Justice Buried
Hilary Thompson
Release Date: Jan 15, 2014
ADD TO GOODREADS
Buy: Amazon


Synopsis:

The people need Justice, but she’s not listening.

One hundred years before, the Great Sickness reduced the world to three cities. Now the community of Asphodel is trapped underground, waiting for the prophesied maiden of Justice to return and save them from their Fates.

Sixteen-year-old Astrea is supposed to be this savior – too bad for them she isn’t a believer.

Trea fights against her false destiny: she rebels against her family and friends, then refuses her arranged marriage to the charming but deceitful Lexan. Learning her life is in danger, Trea is forced to trust Lexan – until she discovers a power she never knew she had, and one he already knew he did.

As betrayal closes every door, Trea decides she must submit to her stars and accept her fate. Then a handsome stranger offers her an unexpected escape and the chance to create her own destiny.

This is a very engaging & entertaining read! And since my forte is dystopian books, this easily pave its way to "most likely I am going to like it" list. Yup, I have that. The fun thing about the story is there's variety of things that all thrown into one plot. We have mythology (which I am a sucker at), astrology (I am a firm believer of zodiac signs except that: 'Leo will get lucky today' thingy HA) and lastly, sci-fi/dystopian genre!!! So with these said, I can affirm that this is indeed an interesting and VERY UNIQUE book! At first I was confused with the terms and the leader thing going on since the very first chapter really overwhelmed me. Who...what? Who's watching her? Huh? Why is she praying? And what did she see on that wall climbing activity? (oooh that really piqued my interest). There's a lot to take in, but once you get through the basic facts of the world, then everything comes easy and totally enjoyable!

I have mix feelings with Astrea, she really struck me as a mediocre character at first, but there's character development in here folks! I thought that being hot-tempered and sometimes whiny will be carried out though the whole story, but as I continue to explore more, I found Astrea to be a likable character. Okay so now, let's go to this apsect of the book: Love triangle. Um. I generally don't like love triangles, but in this book I can say that I am not siding on Lexan or Stian right now, I just really feel that there's something obvious with the characters' relationships, but I am still looking forward to the romance on the next books!

All in all, the world building totally amazed me. It's really unique and there's this distinguished in the variation of myth, astrology and futursistic approach. I just wish that there's more closure to the three cities. And also a development on the romance since others might look at it as another cliche romance. Hee. There's always more than what the synopsis says, so I recommend you to stick with this book 'til the end! :D

Before the changing of tides, there is always silence.

A prolonged silence to warn people about what’s coming, an insufferable silence that promises pain, and an epic silence that guarantees an event that will carve itself into history.

For Choi Yoori, the changing of her tides has started. No matter how hard she tries to escape from her crime-ridden past, the shadows of her former self – the notorious Queen of the Underworld – continues to torment her existence.

Earthshattering secrets that An Soo Jin took to the grave has resurfaced, imminent danger from a once distant past has reemerged, and an end that Yoori will never see coming is approaching. As the finalities of her borrowed time approaches, Yoori continues to fight with everything she has to hang onto the one she loves most in this world – the King of Serpents.

It will be a battle of a lifetime that will carve itself into history, for if she loses, it will ignite the greatest war the Underworld has ever seen.

So according to those who are reading it now, there are additional scenes especially on the first chapters of the book! Eeeeep. You know why I am so excited about this book compare to the other 2? This is the change of tide. Like the famous idiom says, "All hell broke loose." I can feel it. I feel the vehemence of the scenes. The ruthlessness of "to the one who just came back" and the FEELS the feels are everywhere *SCREAMS*

I wish more people will read this, not just the old readers but also new readers. So here I am doing my best to promote the book. So if you kinda miss what the book is all about, here are the links of the first two books:

Book 1: Welcome to the Underworld
Book 2: The Fall of Gods

You can read everything there, but if you want some more motivation and a person who's so pushy in recommending this series (story). Here is my first appreciation post for WTTU. Seriously guys, I swear, like really swear that this series is worth reading!!

There is a secret society that presides over every world. This society is so powerful that it can control a nation, strike fear into the bravest of men and bring turmoil onto the most unsuspecting of victims. 

. . .There is a dangerous society in Seoul that is plaguing Choi Yoori.

Her world is turned upside down when she is told that she bears a strong resemblance to the “Queen of the Underworld,” a notorious Underworld crime lord who died 3 years prior – the exact same time Yoori woke up with amnesia. The dangers of this new world is crashing in on her and Yoori's only grip on stability lies with the guidance from her crime lord boss and the secrets the Queen of the Underworld hid from her powerful society.

Welcome to a world where “Gods” walk amongst humans. Where the heartless and vengeful are revered like Kings and Queens – and the weak, the distracted are punished without mercy.

It is a cruel world and once you’re in, the only exit is death.

I am actually crying right now. Believe me guys when I tell you that I am actually shedding tears right now. And I will always shed tears for this story..... "Until Paris Fades"



I want you all to read this story because it changed my view in things. Although it was sure fictional and a secret society or korean mafia might be impossible, the story about love, friendship, loyalty and journey of life is sure worth experiencing. And please don't give up on this. 

PS: I keep using worth it because it has something to do with the story. :D

I AM VIGOROUSLY AND WHOLEHEARTEDLY RECOMMENDING THIS. And with that told here are the links + add them to your "wants to read" shelf :)


Welcome to the Underworld (A Welcome to the Underworld novel)
Author: Con Template
Published Date: Dec 10, 2012

BUY / ORDER IT HERE:

AMAZON
CREATESPACE

Lovely Vicious
Author: Sara Wolf
Published Date: Nov 5, 2013
Add to Goodreads / Amazon

Synopsis:

Fire meets ice. Love meets hate. 

Seventeen-year-old Isis Blake hasn’t fallen in love in three years, nine weeks, and five days, and after what happened last time, she intends to keep it that way. Since then she’s lost eighty-five pounds, gotten four streaks of purple in her hair, and moved to the Buttcrack-of-Nowhere Ohio to help her mom escape a bad relationship. 

All the girls in her new school want one thing – Jack Hunter, the Ice Prince of East Summit High. Hot as an Armani ad, smart enough to get into Yale, and colder than the Arctic, Jack Hunter’s never gone out with anyone. Sure, people have seen him downtown with beautiful women, but he’s never given high school girls the time of day. Until Isis punches him in the face.

Jack’s met his match. Suddenly everything is a game.

The goal: Make the other beg for mercy. 

The game board: East Summit High.

The reward: Something neither of them expected.

This is the kind of story that will play with your emotions ruthlessly, make your stomach and cheeks hurt because of the laughs and will probably throw you into a frenzy of feels. A brilliant novel that tackles about the struggle of different characters but most of the time it is about Isis Blake, the main character also the voice of the book.

Let me start by saying: GO READ THIS NOW. There I said it, now, let's go to the actual thing. Reading the synopsis made me iffy for it sounds to cliche and cheesy. Really, Ice Prince? But I was shocked when I saw all the shining 4 & 5 stars review in goodreads (top reviews btw) and thought why not give a try?

I AM SO GLAD I DID. Read it in one sitting and absolutely regretted nothing. There's so many things to like about this book. First we have a very noteworthy, dimensional, sharp-witted, FUNNY protagonist who has an exceptional talent in comical blabbering. Even her one liners can make me laugh easily. But her life isn't perfect, despite the lost of weight and a chance to be away from this nameless guy who hurt her more that she could ever bare, she still feel insecure and scared and broken from her past experience. BUT SHE'S STRONG. So fucking strong, I almost cried when I was reading some scenes that I thought she'll crumble into a puddle of mess. On the other hand she talks too much and thinks too much aka blabbers too much. Sometimes I want to duck tape her mouth or thoughts because those were overwhelming, but as the story progressed I learned to go along with it - not minding it at all! She simply skyrocketed her way to my favorite YA heroine list. And this specific line here needs to be highlighted because that speaks it all.

“She was probably a trusting, naïve girl before him, like a daisy. And then he came, and pulled her petals off one by one, forcing her to surround herself with thorns to survive. But he missed one petal. And she guards it with a tiger's ferocity.” 

Now we meet Jack Hunter, Ice Prince of East Summit High. A total hottie - brooding handsome with lots of women fawning over him - but he's also the epitome of coldness and distant; ass and arrogant; but behind those facades lies a dark past. Really dark!! He's also a total nerd, and a Harvard passer! Beat that! He made me frustrated with his actions, but at the same time made me "Awwwwww" more than "Ughhh". I can't give much info about him for I might spoil some important bits about the story.

THE BANTER! This is also one of the things to look forward to in reading this book. Isis and Jack's battle of wits & insults, physical war and a whole lot crazy revenge they throw at each other totally made me guffaw. A piece of advice: DON'T DRINK OR EAT ANYTHING WHEN YOU'RE READING THEIR SCENES TOGETHER.  It's very evident that they exude a burning chemistry even if it's all hate and war. And what I love about their relationship is they never started off as INSTA-LOVE. It was slow & blossoming. I just want them to be together you know? Ughhh all the unsaid feelings!! All all all the heartaches and poignant little revelations broke my heart into a gazillion pieces.

“How did you find me? If you hacked into the Club’s computer to look up my appointments - "
“Whoa, I think you overestimate me, shitlord. Last time I checked all I did was be in the wrong place at the right time. I saw you and had to - ”
“Stalk me.”
“ - delicately approach you. In a sideways manner. From behind. Without being seen at all. For ten minutes.”

"You could do the fair maidens of the school a favor and inform them you're gay," I say.
"Didn't you read the sign?" He asks coolly without looking up, "No harpies in the library" 

"I see everyone's here!" I cheerily bounce into a seat next to him and unlace my shoes. I glance over, as if seeing him for the first time. "Alright, which one of you's been dabbling in demon summoning and hasn't told me about it?" 

There's this dark and suspenseful plot in the story. That makes everything exciting and a lot thrilling. Unraveling of secrets and putting together the pieces of a mysterious & haunting puzzle will prevent anyone to bring this book down. And let me just mention how friendship and family ties were greatly manifested by the characters.

Overall, it was really a memorable read for me. Let's just say that if you hate immature dialogues, then you might want to avoid this book, but other than that this book was well-written and enjoyable for such haunting plot.

ALOHA! Remember me? No? :( AW. Just kidding.

The Winner's Curse
Author: Marie Rutkoski
Published Date: March 4, 2014
Add to goodreads


Synopsis:

Winning what you want may cost you everything you love

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

What a bloody surprise! Yes pun intended. At first I was hesitant reading this since recent overly hyped books tend to disappoint me, but once upon a time someone in twitter tweeted this photo and finally I bit the bait. Thank you, FierceReads! Aye, don't give me a stink eye. I know, I know. Haha.

“Happiness depends on being free, Kestrel's father often said, and freedom depends on being courageous.”

The Winner's Curse is an enticing fantasy book, with solid & distinct world-building, impressive characters, perplex political dispute and delicious slow-burn romance. Beautifully written! The prose is just so whimsical and enthralling. The author was so detailed and vivid in narrating, describing and illustrating the series of events and the internal monologue of the characters. I love love love...love novels that focus on wars!! Being an avid fan of movies like Troy, 300, Helen of Troy, Wrath of the Titans etc and books like Prince Caspian, Percy Jackson series, Legend trilogy, etc, I was so thrilled that as I read, read, read I learned that this book is about colonization and war among empires.

“Cold without, color within. This was how it had been.” 

Kestrel is a striking character; not on the physical means, but she is exceptional with her logical thinking, canny strategies and keen senses. She's not a Valorian warrior, she's a strategist, but that doesn't hinder her physical capability to fight. She's different from her own kind of high power. She's kind-hearten, responsible, strong-willed, but just like any other human, she has her own weaknesses. Arin on the other hand is a jaundiced character all through out the book. He is mysterious & sharp-witted, a Herran who seeks revenge on the Valorians for conquering their land and killing his people. At first, his character was closed book, it's hard to really like him when he keep everything so minimal; the way he talks; and even his slightest introspection. But I found myself loving him at the end. Guess why? He reminds me of Day of Legend. He both posses physical and strategic advantage. Not to mention how genuine he is.

The romance was a painful reminder that everything has a price. Although Arin and Kestrel started as mistress-slave relationship,underneath those stares and gazes is the burning attraction and unsaid feelings. I ache for them. They've been through a lot of betrayal and heartbreak that it's so hard to keep stomaching each agonizing moment where they treat each other as enemies. BUT WE GOT TO HAVE A COUPLE OF "RIGHT-IN-THE-FEELS" MOMENT and I am very much grateful for that!!!

He lifted her up onto the table so that her face was level with his, and as they kissed it seemed that words were hiding in the air around them, that they were invisible creatures that feathered against her and Arin, then nudged, and buzzed, and tugged.
Speak, they said.
Speak, the kiss answered.

The explanation of "The Winner's Curse" totally swept me off my feet - I AM SOLD! It's a win-lose scenario. HA. I loved how it was incorporated on the ROMANCE (yes the author did), and on the aspect of keeping claim of power, and imperium. I also loved how the author gave attention to the society, music, Bite and Sting (where can I play this?!) and friendship.

All in all, The Winner's Curse is a well-written fantasy book that will surely make the readers hold their breathe, hold onto their chairs, their beds. Prepare to be angry, sad, ache, touched, happy, anxious, eager all at the same freaking time!!!! I really enjoyed this although I have one problem: I was so mad at the ending!!1 CLIFFHANGER? *winks* *fail to wink ends up looking like someone having a stroke*

“You don't, Kestrel, even though the god of lies loves you. ”

Recommendations: To anyone who loves YA fantasy, a painful romance (HAHA), blood & gore, contemptible antagonists, well-plotted war! And to everyone reading this. (you see that coming, right?)