Review:American Gods by Neil Gaimen

Review: American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Ratings: 3.75 of 5 stars

This book certainly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and with such a strong plot base I’ll be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed with the ending, climax and a whole lot of stuff that came in the middle.

The entire reason I even picked this book up was because of the tv adaptation and while I honestly couldn’t stop gushing about the show I have much fewer things to say about the book. Now, I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy it but for such a well executed first season I really thought the book would be more engaging.

This book is about how the old gods, brought to America in the myth and beliefs of immigrants for thousands of years, are alive on the fringes of our society. Our culture has no time for them, and they wither and grow old in the lack of worship. These gods can practice magic; but they are relegated to the position of grifters, criminals, con men, and prostitutes. Meanwhile, the new gods, gods of technology, internet, wall street, and media are becoming strong and want to kill off the old gods. This book is the story of their war.

For such a long book there is very less action so if you want a book to keep you at the edge of your seat you’d better try something else or just stick with the tv show.

While I was expecting moments where I would have to google search gods and goddesses from around the world, I didn’t expect to be left with even more questions than the book gave me in the first place.  

One of the things that really irked me was the “numerous” incarnations of the same god all around the world. While I understand that every person who worships has a certain thought out image of the one they worship, what exactly is the point of this? It’s not like the gods are going around granting wishes and dolling out justice. Hell, the only real interaction between gods and humans that we see are (A) when they are worshipping the gods (and I don’t mean it in a conventional way *cough*Bilquis *cough*) and (B) when they are being manipulated or used for information.      

Throughout the book, we read about the building power struggle between the gods and you think the “war” would just stop because of a heartfelt speech? No one cares if they were supposed to be sacrificial goats, the new gods were already going around killing the old ones before the war.

Even with all its flaws, American Gods is good literature. This book is very well written. The language is complex but it flows well and reads easily, at least until the author gets extremely descriptive or one of the characters decides to give an unnecessarily long speech. There are so many stories interwoven into the main one that by the end of the book you don’t even realize how many myths and legends you’ve read about.

  

The parts that I considered the very best were all the ‘’Coming to America’’ chapters that show how the real heroes of the story are the people, not the gods.  There are so many beautiful quotes, dark moments and metaphors about religion that clearly show why Gaiman is considered a master of his Art. The themes he relates to the people who shaped America -by force or by their own free will- the cultures and the gods that crossed the ocean to protect those who believed in them and ended up almost destitute, couldn’t be more relevant to our current times. 

This was my first Gaiman and I'm not completely impressed yet.

  

   

Review: Tell Me a Story by Ravinder Singh

 

 Tell Me a Story by Ravinder Singh

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 stars

This book was like a no strings attached 2 hour meeting for me. I enjoyed it a lot especially because I didn’t get too attached with any of the characters. The book had moments when I felt sad (and started repeating "no no no” over and over during my math lecture) or when I couldn’t stop smiling about something cute that happened.

The story promises 'inspiring, touching, funny and heartfelt stories from life' and let me tell you it doesn’t disappoint. Even if I don’t usually prefer reading about real life experiences, this book makes me want to read more books with similar plots and even if the stories have lessons we are taught our whole lives, each story has a unique essence to it which makes them all memorable enough to be inspiring.

My personal favorites from the book were’ a daughter's first flight’, ‘suicide (so decide)’ and ‘that girl’. I gave the book half an extra star because it tried to break the social norm and stand up for people who have suffered in one way or another. It perfectly portrayed how we all suffer from our own problems and yet we judge others (even unknowingly) for the circumstances life has put them in. Also it gives the most important lesson of all that mistakes can only define you if you let them.

As touching as the stories were sometimes I felt that they were dramatized a little bit more than reality. I also distinctly remember reading a sentence along the lines of how funerals are not meant for the dead but for the living which made me remember extremely similar lines in the fault in our stars and as far as the promise of "funny" stories goes I don’t think that any of them made me laugh, smile maybe but outright laugh? No. I agree that most good books make you feel for the protagonists but with this book so many stories have been combined that to feel for all seems a bit impossible (maybe it’s just me).

 Even with its flaws the book is enjoyable in its own little way.

For anyone who is looking for something new or absolutely phenomenal I’m sorry to say this book is not for you but if you want to read something that makes you happy to be alive while not making you sob on a plane ride back home and making your co passengers think that you're crazy then go ahead pick up this book and dive into the experiences of people who have a story to share.

Finally I want to thank Penguin, India for sending and introducing to me this amazing book.  

Review: Heir Of Fire By Sarah J. Mass

 

Heir Of Fire By Sarah J. Mass

Rating : 5 of 5 stars

Heir of Fire is undoubtedly one of the best books I've ever read. It certainly will be my favorite book of the year. Heir Of Fire is so different from the previous 2 books and yet so amazing. The attention to detail was perfect. Everything was there for a reason, there were connections to the other books all over the place! It brought back all the feels from The Assassin's Blade & Crown of Midnight. Sarah J Maas is so meticulous about her writing and is truly in a league of her own.  There was magic and wyverns and fae! I loved it all. This series reminds me of a YA version of Game of Thrones a bit... Less sex and deaths though. The world-building was fantastic. Everything was so clearly described. I could see it all playing out in my mind.
We see a totally different side of Celaena in Heir of Fire. We're used to the cocky, confident, invincible assassin. In this book we see the vulnerable, defeated, self-loathing side of her. In the end though she comes out more fierce and determined than before, a magic-wielding queen ready to take back what's rightfully hers.
Romance was not a big part of this novel. There are some heartache moments for our dearest Chaolaena and a bit of romance, but there are much more important things brewing in Erilea and Wendlyn.
While Celaena makes the transition from assassin to queen with the help of Rowan, a Fae Prince and my second favorite new addition to the series Chaol struggles to decide where his loyalties lie and how he feels about Celaena and the discoveries he made in Crown of Midnight. I'll admit, Chaol annoyed me so much in this book. He redeems himself in the end though.
Dorian Havilliard is the same swoon-worthy, sentimental, humble (yet a bit arrogant as well) young prince.
He will win your heart regardless of the "team" you're in, because in the end he stands up to his father in a glorious way that had me cheering for him. He is way more mature, weary of everyone and everything and you can see him becoming a true worthy king right before your eyes. A lot of heartbreak and despair was in store for him and I guarantee it will all leave you in a pile of overwhelming feels.
We also meet awesome warrior Aedion Ashryver, Celaena's cousin and childhood best friend. He's all deadly smiles, muscles and wild behavior. Aedion is daring, clever and doesn't give a rat's ass about anyone but himself. Or so they say. But he's dead set on taking down the King of Adarlan from the inside. When he finds out Aelin is alive, he makes it clear that he would move mountains in order to see his true queen back in Terrasen. He's loyal, determined, skilled and I hope he reunites with Celaena sooner rather than later, because he is in a pretty bad place at the end of the book.
And now for my favorite new addition........
Manon Blackbeak, heir of the Blackbeak coven of the Ironteeth witches and leader of the Thirteen. She wants to prove herself and although she is a bloodthirsty, wicked creature, I completely loved her. She's by no means a villain, just a different kind of heroine, firm and unyielding, with great ambition. Her encounters and silent dialogues with Abraxos cracked me up, because in that moments you could glimpse (besides the wyvern's total awesomeness) how Manon starts believing there's a chance she has a heart and soul and that her grandmother's rules might not be the best to follow.She also reminds of Celaena with her bad ass attitude.

 The book is definitely the best one from the series yet and a total game-changer, so don't be surprised if it will keep you enthralled from start to finish. Fantasy to its finest, a story with heroes and monsters, Fae and humans, life and death.
I recommend it to anyone and everyone who wants a good read accompanied by strong plotline.
happy reading.

Review: Alienated By Melissa Landers

 

Alienated By Melissa Landers

Ratings: 4 of 5 stars

My thoughts when i first found out this book.....
"Oh this sounds like an awesome book. Is it out yet?"
*Looks at the release date.* February 4, 2014 *faceplate*

I love Sci-Fi… when it’s done right. And Alienated by Melissa Landers hit almost every right note for me. I mean who in their right young adult sci-fi mind wouldn’t be enamored when presented with intergalactic exchange students?

Cara and Aelyx are the main characters that you wouldn't just get enough of. We have dual POV (yay!!!) which enables us to be able to learn about them individually. Cara wasn't some annoying, whiny brat with an IQ that hits the roof - no, she was clever, actually thinks before she acts and just an all round interesting character.Aaelyx was quite a character. When he first arrives it is hard to like him because he seems really pretentious, snooty, distant, and kind of robotic or in normal word zombie-ish. But as the story progresses he comes out of this pseudo zombie shell and things start to look up.
The problem, for me, is that there is very little to hold on to beyond what is on the surface. Unsurprisingly, this isn’t a book to drool over for its scientific world-building or tension-filled plot or even amazing twists it is just a simple, easy going read but don't get me wrong i will definitely read the sequel.

Also, let's get this out there: if you are looking for hard core sci fi, then this may not be the book for you. It's very romance driven. If that sort of thing doesn't bother you at all then you should give this book a try.

Review : Hunting Lila By Sarah Alderson

 
Hunting Lila By Sarah Alderson

Ratings: 3 of 5 stars

Hunting Lila is a frenetic, light-hearted mash up of teen romance and comic-book action, with a back beat of mystery and suspense.

Lila’s mother was brutally murdered when Lila was only 12 years old. Her father, stricken with grief, left her brother to live with his best friend Alex in the United States, but dragged Lila with him to London. While away from her brother and Alex, with whom she’s been in love for as long as she can remember, Lila discovers that she possesses a unique talent – psychokinesis. She is able to keep her ability secret until one day, in a dark London alley, two teenagers try to mug her and she uses it to defend herself. Not knowing what to do and where to hide, Lila gets on the first plane to California, where she hopes to find safety with her brother, and of course, with Alex. But her brother and Alex aren’t exactly normal 22-year-olds. They are both US Marines, working for the highly-trained, top-secret Unit. As soon as their enemies find out that Lila is Jack’s sister, she finds herself in even more danger than before.

This is one of those stories where all the houses are nice, all the characters are pretty, and true love really does conquer all, but it also packs a few surprises and smartly-written dialogues.I'm not really in a hurry to read the sequel so I guess I'll just go for the next book im my pile.

Random thoughts: For those of you who have read it, do you remember that one scene fairly at the beginning when Lila wakes up, goes down to the kitchen and finds Alex there? They make tea. She puts the kettle on the stove. They talk. They decide to got to bed. The kettle is never mentioned again. Am I just too blind to notice what happened to their tea? If not, I'm glad the house didn't burn down.

Review: The Goddess Test By Aimee Carter

 
The Goddess Test By Aimee Carter

Ratings : 1 of  5 stars

The whole book was a big FACE-PALM moment for me.This was a truly terrible book, but I feel so bad giving it such a low rating. It's like I just kicked a puppy.A really stupid puppy that's wet my bed for the 1447th time, but still...kicking a puppy.

Allow me to point out to you the things the ancient Greek gods DIDN’T care about: Anger, Envy, Greed, Pride, Sloth, Gluttony and LUST. You know what’s so great about being a god? You don’t have to conform to some measly human notion of morality and sin. You don’t have to ‘test’ the humans in order to give them immortality. You don’t have to pass your decision through a ‘council’. You just do what the hell you want, because you’re a god, not a paper-pusher. Accountability is a human notion; gods are above it. That’s kind of why they are called gods.In the event that said gods wanted to make humans prove that they were worthy of being immortal, they sent them on a quest.That, in case, you didn’t know, is a heroic endeavour meant to test strength, courage and intelligence. Not moral fiber.Again, the Greek gods didn’t HAVE moral fiber, so they couldn’t care less about it.I mean, COME ON. Is that the best you can do? ‘You shared your clothes with your friends, my dear, so you can live forever!’
Now lets talk about Henry. He is the worst representation of a romantic hero that I can think of. Unless we are now trying to portray the Greek gods and especially Hades as Victorian maidens. He moans and sighs and languishes in a manner that s an embarrassment to gods everywhere. The heroine too, could use some increase in IQ. I believe, as she exists currently, she falls in two categories of unlikeable women: goody-two-shoes and too stupid to live. The ‘twists’ in this book were laughably obvious. From Kate’s mother’s identity to that of James, to that of the murderer, it took me about five seconds to figure out. Maybe next time we could try for an actual mystery? Just a suggestion.  

I probably don't need to say this at this point, but I did not like the way Greek Mythology was handled in this book.And since I'm such a generous person i WILL give this book 1 complement. The cover is gorgeous, the premise is fine, but the inside is a whole lot of HELL NO.

Review : Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

 

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Ratings: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a fun read, a bit darker than the MI books, but still easy to enjoy. I know that many of the diehard MI fans say this one isn't quite as good, but I disagree. Clockwork Angel was a better first installment to a series than City of Bones was. Did I like it better than my favorite MI book, which was City of Glass? No. City of Glass is still my favorite. But if I'm only comparing first book vs. first book, this one blows CoB out of the water.

The Infernal Devices is set in Victorian London, which I've found, is a time period that I absolutely cannot get
enough of. It's such an fascinating time period to read about.... not that Clockwork Angel is a history lesson of any sorts, but the ambiance of the setting is something that really made this novel even more impressing. Such rich details! Tessa, the main protagonist, possesses an admirable determination similar to Clary in the Mortal Instruments. I loved thetwo heartthrobs, Jem and Will. Notice how I phrased it so Jem came before Will. That is because I am firmly rooting for Jem - he seemed more down to earth and calm than Will, who, although was okay sometimes, was much too wild and hurtful. I almost forgot Jem is half Asian! And half British. Very hot. Nicely done, Cassandra Clare.

I don't normally ever compare books with other books, but I just really don't know how to review this book without mentioning The Mortal Instruments. They are complete opposites but the concept is so insanely the same.As for the actual clockwork angel . . . don't think you're going to find out what that is. Just don't even think about it when you start reading the book and don't try to keep guessing as the story goes along. If there is an answer, it's not in this book. Overall, I highly recommend this to fans of the Mortal Instruments series or if one needs a good book in general.

Review: Allegiant By Veronica Roth

Allegiant By Veronica Roth

Ratings : 4 of 5 stars

The fun and laughter is over. I have finally read Allegiant, and I feel empty inside. Empty but accepting,
and understanding.

I always hate it when a book series ends but this takes it to a whole new level. Veronica roth promised the readers before the release of the book that she wouldn't kill four and while she keeps to her word she also manages to do something even more unacceptable. so here i am in my bed crying over the ending like a baby and planning to read the book again in the hope the somehow the ending magically changes.

You know what? Who gives a shit about the technicalities. We're all here crying
(read: sobbing our eye sockets dry) because of that ending. Veronica whispered threats into my ear,
aimed a gun at my head, looked away for a moment to lull me into a false sense of security before
SHOOTING MY PUPPY IN THE FACE.
Don't misunderstand, this book was great! READ IT NOW. But it's like half of me wants to worship this majestic object and the other half wants to fling the beast into the faces of my enemies.

Review : Champion by Marie Lu

 

Review : Champion by Marie Lu

Ratings:5 of 5 stars

It's all too much for me to process. Too . Damn . Freaking . Much . This is by far and easily the most
emotional YA Dystopian book I've ever read, hell, it's even more emotional than any cry-fest and heartwrenching
contemporary novels I know. Marie Lu breaks the record with every book she writes, it's crazy.

This series has come a long, long way from where it started and has managed to shatter boundaries and exceed expectations.
This final book is brimming with action and suspense. The pacing doesn't slow down for a second and it suits the
high-stakes plot. The previous book left us with some shocking information about Day that will surely be at the
forefront of most readers' minds when picking up this conclusion - it doesn't disappoint. It's true that there were
only a limited number of ways this could end but with Lu it doesn't seem to matter because she has your mind constantly
running through the options and wondering where she'll take you next. The sense of constant uncertainty instilled in my
brain throughout this book was terrifying and intoxicating. It's been a while since I read a book so completely
unputdownable.The last two or three chapters of this book literally had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't look away. It takes a skilled writer to have you questioning what will happen right up until the last page. And it takes an even more skilled writer to bring tears to my eyes.  Overall, Champion is a bittersweet yet an outstanding way to end and say goodbye to this series. I hate farewells, but...

Goodbye, our Prodigy June Iparis.

Goodbye, our Legend Day Altan Wing.

Goodbye, our Champions.