprising, heart breaking and unbelievable. Usually there'd be a sliver of suspicion at the very good guy. But Veronica Roth has done an amazing job. I loved that character. I did not want to believe he could do that. How could he? I feel like hating him but its very hard because i loved him so much of this book and i'm desperately hoping he turns around and comes back to his senses. Though after what he did i don't know what Tris will do. But i suspect she'll forgive him because of a reason i'm not going to tell cause then i'd give him away. Still i'm not going to be able to fully trust him again.

There are some moments in this book that were soo adrenaline-fuelled, jolts throughout your body good and breath stopping good. This book is beyond amazing. No words can do any justice to it. 

The ending was breath taking. And a major cliff hanger. And i felt like Raven in the ending of Son of neptune- a snake. I did not want it to stop. 

I cannot wait for Allegiant.

I've said that at least a 100 times now. Well it still doesn't describe how much i want it. Good thing that till the time the book comes out i have the Free Four series to read. They are the books from Fours perspective(AAAAAAAAA).

Yeah.

Can't wait to read it.

Muah. Till then.

Well of course i rate it 5!

Lots of love and nutella.

Beez.

Raven: The Son of Neptune (The Heroes of Olympus #2)

A novel by Rick Riordan

Publication Date: October 4th, 2011

Publisher: Hyperborean Book CH 

Pages: 513

Targeted Audience: Hyperactive Teens who think they are Half-Bloods!

Summary: Seven half-bloods shall answer the call, 

To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.

Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring any bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth 

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem — when the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wished she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams. 

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery — although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially infront of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely — enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart. 

Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven.

Ah! Another one of Percy Jackson's book. If there is anyone out there who does not prefer reading Rick Riordan's books then SUE YOU! Cause you are missing out a LOT in life!  There are Greek and Roman Gods waiting for you out there. All you gotta do is open the freaking book! 

Okay, back to the review. Rick Riordan has done it again! A fantabulous book that will keep you at the edge of your seat. It's a page turner. It will make you feel so jittery that you can barely hold yourself away from the book.

Percy has lost his memory and the book begins with him fighting off two gorgons who work as saleswoman at a Bargain Mart. His way to escape them AND get his memory back is by carrying a hag on his back. Yup, you will start laughing from the beginning.

Percy enters a safe haven for Romans called New Rome with the hag on his back and Frank and Hazel, the guards of New Rome, fighting against the gorgons. Turns out that the hag was actually Juno (Hera), the wife of Jupiter (Zeus). 

Now Hazel is the daughter of Hades and has the power of navigating underground tunnels and popping precious-cursed-gold from the ground. She also happens to be... wait for it... NICO DI ANGELO'S SISTER!!! Yup he is back! 

Frank is accepted by his father after he wins the game called Siege (It is kind of like Capture the flag) His father happens to be Percy's most-hated-God. (If you are an ardent fan of Percy Jackson you should know) and this Percy's-most-hated-God gives them a quest:
Go to Alaska. Find Thanatos and free him.Come back by sundown on June twenty-fourth or die.
(Yeah, he is a no nonsense person.)

And so the three of them go on a quest to Alaska to free Thanatos (the hawt god of death) from Alcyoneus (Gaea's giant son-the bane of Pluto) Now on their way they meet the cool Amazons, a smart harpy named Ella, the coolest horse in the world (Arion) and Frank's cool grandma.

The ending of this book turned me into a snake. Seriously... I was writhing all over the floor because I wanted to read what happened next! Yet again! Riordan leaves a Cliff hanger at the end! I was this close (shows picture of an atom) to ripping off my hair in desperation. I had to calm myself with a lot of deep breaths. 

So this is all I'm telling you. The rest is for you to find out. Are they able to free Thanatos? What are Hazel and Frank hiding? What is Frank Zhangs history? Does Percy ever get his memory back? Will the Romans accept him if they find out that he is Greek? 

Here are a couple of excerpts from the book:

Hera: You are the glue that unites the seven.

Percy: Great! I always wanted to be glue. 

And here is another one: 

Percy wondered what the mortals saw through the Mist. Maybe they thought that the harpies were pigeons and the weapons were lacrosse sticks or something. Maybe they just thought the Thai mac and cheese was so good it needed an armed escort.

In both the above cases I had to shut the book and calm my hysterical giggles before continuing. 

I can't wait to read The Mark of Athena. This book deserves a 5.

Lots of love & Gold Nuggets

Raven

Beez: Divergent (Divergent#1) 

Veronica Roth

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, Tris also learns that her secret might help her save the ones she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

I. cannot. wait. for. tomorrow.

I'm getting INSURGENT.

This book was a-mazing.

Why didn't i read it before? What was i waiting for?? And you -yes i'm talking to you reader- if you haven't read it yourself then i'm ordering you to haul your ass and just read it already. Read, Read, Read.

The reason i read this book because i happened to find Insurgent at the library and flipped out which ended in me reserving it. And since Insurgent is the second book(which i'm getting tomorrow!!) i had to read Divergent first. And i don't even have an atom size reget except for the regret that i din't read it before. But just as well. Since now i get to read Insurgent as a book book i couldn't be more happier.

As the summary already tells you, there are five factions. Abnegation, Dauntless, Candor, Amity and Erudite. I am a true Dauntless. Because lets face it i can't be Candor- I'm a humongous lier. Abnegation- I am outright selfish and i would die rather than live as Abnegation. Erudite- I think my grades provide enough explanation. Amity- I enjoy fighting.

That leaves Dauntless. That's me. I'm (sorta) fearless. I love doing dangerous and new things. And I'm a lunatic. Dauntless, no doubt.

The ending is so amazing. I was gasping for more. My heart was pounding -thuk, thuk- when Tris goes to the control room. I can't spoil what happens in the control room.

I find it impossible to believe that while everything was happening with Tobias and Tris, my stupid sister was playing with the neighbors and my mother was chatting with her friend when i was in the middle of soo much. Noooooo. I din't want the book to get over. Tris. Tobias.

After the part that Tobias kisses her in the control room i think i hopped around for a minute with happiness.

Umm... random.

This book in some ways reminds me about The hunger games. Its in the future and its both a struggle against life styles. They're both powerful books. They have those amazing breath stilling, heart wrenching and slow motion moments. When you can neither make out whether its day or night. You're soo lost in the book and every thing else just bounces off you skull. I live for those moments.

The characters in these books are complex. My favorite is no doubt Tobias otherwise known as Four(i'll let you find out why he's called four). He's so fearless, strong and mysterious. And in ways unknown to man he is also slightly a romantic. I knew knew knew the guy was going to be Four when i read the line 'the corners of his lips twitched into a slight smile'. Tris and Tobias remind me about Dmitri and Rose from Vampire Academy. So fierce and passionate and both are between instructor and the person who is being instructed. 

Tris. 

Words fail me.

The other character i liked was Caleb, Tris's bro. He's so kind an caring. I hope he never dies. I hope he finds a pretty, blond girl(like Erin Moriarty in kings of summer) who loves him ferociously. 

I have huuge expectations for the next book. And i'm jumping for it. I don't think i would be able to survive if i were not getting it tomorrow. All i can think is one more day, that's it only one more day and i shall get INSURGENT!!

I cannot wait for the movie. I totally blinded myself from all movie news because i wanted to read it first but i got a glimpse that it was due in 2014!! Soo long. 2014 is a year much awaited for. Split second, Vampire Academy, Divergent etc...

That's a good thing because i desperately need something to keep me going.

Waiting.

I'm a little devastated that this book is over. Only 24 hours or less...

Read, Read, Read, Read!!

Lots of love and hamburgers

Beez.

Raven: The Hidden World (The Remarkable Adventures of Tom Scatterhorn #2)

A novel by Henry Chancellor

Publication Date: August 24th, 2010
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Pages: 528
Targeted Audience: 9+ and anyone who loves adventures!

Summary: It's the start of the summer holidays, and Tom is back at the Scatterhorn Museum. But when an unexpected guest arrives his world is thrown into disarray. Her name is Pearl Smoot and she is a traveler - like him. She needs Tom's help. Urgently.
There is evil afoot in the shape of Tom's old enemy. Don Gervase Askary. He has captured Pearl's father and brother, and what's more, she thinks he's holding Tom's parents too. Tom and Pearl set off to rescue them, on a perilous quest that leads them from the foothills of the Himalayas to the steaming jungles of Polynesia, then on wards into the very heart of Don Gervase's insect kingdom...

Now now everyone. Let's just take a moment to SCREAAAAM!! I CAN'T BELIEVE I FINALLY FOUND THIS BOOK! I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING ALL OVER THE  GLOBE FOR THE OTHER TWO BOOKS IN THIS SERIES AND WHEN I FOUND THIS? AH! BLISS!

For the full account of what happened go check out our other blog where I have posted "The Library incident"

So I start this book expecting sooo much more and I was not disappointed. From the first chapter itself you are plunged into a roller coaster ride with unimaginable creatures and a plot that will make your head spin.

There are some bugs that are mentioned in this book which I hope do not exist. EVER.  

Pearl is a great girl. I love her character just as much as I love Tom. They are the best pair ever. I love them both so much. 

Sir Henry Scatterhorn and August Catcher are also beautiful characters. I really wish I had the brains to make something like what August made. Then I too would stuff taxidermy of birds with the encyclopedia. Who would need the internet right? You got a doubt? Just ask the talking bird with the encyclopedia in her head!

And of course I can' t forget the evil Don Gervase Askary and his daughter Lotus Askary. They are wicked! And the creatures that they harbour, their plans for the future... GAH! This book makes me wanna take entomology as a subject!

I am starting to love bugs. I know it sounds disgusting but I just want to study them, know more about them. There is a whole world out there filled with thousands of species of bugs! Who knows when they might take over the world.

There is the Elixir of Life and why Don Gervase Askary really wants to use it. I kind of felt sad for the bugs for their short life and all that but hey! bugs give thousands of eggs! If they lived longer they will totally populate the earth and rule over us! Eugh! They already have a higher population than ours.

Also this book reveals a lot more of the mystery that began in the first book (The Museum's Secret, a review which I have already done) 

Trust me. You want to read this book. I know you do. This book will get you thinking things that you never thought were possible. And also this book will make you laugh a lot. Books rarely make me laugh so it is a big deal. 

I have loved those funny scenes soo much that I want to share one with you. I will make sure that I don't give away the plot.

The hyena's eyes stared at them menacingly.

AAHHH! 

Pearl screamed, Tom screamed, the driver screamed and all the monkeys screamed together. The driver slammed his foot on the brake, sending them all thudding against the windscreen, and the next moment the hyena bounced off the bonnet and tumbled down into the road. Struggling to its feet it stared at them angrily, then loped off into the shadows. For a moment the driver sat still, too stunned to speak. The two monkeys clinging to his steering wheel started to scream.

XD I laughed so hard at this moment. Chancellor has taken a classic scene and put into a situation that makes it hilarious!

I rate it a 5 for drama, comedy, adventure and mystery put all into one 500 pages book. Please read it! I promise you. You won't regret it. My friend loved it too! But if you like the kind of books that Beez reads (Teen fiction) then I doubt you would like it. But if you prefer mystery, adventure and the kind of thrill that makes you want to rip your hair off! Then go ahead and read it.

My ratings... Paris style! 

Lots of love & Beetles

Raven 

(It's so ironic that Ravens eat beetles and I love them... but not enough to eat them)

Beez: The spectacular now 

Tim Tharp

This National Book Award Finalist is soon to be a major motion picture -- one of the most buzzed-about films at Sundance 2013, starring Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller.

SUTTER KEELY. HE’S the guy you want at your party. He’ll get everyone dancing. He’ ll get everyone in your parents’ pool. Okay, so he’s not exactly a shining academic star. He has no plans for college and will probably end up folding men’s shirts for a living. But there are plenty of ladies in town, and with the help of Dean Martin and Seagram’s V.O., life’s pretty fabuloso, actually.

Until the morning he wakes up on a random front lawn, and he meets Aimee. Aimee’s clueless. Aimee is a social disaster. Aimee needs help, and it’s up to the Sutterman to show Aimee a splendiferous time and then let her go forth and prosper. But Aimee’s not like other girls, and before long he’s in way over his head. For the first time in his life, he has the power to make a difference in someone else’s life—or ruin it forever.

I know what you're thinking after reading this summary. Know that this book couldn't be further away from what you're thinking.
It was the same with me. When I started this book I thought it would be like the normal cliche types. That instead of Sutter helping Aimee, she would help him. And in a few ways it is like that. But it is utterly different.

Let me tell you one thing. Sutter is a drunk. A total alcoholic addict. Majorly in denial but still. He is always drunk. He has a flask with him. And he mixes whatever is in it, with seven up and goes around drinking it so no one knows. Sutter had his first drink when he was a kid, 6 I think, with his dad and his friends at a game. It was beer. His dad didn't encourage him but Sutter begged for a sip and drank huge gulps. So you can almost imagine what he'd be like.

Sutter is lively. He always has great stories to tell. He's crazy and has the guts to do anything, isn't scared at all. I got a feeling that life had kind of a hazy view for him. It was always like he was not the one living it. Like he was HIM but he wasn't all that in control. Its the feeling you get when you're extremely sleepy but awake so the conscious part of your mind shuts off and you feel like you're living your life through someone else eyes. 

Sutter is not a bad person. He has a girlfriend in the starting who he defines as big... as in big boned. But he loves her. He believes she is beautiful. And Sutter is always entertaining her with one of his ridiculous stories. But she breaks up with him. Its not a bad break up. I don't exactly remember what she tells him but I think she mentioned that his life has no direction and even though she likes him he's not good for her. 

When we first meet Aimee, she is a sweet, naive girl who lets others control her. Its early morning and she is doing her paper run and hes lying on his back, hung over. Her face looms in front of him. Now Sutter is perfect for Aimee. Sutter oozes self confidence which Aimee lacks. Aimee is selfless and kind. She agrees to take him on her paper run and they look for his car. And Sutter launches into one of his stories.

And his magic completely works.
But the outcome is not what we were looking to find. Aimee loves Sutter and he does too... sorta. They're a couple. Aimee starts drinking quite a lot too. Sutter gave her a flask like his on her birthday. She likes it very much. Its a weird gift but its just like his and in some way its the gift she wants. 

I loved the confusion and the carefree nature of Sutter. How he always lives the moment. How he believes in himself. He is more complicated than you'd think. And there's something about him that is endearing. Its amazing the way he lives. He can literally make friends with everyone. He has a magic about him. 
But he also has issues. Serious issues. Both daddy and mommy issues and other issues. He is finding for something, something he has a huge thirst for. With Aimee, he bonds without knowing it. Aimee desperately needs him. And he wants to be worthy of it. He holds on to her need. Whatever Sutter does, Aimee still sticks with him. Its stupid but he holds on to her as well. When he lets her go..... I cannot describe what I felt.

How ever this book was, I loved it. 
Sutter was that crazy guy and his befuddled mess and his mind is like crazy town. I love how the story folds out. The ending was soo sad but in a few ways it was the right thing to do. I was happy that Sutter finally learnt something. More than anything I wanted so badly an epilogue that shows how when Sutter visits Aimee she's happy and loves her life but tells him that there will always be a place for him in her life. I want to know what happens to Sutter.  I want to know it so badly.

This a different book then others. It will leave you confused and torn and sad over some parts and the ending. Some of you will no doubt feel like whacking Sutter on the head. But you will end up loving it. Hats off to Tim Tharp.
There's only one thing left for you to do. 
Pick it up and Read it.

Lots of love and dirty martinis
Beez.

Raven: The City of Bones (Mortal Instruments #1)

A novel by Cassandra Clare

Publication date: March 27th, 2007

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Pages: 485

Targeted Audience: Young adult (Fantasy and romance)

Summary: When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . . 

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

To begin with, I suck. I just know it. Why do I suck? Because I read oh-so-awesome books after the movies release! *sobbing* I think Hunger Games and Percy Jackson are the only series that I have read before the release of the movies (Thank god for that) and there is no need for me to say how much I love both the books which means you have to read it... if you still haven't.

Anyways, back to the review in hand. So, two weeks back in school, on Monday, we had library and so I go inside and sit down with my friends at a table waiting for the librarian to call out my name so I can take my card and get a book.

I scan the shelves (which was pretty difficult since some books are hidden behind other books and also because I hadn't worn my glasses) and I see City of Bones. I immediately turn to my friends and say in a grave and serious tone (Kinda like a police officer) "I see City of Bones." It was a pretty funny moment but whatever, I am deviating from the topic again.

So I start reading this book, expecting lots of interesting stuff to happen. I reach chapter 7 and by that time I have lost all hope. I mean things are happening but it's just not there, that jittery excitement! That wasn't there! I guess it was because Clary was accepting whatever was being thrown at her. Unlike Percy Jackson, she didn't go all "Oh my god! This is not possible. Vampires and werewolves don't exist and I have never heard of shadowhunters so they don't exist." She doesn't throw any tantrums!

I was almost about to stop reading but being a book junkie I needed to know what happens in the end. So I went on and I am glad that I did. Because after chapter 8 I just fell head over heels in love with this book. It's thrilling and hilarious at the same time!

So Clary is a normal girl (just like any other character in a fantasy book) and for her birthday she goes to this club called Pandemonium with her best friend Simon (who obviously has a crush on her and she doesn't know it)  Here she sees three weirdly dressed people kill someone. 
This is how she was introduced to the shadowhunter world. 

Soon after, her mom is kidnapped, she fights  a demon by stuffing a cell phone down its throat and ends up in a church which is covered from the human eye by glamour (Like the mist in Percy Jackson) Now like in every other fantasy book you need a villain and in this book it's Valentine.  At first when I read about him, I thought he was a girl (Since I have a class mate with that name but slightly altered) and then when I find out he was a guy... *insert dropped lower jaw*

As said in the book, shadowhunters (or Nephilim) were made after they drank the blood of Angel Raziel mixed with the blood of the person changing. Idris is the homeland of the Nephilim and Alicante (glass city) is the capital of Idris. Now this can be really confusing and so I will be giving just a brief information of everything related to the children of the Nephilim. 

The Clave is the general organisation of the Nephilim. Like the government that we have. The Covenant is the Law of the Shadowhunters and Downworlders (Vampires, werewolves and all other supernatural creatures) like our constitution. And the Accords is the treaty that ordains how Shadowhunters and Downworlders will never reveal the truth of the Shadowworld to mundanes (Muggles or humans)

Now on why the series is called the Mortal Instruments. The Mortal Instruments are three divine items given by Angel Raziel to Jonathan (the First shadowhunter). Those three items were The Mortal cup, The Mortal Sword and the Mortal Mirror.
In this book Valentine's objective is to steal the Mortal Cup and Clary and the Shadowhunters must find it before him. 

Anyways, It's a very interesting book. The more you read the more you fall into it. There are soo many shocking factors here. I'm sure that if you love Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Hunger Games and many other such books then you're sure to love this one.

Clary is nice but I just feel like slapping her for what she does to Simon (What she does is for you to find out).

Simon is the nice and cute guy and I absolutely love him! He is the kind of guy (Like the author said) who will take you to prom and impress your parents. I just love him and his sarcasm and cuteness.

Jace is hilarious! I love him for his ridiculousness. I love his jokes sooo much that I am going to quote one of my favourites.

Jace: "It means 'Shadowhunters: Looking better in black than the widows of our enemies since 1234" 

And this was a grave situation (Literally). 

I love Luke. He is like the handsome old man who you wouldn't mind falling for even though you two have an age difference of 300 years.

By the end of the book, I was literally ripping my hair off at what had just happened. I wanted to reverse it. Change it somehow even though it wasn't possible. The last few pages are just wow!

I love this book. I love Magnus Bane. I love Alec, Isabella, Hodge and Raphael. I just love all the characters. I love the story plot even though I don't find Valentine that vicious (I guess he will appear more ruthless in the next books) I really do want to keep reading. I want to see the movie and read the other books (Including the prequel and the e-book edition on Magnus Bane).

I rate this book a 4 for it's original plot but it loses its 1 since it reeled me in a little late. For those who haven't read it, I advise you to read it before your friends start laughing at you for being Late Larry (That's just what I call people who are late. Sorry Larry) 

I am pretty sure that if you haven't read it and the rest of your class has read it and when they see you reading it they will probably laugh but just shoo them off cause it's better reading it late than not reading it at all (That's my true story for books and exams *sigh*)

Lots of love & Pasta

Raven

Raven + Beez:  Pivot Point 

Kasie West

Knowing the outcome doesn’t always make a choice easier . . .

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.

When you start this book, let me warn you that you are in for a lot of surprises. 

But it will leave you aching(or craving or coveting or yearning) for more.

This book is about a teenager who is one of the psychologically advanced- Addison(somehow I like Addison better). She has a power to look into the future where two choices are concerned. Her power reminds me of the power Nicholas Cage had in the movie in which he could make copies of himself and let them go in various directions to see what would happen(I googled the name its-Next; and apparently his power is different than what I thought, after all I only saw the ending). Addie's talent is suited for the people who prefer to stay on the safe side. And because Addie has grown up with this ability she always does prefer to choose the safe side. 

Then her parents break the news to her- they're separating. For Addie it's like a surprise and I also didn't see that coming. But there's more, now Addie is faced with the decision whether to go with her dad to the norm world or stay with her life in the Compound. With her ability a choice for Addie can't be too hard right?

I don't now what but I was expecting something different when I started reading this book. After reading The distance between us and falling in love with it, I defiantly wanted to read this book but I didn't immediately because when an author makes you fall head over heels for a book of hers there is a huge possibility that her second read might disappoint. But I remember reading the summary and keeping it in my to-read list. I might have misread the summary because it left me with a feeling like it would be something like the alchemists from Bloodlines. But I was in for a shocker.

In many ways this book is the story of a normal teenager, struggling with normal problems. The ability is just a bonus. Even though given the choice I would choose a cooler ability but Addie's ability is actually quite nice. If I honestly admit I have quite the hard time deciding even simple things like what should I wear or which chocolate to buy. But I have a feeling if I ever had this ability I would never be able to live with a choice without Searching it. Well that's just me.

The whole of this book is a Search of 6 weeks. On one hand she chooses to stay home and on the other she moves to somewhere new. 

I liked the latter(I have always wanted to use this word) option better. When she moves she meets Trevor, who's cute and shy.The line I associate with Trevor is "the quietest people have the loudest minds". Trevor stays within his thoughts most of the time. Mostly because no one quite understands him. At least till Addie came along. Addie and Trevor immediately connect. Trevor is very much the Addie type. Addie herself is shy and a book worm. Addie loves reading classics but Trevor doesn't(like me). But Trevor likes comics and writes his own. He draws pretty amazing. Trevor and Addie even beep beep beep. Sorry i wasn't supposed to say that. So anyways i loved Trevor he was so cute and .....

Duke on the other hand who lives in the compound, i never liked. I've read way to many books and seen too many movies about jocks falling for the social recluse girl. And for the start it was fun. How she felt fire in his touch. But its kind of obvious that Addie's feeling changed so fast so i had an inkling of sorts. And after i came to know about Trevor and his injury i did't like him more. And i craved Trevor so much that my dislike further grew.

The one character i was surprised by was Bobby. At first when he keeps irritating her and pestering he i felt that he was just another insignificant part of the story. Just like i felt about the real murderer in Never bite a boy on the first date. Then when Bobby starts giving lessons to Laila i still did not think he was bad. Because come on who wouldn't want to expand their power? 

Well, he turned out to be a bad apple.

All in all the book was pretty impressive. It was different. At first it was kind of dull but still manages to hold our attention because of the stuff about the powers and super advanced life, but then when the mysteries appear it gets so exciting. And i love the twist with the different chapters from different worlds, it leaves you hanging and agape. Kasie West has done a brilliant job. And now i can hardly wait for Split Second. its like every cell in my body desperately needs to know. What happens?? What happens to Trevor?? Will he remember???

I am dying to know.

Breathless-ly  yours

Beez.

I and Beez began reading this book only because it was Kasie West's debut novel. And after having read "The distance between us" I wanted to know if the author really was that good... And she was. She has blown my mind away.

Addie or Addison lives in a world where people are mentally advanced. Her mom has the "persuasion" and her dad is a human lie detector. I don't even want to imagine being in Addie's situation, mainly because I think teenage life is all about lying and persuading your parents (I agree that's not good but anyone would be fooling themselves if they disagreed with me) not the other way around.

Addie herself has the "Clairvoyance" "Divergence" which helps her choose the safest decision if she ever comes across a pivot point in her life.  Her best friend Laila has the "memory" and she can wipe out anyone's memory. That is soooo cool. 

I really liked how the book begins with Addie being smacked on the head with a football by Duke. I have never read a book with such a great opening (which makes you laugh so hard  before even knowing the name of the character). Duke is the school quarterback/hottie who has the "Telekinesis" (Oh boy! I wanna tell you guys something but I can't cause it will give away the plot but just know that with this character you just don't know what to expect!)

Addie had a perfectly normal... I mean 'great' life (of course she is not normal, she has a mental power for god sake!) until her parents decide to split up and even worse, her daddy decides to live in the norm world and now she has to choose whom to live with- Her mom? inside the compound and her perfectly great life? or her dad? outside the compound? finding new friends?

This is where her six week search begins. We are given a chapter with her mom and a chapter with her dad, so we know what would be happening if she was with her mom or her dad.

She meets Trevor in her search. A beautifully awesome character who is a born artist and also has a great sense of humor. Who also happens to be a quarterback. Trevor is the perfect type for Addie (even though he plays football and Addie hates it). For once we get to see a girl fall for a guy who is sweet and not a jerk-badass. (Not that she doesn't fall for the latter either)

Now here there is a great mystery. Addie finds out things so horrible that she fervently wishes were not true (and so did I). The things that are revealed will make you feel sorry for Trevor and Addie. But, oh well! Nobody said everyone's perfect.

I love how Kasie West has unfolded the story. I love how she has given her character the brain to reason and find out every possible option unlike other books where even if the girl can cut the ropes herself she will wait for the guy to come along and save her. I love how even though none of us could probably imagine the ending, she was able to end it just perfectly. No loopholes or doubts whatsoever!

With this book I have to warn you that your expectations from the characters or the ending will not be touched because it will surpass it. It is beyond imagination. I love everything about this book and can't wait for the second book (Split second) which is said to come out next year February. 

I rate this book a 4.5 and it loses its 0.5 only because the book became more interesting after a few chapters... and also because since I am done with Harry Potter, none of the books seem to reach it's peak point. What can I say? I am just a huge potterhead.

Lots of love and Pasta

Raven