The Girl with the Iron Touch (Steampunk Chronicles #3) by Kady Cross

“It seemed humans, the scientifically minded ones at least, were either tempting death or trying to prolong life. Surely that was an indication of madness.”

In 1897 London, something not quite human is about to awaken.

When mechanical genius Emily is kidnapped by rogue automatons, Finley Jayne and her fellow misfits fear the worst. What’s left of their archenemy, The Machinist, hungers to be resurrected, and Emily must transplant his consciousness into one of his automatons—or forfeit her friends’ lives.

With Griffin being mysteriously tormented by the Aether, the young duke’s sanity is close to the breaking point. Seeking help, Finley turns to Jack Dandy, but trusting the master criminal is as dangerous as controlling her dark side. When Jack kisses her, Finley must finally confront her true feelings for him…and for Griffin.

Meanwhile, Sam is searching everywhere for Emily, from Whitechapel’s desolate alleyways to Mayfair’s elegant mansions. He would walk into hell for her, but the choice she must make will test them more than they could imagine.

To save those she cares about, Emily must confront The Machinist’s ultimate creation—an automaton more human than machine. And if she’s to have any chance at triumphing, she must summon a strength even she doesn’t know she has.

Personal Thoughts:

The Girl with the Iron Touch is the third installment of Kady Cross‘ Steampunk Chronicles, which follows the story of Finley, Griffin and the rest of the gang of misfits. After their adventure in New York to save Jasper Renn, Griffin and his team were back again in London. As expected their group easily attract trouble, and this time an old nemesis is back to hunt them all. Emily is gone missing, Griffin is being hunted by creatures from aether realms, Jasper is still not back to himself, Finley has relationships issues to deal with, as well is Sam who is also much concern with rescuing Emily.

But while everyone has to deal with their own issues, the story is focused on Emily’s rescue operation. Not only Griffin’s team but also Jack Dandy is helping to find and save Emily from possible harm. Yes, he is finally back again since the story is back in London. Though Jack Dandy is still in cocky charming self, surprisingly he didn’t go much after Finley. The relationships issues were finally progressing, not only between Finely and Griffin but also between Emily and Sam.

The story is told between Finley and Emily’s point of view, which gives us more glimpse on Emily’s back story. How she become what she is now, and how she became friends with the Duke of Greythorne, Griffin King. Kady Cross reveal some of Emily’s secret and her life back before she met Griffin and went to London with him. These revelations not only gives us details of her previous life, but also shows more depth to Emily’s character. After-all she is not only a mechanical genius, but also a human being capable of emotions and getting hurt.

As for Finley, she is still her fiercely self. As she takes her chances in love, friendships, and family she becomes more vulnerable and sweet. She still can kick ass but more than her action packed stunts, what I really enjoy about her is how she embraced her soft side by giving in to her romantic side. She is much sure of herself and her feelings which makes the romance in this book a delightful read. Not only she and Griffin, but also the other characters who seems finally found their courage to deal with their feelings.

“I can’t promise that I’ll never be an ass, or that I’ll never make you cry. I can’t promise that I won’t make you so angry you want to cosh me over the head with a brick. I can’t promise you forever, Finley. I’d love to, but I can give you right now. I can give you me in all my defective glory.”

Other than the romance, the next good thing in The Girl with the Iron Touch is that witty and smart antics between the characters. I had a fun time reading Sams and Finley’s remarks to each others, as well as Jack Dandy’s cocky humors. Though he still his self contained self, he managed to throw a little part of himself in the story, which I think purposely made to tease the readers for the upcoming novella in the series, The Dark Discovery of Jack Dandy.

“Home.” Mila ran her hand down a line of books. “It must be nice to have a place where you belong.”
Jack’s eyes opened, and he turned his dark gaze on her. “Sometimes you have to make that place for yourself.”

There were just few things that I think didn’t fit quite right in the story. Just a few minor details that make me pause and asked myself if I missed anything. Like when Emily and Sam were captured. Emily mentioned about Mila finding her friends. How come Emily know that Mila is gone to find her friends? If I understand it right, Mila isn’t aware about her friends , much more where to find them. I’m not sure if I missed anything, but it looks like Emily know things that she shouldn’t have known because of her situation at that time.

I really thought that The Girl with the Iron Touch is the final installment of Kady Cross‘s Steampunk Chronicles, but with the the way this book ended, there is a huge possibility for another installment. There are still unresolved issues, untold secrets, and unexplained scenes.

I wonder what happened to Jasper while he was away with Wildcat? Just what Finley commented, he sounded more like Jasper when he came back to help Griffin and the others to save Sam and Emily. Kady Cross didn’t tell anything about what happened but just give few tease, which somehow makes me think that she is planning to release another novella just to expand and expose what really happened between the two.

Overall, The Girl with the Iron Touch is a much enjoyable read compare to its predecessors. With the right balance of intrigue, romance, and nicely-faced plot, this book is a welcome addition to Kady Cross’ Steampunk Chronicles series.

* This review is based on an eBook I received courtesy of the publisher, Harlequin via NetGalley.

The Girl in the Clockwork Collar (Steampunk Chronicles #2) by Kady Cross

“Power doesn’t always have to equate to physical strength.”

Sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne and her “strange band of misfits” have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper, hauled off by bounty hunters. But Jasper is in the clutches of a devious former friend demanding a trade–the dangerous device Jasper stole from him…for the life of the girl Jasper loves.One false move from Jasper and the strange clockwork collar around Mei’s neck tightens. And “tightens.”

From the rough streets of lower Manhattan to elegant Fifth Avenue, the motley crew of teens with supernatural abilities is on Jasper’s elusive trail. And they’re about to discover how far they’ll go for friendship.

More than ever, Finley Jayne will rely on powerful English duke Griffin King to balance her dark magic with her good side. Yet Griffin is at war with himself over his secret attraction to Finley…and will risk his life and reputation to save her. Sam, more machine than man, finds his moody heart tested by Irish lass Emily–whose own special abilities are no match for the darkness she discovers on the streets.

Now, to help those she’s come to care for so deeply, Finley Jayne must infiltrate a criminal gang. Only problem is, she might like the dark side a little too much….

Personal Thoughts:

I recently requested from NetGalley an advance eCopy of The Girl with the Iron Touch. I really thought that it was the second book of the Steampunk Chronicles of Kady Cross. It took awhile before I realized my mistake, since The Girl with the Iron Touch is in fact the third book which means I can’t read it without reading first the second installment, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar. After a week or two of book hunting I finally get my hand to a copy of the second book.

At the end of the first book, The Girl in the Steel Corset, Kady Cross dropped the major plot point where we read how Jasper Renn dragged off to New York to stand a trial for murder. A murder no one from Griffin’s team is aware. So basically, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar centers on Griffin’s team following their American cowboy friend, Jasper in America to find out if he is in fact guilty for murder or not, and to check if there is anything they can do to help him. Soon they learned that Jasper is not in prison but taken by an outlaw Reno Dalton to do some of his bidding.

Since the group leave London there’s no Jack Dandy in this book. He was mentioned at the beginning but that was it. Part of me expected Jack Dandy to be playing major role in here since the first book leave me with that expression, so I am surprised to find out that the he is in fact never showed up in here. I kinda expecting him making his move to get Finley’s attention more and dueling Griffin for Finley.

Finley did get better in this book compare from what she is in The Girl in the Steel Corset. Her dual personality still makes her unpredictable and intriguing character. But the conflict between her two sides is not prominently address in the story unlike in the first book, which is a bit odd since the gap between the two books is just a matter of days. Finley seems easily adjust to her dual personality faster than I expected. She is stronger now in a sense that she is taking actions on her own. She doesn’t need much Griffin’s help or protection, not even in giving her encouragement or little reminders about her dual personality.

“Finely dropped her head, squeezed her eyes shut and began silently to do what some might call praying, she called it begging.”

Griffin is charmingly honorable as ever. He is still loyal and protective to his friends. He will do anything to help and save them. His ability to control the aether realm which I found interesting in the previous book wasn’t explore much in here. But instead Kady Cross shows how Griffin’s struggle in trusting Finley fully and letting her in charge of the situation.

“Everyone has doubts, lad. What you have to decide is if the risk is worth it.”

Emily and Sam though present in the story took a backseat in this book. There were still few interactions between the two but very minimal, which makes me missed Emily’s scolding and Sam’s silent awkwardness. While the plot focus on Jasper Renn’s capture and survival, I still felt that like Emily and Sam he also took a back seat and his story is much more like a backdrop for all that is happening. The presence of Nikola Tesla in a steampunk book like this one is not surprising at all.

As for the plot twist and villains, Reno Dalton falls flat as the character villain in my opinion. His goals and motivations is a little shallow and simple. The twist on Mei characters doesn’t surprise me at all. From the moment Mei Xing entered in the story, I know right away that the girl is trouble. I didn’t actually recognize her as the one in the cover jacket, but nevertheless I know she plays a major role in the plot. So basically, I find the plot predictable just like with the first book. Mei Xing role is not hard to guess, even her relation to the villain is too obvious for me. I know right away their connection.

Overall, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar though predictable is a fast-paced and action-packed continuation of Steampunk Chronicles series. With action, romance, betrayal, and schemes, followers of this series will enjoy this second installment from Kady Cross.

Jason Mraz = LOVE (Manila 2013 Concert)

I’m still high from last night concert of Mr. A to Z, Jason Mraz at Araneta Colliseum, and since I don’t want to forget the experience I decided to just share it here on the blog to all of you.

In-spite of heavy rains and long que lines my sister, Rica and I went to see Jason Mraz performed live at Araneta Colliseum last night, May 14, 2013. It was Jason Mraz sixth times visit in Manila to perform live, the most previous concert he did was an acoustic live performance with percussionist Noel “Toca” Rivera back in October 2011 which we also attended. Last night Jason brought along a full band consist of nine talented musicians/performers with him. There is a violinist, double bassist, drummer, pianist, and other more. Compare to the intimate and mellow performance from his jam with Toca Rivera, last night concert was more upbeat and lively. Jason even dance with his band while performing some of the upbeat songs. It was an A-W-E-S-O-M-E night!

At exactly 8pm Jason Mraz climbed onto the stage to introduce his opening act, Zendee to the crowd. After six songs from Zendee which includes Michael Bolton’s “Go The Distance” and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” there was a 30 minutes idle time as the crew set-up the stage and equipment for the main act. It is a bit of long wait but once Jason Mraz reappeared on stage, face the audience, blow a kiss and hit his guitar for his first song of the night, you know that the wait is more than worth it.

Jason is wearing a simple black shirt, jeans, sneakers, his trademark fedora hat, and a shorter hair compare from his last visit. There is also a blue and white stripe face paint on his right cheek and to his right forearm. I don’t know what the paint exactly symbolized, and I actually wait for Jason to explain the meaning of those blue and white face paint but it never mention during the show. The whole band were also wearing the same blue and white face paint.

When the second song, The Remedy were played it is more than clear how the rest of the night will go, just like Jason promised when he first walk on the stage, everyone is having fun. I am really amazed with this man’s talent, and last night is the best performance I’ve ever seen my whole life, not that I’ve seen a lot. It just that Jason on stage is more than amazing. His songs can transport me to different level of emotions. It was inspiring, emotional, heart-warming and joyful experience. Seeing him enjoying himself on stage last night is simply contagious. He is singing his heart, dancing with his band, and interacting to the audience with humility and gratitude. The way he connected with everyone is simply amazing. By his effortless singing, simple grin, little laugh, and wiggle of head the audience were totally captured.

At the third song where he played “Who I am Today” solo in his acoustic guitar, I can’t help but savor the lyrics along with his sweet divine voice. It is one of the best song of the night, it is like he is sharing his life story and all you can feel is his overflowing gratitude. And speaking of gratitude, he also performed the “Gratitude” song, I’m not sure if that is the title of the song, but that was one of the lyrics that really stuck in me last night, together with his “every little thing is gonna be alright” lyrics and of course the finale “I’m yours”. I’m in treat for last songs syndrome last night.

Almost every song he played is like a finale piece performance, they were all great. The selection of song which mostly from his albums were perfect. I can’t choose one lone favorite as every song he played were powerful. I love how he personalized the lyrics of each song for us, even saying some FIlipino words like, “Mabuhay”, and “Salamat Po”. During his performance of “93 Million Miles”, he even said something like, “Thank you for making this place feels like home”.

Even his introduction to each songs before he performed were good, some are inspiring, thoughtful, or simply fun. There is this line where he said, “Worrying helps. I need to worry a lot more because 90% of things I worry about doesn’t even happen.” And before he played one of my favorite song, “The Woman I Love”, from his latest album, LOVE is a four letter word, he said, “This next song is for all the dudes, because we all know how the ladies can go a little bit crazy sometimes. They cry and they whine and they forget how great they are.” And of course, what Jason Mraz concert without his rapid-fire and tongue-twisting songs like “You Fckn Did It”, which he performed with one of his band member, Mona Travakoli of Raining Jane. The song was introduced using a disclaimer, Jason saying that he had performed the song on a kayak for penguins and continued with, “if it was safe for penguins, it is safe for you too”. But the best part of it was Jason and Mona rocking the stage with the combination of cajon and guitar, where Mona tapping her drumsticks to Jason’s guitar while Jason is working on his cords. It was amazing and breath taking.

After almost two hours, none of us want the night to end. So when Jason and his band take their bow and the stage went dark, the crowds get quiet for a while, then every one is asking for more. After few minutes Jason and his band hit the stage once again, which I already expected. He played two encores, “Song For a Friend”, and “I’m Yours”. When I heard the song, “I’m Yours”, I know for sure we are near the end. As much as I want to hear that song, I almost dreaded hearing it. I just don’t want the night to end yet. But after I’m Yours, he even add his usual “repeat-after-me” where the crowd sings with him joyfully. After that one more happy song with an inspiring line of “Every little this is gonna be alright” before ending the night with the chorus of “I’m Yours”.

After he said his thanks and take the bow with his band, we went home inspired, loved, amazed and with a heart overflowing with joy. It was a night full of L-O-V-E. Thanks to Jason Mraz and his band for a wonderful, fun and memorable night.

Unlike with his performance with Toca, Jason didn’t tell if he is coming back in Manila next year, but I am sure be waiting for his next visit and concert. Because I can never get enough of Jason Mraz!

Invisibility by Andrea Cremer & David Levithan

“When no one can see who you are, no one really knows you. The loneliness must be like an ulcer that’s always gnawing at your gut.”

A magical romance between a boy cursed with invisibility and the one girl who can see him, by New York Times bestselling authors Andrea Cremer and David Levithan.

Stephen is used to invisibility. He was born that way. Invisible. Cursed.

Elizabeth sometimes wishes for invisibility. When you’re invisible, no one can hurt you. So when her mother decides to move the family to New York City, Elizabeth is thrilled. It’s easy to blend in there.

Then Stephen and Elizabeth meet. To Stephen’s amazement, she can see him. And to Elizabeth’s amazement, she wants him to be able to see her—all of her. But as the two become closer, an invisible world gets in their way—a world of grudges and misfortunes, spells and curses. And once they’re thrust into this world, Elizabeth and Stephen must decide how deep they’re going to go—because the answer could mean the difference between love and death.

Personal Thoughts:

It is no secret that I have high praises for David Levithan as a writer, so every books of him solo or co-authored with other writers is a must read for me. So when I found out that there is another new release from him which he co-written with another known author, Andrea Cremer, I just can’t help myself but to get a copy of his new book right away it hit the local book stores. This is my first Andrea Cremer read, though I own a copy of the first two books of her Nightshade series, I still haven’t got the chance to start reading her books yet. I’m thinking of getting a copy of the final book of Nightshade series first before starting the first book. At least by that I can devour the whole series continuously.

I’m used into reading contemporary stories from David Levithan, and I know how good he is in that genre. So when I found out that Invisibility is more on paranormal, I can’t help but get excited to discover how he will attacked a story that is not in his comfort zone. As of I know this is something new for him, unless you want to classify Every Day as paranormal which for me is not. Invisibility also happens to be the first and only book so far from him with a single word in its title, so this book is like breaking a norm for David Levithan.

Invisibility tells the story of Stephen, a boy cursed to be invisible even before he was born. No one can see him, not his mother who take care of him for fifteen years until she dies, and not even his own self. He doesn’t know why he is invisible, but still learned to accept his situation. He doesn’t go to school, doesn’t interact with people even how much he wants to be part of the world he lives in. He survive every day in a busy place of New York with the help of his absentee father’s bank account. He lives on his own, navigating the big and busy world around him, until he met Elizabeth, the only person who can actually see him.

“I am not solid to the world, but the world is solid to me. The curse is its own intricately woven, often contradictory web, and I was born into it. I am an unknowing slave to its design… It isn’t loneliness really. Because loneliness comes from thinking you can be involved in the world, but aren’t. Being invisible is being solitary without the potential of being anything but solitary. So after a while, you step aside from the world. It’s like you’re in a theater, alone in the audience, and everything else is happening on stage.”

The story is written in alternating point of view between the two main characters, Stephen and Elizabeth. Which I assume counterparts the two authors, David Levithan and Andrea Cremer respectively. As a constant reader of David Levithan works it is easy for me to distinguish his writing. Though Invisibility is not as language or words treat as his other works, it is still easy to pin point his unique writing style from the voice and depth of his character. Stephen sounds so much like David Levithan with his profound thoughts and contemplative voice, which is perfect for Stephen’s isolated background as an invisible guy.

Stephen instantly full me in from the first pages of the book.  His voice carries authenticity, loneliness and hope which all makes easy to feel and care for him. Even the reality of his situation is far from possible, it is still easy to believe it as real. He is optimistic and full of gratitude for someone who is curse all his life. He is cautious and introspective which resulted from being alone.

“People say that time slips through our fingers like sand. What they don’t acknowledge is that some of the sand sticks to the skin. These are the memories that will remain, memories of the time when there was still time left.”

Stephen’s part of the narration carry the contemporary feel while the other character, Elizabeth is more on the paranormal side. So basically the whole story is paranormal romance with a touch of realistic fiction. Combining paranormal and contemporary is an interesting idea and at the same time tricky. I don’t know exactly how should it be done, but in here I think the blending of two worlds is not as smooth as I expected. From the first part, I thought it would be contemporary read with a little supernatural touch like what David Levithan did with Every Day, where even there are not realistic part you still feel the reality of the situation as true.

Invisibility started just like that, contemporary and realistic even with the invisibility plot, which I certainly like. But as I read more from Elizabeth point of view, the contemporary feels gradually lost . As much as I want the story to stay on its original tone, the presence of Elizabeth’s character is too powerful to carry the same tone that the story started. She overpowered Stephen’s character to the point that it feels that the story is too focus on her even in fact it is all about Stephen’s invisibility.

And to be honest I got a hard time enjoying Elizabeth’s character. It’s like a hot and cold relationship between her and me. I like her at some parts especially at the first third of the story where she is still more like some normal teenager who just happens to be the only one who can see Stephen. But when the reason for her ability to see Stephen is revealed I totally lost interest in her. I want to root for her but she become too obsessed with magic and curses that it feels she is straying in the real world, a world where she and Stephen should be. Though I understand her motivations in doing everything she think she can do to save or cure Stephen, I am also skeptical with everything she is doing.

Between Elizabeth and Stephen, obviously I like Stephen’s voice more than Elizabeth. Elizabeth carry unnecessary angst that lessen my desire to like her. Her bitter and jaded personality predominant in comparison to Stephen’s calm and intro-perspective personality. Thank God there is another character in the story that stole my focus to Elizabeth, her brother Laurie. Laurie feels like another character from David Levithan, if you read Will Grayson, Will Grayson, another book David Levithan co-authored, you know what I’m talking about. Laurie was the one who induced fun moments in the story. He is vibrant, optimistic and has more personality than the other two characters combined.

As for the ending, I should have know better than to expect a neatly wrapped package or happily ever after ending. Because from my experience with David Levithan other works, I know how he can easily throw something open-ended but at the same time hopeful ending to his stories. Like with his last book Every Day, not everything is resolved but as I reader you still believe that even the author didn’t laid out all in plain and simple ending, you still left to believe that somehow the characters get their proper closure and maybe the happily ever after that wasn’t told explicitly.

Invisibility has a unique premise, a different kind of love story which I think could have been extraordinary, but somehow didn’t fully work in all aspects. As much as I want to praise David Levithan for another creative and unique work, the collaboration with another author this time doesn’t blend well. Andrea Cremer overpowered him with the paranormal aspect which doesn’t work for me. I love the part where the story feels more contemporary than fantasy, where David Levithan is mostly in charge. I think if the story continue inthe same tone where it started, I will love this book more.

The Last Bookshop (Short Film)

Have you ever wonder what it would like if printed books doesn’t exist anymore? Where books is like an extinct thing no one knows or care about? Where book stores died out completely? I stumble a video on YouTube that shows a future without books. It is a short film written and co-directed by Richard Dadd with Dan Fryer. It tells the story of a boy who stumbles upon the last remaining bookshop. It stars Joe Holgate as the boy and Alfred Hoffman as the shopkeeper. Watch this heartwarming video below that show a glimpse of a possible future.

What do you think of the short film? Do you think it is possible to really lost books and book stores? With the increasing market of electronic books, sales for printed books is surely affected. There are big book stores and printing companies that already shut down because of this. Somehow I feel guilty for owning a kindle, where I read some of electronic books I bought online. But I’m a kind of person who still buy printed books even I already read the story from my Kindle. I only buy electronic books of those titles I can’t get my hands because it won’t be available in my location or those books that I want to read right away but isn’t available yet from our local book stores.  Which is why I sometimes end up spending twice for the same title.

I also love seeing books consuming the space of my room, and since electronic books can’t be added in my book shelves I love buying and collecting printed books. But I also don’t want physical books to be just for collecting, that’s why when I do rereads I still choose physical books over electronic books.

Though I like the convenient of carrying a small, thin and light device for travel reading, I still prefer reading physical or printed books. There is a joy in holding physical books. The sounds of flipping the pages, the feeling of crisp paper in my hands, and the smell of dead trees with its printed words carries so much wonderful experience. Like the stories and information inside each books, the physical book offers wonders to readers.

I myself can’t imagined what it would be like to grow up never knowing what a book is. I don’t want the possibility of the future generations not experiencing the joy of reading, holding and even smelling books. I would be sad to see someone who don’t even know how to open a book, like the kid in the video.

I don’t know about you, but after this, I am definitely going to the book store across our street to buy a paperback or hardbound copy of any book from my to-buy  list. Reading won’t be the same if physical books were lost.

The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller (Review & Giveaway)

About the Book

Title: THE SUMMER I BECAME A NERD
Author: Leah Rae Miller
Pub. Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pages:352
Find it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, The Book Depository, Goodreads

“Be true to yourself and others will be true to you, too.”

On the outside, seventeen-year-old Madelyne Summers looks like your typical blond cheerleader—perky, popular, and dating the star quarterback. But inside, Maddie spends more time agonizing over what will happen in the next issue of her favorite comic book than planning pep rallies with her squad. That she’s a nerd hiding in a popular girl’s body isn’t just unknown, it’s anti-known. And she needs to keep it that way.

Summer is the only time Maddie lets her real self out to play, but when she slips up and the adorkable guy behind the local comic shop’s counter uncovers her secret, she’s busted. Before she can shake a pom-pom, Maddie’s whisked into Logan’s world of comic conventions, live-action role-playing, and first-person-shooter video games. And she loves it. But the more she denies who she really is, the deeper her lies become…and the more she risks losing Logan forever.

Personal Thoughts:

When I saw that Rockstar Book Tours is organizing a tour for The Summer I Became A Nerd, I can’t help myself but to sign-up. I just can’t resist that title, especially the last word -”Nerd”. It just scream awesomeness! So even without fully knowing about the book nor the author, I sign-up with a hope of reading a fun and quirky story. Which is what I actually got after reading.

The story centers to Maddie Summers. A girl who is living a double life – a popular cheerleader and a secret nerd. She is one of the popular girls in her school. A cheerleader who has a jock boyfriend and circle of friends which part of the top of the high school status ladder. But Maddie is also an avid comic lover which somehow doesn’t fit with her perfect facade popular image. So she made it a mission to make sure no one will know about her geeky side. When the latest and final issue of her favorite comic series was released, she is desperate to get her hands on it, too bad the only way to get a copy is risking her identity to be revealed to someone. This someone is Logan Scott, a comic book geek who happen to be also her classmates. She’s been crushing on him since he wore a geeky shirt to their school. In one summer Logan shows Maddie how to embrace her love for comics and introduces to her amazing things like live-action role-playing. Soon Maddie finds herself falling deeper and deeper into a world she loves but can’t bring herself to fully belong to.

Maggie is a quirky character. She is likeable for the most parts but oftentimes frustrating. Though not to the point that I want to smack her myself. I just find some of the things she did over  the top. Like when she is disguising herself going to the comic book store. I totally get where Maggie is coming from – hiding her geekyness inside. The teasing experience she got is traumatic especially since she got to endure all of it at such a young age. I can’t totally blame her, but I wish she is not too focus of the others opinion for her, because it just makes her more judgmental than others.

Logan is the typical perfect nerd-dream boy. He is adorably sweet, thoughtful and also responsible. He helps his family with their book/comic shop business, which is perfect for his comic obsession. His passion with comics though not only stop in reading and collecting them, it extends to LARPing (live action role-playing). Other than comics and LARP, he has a passion for music too and he plays soccer in their school. In-spite of being a soccer player he isn’t consider as one of the popular, in fact he is typecast as nerd. But he is proud of it, he is comfortable with himself and his nerd side, unlike Maddie who is too embarrassed to admit who she is and what she love.

Besides Maddie and Logan the other characters are pretty likeable too, from Maddie and Logan’s parents, Logan’s siblings (especially Vera), up to their friends. The most notable of them I think is Logan’s best friend Dan. Everybody needs a friend like him, because he is fun. supportive, and very loyal.

I admit I’m not familiar with all the comic books and characters references, but I still enjoy reading about them. I enjoy how Logan and Maddie is geek-ing about those stuffs. For sure it would be more fun if I can really relate, which somehow I wish I know more about those comics stuffs they are talking about. Because if I know more about The Super Ones or about those comic characters and stories that were mentioned in the book, I’m sure I’ll have a blast reading all those things. But still in-spite of me being clueless about these characters and their super powers, I am completely absorbed to Logan and Maddie’s world of comic books and role-playing games.

“You can’t spend your life being afraid of what other people think.”

The Summer I Became A Nerd is an enjoyable, light quick read about being ourselves and embracing who we are. It shows that sometimes people can surprise us by not matching our expectations for them. That there is always something more about someone than what we usually can see. If you have an inner-nerd inside in you, or you like comics, manga, video games, or RPG (role-playing game), you’ll sure enjoy every bit of this unique, fun and quirky book.

*This review is based on a e-copy I received courtesy of the publisher, Entangled Teen via Rockstar Book Tours in exchange of honest opinion.

About the Author:

Mother, wife, and YA author living on a windy hill in Natchitoches, Louisiana. I love fuzzy socks, comic books, cherry coke, and brand new office supplies. THE SUMMER I BECAME A NERD coming Summer 2013 from Entangled Teen. Stay cool!

Where you can find Lea:  Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads

Follow the Tour:

Week 1

5/6/2013 Nose Graze & Rainy Day Ramblings

5/7/2013 Jenuine Cupcakes & Blackplume

5/8/2013 The Book Belles & A Backwards Story

5/9/2013 Kate’s Tales of Books and Bands & The Starry Eyed Revue

5/10/2013 Jenna Does Books & Book Haven Extraordanire

Week 2

5/13/2013 In The Best Worlds & Ashley Loves Books

5/14/2013 The Hopeful Heroine &  Books of Amber

5/15/2013 A Dream Within a Dream & My Reading Room

5/16/2013 Obsession With Books & Stuck in YA Books

5/17/2013 Chocolate Coated Reviews & JennReneeRead

The Giveaway:

The giveaway is provided by the blog tour host, Rockstar Book Tours

What’s up for Grabs?

• 3 eBooks of The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller

The Rules:

• Check rafflecopter for details

To enter fill out this rafflecopter form

The Elite (The Selection #2) by Kiera Cass

“You know that you’ve found something amazing, and you want to hold on to it forever; and every second after you have it, you fear the moment you might lose it.”

The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller The Selection.

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

Personal Thoughts:

Once in a while I encountered books that I immensely enjoy reading but still end up unsatisfied from it. That even without so much expectations I still feel let down by the book I’m supposed to love. Kiera Cass’ The Selection series falls into this category for me. When I first read the first book, The Selection, I am intrigued with the world and government setup of Illea, and I did like the premise of doing a selection to find the next lady ruler. I also like the characters in-spite having issues with them. But after reading and when I was trying to put my thoughts about the first book, I realized that there are more things I didn’t like than things I did like, which is why I didn’t dare to finished the review I am supposed to post for The Selection.

With continued intrigue and hope that the second installment will hold more information I long to know, about the world and the characters, I did wait for The Elite. Now that I just recently finished reading the book, I feel the same contradicting feelings I have like in the first book. While I enjoy the story so much, I still feel that it is not enough. Somehow I want to blame the first person narration of America, who I think didn’t give much information than necessary, but also I feel the lack of development to other side of the stories that supposed to be more intriguing and worth knowing, such as the rebellion, the monarchy operations, and the Caste system.

The story focused so much on America deciding between Maxon and Aspen, and between wanting the crown with its corresponding responsibilities or not. It’s all about her romantic life. Not that it is not nice to read, but I just really want to know more than that. I want to see the world inside and out the palace, I want to know more about the political set-up, and social status of the dystopian world of this series. Even it is just about Illea and not the other surrounding countries, or even it is just a slice of regular life of this dystopian world. I want to see more than the selection program of the palace.

Somehow I expect Amarica to at least have interest in knowing more about Maxon’s life, how he rules and what he is doing as a prince of their country. I expect her to spend her time learning the life inside the palace, using the opportunity to see how the rulers of her country live as the royal family and do their jobs as the rulers, which I think are better than spending her time sneaking with Aspen or thinking with whom Maxon is spending his time if she is not with her.

The story focus too much on the love story, which I think could be lessened and give more path in building and developing the dystopian world instead. America’s indecisiveness and contradicting feelings for Maxon and Aspen is overly scattered in the book. Though I understand her indecisiveness, it also frustrating for me to read it over and over again. She is easily switching decisions about her feelings for the two boys depending who she is with at the moment. She can’t even stand to her own words, one moment she is so sure with Maxon then easily flip the next.

“It wasn’t like I made his world better. It was like I was his world. It wasn’t some explosion; it wasn’t fireworks. It was a fire, burning slowly from the inside out.”

Though there are few moments when America shows some real strength when she stand and fight for what she believe in, not all of it are done smartly. When she tried to save her friend Marlee I admire her, but what she did during her presentation in front of the royal family and with the whole nation watching is not plausible in my opinion. Even her intention is good and it looks so brave thing for her to do so, I still expect her to be at least more prepared. It likes she did it for the sake of showing off, and not really because she cared for her country. She didn’t think about it carefully, she is not prepared at all, which in return almost cost her Elite status. If not for Maxon sacrifices, her selection journey will surely reach its end. America should start thinking the big picture in all these, because winning the selection is not just about the crown or Maxon, a lot is at stake, it a chance to do something good for Illea, a chance to make changes.

“Perhaps our country is flawed, but we cannot deny its strength. My fear is that, without change, that strength will become stagnate. And I love our country too much to let that happen. I hope too much to let that happen.”

Maxon in majority of the book is so good that I can’t almost understand why is America still can’t choose between Maxon and Aspen. Clearly Maxon is the best choice, he love her and will do anything for her. But near the end, Kiera Cass surprised me by revealing Maxon’s weakness. An unexpected twist of character for Maxon that it feels too contrived and almost out of character already. I still can’t believe Kiera Cass will throw something like that. I understand that Maxon needs to be not perfect, but I just feel that there is something odd with the execution. Maxon can’t really fully justified his actions, but inspite of that I am still rooting for him. It’s hard for me not to like him despite of everything, the pressure of the selection and his job as a prince is just too much and he hasn’t even have a clue what America really felt about him. There is a decision he needs to make and he can’t just really sit there and wait for America while everyone is expecting him to act. He needs to play the game even it is not by the rule.

I also found it unfair that Maxon have no idea that Aspen, his competition with America is inside the palace making his moves to win back America. Maxon only knows that there is someone else before for America that’s why she can’t decide yet, asking for more time. But Maxon doesn’t know that America is seeing Aspen too, while Aspen on the other side knows about Maxon of course. Maxon is not perfect, he did some serious mistake, but in-spite of that I still believe that he is the best for America. Together they can rule Illea to be better and peaceful country. They can make changes and provide better and fair life for everyone.

“…there’s only you. Maybe I’m not really looking, maybe they aren’t right for me. It doesn’t matter. I just know I want you. And that terrifies me. I’ve been waiting for you to take back the words, to beg to leave.”

Aspen is much present in the story compare from the first book, The Selection. He is now wooing back America so most of their interactions are promises of love and reminders of their old relationship. He is a good guy but I just can’t see much chemistry between him and America. Their relationship seemed a bit forced to me, as if Aspen is just in the story for the convenience of having a love triangle. Something to spice up and complicate the story.

Overall, The Elite is an addicting and flowing read. Though there are some areas lacking of development, the story pretty much provide new information about the characters, from America, Maxon, the King and Queen, and up to the other participants of the selection. And with America who looks like finally realizing the worth of her choices at the end of this book, I think Kiera Cass still hold every readers of her series to continue reading the next and final installment, The One.