Category: Z-Old Users (Page 20 of 50)

BOOK REVIEW – Alice (Alice #1) by Christina Henry

February 20, 2016 /
BOOK REVIEW – Alice (Alice #1) by Christina HenryAlice (Alice #1)
by Christina Henry
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

A mind-bending new novel inspired by the twisted and wondrous works of Lewis Carroll...

In a warren of crumbling buildings and desperate people called the Old City, there stands a hospital with cinderblock walls which echo the screams of the poor souls inside.

In the hospital, there is a woman. Her hair, once blond, hangs in tangles down her back. She doesn’t remember why she’s in such a terrible place. Just a tea party long ago, and long ears, and blood…

Then, one night, a fire at the hospital gives the woman a chance to escape, tumbling out of the hole that imprisoned her, leaving her free to uncover the truth about what happened to her all those years ago.

Only something else has escaped with her. Something dark. Something powerful.

And to find the truth, she will have to track this beast to the very heart of the Old City, where the rabbit waits for his Alice.

Bring it, Alice! I’m not scared. Oh, how I should have.

TRIGGER WARNING : Graphic rape (a lot) and violence

►By no means is Alice a flawless book, and I’m not gonna lie, the first chapters, if they hooked me, confused me as hell in the same time. Who are these people? What do they want? What are their relationships like? Where the fuck are they? What’s this world, where human traffic, rape and violence are common practices, where the awful way women are treated makes me want to scream?

To be honest, I always thought that Alice in Wonderland was weird as fuck and developed in an undercurrent of crazy violence, and here? Well. Christina Henry sure pictured the characters we know in the most terrifying light. I love this kind of retellings with passion, and despite the horror, I couldn’t help but be mesmerized at all the magical and strange creatures we meet.

► Moreover, as long as it took for me to simply understand what was going on, it didn’t influence my interest, not at any moment. From the first page I was intrigued, horrified, drowned into this sick journey of theirs. It started with my breath thinning, then gasping and struggling for air.

I was there with Alice, who coudn’t annoy me even if she kept following Hatcher around, because after what she lived through, it made sense and she was lucid about her need and their somewhat unhealthy relationship. Perhaps this world forces her to be taken care of by a man, but nobody owns her, and she makes sure that everyone knows it. Fierce, fierce Alice – she’s in no need of saving, after all. Trust me on this. And then, there’s Hatcher. Hatcher whose madness took violent turns sometimes and whose mind we could never really trust, but Hatcher who was ready to do anything to protect her. Starting Alice, I didn’t expect his character, and he surprised me in the best way possible.

This said, I won’t say that their relationship didn’t surprise or make me uncomfortable at times, because it did. What is it that they have? Love? Friendship? Whatever it is, its evolution is beautiful.

► Really, though? Their quest for revenge and blood captivated me and I rooted for them to kill these fuckers something fierce. Whoops.

This said, I didn’t enjoy some parts of it (I’m not lying when I say that this book is really rape-y), and wanted for some men to go over the stereotyping lust (because really), that’s why I can’t bring myself to give it the full 5. If I never got the impression that rape was used as a plot device – but rather as a way to show how monstruous and excruciating this world is, and NEVER condoned in any way – I don’t like the fact that (almost) all men are bad.

Thanks god for View Spoiler », really.

BOOK REVIEW – Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

February 19, 2016 /
BOOK REVIEW – Dark Places by Gillian FlynnDark Places by Gillian Flynn
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

FROM THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF GONE GIRL

Libby Day was seven when her mother and two sisters were murdered in “The Satan Sacrifice" of Kinnakee, Kansas.” She survived—and famously testified that her fifteen-year-old brother, Ben, was the killer. Twenty-five years later, the Kill Club—a secret secret society obsessed with notorious crimes—locates Libby and pumps her for details. They hope to discover proof that may free Ben. Libby hopes to turn a profit off her tragic history: She’ll reconnect with the players from that night and report her findings to the club—for a fee. As Libby’s search takes her from shabby Missouri strip clubs to abandoned Oklahoma tourist towns, the unimaginable truth emerges, and Libby finds herself right back where she started—on the run from a killer.

*breathes deeply*

What a ride! Finally a mystery that keeps its appeal intact after the first 50% and does not make me roll my eyes all duh! like in the end. Let’s see why, shall we?

► Highly recommended if you can stomach the depression. *whispers* In the end, I even rooted for Libby. Don’t ask me why. I just did. Nobody’s perfect, okay? I said that the characters made me sick, but oh, the sadness. The despair. The misunderstandings. The loneliness. My heart aches from lack of hope.

BOOK REVIEW – We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson

February 16, 2016 /
BOOK REVIEW – We Are the Ants by Shaun David HutchinsonWe Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

There are a few things Henry Denton knows, and a few things he doesn’t.

Henry knows that his mom is struggling to keep the family together, and coping by chain-smoking cigarettes. He knows that his older brother is a college dropout with a pregnant girlfriend. He knows that he is slowly losing his grandmother to Alzheimer’s. And he knows that his boyfriend committed suicide last year.

What Henry doesn’t know is why the aliens chose to abduct him when he was thirteen, and he doesn’t know why they continue to steal him from his bed and take him aboard their ship. He doesn’t know why the world is going to end or why the aliens have offered him the opportunity to avert the impending disaster by pressing a big red button.

But they have. And they’ve only given him 144 days to make up his mind.

The question is whether Henry thinks the world is worth saving. That is, until he meets Diego Vega, an artist with a secret past who forces Henry to question his beliefs, his place in the universe, and whether any of it really matters. But before Henry can save the world, he’s got to figure out how to save himself, and the aliens haven’t given him a button for that.


This is, my friends – without any doubt – the most unexpected and remarkable book I’ve read this year (and the year before, if I’m being honest), soothing and yet poignant at the same time. I feel as if I should wait and write a better review because let’s face it, my midnight thoughts hardly come close to what this book deserves but I can’t. I’m ecstatic and barely thinking straight as huge is its impact on me, and honestly? I need to vent.

As far as 5 stars ratings are concerned, mines are often of two kinds : the flashy, mind-blowing, usually crazy ones (what? I love my evil cutters), and the quietly unforgettable others. We Are the Ants is part of the latter : I can’t, for the life of me, think about something I didn’t like in this strange and beautiful story.

Closing this novel, I feel like a walking-talking-contradiction : speechless, and yet so many words are fighting fiercely into my mind for the honor of – perhaps – convincing you to give it the chance I strongly think it deserves.

► Must I mention the splendid characterization that gives life to these flawed, multi-layered and endearing human beings, whose relationships are pictured in such honest and real way? Speaking of which, do you know why I think that Shaun David Hutchinson shows so much talent when creating his characters? Because albeit begrudgingly, I can’t hate any member of Henry’s family – they’re messed-up sometimes, but oh, how they ring true! Their struggles, their reluctances, their mistakes – none of them can hide the profound love they feel for each others, even if they don’t always know how to show that yes, they do care. Also, Diego. Gah. I won’t say much and let you discover this hopeful wonder of a boy by yourself but trust me, he won’t let you indifferent.

► Can I gush about the fact that everything is beautifully crafted, every event way more complicated than it first appears? Forget the blurb and your – well-deserved – doubts : although Henry’s journey is freaking weird, it works wonderfully.

► Should I talk about the heartbreaking yet so realistic confusion between what the characters believe about themselves and the reality? How the fog they’re walking in can be both their end and their relief? How Henry’s narration, hovering between lucidity and delusion, never loses its hilarious and off-beat spikes, especially when he describes the world we’re living in? Gosh, I’m still recovering from the SnowFlake Page. So fucking true.

☞ I could go on and on and on for hours, it wouldn’t do it more justice than this little sentence can : We Are the Ants is brilliant, and like nothing I read before. Oh, who am I kidding? It just entered my all-times favorites. Highly recommended.

PS. I may never get over the giant cockroaches. Bloody HELL.

BOOK REVIEW – Captive Prince : Volume One (Captive Prince #1) by C.S. Pacat

February 8, 2016 /
BOOK REVIEW – Captive Prince : Volume One (Captive Prince #1) by C.S. PacatCaptive Prince : Volume One (Captive Prince #1)
by C.S. Pacat
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

"This was Vere, voluptuous and decadent, country of honeyed poison"

Damen is a warrior hero to his people, and the truthful heir to the throne of Akielos, but when his half brother seizes power, Damen is captured, stripped of his identity and sent to serve the prince of an enemy nation as a pleasure slave.

Beautiful, manipulative and deadly, his new master Prince Laurent epitomizes the worst of the court at Vere. But in the lethal political web of the Veretian court, nothing is as it seems, and when Damen finds himself caught up in a play for the throne, he must work together with Laurent to survive and save his country.

For Damen, there is just one rule: never, ever reveal his true identity. Because the one man Damen needs is the one man who has more reason to hate him than anyone else...

TRIGGER WARNING : graphic violence, rape, slavery

Oh, the dilemma. Review it? Jump on book 2? Review it? Jump on book 2? Review it? Jump on book 2?

Eenie meenie miney mo
Catch a tiger by the toe
If he hollars let him go
Eenie meenie miney mo

Oh, screw it. I swear that I’ll write a real review of Captive Prince: Volume One because Helloooo, it deserves ones, but for now my excitation and eagerness to freaking KNOW what will happen leads me to shorten my ramble and only give you reduced information (perhaps that’s for the best) (you don’t want to read my entire rambling) (trust me)

☑ Welcome to a harsh and unforgiving world where slavery (including sexual), torture and rape are common practice (including towards youngers, which makes the book so fucking hard to stomach at times). I know, I know, YIKES, but trust me, if I could handle it it’s only thanks to C.S. Pacat‘s talent for dealing with these awful subjects without never showing any form of indulgence towards them. Indeed it’s obvious from the start that Damen, the MC, doesn’t condone nor accept Vere’s barbaric customs. This said, he is the product of this world, therefore what is normal to him can appear quite horrible for our contemporary minds, and with reasons. If he hates people to be abused, he does accept slavery as normal – like a Roman would have. This does not mean that we readers are supposed to agree with him, but actually the opposite. Although I was trembling with rage as soon as I reached page two – and my sentiments never wavered – my fury was focused on this world, as I’m sure the author intended to.

☑ If the world-building leaves several shadow zones and can’t be compared to the level of a full fantasy novel, in my opinion it wasn’t the point : Captive Prince: Volume One is character driven and the political machinations and cunning mostly made up for the relative lack of information about the ‘outside’ world. Early on my mind was reeling, and despite the fact that I guessed several outcomes, it didn’t diminished my enjoyment because –

Well, because –

☑ Laurent. HOLY SHIT I CAN’T HATE HIM. He fascinates me way too much. Perhaps I should feel ashamed, given the fact that he’s a torturer son of a bitch for most of the novel but HEY! You’re talking to the girl who loves Jorg of Ancrath. So there’s that. You know you can’t trust me when it comes to COMPLEX and straight on CAPTIVATING villains. I just can’t. I’m sorry, blablabla, and all that. So, Laurent. He’s harsh, manipulative, intransigent, secret, unwilling to trust, multi-layered, HE MADE ME LAUGH (because dry humor is somehow right up my alley. WOOT!) – He also is growing. I cannot wait to see who he will become in the next books. (to be taken literally) (on to book 2 right now)

☑ The grow of Damen and Laurent’s relationship is perfectly handled – there’s no romance here, guys. THANK YOU FOR SLOW BURN. Also, banter. Banter is EVERYTHING. Especially when it’s so subtle that every giggle comes with a gasp of surprise.

To conclude this review that is already way longer than I had expected (somehow it doesn’t come as a surprise), I’ll say that I was never bored – Not at any moment. Appalled, furious, captivated, curious, yes. Not bored.

► This is quite a success. Color me surprised. No, scratch that : color me stunned instead. Beware, this does NOT mean that I would recommend this book to anyone. I WOULDN’T, because I’m not lying when I say that it’s really REALLY harsh and morally questionable. Please go warned.

BOOK REVIEW – It’s All Your Fault by Paul Rudnick

February 4, 2016 /
BOOK REVIEW – It’s All Your Fault by Paul RudnickIt's All Your Fault by Paul Rudnick
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

My name is Caitlin and up until forty-eight hours ago I had never:

Tasted alcohol, kissed a boy, sang in public at the top of my lungs, kidnapped anyone or—WHAT? STOLEN A CONVERTIBLE?

Now I’m in jail and I have no idea what I’m going to tell:

The police, my parents, the mayor, all of those camera crews and everyone on Twitter.

I have just noticed that:

My nose is pierced and I have—WAIT? IS THAT A TATTOO?

I blame one person for this entire insane weekend:

My famous cousin.

Who is also my former best friend.

Who I have HATED for the past four years.

Who I miss like crazy. NO I DON’T!!!!

IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT, HELLER HARRIGAN!!!!

JESUS! – *smack from Catey* What a surprising and refreshing story! Finally a contemporary YA that doesn’t attach the greatest importance to romance but rather insists on picturing family and friendship bonds!

FUCK YEAH. (sorry Catey, just deal with it)

Yet I have to admit that at first, the story didn’t seem like something I would enjoy. Christian choir singer? Teen Movie Star? Kneesocks? (I kid, I kid, they’re great – I guess so) It sure didn’t scream fangirl material, to be honest. But it was without counting on the HILARIOUS (yes, I’m using CAPS because COME ON! I lost my ability to stop laughing and snorting like a crazy person on page two) dialogues and inner thoughts and situations and EVERYTHING.

(here lies the moment when I realize that this review will be nothing more than my random thoughts)

(I’m sorry)

(No, I don’t believe in penance)

(I’m no Caitlin)

What you need to know is that Caitlin and Heller, albeit being cousins, haven’t seen each others for four years (for a reason that involves a TV show called Anna Banana, a chain, and a gigantic metallic arm – you wish you’d know, right?) when Caitlin learns that she’s the Chosen One to make her cousin fucking behave (think no sex, no alcohol, no drugs, no *insert random fun activity*) for the weekend during which Angel Wars, Heller’s new movie, is launched for everyone to see.

It won’t come as a surprise that they’re both unhappy about this situation.

“I’ll do it,” I said proudly, although I was also trying to sound selfless and humble because that’s who I am. “I’ll go.”

Well, not really. I mean, Caitlin does wait for apologies and for her cousin to understand how better and healthier and perfect her lifestyle is (yes, she is *cough* *a little* *cough* judgmental). She doesn’t want to take pride in it, though. She’s a good Christian. She don’t do boasting.

“I’d told her that if she kept skipping school and using bad words that terrible things would happen. While I didn’t want to act superior and snitty and tell Heller and everyone else I told you so, well, I TOLD YOU SO.
YOU’RE WELCOME.”

Much.

It follows their (not always believable) adventures during this *not* crazy weekend (Catey does end in jail, so there’s that) during which they’ll realize that maybe, just maybe, they both own a part of the answers to their struggles. Neither of them is perfect in any way (but far from it), and I found it wonderful. Beyond all these – Trust me on this. Just do it – laugh out loud passages, this story is about overtaking your fears and your past. Moving on. Taking risks. Understanding that perhaps we all have our crazy sides and that’s for the best.

“Catey, you were so on it,” said Sophie. “You just stood there and you looked around and you saw this convertible. You pointed at it and you said, ‘The Lord provides.’ ”
“You looked up to heaven and you gave this little salute,” said Heller.”

Moreover, the way Paul Rudnick managed to picture the fan world was fantastic and filled with self-derision. Think about Angel Wars like a mash up of The Hunger Games and Angelfall (or any YA PNR book really). Now think about fandoms, Teams, crazy fangirls and boys who don’t know when to let it GO (LET IT GOOOO) (you’re welcome). Think about the level of attention and scrutiny the actors who play these roles are under. Frankly? I find it terrifying.

See, I’m not really a fan person. I know – I KNOW – it can seem so crazy because I do fangirl (A LOT) about many books, but
1) The only actors I know are those I’ve known for 10 years. So WHAT? It takes TIME to remember all these names. Like, right now? I wouldn’t be able to write Peeta’s character name. Don’t kill me Chels. I don’t know, people keep telling me their names and THEY DON’T STUCK. I AM A LOST CAUSE.
2) Actually, I would feel pretty lame if I met these actors – each time I did, I never knew what to say because there’s this moment when you realize that no matter how many movies they starred, you have no idea who these people really are. No. Freaking. Clue.

What does a Anna meets a Movie Star looks like?

Hello…
*blinks*
…You.
Your movie was amazing!
*awkward silence*
Okay! Now I’m gonna go… there… for some reason.
*internal cringing*

I’m not saying that fans are ridiculous and that I’m better than them. I’m sure not. Yet I found incredibly interesting to see those two opposite opinions – Caitlin’s and Heller’s – being taken into account. As usual in life, there’s no such thing as a general right answer, and it took a great journey for them to understand it. I enjoyed every step of it.

Oh, and there’s that :

“In so many YA books the heroine, who’s just a regular girl, has to choose between two dreamboats who are both, for no particular reason, madly in love with her, which is probably why these books are labeled fiction.”

(…) Because yes, there are boys, but don’t worry, they make for the funniest scenes and … Oh, well. I’ll let you see for yourself *wink*

► In a word, here’s a book that doesn’t take itself seriously but ends being absolutely endearing and so clever. If the characters come as stereotypical, in my opinon that’s completely intentional, and that’s what makes this book so enjoyable. Recommended.

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