Book Review: The Lost Boys by Lilian Carmine

Title: The Lost Boys (The Lost boys #1)
Author: Lilian Carmine
Published: October 24th 2013
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Ghosts
Source: From Netgalley

Add to shelf: Goodreads

Buy the book: 
Amazon | B&N

An intensely addictive romance novel about girls, ghosts, and forbidden love, ideal for fans of Stephenie Meyer.

 Fate has brought them together. But will it also keep them apart? Having moved to a strange town, 17-year-old Joey Gray is feeling a little lost, until she meets a cute, mysterious boy near her new home. But there’s a very good reason why Tristan Halloway is always to be found roaming in the local graveyard. Perfect for fans of Stephenie Meyer and Lauren Kate, The Lost Boys is a magical, romantic tale of girl meets ghost.

Ghost love stories are quite limited, especially hot male ghosts. So I was pretty excited to read this one since I enjoyed reading the Mediator series. Because of that, I was pretty much expecting a lot out of this novel.  It is also said to be “ideal for fans of Stephenie Meyer” which includes me. 

I was disappointed on how cliché the beginning was. The boy meets the girl and the sparks fly. But fortunately, the other parts weren't as predictable. Some parts even surprised me and proved that it’s not as lame as I originally thought it was. 

The two main characters were a bit dull. They didn't connect with me at all. There were a couple of times where I didn't get the dialogue and that the scenes were unnecessary. 

Another thing that just shocked me (not in a good way) is that Tristan’s tombstone says 1938-1950! *thanks heather crews for spotting this thing because it eluded me* Double check and please tell me he isn't a 12-year-old boy. The way he acted throughout this novel definitely did not correspond to his age or era!

Now let’s get to the things I liked. 

The unexpected friendship between Tiffany and Joey is quite unique and it helped me like this novel. I also loved the members of the Lost Boys. They are cute as a button! I also liked the seduction part; I’m not going into detail in case I spoil someone.

Over all, it was a so-so read for me. 

Fave quote:

“Boys…It was so easy messing up with them.”

Lilian Carmine is the author of the popular Lost Boys Novels and Bacharel of Visual Arts.

The Lost Boys Trilogy will be published by Random House UK – ebury Press, the first book of the trilogy with over 33 million reads online at Wattpad.
Lilian is currently working as a freelance artist on illustrated children’s books, animation,  and artistic creation – as well as the next book in her Lost Boys series.

Book Events & News: Becca Fitzpatrick's Book Signing in Manila!

Thanks to National Book Store, we get to meet the New York Times bestselling author behind the Hush, Hush Saga, Becca Fitzpatrick! The book store arranged two events in the Philippines so that bookworms in the Visayas can also meet her. One in Metro Manila and one in Cebu!

Let’s recap the visit of Becca here in the metro. 

Day 1: Becca arrived in the Philippines from Hong Kong on March 26, 2014. 

I! Made! It! Thanks so much @nbsalert for inviting me to the Philippines - can't wait to meet my readers! But first, sleep. So much sleep.
— Becca Fitzpatrick (@becfitzpatrick) March 26, 2014

Here is a wacky photo of her with @itsjbroperos at Raffles, Makati!

(source: x)

Day 2 (March 27, 2014): She's having a very busy day with interviews and appointments! And I hope she's coping well with jet lag! ;D

Mango juice for the win! Up next: a whole lotta interviews. Like, for hours. Thank goodness for under-eye makeup.
— Becca Fitzpatrick (@becfitzpatrick) March 27, 2014

Another photo from Mr. Roperos! 

(source: x)

Enjoying tasty modern Filipino cuisine with my new friends from National Bookstore. Feeling spoiled :) pic.twitter.com/B0QDnaJAAJ
— Becca Fitzpatrick (@becfitzpatrick) March 27, 2014

Thanks, Andy, for recommending Razon's halo-halo - I can't wait to try it! (P.S. Thanks, too, for the awesome interview.)
— Becca Fitzpatrick (@becfitzpatrick) March 27, 2014

Solar interview of @becfitzpatrick will air on Monday or Wednesday on Solar Daybreak! Watch out for it, Angels! #WelcometoPHBeccaFitzpatrick
— Hush, Hush PH (@HushHushPH) March 28, 2014

@becfitzpatrick on Solar Daybreak. pic.twitter.com/YOaHnZ2je2
— JB Roperos (@itsjbroperos) March 28, 2014

Day 3 (March 29, 2014): Book signing at NBS, Glorietta 1 (4pm)!

Look at the line at 8AM! All of them waiting for Becca!

(source: X)

Now let's proceed on my point of view of the event! ;)

Becca did a quick interview before she met us.

                                         

Sadly, we weren't able to attend the Bloggers Forum so it was a huge relief to meet Becca Fitzpatrick before the event starts. (Thanks to Sab! Also, Ma'am Gaco!) 

She even made time to sign our books! While she was signing our books, we were able to chat with her about the saga. I asked her if she was planning on writing a novella for the Hush, Hush Saga and she said she have plans! Becca wants to write in Patch's POV but she confirmed it'll only be a novella and NOT a whole book. But it's still awesome to be able to read in Patch's perspective! 

I might have also suggested a novella about someone and someone's *cough* hot scenes *cough*. Something happened with Patch and Nora in the 3-year gap in Finale and i wanna know. Yeah, a bit naughty of me. ;D

(**UPDATE: I apologize if there were some misunderstanding. Becca wants to write novellas but not anytime soon.)

She even suggested if we want to take a photo with her! 

(won't post the photos for anonymity ;D)

Look what she wrote! *FAINTS*

After signing our books, she made a little video for her Filipino fans!

Post by Hush Hush Philippines.

We made our way to the event and waited for Becca there. We can't find a good spot with so many attendees! It was amazing how many boys and girls are present!

I'm apologizing for not recording the Q&A of Becca because i was still in that zone after meeting her. HA! She arrived and the crowd was cheering!

I should point out the hot fallen angel on the white screen! xD

(**UPDATE: Deleted because of misinformation.)

Another interview for ABS-CBN before she resumes signing books! Did i mention we were also interviewed by them? It will air on ABS-CBN Lifestyle Channel next week. (We'll update you when we get a text message on the exact date.)

And the book signing begins! (im not the one on the pic)

@HushHushPH It was so awesome meeting both of you!
— Becca Fitzpatrick (@becfitzpatrick) March 29, 2014

She even tweeted her thanks to her Filipino fans! 

Huge thank you to everyone who came to my signing in Manila today! You guys blew. Me. Away. Thank you for your patience in line...
— Becca Fitzpatrick (@becfitzpatrick) March 29, 2014

...for your support, enthusiasm, and all-around awesomeness. I've had an amazing time in your city. And I felt so loved today - thank you!!
— Becca Fitzpatrick (@becfitzpatrick) March 29, 2014

Also, thank you for the gifts, letters, and kind words. I've cherished this trip. And really hope I get to come back someday <3
— Becca Fitzpatrick (@becfitzpatrick) March 29, 2014

I hope you enjoyed meeting Becca as much as we did! We couldn't have asked for more! She was lovely on the inside and out!

(source: x)

(source: x)

Book Review: Sentinel (Covenant #5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

***
NOTE: This is an unofficial review for Sentinel.
***

Title: Sentinel
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Published: November 2nd 2013
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Greek Myth

It's a beautiful day for a war.

As the mortal world slowly slips into chaos of the godly kind, Alexandria Andros must overcome a stunning defeat that has left her shaken and in doubt of their ability to end this war once and for all.

And with all the obstacles between Alex and her happily-ever-after with the swoonworthy Aiden St. Delphi, they must now trust a deadly foe as they travel deep into the Underworld to release one of the most dangerous gods of all time.

In the stunning, action-packed climax to the bestselling Covenant series, Alex must face a terrible choice: the destruction of everything and everyone she holds dear… or the end of herself.

*description and photo from goodreads*

*SIGH* We have to accept that all good things have to end. This series is no exception no matter how much it hurts. Now who could depart from Aiden FREAKING HOT St. Delphi???

Since i was reading this 100 words a minute i can only say what i think of this novel with gifs and some sentences.

When reading Sentinel:

Well, i honestly did not like the first part of this novel. I was itching to read Elixir again because it was more nerve-wracking. BUT DO NOT FRET. It's still awesome. AND funny. It was just a little slow-paced at first compared to the previous novels.

But...HOLY DAIMON BABIES is this novel filled with inappropriate things that a 17 year old female shouldn't be doing. But, then again, i couldn't blame her. Fuck the Council and the Gods.

*swooning over Aiden St. Delphi and his lost of control in this novel* 




Can i keep him, Jennifer? PLEASE? PLEASEEEE?!




And HOLY HADES is this filled with see-through wearing goddesses, shirtless hot males. 




They were all amusing. With Deacon and the Gods. OMG.





Except Ares.

HOLY DAIMON BUTTS am i truthfully connected with Alex. The emotions.... with grief, stress, pressure and lots more.





I don't know what to feel about the ending. 




For a second there...But thank the Gods (or Zeus) for Apollo (for the last part anyway)

And lastly SETH. MOTHAHEFFIN SETH. Let me love you!




You may not be my first choice but hell...




And that, my readers, is my journey towards finishing Sentinel.

Book News & Events: Becca Fitzpatrick's Upcoming Book Signing in PH!

Becca Fitzpatrick is coming here in the philippines! Thanks again to National book Store for inviting such wonderful authors!

Becca Fitzpatrick is the New York Times Bestseller of Hush, Hush saga, including Hush, Hush; Crescendo; Silence; and Finale. She graduated with a degree in health, which she promptly abandoned for storytelling. When not writing, she's most likely running, prowling sales racks for shoes, or traveling. She lives in Colorado with her family. 

*Movie rights for the Hush, Hush Saga have been optioned by LD Entertainment.*

What: Becca Fitzpatrick Book Signing Tour

When: March 29, 2014, 4 pm

Where: National Book Store, Glorietta 1

When: March 30, 2014, 4 pm

Where: National Book Store, Ayala Center Cebu

Hush, Hush is the debut novel of Fitzpatrick where humans are under the command of fallen angels. Described by Publishers Weekly as a “fast-paced, exhilarating read,” it is about a sacred oath, a fallen angel and a forbidden love. It follows the story of Nora Grey, a responsible and smart sophomore student, who falls for Patch, one who has made countless mistakes in the past, after several encounters. Nora does not know who to trust and is torn between falling into his arms or run and hide. Later on, she realizes that she is in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen. Any wrong move she makes can cause Nora her life. This paranormal romance continues in Crescendo, Silence and Finale, which all debuted as New York Times bestsellers. The film rights to the series have been optioned by LD Entertainment. 

*Registration starts at 11 am for both events.*

Go here for more details.

Book Launch + Review: I Am Forever by Wynne Channing

Title: I Am Forever (What Kills Me#2)
Author: Wynne Channing
Published: January 31, 2014
Genre: YA, Paranormal, Vampires
Source: eARC from the Author

Add to shelf: Goodreads

Buy the book: 
Amazon | Kobo | B&N

Read the Excerpt!
Watch the Book Trailer!

"She pushed her weapon at me but she was too slow. I grabbed her arm and with one jerk broke the bone, a splinter tearing through her flesh."

Axelia fought an army of vampires and survived. Once fated as the destroyer of the vampire race, she is now welcomed into the immortal empire and revered as a god.

But instead of relishing her victory, she faces a dangerous new world and an empire at war. Axelia is thrust into the position of supreme vampire and caught in the crossfire of battle. To make matters worse, her role alienates Lucas, the one vampire that she trusts.

Her power spawns evil enemies. And they know how to get to her — by hurting those whom she loves most.

At last! The most awaited sequel of What Kills Me, I Am Forever, is finally here! A sequel where we can delve into the relationship of Lucas and Zee and to also find out what will happen to her!

Now that Zee isn’t being hunted down and risk getting killed that could result to extinguishing the vampire race, she now has to discover how to continue without her family and possibly without Lucas. Zee will undergo self-discovery; learn which person are a friend and a foe. 

This book is definitely worth the wait. I devoured this book like a person stranded in a dessert for days. It is as great as the first one and now I want the third! Not to mention how the story ended. Channing always seems to make the readers crave for more.

Zee and Lucas’s romance wasn’t expected from the first book and with all the bloody happenings with Zee’s life; their relationship wasn’t explored much. And so, I loved how Lucas always seems to see Zee for the first time in the second novel. She’s the only one holding him to this world.

Did I mention that Zee is a complete bad-ass?  1000 year-old vampires seems like cockroaches to Zee.  Need I say more? Just read the line below to know how she could kick ass.

“I spin behind him, gripped his head, and twisted it like a bottle cap.”

Wynne Channing created the perfect blend of action and romance in I Am Forever. She masterfully shaped this world of action-filled scenes with romance and comical characters mixed in. Sprinkle in a bit of drama to complete the impeccable sequel to What Kills Me. So, vampire fans that wants a bad-ass invincible heroine? Then this is a must read for you!

"I feel something for you. But judging by that blank stare you’re giving me, you probably don’t feel the same way."

"What’s with these guys pretending to kiss me and then delivering bad news? And why am I so stupid that I keep falling for it?"

“I don’t read minds. Listen, I know it sounds crazy. But—”

“Did you see anyone’s dirty secrets?” San blurted.

“What? No,” I said.

“Because, my lady, I can explain. Fantasies are very healthy—“ 

Visit her website here.