gracielleberry's reviews
254 reviews

Let me start off by saying that I almost, almost didn't finish this book. At the first quarter of it, I needed to really extend my patience because it was starting to get dragging. The plot's foundation needed to be established, of course, so I was waiting for it to be over so we can get on with it… and we did!

I'm pretty sure this is my first mystery/crime novel and I'm glad to say I enjoyed it. It's a bit tedious to read - what, with all the detailed conversations and scenes - but it was exhilarating. It was like I was in London myself and I'm trying to solve the case with Strike and Robin!! I also liked how I was trying to piece it all together, thinking I could solve it before Strike did, but I'm afraid I failed on this one... that plot twist still got me by surprise and I was gleefully impressed.

This might just jumpstart my obsession over mystery/crime novels since right after posting this review, I'm off to dig up more books under this genre. Cheers! x

I was expecting a light, feel good story and that's exactly what I got... and a bit more.

Ever a sucker for fantasy, I enjoyed the incorporation of dragons on this one. They talk!! They have feelings! And they are majestic, powerful beings! I feel like it's a children's book but in my age, I still enjoyed it and not once did I think "what the what am I reading?"

Creel is another determined female lead and Prince Luka is no stick in the mud royal. He's of course adorable but he has humor and a light personality; not at all serious, brooding, and moody. Other characters are lovable as well and although they're not the main concern of the story, they still had their moments to shine instead of being pushed in the sidelines.

I've found another gem here on Goodreads! *throws confetti*

I have mixed feelings over The Selection series. Book 1 got 4 stars, but book 2 only got 2 stars. That was why it took so much effort for me to pick up the last one. But I stubbornly wanted to finish the series and I still was intrigued as to how it will end so, why not? I read the book though, at first, I wasn't happy about it.

The One was a great improvement from The Elite. There are some parts that still made me cringe a bit but the entire story was far better than what I was expecting. America stopped being unfair to both men, Maxon's character shined brightly (especially in the latter chapters), and Aspen held up for himself and for the ones he loved. The love triangle was finally bearable and it concluded nicely. *breathes a sigh of relief*

So basically, if you are in need of a light, young adult, romance series, The Selection may just be what you're looking for.

Carter and Sadie Kane continues their journey... but this time, it is to revive the sun god, Ra. No one knows where he is exactly, and the process of reviving him is very dangerous. The task seems impossible, and that made me very curious as to how they would accomplish it. The Throne of Fire has the same fantasy, humor, and adventure that I simply applaud Riordan for. Anyone who is familiar with his "magic" won't be disappointed by this novel.

Now I await the third installment of The Kane Chronicles. The story is far from being over, the war has just begun, and the Kanes are still looking for more magicians. See you at the Twenty-First Nome!

This is the first time I've entered a dystopian world, and I wasn't too thrilled about the idea of a society in a repressive and controlled state. It sounds too dull and gloomy to me, but I had a day to myself and a friend recommended this novel so I tried it out.

Divergent is one whacked up world, believe me. But I mean that in a good way. It's different from the worlds I'm used to entering and exploring. This time, it seems more—real. And it's scares me a little if I lived in a world like this... scared, yes, but also very much curious as to how I would turn out if placed in the situation. The story is simply engaging, and it teaches subtle life lessons you have to keep an eye out for. I have to point out though, the end was rather... loose... but I guess that's what the next book is for. I'll surely return to this version of Chicago.

★ Note: The author described the target audience of her novel.

"This one's for the girl who doesn't care that much about the romance and is a little more interested in the dangerous and action-packed world. There's a little bit of romance in 'Divergent,' but it's definitely not the focus. And girls who are really into powerful protagonists who are not very nice. That's what you need to appreciate it."