Monday, March 2, 2015

Review: The Body Electric


As I lay myself to sleep, I want to drift away to my favorite memory. 

Well now, it's possible, thanks to Ella's mom machine The Reverie. The whole spa process is quite popular, and people pay good money to relive a precious moment (particularly about loved ones that passed away). But what if the machine could do more? Like spy on people's brains and seek deep into their deepest secrets?

The Body Electric marks Beth Revis' return after the Across the Universe series and this time she takes sci-fi into a whole other level. Ella's world has exceeded our own (I sure hope so ) technological capacities as humans can be injected nanobots, that would make them healthier. Ella's dad invented this technology and used it on his wife to keep her alive. But the nanobots seems to deter after a while of constant use.  The military, on the other hand, seem keen on collecting all the info for personal use. Ella, must choose who to trust, whether it is the government or a group of young rebels who claim she's been allied with them all along.

The plot was cautiously planned, with Ella having to use both of her parents inventions to achieve her own power. Sadly, in terms of romance, the book did not compare to Revis' previous work. There was too much going on to allow Jack to reconquer Ella, whom unfortunately had no recollection of him whatsoever.

Prepared to be astounded, but not swooned.

Friday, February 27, 2015

Feature and Follow Friday: Absorbing Fuel

Parajunkee Alison Can Read


FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY



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Q: Your house is burning down and you have time to select three books you own to take with you. What three books?




#1. Gears of Brass

It's the first short story I've published, so I would take my copy for sentimental reasons.


#2. Little Women

I have read the paperback about a dozen times. Alcott was the reason I started writing in the first place. Of course, that means my artistic instincts crave bittersweet love stories. I need to work on that.


#3. Fahrenheit 451

I mean how could you let that one burn?!?


Which books would you save?

Monday, February 23, 2015

Review: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer


No one survived but her...

Mara Dyer's past is a blur. In one night, she lost her best friend and boyfriend to a tragic fire that no one dares to discuss. And so her family relocates to a new town, where Mara will come to terms that the past just can't stay hidden.

It was a struggle to link the book to a specific genre, as it kept on changing from mystery to romance to paranormal -- all linked to create what became a trilogy. The main love interest was surprisingly presented as shallow, referred to as ''The Shaw'' a player that no girl should come near, especially one like Mara who is still sensitive due to the incident. But Noah ends up being a bookworm, who cares to integrate her into the new school. Why he needs to maintain a persona is explained in the book, making the story even more climatic.

Looking forward to reading the sequel (blame it on the cliffhanger ending).

Friday, February 20, 2015

Feature and Friday Follow: Divergent Pursuit

Parajunkee Alison Can Read


FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY



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Q: Do you like fantasy or realistic books?


Une photo publiée par natalia (@natyuniverse) le

Both.

Sometimes I need a check with reality. Particularly when I'm feeling down or alone --  a good book that deals with life's troubles reminds me I'm human. Everyone has ups and downs.

Of course, like any avid reader, I also like to escape to strange lands. Fantasy books are a cheap way to travel that can take you to destinations beyond your wildest imagination.

So, yeah... I need to read and review both.


Do you have a favorite?

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Review: The Long Haul


Greg's mom is searching for yet another idea to spend some quality family time. And so everyone else must follow and get in the van for a long road trip across the US. Of course, Greg's dad insists on bringing a boat he found in the garage. Rodrick is placed in charge for more responsibility than he can handle. And Manny adopts a pet pig while Greg trying to cope with it all, makes some strange enemies along the way. 

This was Kinney's 9th book in the series, and he proved he still got that funny bone by plotting gag after gag. There isn't a dull moment during the trip. As Kinney says in his youtube video "If you keep coming up with a series of problems for your characters to solve, your reader is going to root that much harder for them." 

Another great addition to the series.