Review: What's Broken Between Us by Alexis Bass

Title: What's Broken Between Us                               

Author: Alexis Bass

Publication: December 29th 2015, HarperTeen

Format: e-ARC, 304 pages              

Source: Edelweiss (Thanks to the publisher)        

Buy it on: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | The Book Depository | Kobo | National Bookstore / Fully Booked (PH)

Synopsis:   

A year and a half ago, Amanda Tart's brother got behind the wheel drunk and killed his best friend. Today, he's coming home from prison.

Amanda's been the one living with the fallout, made worse by her brother's recent unapologetic TV interview. People think he's a monster. Still, she loves him. It's her dark secret, until she starts getting close to Henry again--whose sister is paralyzed from the accident. 

A year and a half ago, her brother destroyed his life. Now Amanda has to decide if she'll let his choice destroy hers.

                                 

Review:

I don't really like writing negative reviews because it leaves a bad after taste in my mouth and I feel like I'm gonna be sick but I've always been honest with everyone when it comes to my reviews and this books is the first of probably a few that's going to be coming along the way, that I did not enjoy very much.

What's Broken Between Us is probably one of those books that started off really mysterious and cool and then got slapped in the face by an array of characters that felt a little too over the top.

{BLOG TOUR} Review + Giveaway: This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee

Title: This Monstrous Thing                                

Author: Mackenzi Lee

Publication: September 22nd 2015, Katherine Tegen Books

Format: e-ARC, 384 pages              

Source: From author through Fantastic Flying Book Club       
Buy it on: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository | Kobo | National Bookstore / Fully Booked (PH)

Synopsis:                                      

In 1818 Geneva, men built with clockwork parts live hidden away from society, cared for only by illegal mechanics called Shadow Boys. Two years ago, Shadow Boy Alasdair Finch’s life shattered to bits.

His brother, Oliver—dead.

His sweetheart, Mary—gone.

His chance to break free of Geneva—lost.

Heart-broken and desperate, Alasdair does the unthinkable: He brings Oliver back from the dead.

But putting back together a broken life is more difficult than mending bones and adding clockwork pieces. Oliver returns more monster than man, and Alasdair’s horror further damages the already troubled relationship.

Then comes the publication of Frankenstein and the city intensifies its search for Shadow Boys, aiming to discover the real life doctor and his monster. Alasdair finds refuge with his idol, the brilliant Dr. Geisler, who may offer him a way to escape the dangerous present and his guilt-ridden past, but at a horrible price only Oliver can pay…

Misfit Review:

Take the essence of Frankenstein and mix it all up with elements of steampunk, then you've got yourself one interesting rendition of a classic novel.

Alasdair loses his brother and decides to bring him back to life. And with a life that you take, consequences are bound to come for you. I love how edgy and gritty this novel is. It does present a very dark ages of sorts, set in old European bound culture, yet adding the element of clockwork. 

DNF: Cleo by Lucy Coats

Title: Cleo                               

Author: Lucy Coats

Publication: May 7th 2015, Orchard Books

Format: e-ARC, 320 pages            

Source: Netgalley (Thanks to the publisher!)         

Buy it on: Amazon | iBooks | The Book Depository |  National Bookstore / Fully Booked (PH)

Synopsis:                                      

Her precious mother is dead - and it isn't an accident! The young Cleopatra - Pharaoh's illegitimate daughter - must flee the royal palace at Alexandria or die too. As her evil half-sisters usurp the throne, Cleo finds sanctuary at the sacred temple of Isis, where years later she becomes initiated into the secret Sisters of the Living Knot. But now Isis's power is failing, Egypt is in danger, and Cleo must prove her loyalty to her goddess by returning to the Alexandria she hates. She must seek out the hidden map which is the key to returning Isis's power - on pain of death. But will she be able to evade her horrible sisters? And will she find dreamy Khai, the über-hot Librarian boy she met as she fled Alexandria years before? Cleo's powerful destiny is about to unfold...

Gorgeous and evocative, this captivating new YA novel imagines the life of the teenage Cleopatra before she became the icon we think we know.

Misfit Review:

7%

I have no issues with stories that are based off of real people, those who existed and made an impact in society, good or bad, as long as the story is interesting, consistent, not boring and not written in a way I expected it will be.

This reimagining of Cleopatra, in her teenage years, and how she claims her right to the throne is written way too modern for my taste, like reading a usual YA contemporary novel. Maybe if this written with a high fantasy flair, I could've taken it seriously. I also found the rivalry between the sisters quite childish and didn't made me curious enough. And please, Cleo, you just lost your Mom, and you're going goo-goo for Khai, the sexy librarian with the beautiful eyes already? Please. When you think about it, it feels a little like Mean Girls... I mean, just a bit.

Stacking The Shelves #10: Spring And Summer Haul

Stacking The Shelves is a feature hosted by Tynga’s Reviews where bloggers share what books (both physical and digital) they received, won, bought, and borrowed.

Hi there Misfit Booknerds! For those who are wondering if there's Spring in the Philippines, I just dream we do. HAHAHA! *cries* I am, however, referring to the titles I received during the seasons ARCs or finished books were released. Other than that, I'm just trying to be somewhere I'm not... OH SPRING!

You can also take note that I have not made an STS for months and months (since January), due to the lack of book hauls. (blame my thesis expenses LOL). You may now mock me.

During April till July however, I have received a number of books, both physical and electronic. Some of them are advance and backlisted titles, while others are borrowed or part of blog tours. So yeah. Here we go!

April

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

May

Review: Emmy & Oliver by Robin Benway

Title: Emmy & Oliver                               

Author: Robin Benway

Publication: June 23rd 2015, HarperTeen

Format: e-ARC, 352 pages

Source: From the publisher (Thanks HarperTeen!)

Buy it on: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | The Book Depository | Kobo | National Bookstore / Fully Booked (PH)

Synopsis:

Emmy’s best friend, Oliver, reappears after being kidnapped by his father ten years ago. Emmy hopes to pick up their relationship right where it left off. Are they destined to be together? Or has fate irreparably driven them apart?

Emmy just wants to be in charge of her own life.

She wants to stay out late, surf her favorite beach—go anywhere without her parents’ relentless worrying. But Emmy’s parents can’t seem to let her grow up—not since the day Oliver disappeared.

Oliver needs a moment to figure out his heart.

He’d thought, all these years, that his dad was the good guy. He never knew that it was his father who kidnapped him and kept him on the run. Discovering it, and finding himself returned to his old hometown, all at once, has his heart racing and his thoughts swirling.

Emmy and Oliver were going to be best friends forever, or maybe even more, before their futures were ripped apart. In Emmy’s soul, despite the space and time between them, their connection has never been severed. But is their story still written in the stars? Or are their hearts like the pieces of two different puzzles—impossible to fit together?

Readers who love Sarah Dessen will tear through these pages with hearts in throats as Emmy and Oliver struggle to face the messy, confusing consequences of Oliver’s father’s crime. Full of romance, coming-of-age emotion, and heartache, these two equally compelling characters create an unforgettable story.

Misfit Review:

When someone important in your life comes back after many years, knowing that them disappearing has caused great trauma to a lot of people, is it alright to just go back to the way it was or will the change be too much to handle?

Emmy & Oliver is a rollercoaster of feelings, brought about the traumatic experience of Oliver being kidnapped by his Dad one day, at age 7. After 10 years, Oliver comes back home and Emmy, his best friend, is both happy and worried. Things have changed. Oliver's mom won't rest till his Dad is arrested, Emmy's parents are way too overprotective of her and Caro and Drew, Emmy's best friends (Oliver's friends once), are gonna have to learn to adapt to everything again. It's a mixture of happiness and uncertainty for everyone and on whether everything should be done-over or should it be a start over.

Review: Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider

Title: Extraordinary Means

Author: Robyn Schneider

Publication: May 26th 2015, Katherine Tegen Books

Format: e-ARC, 336 pages

Source: Edelweiss (Thanks to the publisher!)         

Buy it on: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | The Book Depository | Kobo | National Bookstore /Fully Booked (PH)

SYNOPSIS:

From the author of The Beginning of Everything: two teens with a deadly disease fall in love on the brink of a cure.

At seventeen, overachieving Lane finds himself at Latham House, a sanatorium for teens suffering from an incurable strain of tuberculosis. Part hospital and part boarding school, Latham is a place of endless rules and confusing rituals, where it's easier to fail breakfast than it is to flunk French.

There, Lane encounters a girl he knew years ago. Instead of the shy loner he remembers, Sadie has transformed. At Latham, she is sarcastic, fearless, and utterly compelling. Her friends, a group of eccentric troublemakers, fascinate Lane, who has never stepped out of bounds his whole life. And as he gradually becomes one of them, Sadie shows him their secrets: how to steal internet, how to sneak into town, and how to disable the med sensors they must wear at all times.

But there are consequences to having secrets, particularly at Latham House. And as Lane and Sadie begin to fall in love and their group begins to fall sicker, their insular world threatens to come crashing down.

Told in alternating points of view, Extraordinary Means is a darkly funny story about doomed friendships, first love, and the rare miracle of second chances.

Misfit Review:

To be honest, I don't know what words to say. I always do. At times when I feel entirely overwhelmed with a book, I just want to sit and stare at the corner of my room, cry and stalk the author and ask for guidance, forgiveness coz I have screamed at the book many times, and just ask, WHY???? WHY YOU DO DIS?

Review: Liars, Inc. by Paula Stokes

Title: Liars, Inc.
Author: Paula Stokes
Publication: March 24th 2015, HarperTeen
Format: e-ARC
Source: From the publisher! (Thank you HarperTeen!)
Buy it on: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | The Book Depository | Kobo | National Book Store / Fully Booked (PH)

SYNOPSIS:

It all starts with one little lie…

Max Cantrell has never been a big fan of the truth, so when the opportunity arises to sell lies to his classmates, it sounds like a good way to make a little money and liven up a boring senior year. With the help of his friends Preston and Parvati, Max starts a business providing forged permission slips and cover stories for the students of Vista Palisades High. Liars, Inc. they call it. Suddenly everybody needs something and the cash starts pouring in. Who knew lying could be so lucrative?

When Preston wants his own cover story to go visit a girl he met online, Max doesn’t think twice about hooking him up. Until Preston never comes home. Then the evidence starts to pile up—terrifying clues that lead the cops to Preston’s body. Terrifying clues that point to Max as the murderer.

Can Max find the real killer before he goes to prison for a crime he didn’t commit?

Misfit Review:

Have you ever thought you can get out of a lie? Of course you have. I believe everyone has. But a lie so huge, that it could send you into a federal chase, hiding from people and ultimately shading the truth, can lead into some pretty dirty business.

Review: My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga

Title: My Heart and Other Black Holes
Author: Jasmine Warga
Publication: February 10th 2014, Balzer + Bray
Format: e-ARC, 320 pages.
Source: From publisher (HarperCollins! THANK YOU!!!)
Buy it on: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | The Book Depository | Kobo | National Book Store / Fully Booked (PH)

SYNOPSIS:

Sixteen-year-old physics nerd Aysel is obsessed with plotting her own death. With a mother who can barely look at her without wincing, classmates who whisper behind her back, and a father whose violent crime rocked her small town, Aysel is ready to turn her potential energy into nothingness.

There's only one problem: she's not sure she has the courage to do it alone. But once she discovers a website with a section called Suicide Partners, Aysel's convinced she's found her solution—Roman, a teenage boy who's haunted by a family tragedy, is looking for a partner. Even though Aysel and Roman have nothing in common, they slowly start to fill in each other's broken lives. But as their suicide pact becomes more concrete, Aysel begins to question whether she really wants to go through with it. Ultimately, she must choose between wanting to die or trying to convince Roman to live so they can discover the potential of their energy together.

Misfit Review:

It takes a lot of courage and willpower to gut your way out of sadness, especially when it seems like it's planning on staying there for a bit of a vacation. But with My Heart and Other Black Holes, an attempt and a spark may actually give you that push you need to get that sadness to take a hike home.

So the story starts with Aysel Seran, a 16 year old girl who is trying to find a way to off herself without having to do it alone. She stumbles upon Smooth Passages where people are looking for Suicide Partners. Aysel finds interest in FrozenRobot who wishes to die in a specific date: April 7. From then on, the two of them try to go through every day, dealing with the people they love, the prejudices of people and the growing black holes in their hearts.

Stacking The Shelves #7: OH LOVE

Stacking The Shelves is a feature hosted by Tynga’s Reviews where bloggers share what books (both physical and digital) they received, won, bought, and borrowed.

On this week's Stacking The Shelves, I received some fantastic digital ARCs from amazing publishers. Both books are surrounded with the theme of love and also with their titles. Unfortunately, I haven't exactly purchased new books, so. Anyway, here they are.

FOR REVIEW

Love May Fail by Matthew Quick

Love Hurts by Malorie Blackman 

with contributions from Maureen Johnson, Catherine Johnson, Philip Pullman, James Dawson, Jenny Downham, Patrick Ness, E. Lockhart, Lauren Myracle, Laura Dockrill, Gayle Forman, Markus Zusak, Susie Day, David Levithan and Lauren Kate 

Special thanks to HarperCollins Publishers on Edelweiss for allowing me to read a novel of one of my favorite authors of all time and to Random House Children's Books UK on Netgalley for surprising me with this copy of Love Hurts!

Tell me what you have on your stacks this week! Leave comments below!

ARC Review: Random by Tom Leveen

Title: Random
Author: Tom Leveen
Publication: Simon and Schuster Books For Young Readers
Format: e-ARC, 221 pages
Source: Edelweiss (Thanks so much to the publisher!)
Buy it on: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo

SYNOPSIS:

Who's the real victim here? This tense and gripping exploration of cyberbullying and teen suicide is perfect for fans of Before I Fall and Thirteen Reasons Why.

Late at night Tori receives a random phone call. It's a wrong number. But the caller seems to want to talk, so she stays on the line.
He asks for a single thing—one reason not to kill himself.

The request plunges her into confusion. Because if this random caller actually does what he plans, he'll be the second person connected to Tori to take his own life. And the first just might land her in jail. After her Facebook page became Exhibit A in a tragic national news story about cyberbullying, Tori can't help but suspect the caller is a fraud. But what if he’s not? Her words alone may hold the power of life or death.

With the clock ticking, Tori has little time to save a stranger—and maybe redeem herself—leading to a startling conclusion that changes everything…

Misfit Review: 

As you may have noticed, it took sometime before I got back into blogging again. Some of you might think that it was because of school, but it was actually because I was depressed. I'll talk about that in another post. But yeah, I had no motivation to read and Random was a book that I was almost finished with but was too depressed to continue reading. And I should tell you, it's not a book you should read whilst on one.

"The complete randomness of it was the whole point."

Random starts with Tori Hershberger frantic about the next day's trial. She is to be seen in court after what happened with her "friend" Kevin Cooper. She was one of those deemed guilty of Kevin's suicide and Tori is nervous that things won't go well for her. But as she tries to go to sleep, she receives a phone call from a guy named Andy saying that he dialed a random number and wants to kill himself because he has no more reason to live. It's up to Tori to negotiate with Andy into not killing himself because she doesn't want to be blamed for another death.

"Nice, he says."See, that's what I meant. There's nobody anywhere who givesa shit about anybody else. That is exactly my point. This isn't about me, Tori. It's about everybody. Everybody screwing everybody else over and--god, fuck this!"

The story was started nicely, cryptic yet loose. Andy felt like the guy I would rather not talk to because he was so aggressive and demanding. But in any way, I liked that he brought some charm into the story with his dark humor and common sense. He made the story shine. Tori on the other hand was just incredibly annoying to me, which may be what Leveen was trying to achieve with her character but also may be for the fact that she's so gullible and naive. 16 year olds. You sometimes can't blame them for not getting the whole picture. Tori, however, was determined to not let Andy die and I liked that about her though Andy did have a point that she may be doing it only for herself but I noticed a sort of attachment that she had with Andy in the couple of hours that they talked.

I really, really loved the theme of the story which is online bullying. There's this video by Ryan Higa on Youtube that I watched which talked about cyber bullying and how one should not feel anything about it. You can easily just shut it off, deactivate your social media accounts and it's okay. But if you are bullied outside of the virtual world, it does indeed take a toll on you. Kevin was being harassed online by some jocks and popular girls and Tori wanted to be part of something bigger in her senior year which lead her to tease her friend in the process of getting a nod from those people. It made me sick. But teenagers do succumb to peer pressure and Tori was a symbol of the negativity that high school has which is the awful bantering and the discrimination. The harder part of it was that Kevin was going through a difficult time because he was already diagnosed with depression.

But Kevin Cooper had had enough.

Which brings me to my point how difficult it was to read it at the time that I just wasn't okay with myself. It was okay to take in jokes but it was much harder to stomach it in when you can't seem to get that it was actually a "joke". And Tori in her denial and innocent state believes that she had done nothing wrong and that she is innocent. Andy makes it a point for her to see the bigger picture and go face facts. Again, kudos to Leveen for such an upfront yet caring character like Andy. Though there were times I felt like I wouldn't like him, I actually did. Oh yeah! Jack! Jack is the true hero of this story by the way. LOL.

I felt in the first parts like the story was dragged a bit too long with Tori and Andy on the phone, Tori pleading, etc. But then it allowed for different emotions and twists to open up. The twists are the ones to look forward to. I kind of had a OMG moment around a few pages to the end and I liked it.

I chose the simplest. "Bye, Kevin."

Tom Leveen allowed me to be frustrated and hateful of his characters but also made me realize that the struggle is real and that it is okay to hate them as long as there is a reason behind it. It's my feeling. He brought out such diverse characters, with polarizing personalities that made the story work. I honestly thought I'd hate the story mid-way but it definitely delivered. His style is not so ordinary, with Facebook posts and comments part of the story but it also plays around subtlety and hard-hitting moments that you would see in any book about suicide. His characters just made it so worth it!

Random is a book that teaches that even when we do have the freedom to say anything we like, there's always a casualty that comes with it. And it may be something you have to pay for.

About the Author:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Tom Leveen has 22 years of theatre experience as an actor and director. He was the Artistic Director and a co-founder of two companies: Chyro Arts Venue, an all-ages nonprofit visual and performing venue; and Is What It Is Theatre, a community theatre that operated for 13 seasons. Tom lives with is wife and son in the Phoenix area. PARTY was his first novel, followed by ZERO (a 2013 YALSA Best Book) and MANICPIXIEDREAMGIRL, all with Random House. His fourth novel, SICK, a YA horror, will be released in Fall 2013 from Abrams/Amulet.


Remember to check out my review archives which has all the books I've reviewed as well as some of the books you'd expect I will review very soon! This will help you check out book reviews easier. :) YAAAAY! For all the love and support, thank you Misfit Booknerds for everything!

ARC Review: Aspen by Rebekah Crane

Title: Aspen
Author: Rebekah Crane
Publication: June 5th 2014, In This Together Media
Format: e-ARC, 206 pages
Source: Netgalley (Thanks to the publisher!)
Buy it on: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

SYNOPSIS:

Aspen doesn't want to remember the car accident that killed Katelyn Ryan, a sleek-haired popular soccer player. But forgetting is hard-- because Katelyn may have died -- but she didn't leave. Her ghost is following Aspen around, and heading into senior year, it's kind of a problem. Especially when Katelyn's former boyfriend Ben appears to be the only person at school with a clue as to how Aspen feels. 

Popularity, Homecoming Court, hot guys - none of these things ever mattered to Aspen. She's been busy trying to keep her stoner mother Ninny in line and out of unemployment. But with Ben sitting next to her in Physics and her therapist begging her to remember all the things she wants to forget, Aspen is thrust into a vivid, challenging world she can't control ... and doesn't want to. 

A darkly funny, emotionally gripping story of opening up, letting go, and moving on, Aspen is about the best-worst accident of your life ... and what comes next.

Misfit Review: 

If you are looking for a book with quirky characters and a mind boggling story, then I suggest you read Aspen.

A few weeks ago, Katelyn appeared in the corner of my room, like one of the ghosts in A Christmas Carol, except she didn't move or talk or anything. She just stood there in her soccer uniform, looking alive.

The story begins with Aspen Yellow-Sunrise Taylor is starting her senior year after going through an accident. It was the same night that soccer star, Katelyn Ryan died. Aspen seems to know something that happened that night but she can't seem to get herself to say anything. She's scared and worried that something might happen and so she keeps a tight lip. But she is constantly haunted by that past... Haunted every waking moment by Katelyn's ghost.

I'm already the illegitimate daughter of a teen mom who smokes more pot than Willie Nelson. I'm weird enough without the ghost.

Aspen is an interesting read. It's not far off from books I've read, though I really loved how the characters truly lifted the story. Aspen is the flower child, keeps to herself, loves to sketch and accidentally smudge charcoal on her face, and get this: SHE'S NOT INTO COLLEGE... (I hope life is this easy). She lives with Ninny, her hilariously funny and upbeat Mom. Aspen and Ninny's chemistry in the book was done so well, that I wouldn't mind just reading the book with only the two of them in it!

"Anything is better than Kim. Kim Choi is just so Asian. I'm more unique than that."

But add characters like Kim and Cass into the picture, and the book blooms of comedic prowess! I really like Kim because she breaks all Asian stereotypes and Cass isn't afraid to just be himself! Reading their parts together made Aspen a worthwhile adventure as well!

"I'm not supposed to be happy with you." Ben's eyes are serious. More serious than I've ever seen them. My heart pounds in my ears. "Why?"
"Because it makes me forget."

Then there's Ben. FUDGESTICKS! Ben and his dark hair and chameleonesque eyes. I really did think he was a young Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock Holmes form! Oh please, warp me to the book so I could have him. Ben is Katelyn's former boyfriend. They seemed like the perfect couple and everyone loves them. Ben misses Katelyn but finds solace in Aspen. I like their dynamic and chemistry. It's not just bound on sexual tension. There's a bond that forms though I wish it was more solid. But it was still beautiful between the two of them. Oh yeah, keep tabs on Ben! He's got a few things hidden under his sleeves... Not literally though. You get the gist.

"Isn't it weird that we never really see ourselves? We just see reflections," I say. "It's a good thing I like your face." "It's kind of depressing, though, that we never really see ourselves," I say. "Maybe it's about letting other people see us."

The novel is not really focused on romance which might bum out some rom-com enthusiast (BUT SERIOUSLY! IT DOES! Not so much though, from my point of view). The novel plays on the central theme of facing your fears and accepting the truth. The past will forever haunt you unless you face it and bury it for good.

The supporting characters shine too much sometimes that I care more for them than I do Aspen. Suzy may seem weirdly attached but she proved that she's not just the sweet side character. Although, I hated the fact that Kim and Cass didn't have much going on for them around the end. They kinda just pop out when the occasion needs them. I think I fell in love with them too much. As for Katelyn's ghost, there's so much mystery to it that you really would want to know what was going on, but I guess, we'll just leave it to the imagination, or when you purchase the book! HAHAHA!

I don't think the grove will ever be complete. That's the funny thing about endings. They're usually the start of something new.

As for Rebekah Crane's style, she seems to pull in the same punches of the Young Adult genre yet adding that odd hint of mystery that would get the readers questioning the protagonist and even the people around her. It was written decently and humorously captivating! And that ending! It's so perfect! So perfect!

If you are looking for a hilarious escape, with a psychological, mysterious twist. Aspen is the kind of book to cuddle up to in a cold day or maybe any day! It's that good!

P.S. Don't you think the cover looks like Carrie Bradshaw? I mean, c'mon! HAHA!

About the Author:

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Rebekah Crane fell in love with YA literature while studying Secondary English Education at Ohio University. After having two kids, living in six different cities, and finally settling down in the foothills of her beloved Rocky Mountains, her first novel, PLAYING NICE, was published. ASPEN, her second YA novel, set in Boulder, CO, is due to release in summer 2014 from In This Together Media. She now spends her day carpooling kids or tucked behind a laptop at 7,500 ft high in the Rockies, where the altitude only enhances the experience.






Be sure to stay tuned for more book reviews and other feature contents here on the blog! I'll make it up to you guys! Thank you!

Book Review: Nihal of The Land of The Wind by Licia Troisi

Title: Nihal of The Land of The Wind (Chronicles of the Overworld #1)
Author: Licia Troisi
Publication: May 27th 2014, Open Road Media (First published in Italian in 2004 by Mondadori)
Format: e-ARC (in English), 230 pages
Source: Open Road Media through Netgalley (Thank you!)
Buy it on: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Synopsis:

Nihal lives in one of the many towers of the Land of the Wind. There is nobody like her in the Overworld: big violet eyes, pointed ears, and blue hair. She is an expert in swordplay and the leader of a handful of friends that includes Sennar the wizard. She has no parents; brought up by an armorer and a sorceress, Nihal seems to be from nowhere.

Things suddenly change when the Tyrant takes charge. Nihal finds herself forced to take action when she is faced with the most difficult mission a girl her age could imagine.

Fierce, strong, and armed with her black crystal sword, Nihal sets out to become a real warrior.

Misfit Review :
*I was provided an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review

If there is anything more investing than reading a fantasy novel, then please don't sign me up for it because I realized how difficult it could be long ago. It's taxing to remember all the characters and those involved and  if it's straight up action and dragons, I get rather bored. It took me a while to finish this novel but maybe it was school or I was just really, really tired. But when I got the opportunity to read it more, I found out that I actually enjoyed reading Nihal of The Land of The Wind, or "NIHAL" as I would like to call it.

Her feelings of nostalgia, loneliness, and regret were heightened, but her heart did not waver. She wanted her childhood back--all the fun, innocence, and peace she had felt.

So we are taken into the Overworld where the feisty and spunky Nihal resides at the Land of The Wind with her father, Livon, who is an armors maker. She wants to be a Dragon Knight so badly and wished to learn how to really fight and learn magic, which her father took with animosity. But in the end, Nihal prevailed in her wishes, training under Soana, Livon's sister, who happens to be a sorceress with an apprentice named Sennar. We are taken into their world where Nihal must learn to fight against the odds against the dominating Tyrant and to make people realize her worth as a warrior and as a woman.

She was strong, unbeatable. Nothing could stop her. This was what the croud was shouting, and she believed them.

Nihal is a story of hard work, revenge and self worth. I enjoyed reading this book though it took me a while to really take into liking it. The story's pace at first was rather slow for me but then it got more engaging and you end up seeing yourself liking everything that is happening around. I specifically loved Nihal's determination to learn and protect her land. It was a story that allowed me to appreciate kingdom stories more and also the inclusion of romance. 

I guess that I appreciated the story because of the little hints of romance. Sennar is such a lovable guy because of his wit and humor. It's just unfortunate that Nihal is so dense or rather fixated with Fen. Another thing I loved about the story is that the action's just right! And oooh! DRAGONS! I can die now.

For a split second, Sennar was afraid of her. She wasn't the same girl he'd met in Salazar. She'd changed, though he couldn't say just how.

Licia Troisi wrote a really interesting story. It's not the first time I've encountered a story about dragons, supernatural stuff and powers, but it is my first time encountering a girl protagonist fight for her right to be part of something she's not supposed to be in. Her characteristics reminds of me of Katniss in a way but with a more void set of emotions while the story progressed.  All in all, there's a good balance of characters and scenes that made the novel quite exciting as it progressed! And I'm looking forward to the next part!

Go and read Nihal of The Land of The Wind because it's totes worth it!

About The Author:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads 

Licia Troisi was born in Ostia, a little place by the sea near Rome. She’s been passionate about writing since her childhood. She took classical studies at high school and studied astrophysics in the university. She started to write her first trilogy, Cronache del Mondo Emerso (Chronicles from the Emerged World), at the age of 21.

She got married in 2007 and is currently a PhD student in Rome. Music, movies and comics are among her interests.

This was one awesome review guys! Check out more in the coming days or weeks! See you later! 

Book Review: Counting to D by Kate Scott

Title: Counting To D
Author: Kate Scott
Publication: Feb. 11, 2014, Elliot Books
Format: e-ARC copy, 206 pages
Source: Elliot Books through Edelweiss (Thank you Edelweiss and Elliot Books)
Buy it on: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Indie Bound | Kobo

 Synopsis:

The kids at Sam's school never knew if they should make fun of her for being too smart or too dumb. That's what it means to be dyslexic: smart, and illiterate. Sam is sick of it. So when her mom gets a job in a faraway city, Sam decides not to tell anyone about her little illiteracy problem. Without her paradox of a reputation, she falls in with a new group of highly competitive friends who call themselves the Brain Trust. When she meets Nate, her charming valedictorian lab partner, she declares her new reality perfect. But in order to keep it that way, she has to keep her learning disability a secret. The books are stacked against her and so are the lies. Sam's got to get the grades, get the guy, and get it straight--without being able to read.

Misfit Review:

*I've been provided the copy by the publisher to give an honest review. I am not compensated monetarily for this*

When I started the book, I expected it to be a really light and fluffy read. Yes, it was fluffy but it wasn't light. It was probably the maths' fault!

Knowing that everyone else could read and I couldn't made me angry and frustrated and scared. So I did math. I did math to prove to everyone that I wasn't stupid.