Review: Inferno

Inferno by Dan Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dan Brown's novels always give you wanderlust. I cannot read one of his books without dreaming of traveling to Italy, viewing the famous statues, buildings and art, traveling in a gondola in Venice or wandering the ancient streets of Rome. Inferno is not exception. It also inspired me to read Danté, research the works of art mentioned in the novel and otherwise immerse myself in the experience. I oscillate between liking the main character, Robert Langdon and being turned off by his portrayal. I just don't find everyone's instant attraction to him to be believable and find it to be off putting. I did enjoy the diverse cast of supporting characters that Brown introduces in this novel. Overall, greatly recommended and to enhance the experience perhaps familiarize yourself with Danté.

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Review: Legend

Legend by Marie Lu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While the idea of Legend is in no way unique, with the recent influx of post-apocalyptic/dystopian storylines in YA fiction, it is still an enjoyable read. It was nice to have the two varied perspectives - the boy from the street and the girl of means. Their story is full of highs and lows, deception, hurt, betrayal and death. Each deals with events in their own way and comes out of the series as a very different person. (Series-wise) (view spoiler)[I was not entirely satisfied with the ending. It left the reader with the temptation of promise and a what-if, but felt like an afterthought. The epilogue didn't seem as pulled together as the rest of the novel. It felt more like the readers raged against the conclusion of the book and the author tacked this story on at the end to appease them. Remember what tragic things, what relationships, what changes happened at the end that you didn't like? Just kidding, I take it back. Here's a glimpse of the storyline you actually wanted. (hide spoiler)] Other than that I really enjoyed the series and would recommend it.

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Review: Mirrored

Mirrored by Alex Flinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a fan of Alex Flinn's fairytale re-tellings, especially Beastly, I was anticipating this novel greatly. It was a unique take on the Snow White tale's Queen, Huntsman, Prince and happily ever after. As the story of Snow White is pretty well known, there's not much I can say without giving away how this re-telling decided to approach the story. Definitely recommended for those who enjoy fairy tales and happily ever afters.

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Review: Zodiac

Zodiac by Romina Russell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Every time you think you have something figured out in this book, the author throws you a curveball. I never knew what to expect when reading this book but enjoyed it overall. The world building was good, but I hope it is developed more in subsequent books. It could be so rich and immersive if that happens. Some of the scenes were weak and made the pacing drag. The main character is relatable despite her unexpected change in station and dramatic odyssey. As seems typical in recent YA fiction there is an element of a love triangle. I don't find it entirely believable, so it pulls me out of the narrative at times. Overall, it's an enjoyable read and I will be reading the subsequent books in the series. Definitely recommend reading this book if you like YA fiction about space, technology, bad guys, adventure or romance.

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Review: Black Widow: Forever Red

Black Widow: Forever Red by Margaret Stohl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I didn't know what to expect from this book, but this was not it and yet I enjoyed it immensely. It almost makes it okay that we didn't receive a Black Widow movie in Phase 1, since we have this really unique way to explore her character. The book itself was full of the action, espionage and utter heart wrenching agony one would expect from a good Black Widow (back)story. Without wanting to spoil it, I just recommend that you read it and tease that a certain Avenger makes a cameo.

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Review: The Graces

The Graces by Laure Eve
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

I was very intrigued by this book from the description and it immediately pulled me in. I came into the story expecting magic and a similtarity to the Secret Circle. That is not at all how this book ended up being. It turned my expectations on their head. The Graces: perfect, different and maybe a little bit feared. To be honest, it read a little like the Cullens from Twilight. The main character is just a normal girl that gets pulled into their dazzling orbit and her life is changed. There is drama, heartbreak and completely unexpected twists and turns throughout. The entirety of the plot was unexpected and I could never foresee what was going to happen. It ends on a cliffhanger that makes you want to know what happens next. Not highly recommended, but give it a shot and see how you feel.

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Review: The Eye of Minds

The Eye of Minds by James Dashner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As technology advances and virtual reality becomes a standard in gaming - the storyline of Eye of Minds becomes more possible. All you have to do is lay down, let these wires invade your body and the virtual becomes your reality. It simulates pain, hunger and all other aspects of daily life. You can play games similar to Call of Duty by running around and pulling the trigger yourself rather than mashing controller buttons. You can spend real world money to upgrade your games or yourself. Whether your virtual self actually resembles you or not is a matter of personal preference.

We meet Michael, Sarah, and Brycen in the VirtNet. They are best friends even though they have never met before in "the wake" or real life. The three get drafted by the VNS, VirtNet Security, to find a dangerous man called Kane who has been destroying people' virtual and waking lives.

Their coding abilities and determination are put to the test in a series of trials. They don't make it out unscathed and their lives are changed forever. A must read if you're a fan of the author, books involving technology or action, or just YA novels in general. I definitely recommend it and can't wait to finish the series.

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