Book Review No. 10: The Selection #0.5: The Prince

BOOK REVIEW #0.5

The Selection #0.5: The Prince

Author: Kiera Cass

Review:

This book is a short novel about Prince Maxon and his first encounter with America in his own perspective. I find their first encounter really cute and heart-fluttering because even though it was curiosity at first, he slowly fell for her. I'm also thankful to this book because I was actually so curious as to what the prince was thinking when he met America.

This book also shows how pitiful the prince was for he was actually interested in a French girl. However, he could not really confess his interest in her nor admit it to himself because of his duty as a prince. For me, it was actually a good thing because I wanted him to be with America. With the Prince's perspective, it was really cute how he would describe his first impression on America when he met her in the garden while she was throwing a fit with the guards.


Reading everything from the Prince's view was really amusing as well. You would know what he thinks because in the main series, it was really hard to determine if he was really serious about America. You would definitely see by reading this book that he was serious about her and has feelings for her. Compared to the other girls, he paid more attention to her.

Lastly, this book also hinted how the prince was neglected by the king. And that he felt suffocated being a prince who always needs to be serious at all times. Many people might think that he was lucky to be the prince. Yes, he was lucky but he was not useful as a prince for his father would not trust his decisions which renders him useless in his position.

Book Review No. 9: Lorien Legacies #5: The Revenge of Seven

BOOK REVIEW #9:

Lorien Legacies #5: The Revenge of Seven

Author: Pittacus Lore

Review:

It took me quite some time to finish this book because of school works. I really anticipated this book because it is the second to the last book of the Lorien Legacies series and I would like to know how this would end. I love how the start of the book was straight to the point, no more rewinds of the previous events. Furthermore, the unfolding of events was neatly done and organized despite how the book changes from one perspective to another.

The book was also able to give us an idea of how the Mogodorian brain works thanks to Adam. He was also a very big help to the Garde and if he was not around, they probably would feel so lost at that moment. I also noticed that Number Four a.k.a. John was passive in this book and Adam was more helpful to their race. Regarding the title which is "The Revenge of Seven," I did not see any significant revenge there although I have to admit that Seven became more fierce now that Eight was killed.


I really disliked how Five was so cunning for pretending he is their ally but I also kind of sympathize with him because he did not really wanted to kill Eight. Nevertheless, he just wanted to assure himself that he will be safe because for him the Garde are on the losing side. I am also beginning to dislike Nine. For me, he is not doing any good to the group. I am also getting more and more annoyed with him, I just want to smack some sense to him.

I am definitely looking forward to the next book! I can't wait to read how this all ends. I am also curious if the prophecy of Ella betraying the others would come true. All in all, I enjoyed this book and I am really waiting for the next book. I hope that the last book will definitey be a blast.

Book Review No. 8: The Fault in Our Stars

BOOK REVIEW #8:

The Fault in Our Stars

Author: John Green

Death is a reality that is hard to accept, but what is more difficult than death is being left behind by the person you cherish the most.

Review:

It breaks my heart everytime I read this book. The story was wonderfully made by the author. At first, I had my doubts but as the story progressed on, it became more enjoyable because of the wit and sense of humor of the characters. I love all the characters for they were so realistic.


This story centers on a girl who has cancer, her name is Hazel. She felt as if she was a grenade, ready to blow anytime. Her destruction meant the destruction of the things around her which was her parents for she knew they would greatly be devastated. Then she met a cancer survivor in the person of Augustus Waters, she did not want to fall in love for she did not want him to be hurt. But they could not stop their feelings, they fell in love with each other.


She thought that she would hurt him but actually, it was the other way around. Unknowingly, the cancer cells of the guy returned which leaves him just a few more weeks or months to live. It was heartbreaking for the guy who once was so active and humorous to lose his humor in the face of death. This book is a story of the painful struggle against cancer and how reality is harsh and leaves no one unscathed. 

I can't stop raving about how great this book is. If you ever plan on reading this, you should prepare yourselves a box of tissue and a glass of water for this will leave you dehydrated. As I almost reached the ending of the book, I cried and cried ( I am a crybaby, you know). Maybe the reason why I kept crying was because the story is not impossible, it can happen in real life. The turn out of events were even more heartbreaking and that was then I realized how painful the life of a cancer patient is, being like a grenade, ready to self destruct anytime.

Upon finishing the book, I gained a different perception of life. I realized how every moment in life is precious as well as how important the people around you are. I was also able to realize that sometimes being left behind can be more painful than death. This book is definitely worth everyone's time. I definitely look forward to reading more of John Green's works.

Book Review No.7: The Selection #3: The One

BOOK REVIEW #7:

The Selection #3: The One

Author: Kiera Cass

Review:

This book is the third and last book of the series The Selection by Miss Kiera Cass. In my opinion as a reader, this is her masterpiece for this is the best of all her books in the series. Contrary to the previous book, The Elite, this one is a much more organized and definitely less frustrating book. In this book, Miss Cass was able to redeem herself.


Just like always, the cover of the book is stunning. This is the reason why I fell for Kiera Cass' books because the covers are so elegant and glamorous. Furthermore, as I imagine the characters of the book, the model definitely fits right in. Same with the book cover, the content of the book is really stunning and will leave the readers speechless with a smile on their faces. I love how the author was able to conclude the story bringing unexpected twists in the ending.


A lot of things happened in this book like the death of America's father which brought her down but thanks to it, she was able to finally see her real feelings for Maxon and was able to admit it. Another event was during the Report, I felt so proud for America at that time for she proved herself to be strong and true. But I really hated the event wherein Aspen and America were caught by Maxon even though there was no more sparks between them, it broke my heart to see Maxon suffering. He was also annoying for he would not listen to America and believe her but I could not blame him either. I really lost all the hopes that they would be together again but the ending was definitely unexpected, definitely.


This book is a true page turner for it was easy to read and the unfolding of events were something to anticipate. It was able to elicit different emotions from me because there were a lot sweet, heartbreaking and surprising moments that will leave you speechless. The ending itself was unpredictable but was satisfiable. It was less frustrating because the characters have finally made up their minds. It took them long enough to know their true feelings.

Book Review No. 6: The Selection #2: The Elite

BOOK REVIEW #6

The Selection #2: The Elite

Author: Kiera Cass

Review:

Disappointment, that is what I felt throughout the entire book. I was actually looking forward to this second book because the first one definitely killed me with curiosity but no, it was a big disappointment. I actually had hopes that when I reach the middle part or the near-the-ending part, the book might gradually improve but it did not. I did not enjoy the content at all. It was frustrating to read how she was so immature and how she was going back and forth with the two guys who were crazy for her.

At first, I really love America's character but in this book she became so annoying because she was so indecisive. It was as if she was going back and forth between the two guys, clearly not making up her mind . My impression on her was that she was using Aspen as a second choice if ever Maxon does something wrong to her which is really messed up. I guess that is just my opinion and how I read her actions. I felt so sorry  for Maxon because he met America and dealt with her immaturity. 


He also experienced so much heartbreak because of her first love not even knowing that they are meeting secretly. Nevertheless, I hope they end up with each other because despite their frustrating and pointless arguments, they still had sweet and heart-fluttering moments. As for Aspen, I really wanted him for America at first but he let her go and despite whatever reason he had at that time, trying to win her back now won't work. It is too late and all he should do now is to stop confusing the poor girl. He is going to get himself and America in trouble if ever someone discovers their secret escapades. 


All in all, I was disappointed with this book. I am usually a reader who is open-minded enough to love different kinds of books but this book just really gets on my nerve. On the positive side though, the cover looks really pretty and the model looks stunning with the red gown. Sadly though, the content did not justify the book cover. I hope the next book will improve and I still look forward to it.

Book Review No.5: The Selection

BOOK REVIEW #5:

The Selection

Author: Kiera Cass 

Author: Kiera Cass

Review:

She is plain and simple compared to others and that fact makes her different and unique. Before entering the selection, she left her heart with someone else -broken and shattered- but it did not mean she will easily forget him, after all, he is her first love. Will the prince be able to fix her shattered perception of love? Or will her first love continue to haunt her forever?  

As soon as I laid my eyes on the cover of this book, I was determined to read this first book of Kiera Cass' series, "The Selection." The cover looks so elegant and intriguing. I have always been a fan of books where there is competition like the Hunger Games trilogy and books about princesses like Goose Girl and Princess Academy by Shannon Hale. This book gave me those two characteristics that I like fused in one book which is this. I have always look forward to reading books like this and different other unique genres.

The story centers around a girl named America Singer. In their kingdom, teenage girls were to enter a contest wherein the lucky winner will be the next queen and marry the seemingly-perfect Prince Maxon. Prior to the competition however, America already has someone she loves - Aspen - who is a caste lower than her. Aspen decided to break her heart to make it easier for her to decide on joining the Selection. After all, entering and winning the Selection would mean climbing up the caste system and three meals-a-day for her family.

I actually love the content of this book. I was so drawn to the storyline that I did not want to put it down nor take a break. I love the characters of this book for they each have a significant participation in America's decision-making. At times though, the protagonist is irritating for she seems so disorganized on her thoughts and immature on the way she deals with things. Overall, this book is interesting and is definitely worth your time, I do hope though that the next book will prove itself more interesting and eventfull than this.

Book Review No. 4: Beastly

BOOK REVIEW #4:

Beastly 

Author: Alex Flinn

"Love is a beast." - Alex Flinn

Author: Alex Flinn

 

Review:

This novel is a beautiful story of how appearance does not matter anymore once you get to know a person. This is similar to the fairy tale entitled the Beauty and the Beast. Like the Beast, the guy in the story was cursed to look ugly. And because of how horrid he looks, he decided to shut down the outside world and lock himself in his mansion - his apartment. The curse will only be broken once someone truly loves him not for his money nor for his looks. But will anyone really fall for such a horrible creature?


The story tells of a guy who was blessed with looks to the point that women would offer themselves to him. At the same time, he was also rich and was an heir to his father's wealth. He was perfect for he had the looks and the money that anyone would want to have. He was very aware of this fact which is the root cause for his arrogance. He would have been perfect if not for this one flaw. 


He came across a witch disguised as an ugly human. Because of arrogance, he insulted and embarrased the witch who in return, cursed him to be a beast to learn his lesson. He was to remain in that appearance until someone will truly love him but it was a hard task for it is hard to love someone who was ugly inside and out. Then a girl enters his life, she was different from all the dazzling models he was used to for she was plain and poor. She was definitely different for she has a pure and untainted soul.



Comparing  the book version to the movie of this novel, I must say that the book is actually better. When I was actually reading it, what I had in mind was a beastly looking fellow with fur and fangs which would then make it hard for anymore to like him. But in the movie, the guy, even when cursed already, still looks as dashing as ever and the only significant changes are tattoos/veins. Therefore, in my opinion, it wouldn't really be hard for any girl to fell in love. But all in all, I love the romance shared between the two and if you love romance and sweet things, you must definitely get a taste of this book.