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Vamped - Lucienne Diver

10/1/2011

Reviewed by: Rosella
Genre: Supernatural, Chick Literature
Rating: 4/5

Gina Covello has a problem. Waking up a dead is just the beginning. There's very little she can't put up with for the sake of eternal youth and beauty. Blood-sucking and pointy stick phobias seem a small price to pay. But she draws the line when local vampire vixen Mellisande gets designs on her hot new boyfriend with his prophecied powers and hatches a plot to turn all of Gina’s fellow students into an undead army to be used to overthrow the vampire council.

Hey, if anyone's going to create an undead entourage, it should be Gina! Now she must unselfishly save her classmates from fashion disaster and her own fanged fate.

Despite my first impression by glance, I really enjoyed this book. Gina was a strong female character. She didn't sit around and do nothing. She got off her butt and snooped around. She leaped to her best friend's rescue. She did so much and I have to admit I was proud to have her as a main character.

I was in love with Gina's boyfriend. He was not only smart, but hot and was concerned about Gina all the time. I just wish that Gina loosened up and told him that she loved him. The only thing I found odd was the connection between the two of them. They'd only made out in a closet and then met after Gina was a vampire. Other than that it was a nice book to read.

Likes: Gina.
Dislikes: Mellisande.

Stefan's Diarie's Volume 2: Bloodlust (The Vampire Diaries) - Unknown

10/1/2011

Reviewed by: Rosella
Genre: Supernatural, Suspense, Mystery
Rating: 3/5

A new beginning...

When Stefan Salvatore's first love turned him into a vampire, his world-and his soul-were destroyed. Now he and his brother, Damon, must flee their hometown, where they risk being discovered...and killed.

The brothers head to New Orleans, looking for safe haven. But the city is more dangerous than they ever imagined, full of other vampires-and vampire hunters. Will Stefan's eternal life be forever damned?

This book was not at all like the first. This book is the history of Stefan's dark side. This book is the history of Damon's last human side.

Stefan really annoyed me in this book. He was just so...clueless. But his his desire to rescue his brother, and his genuine concern for Damon was enough for me to decide it wasn't a good idea to barf on the book (and the fact that I'd have to pay the library for the damage...). I thought Damon was..."acceptable". This book showed me why Damon hated Stefan so much. The only woman Damon had ever loved was killed because Stefan was gullible enough to trust everyone. This book showcases the trouble Stefan runs into.

Lexi, is in this book too only she's a "motherly-figure" while on the show (the "present" time) they treat each other like equals.

I've rated this book a 3/5 because I found it bland, and not as interesting as the first one.

Likes: Stefan's genuine worry and concern for Damon.
Dislikes: Bland; in comparison to the first one.

Clean by Amy Reed

9/27/2011

Reviewed by: Aria
Genre: Psychological, Drug Abuse, Drama
Rating: 4.5/5

Olivia, Kelly, Christopher, Jason, and Eva have one thing in common: They’re addicts. Addicts who have hit rock bottom and been stuck together in rehab to face their problems, face sobriety, and face themselves. None of them wants to be there. None of them wants to confront the truths about their pasts. But they’ll all have to deal with themselves and one another if they want to learn how to live. Because when you get that high, there’s nowhere to go but down, down, down.

Let me just start to say that this isn't just an ordinary book. You may be thinking that this is just about five kids who hung out with the wrong crowd, got into drugs, and basically ended their life. But it's not like that. Not at all.

Clean is instead a story about five kids - five very different kids - all in a rehabilitation center. They have tried to put their pasts behind them, and just get over this. But they have to realize the truths. What lead them to this point? Why did they start drinking and doing drugs? At some points, it was hard to read, hard to see why they led their lives to such a point of destruction that they couldn't handle themselves. And at such a young age.

It's hard to face your pasts, and think about what led to bad decisions, and I like that the author showed that you have to face the facts of your past to move on in the future. It was a refreshing new book about the dangers of drugs.

The stories that these characters had, the pasts they couldn't relive, was deep and you could feel their emotions. The characters were that real. I really felt the emotions and feelings, from the ups to the downs were amazingly true. The author really did a good job with character personality, and really connecting the audience. It was very well-crafted.

The ending was sad, sweet, and just perfect. I think it was a great ending, with not everything having to be perfect. All the characters had deep meaning backgrounds, and this is a must-read.

Likes: moving on, the stories, the reality of drug abuse, more than just fitting in, Olivia, "group (which is like group therapy)," the characters, good ending.
Dislikes: Nothing.

*Note: This book contains mature content such as language, sexual content, and some violence.

Full Moon O Sagashite: Volume 7 by Arina Tanemura

9/25/2011

Reviewed by: Aria
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Humour, Tragedy, Drama
Rating: 4.5/5

Mitsuki is trapped by the Lord of the Underworld and is imprisoned within his barrier. She pleads for Izumi to come help her, but the Shinigami is immobilized by his fear of releasing his last memory--the moment before his death--and will not rescue her. Is there anyone who can protect Mitsuki from the Death Master's scythe?

Through the heartbreak, the laughs, the tears, and the joy, Mitsuki has been through it all. And finally, THIS. IS. WHAT. DETERMINES. EVERYTHING. There is no going back.

No one can help her. No one can save her. Everything is now. Izumi and Johnathan have captured Mitsuki, and Izumi cannot help her. Takuto and Meroko need to change her fate, by getting into the Death Master's office and crossing Mitsuki's names off of the list so that she does not die. But this means that the Shinigami can never see Mitsuki, and they have to make a hard decision.

There were some really sweet and sad moments in the book. I loved that even though Eichi was gone, the author, Arina Tanemura decided to incorporate him into the story somehow. You also find out something shocking about Takuto, and it's really beautiful. The ending is just beautiful. I loved it, and I have no words for it. :)

I loved how throughout the series, Mitsuki grew, and she finally was able to realize that moving on is hard to do, but everybody has to do it. I thought that Johnathan made an immense sacrifice for Takuto, and that was really sweet. I don't want to spoil it by saying too much, so I won't. Izumi and Meroko rekindled their love, and I loved that! :)

So by meeting Mitsuki, everybody essentially got what they wanted. She brought everybody together, after times of hardship, karma, and tears. I liked the ending wasn't cheesy, but everybody got what they wanted. It was sweet and amazing, and just... beautiful. I loved it, and it was the perfect ending to a beautiful tale.

Likes: Mitsuki + Takuto, Takuto, Dr. Wakoji + Ms. Oshige (Mitsuki's manager), Izumi + Meroko, Meroko's innocence, the feelings and emotions, Meroko and Takuto's rekindled friendship, the ending, Meroko helping Mitsuki, Madoka and Nachi, Johnathan's sacrifice.
Dislikes: Nothing. :)

*Note: This manga contains mature content such as some language and is rated 13 and up for themes of death.
**Note: If you want to start the series, start with Full Moon O Sagashite.

Full Moon O Sagashite: Volume 6 by Arina Tanemura

9/25/2011

Reviewed by: Aria
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Humour, Tragedy, Drama
Rating: 4.5/5

Mitsuki has previously refused the operation that would save her life--at the expense of her voice. However, as Mitsuki gets closer to her first concert appearance, Ms. Oshige decides that she will put Mitsuki in the hospital after the event, no matter how Mitsuki feels about it. Even so, it may be too late to save Mitsuki's life, unless Takuto and Meroko are successful in changing her fate.

Let me just say... it all goes downhill from here. This is the book that will make you want to read the last volume in the series to know the climax. This book kept me in suspense by flipping the pages. I just couldn't put it down!

I loved that Mitsuki is finally realizing that Takuto really loves her. This book can be where everything ends... or where everything starts. It's basically Mitsuki's fate. Ms. Oshige and Dr. Wakaoji find out that Mitsuki is FullMoon, and when she falls unconscious, they put her into the hospital. She must have the operation, because time is running out. Takuto and Meroko are trying to change her fate by going to the Death Master and their boss (whom you'll never guess!), and I like that the pair has rekindled an old friendship that was lost and became awkward.

Plus a surprising story about Madoka and Nachi, and they are so cute! :) It's special what they did for each other, and I'm glad they were able to move on and be together. :) I like Arina Tanemura's bonus stories, because they always have a link and connect to the manga.

This issue of the manga was sad, because Mitsuki had to let things go, and realize, "What do I want?" What does she want? Eichi? Life? Love? She'll have to make this decision, and I really loved this manga. :) One more issue to go!

Likes: Mitsuki + Takuto, Takuto, Dr. Wakoji + Ms. Oshige (Mitsuki's manager), Izumi + Meroko, Meroko's innocence, the feelings and emotions, Meroko and Takuto's rekindled friendship
Dislikes: Johnathan.

*Note: This manga contains mature content such as some sexual content, some language and is rated 13 and up for themes of death.
**Note: If you want to start the series, start with Full Moon O Sagashite.

Full Moon O Sagashite: Volume 5 by Arina Tanemura

9/24/2011

Reviewed by: Aria
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Humour, Tragedy, Drama
Rating: 4.5/5

Mitsuki's popularity as Fullmoon has skyrocketed, but Mitsuki learns that fame carries a harsh price. Hidden among the birthday presents sent to Fullmoon is a mail bomb that explodes in Ms. Oshige's face! Will the crazed fan be captured, or will Mitsuki have to quit music to save her friends...and herself?

Oh my, oh my, oh my is all I can say for this manga. The 5th book in the Full Moon O Sagashite series really was suspenseful as "a mail bomb explodes in Ms. Oshibe's face!" You will never believe who is was, and I was shocked to see that.

In this novel, it's the last Shinigami story you will see about their pasts, because I don't think Johnathan counts as a Shinigami, per say. Izumi's story was heart-breaking, I mean all of the Shinigami's past stories were truly sad, and I felt bad for Izumi, the way that he had to deal with a love he never got.

Mitsuki is forced to realize if this is what she really and truly wants. She needs to make some hard decisions for if she wants to continue in the music business. The ending is very surprising, and the character you thought you know is very different than what meets the eyes. Sad, but very shocking indeed.

I hope that Meroko stays strong, because even though everything around her is falling apart, she is stronger than what meets the eye. She can protect herself, and everyone is trying to convince her not to go.

This novel was definitely portraying the major predicaments that Mitsuki must overcome if she wants to sing and keep the Shinigami. I don't think she ever thought that she would be this close to the Shinigami, because they love her and want to protect her. They really do care about her, and you can see this in this manga.

I love Dr. Wakaoji + Ms. Oshige. They are just so cute, and I hope that they were end up together. I also love that Mitsuki is not afraid to be herself. She will be who she wants to be, and that is what makes her stand out. She is so strong and will-powered. She is a truly amazing character. :)

Likes: Mitsuki + Takuto, Takuto, Dr. Wakoji + Ms. Oshige (Mitsuki's manager), Izumi + Meroko, Meroko's innocence, the feelings and emotions, Izumi, finding the Shinigami`s pasts really connects the audience even more with the story, the cliffhanger
Dislikes: Johnathan.

*Note: This manga contains mature content such as some language and is rated 13 and up for themes of death.
**Note: If you want to start the series, start with Full Moon O Sagashite.

Full Moon O Sagashite: Volume 4 by Arina Tanemura

9/23/2011

Reviewed by: Aria
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Humour, Tragedy, Drama
Rating: 4.5/5

Mitsuki's love for Eichi has helped keep her alive because she promised that one day she would become a famous singer and meet him again. But lately even the memories of Eichi haven't been enough to keep her spirits up. Will Takuto's confessed love for Mitsuki be enough to convince her to live...or will she follow her first love into death?

Can I say anything better about Full Moon O Sagashite? This manga is so amazing that I am speechless for words (but still have enough to write a review), and I can't say enough good things. It's a beautiful manga - that's exactly the word.

This manga was a really amazing one, because the truth about Eichi comes out. I don't want to spoil anything, but I will say for those who might want to know a little is that the truth about Eichi is finally revealed by the Shinigami. Mitsuki must find all the courage to keep going, even when she finds out that Takuto and her relationship are more than a friendship to Takuto. He really loves her.

The heart-break in this particular manga was devastating. You get to know so many truths that are hiding behind everybody's eyes. The truth about Meroko's past was devastating. I just couldn't believe it. The least person you'd ever expect is the one that is linked to Meroko's past. The least. This manga was my absolute favourite, and I said that about the second, and I still have 5, 6, and 7 to go on too. It was heart-breaking to see all the pain that Meroko went through, and she did snap, but I'm glad she made the right decision than just accepting what she was really here for. Meroko and Mitsuki have a good bond.

Arina Tanemura, as I said before, has an amazing way of showing the feelings and emotions of all of the characters through her drawing and writing. She takes so much time to really connect with the audience, and make the book well-crafted.

Mitsuki is an amazing character. She never puts hardships upon others, and is always thinking aobut what she can do to make other people happy rather than herself. She is so sweet and thoughtful, and I think she's really matured even more over the manga series. I love how she can incorporate so many genres, with the tough ones, tragedy, drama, and fantasy, with the comic relief. I really love that, and I can't wait to read on and find out what happens next to the Shinigami and Mitsuki.

Likes: Mitsuki + Takuto, Takuto, Dr. Wakoji + Ms. Oshige (Mitsuki's manager), Izumi + Meroko, Meroko's innocence, the feelings and emotions, Meroko being able to move on, Izumi, finding the Shinigami`s pasts really connects the audience even more with the story
Dislikes: Nothing. :)

*Note: This manga contains some mature content such as some language and is rated 13 and up for themes of death.
**Note: If you want to start the series, start with Full Moon O Sagashite.

Full Moon O Sagashite: Volume 3 by Arina Tanemura

9/23/2011

Reviewed by: Aria
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Humour, Tragedy, Drama
Rating: 4.5/5

Mitsuki's alter ego Fullmoon gets a new producer - Dr. Wakaoji, who is treating Mituski's cancer! Before he got his medical degree, the doctor played keyboard in the legendary band ROUTE L with Mitsuki's father. Can Mitsuki find out more about her Dad without breaking her cover as Fullmoon? And will newly exposed secrets about Takuto's past destroy his present friendships?

Love love love Fullmoon O Sagashite! The characters's emotions are just so real and so true - and many relationships are put to the test. So I'm just going to jump into this review telling you this series is a must for all manga-lovers and even ones who want to try it out. Because you won't be dissapointed.

Many relationships are put to the test as the story goes along - Mitsuki and Eichi, Meroko and Takuto, Mitsuki and Takuto, Meroko and Izumi, and so much more. Everything is struggling to do what they came to do - whether that's helping or hurting Mitsuki.

Mitsuki's courage is so real, how she will do everything just for Eichi. She loves him so much that she would do anything for him. Takuto will do anything he can to protect Mitsuki, too, and I really love their comfortable relationship. I think that Meroko has mad eosme bad decisons in the past, but she will find love one day, and I think Izumi is PERFECT for her. Jonathan is great comic relief; he's just so funny.

Dr. Wakaoji is so close to finding out her secret, and if he does, what could happen? So everybody's on the edge of their seat, hoping he won't find out anything - hopefully. Takuto's old memories were so real, and I love that about the author. She isn't afraid to show the feelings through all the characters, and reading the sidebars really shows how much she cares about her characters.

At the end of the novel, you get a shock. Trust me, it's huge. It changes the entire manga series, and it all goes different from here.

Likes: Mitsuki + Takuto, Takuto, Dr. Wakoji + Ms. Oshige (Mitsuki's manager), Izumi + Meroko, Meroko's innocence, the feelings and emotions
Dislikes: Nothing. :)

*Note: This manga contains some mature content such as some language and is rated 13 and up for themes of death.
**Note: If you want to start the series, start with Full Moon O Sagashite.

Last Christmas (The Private Prequel) - Kate Brian

9/18/2011

Reviewed by: Rosella
Genre: Chick Literature, Suspense, Mystery, Romance
Rating: 4/5

There's no place like Billings for the holidays.

Ariana Osgood has everything an Easton Academy girl cold want: straight As, the perfect boyfriend, and a coveted spot in exclusive Billings House. But on the first night of Christmas vacation, a blizzard traps her on campus with irresistible bad boy Thomas Pearson. Alone. Instead of snuggling with her boyfriend next to a cozy fire in Vermont, she's huddling for warmth with Thomas in Ketlar House.

As the snow transforms Easton into a winter wonderland, Ariana finds herself falling for Thomas. But someone is watching their clandestine romance unfold, someone intent on turning their holiday weekend into a nightmare.

I really loved reading this book, and I'm looking forward to reading the actual Private series even if Ariana isn't the main character in them. This book had some romance, suspense and mystery. Total winner! At first, I put off reading this book because it seemed bland but it was the exact opposite!

It took me awhile to get used to Ariana. She was so gullible at times, and bold and intelligent at others. I honestly didn't know what to think of her. And I found it unbelievable, how she so suddenly decided she was 'in love' with Thomas. I was half yelling at her throughout the whole book; hadn't she learned her lesson from Daniel? I mean she's been with Thomas for a few days and she's already 'in love'.

The preface/prologue of the book slightly disturbed me. Throughout the whole book there were hints at the ending; what Ariana would see that lead to her actions in the preface/prologue. And you can also see how certain actions became so easy for her. It was kind of scary. All I can say is that Ariana is so delusional.

Despite all this, I enjoyed this book a whole lot. I flew through the pages and when I absolutely had to put the book down, I was always thinking about it.

Likes: Ariana.
Dislikes: Ariana, Thomas, Daniel, Peige, etc....

When You Reach Me - Rebecca Stead

9/10/2011

Reviewed by: Rosella
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 3/5

By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it's safe to go, like the local grocery store, and they know who to avoid. Like the crazy guy on the corner.

But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a kid on the street for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda's mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then a mysterious note arrives, scrawled on a tiny slip of paper.

"I am coming to save your friend's life, and my own. I ask two favors. First you must write me a letter."

The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving the, knows things no one should know. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she's too late.

After reading the description of the book I was expecting this book to be somewhat like Pretty Little Liars, with the mysterious notes from "A" and all, but that's not what this book was like at all. This book was well written, with believable characters, and a nicely thought out plot with plenty of twists.

I could really relate to Miranda despite the age difference. I felt so sorry about the loss of her friendship with Sal and wondered how it connected to Sal getting punched. I admired how instead of moping around Miranda actually got out and made new friends. She did of course miss Sal but she made an effort and met new people.

This book was at times confusing what with the mentions of time travel. I spent a few minutes trying to wrap my head around it and once I'd think I'd gotten it, I'd read the next line and get confused all over again. I then decided to try not to understand, and just hope the characters knew what they were talking about.

This book was very unique, and interesting. Trust me there are so many twists that you don't see coming.

Likes: Miranda.
Dislikes: How it ended between Miranda and Sal (don't worry this isn't spoiling anything)