• It was easier to write Day's POV than June. Marie Lu said she is the exact opposite of June who's a left-brainy. 
• She had a hard time writing the love scenes than the fight scenes. She isn't romantic, she said. It took her a month to write a particular scene in Champion (wink wink wink wink).
• She intended to make Day a real criminal, like very notorious and a murderer. But Day's character evolved and then we have the new-born (walker in the light) Day.
• Day has been on Marie Lu's mind since highschool that's why she felt so natural writing him. 
• Legend was supposed to have 2 boys as main characters. June being also a boy since Legend was based from Les Misérables. Her husband told her that making the other character a girl will make it more interesting.
• Kaede is a very memorable character for Marie Lu because she wrote Kaede's character with the image of herself. Kaede is a pilot which Marie dreamed of becoming when she was young, but her mother told her that she won't be good at it. "That's great, achieve your dream, but not that" (we all laughed)
• Marie Lu is not closing her doors for a Legend spin-off. It might be about Anden or Tess.
• The Legend movie is in the process already. Screenplay is done (Marie didn't participate much since she has little idea of it), now they're finding a director and the casts (OMG!!!!!!!!!!)
• Marie Lu is a very visual person. She worked in Disney as an visual artist. She can't write a story without drawing her characters first (which btw is super duper cool!)
• Marie Lu's husband is a Filipino that's why she has a soft spot for the Philippines. (She absolutely love mangoes!)
• Three of her novels got rejected (unpublished) before Legend. 
• She writes on and off. There were months that she would write everyday, and there were months that she won't at all.

Frosbite

On the Fence
Author: Kasie West
Date of Publication: June  , 2014
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Summary:

She's a tomboy. He's the boy next door…

Charlie Reynolds can outrun, outscore, and outwit every boy she knows. But when it comes to being a girl, Charlie doesn't know the first thing about anything. So when she starts working at a chichi boutique to pay off a speeding ticket, she finds herself in a strange new world. To cope with the stress of her new reality, Charlie takes to spending nights chatting with her neighbor Braden through the fence between their yards. As she grows to depend on their nightly Fence Chats, she realizes she's got a bigger problem than speeding tickets-she's falling for Braden. She knows what it means to go for the win, but if spilling her secret means losing him for good, the stakes just got too high.

Fun, original, and endearing, On the Fence is a romantic comedy about finding yourself and finding love where you least expect.

"No. I don't want this to be in our alternate reality. I want this to be in our real one." He met my lips with his. [...] "But we can do this again at the fence if you want."

The Lost
Author: Sarah Beth Durst
Date of Publication: May 27, 2014
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Synopsis:

It was only meant to be a brief detour. But then Lauren finds herself trapped in a town called Lost on the edge of a desert, filled with things abandoned, broken and thrown away. And when she tries to escape, impassable dust storms and something unexplainable lead her back to Lost again and again. The residents she meets there tell her she's going to have to figure out just what she's missing--and what she's running from--before she can leave. So now Lauren's on a new search for a purpose and a destiny. And maybe, just maybe, she'll be found...

Against the backdrop of this desolate and mystical town, Sarah Beth Durst writes an arresting, fantastical novel of one woman's impossible journey...and her quest to find her fate.

Lovely Vicious
Author: Sara Wolf
Published Date: Nov 5, 2013
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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.

The Winner's Curse
Author: Marie Rutkoski
Published Date: March 4, 2014
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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?)

Split Second (Pivot Point #2)
Author: Kasie West
Published Date: Feb 11, 2014
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Synopsis:

Life can change in a split second.

Addie hardly recognizes her life since her parents divorced. Her boyfriend used her. Her best friend betrayed her. She can’t believe this is the future she chose. On top of that, her ability is acting up. She’s always been able to Search the future when presented with a choice. Now she can manipulate and slow down time, too . . . but not without a price.

When Addie’s dad invites her to spend her winter break with him, she jumps at the chance to escape into the Norm world of Dallas, Texas. There she meets the handsome and achingly familiar Trevor. He’s a virtual stranger to her, so why does her heart do a funny flip every time she sees him? But after witnessing secrets that were supposed to stay hidden, Trevor quickly seems more suspicious of Addie than interested in her. And she has an inexplicable desire to change that.

Meanwhile, her best friend, Laila, has a secret of her own: she can restore Addie’s memories . . . once she learns how. But there are powerful people who don’t want to see this happen. Desperate, Laila tries to manipulate Connor, a brooding bad boy from school—but he seems to be the only boy in the Compound immune to her charms. And the only one who can help her.

As Addie and Laila frantically attempt to retrieve the lost memories, Addie must piece together a world she thought she knew before she loses the love she nearly forgot . . . and a future that could change everything.

Altered (Altered #1)
Author: Jennifer Rush
Pages: 323
Published Date: Jan 1, 2013

Synopsis:

When you can’t trust yourself, who can you believe?

Everything about Anna’s life is a secret. Her father works for the Branch at the helm of its latest project: monitoring and administering treatments to the four genetically altered boys in the lab below their farmhouse. There’s Nick, Cas, Trev . . . and Sam, who’s stolen Anna’s heart. When the Branch decides it’s time to take the boys, Sam stages an escape, killing the agents sent to retrieve them.

Anna is torn between following Sam or staying behind in the safety of her everyday life. But her father pushes her to flee, making Sam promise to keep her away from the Branch, at all costs. There’s just one problem. Sam and the boys don’t remember anything before living in the lab—not even their true identities.

Now on the run, Anna soon discovers that she and Sam are connected in more ways than either of them expected. And if they’re both going to survive, they must piece together the clues of their past before the Branch catches up to them and steals it all away.

World After (Penryn and the Days #2)
Author: Susan Ee
Pages: 314
Genre: YA, fantasy, thriller, paranormal, angels

Synopsis:
In this sequel to the bestselling fantasy thriller, Angelfall, the survivors of the angel apocalypse begin to scrape back together what's left of the modern world.

When a group of people capture Penryn's sister Paige, thinking she's a monster, the situation ends in a massacre. Paige disappears. Humans are terrified. Mom is heartbroken.

Penryn drives through the streets of San Francisco looking for Paige. Why are the streets so empty? Where is everybody? Her search leads her into the heart of the angels' secret plans where she catches a glimpse of their motivations, and learns the horrifying extent to which the angels are willing to go.

Meanwhile, Raffe hunts for his wings. Without them, he can't rejoin the angels, can't take his rightful place as one of their leaders. When faced with recapturing his wings or helping Penryn survive, which will he choose?