Book Review : The Elite by Kiera Cass

Synopsis:
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.

I prefer The Selection's cover over The Elite's. Much better.
And again the story still mediocre, but I look forward to The One, the conclusion of The Selection trilogy. Hoping a good result!
I'm a little bit dislike Maxon here. Maxon is not loyal to America anymore. He is waver with his choice. So, he is trying to get closer with other contestants rashly because his choice is lesser.
As for Aspen, well.. he will always be there for America after he regrets of what he had done. It seems like Aspen learns from his mistake very well. Ha! He decides to stay with America. 

Favorite Quotes
"It turns out I'm absolutely terrible at staying away from you. It's a very serious problem.”
― Kiera Cass, The Elite  

“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.”
― Kiera Cass, The Elite  
  
“Love is beautiful fear”
― Kiera Cass, The Elite  

Rate
★★★

Book Review : The Selection by Kiera Cass

Synopsis:
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

As you can see, the cover is so appealing. A princess with gorgeous blue gown. At first, I did not want to read it since it is romance. Not so my kind. But, due to I don't have books to read anymore, I borrowed my friend and read it eventually. It is okay to be read, mediocre. It is not boring and not very good either.
I'm kinda irritated with Aspen, America Singer's secret love. He insisted America to sign up for The Selection. I know it was for America's sake, her happiness. But then, after America fell a slightly in love with Maxon, he doesn't want to give up on America. After he let her go easily, then he wants to catch her again? Ludicrous!
As for Maxon, he is okay. Nice and sweet. He can control his temper quite well. He did not mad when America was harsh and scolded him when they first met. America was a stranger after all. Who doesn't mad when a stranger being harsh and scold you after you treat them nicely? Maxon can kick out America from the palace immediately, but he did not.     
If you like medieval-kind-of-things mixed with romance, you'd most probably like this book.

Favorite Quotes

“Is this a good time to pat your shoulder?”
― Kiera Cass, The Selection 

“Do you think, that I could still call you 'my dear'?”
― Kiera Cass, The Selection 

“Castes never meant that much to me”
― Kiera Cass, The Selection

Rate
 ★★★  

Book Spoiler : Acid by Emma Pass

This is the first time I read standalone dystopian novel.
One word for Acid : awesomeness.
It is fulled of action-packed and will make you don't want to put it down!

Synopsis :
2113. In Jenna Strong’s world, ACID – the most brutal, controlling police force in history – rule supreme. No throwaway comment or muttered dissent goes unnoticed – or unpunished. And it was ACID agents who locked Jenna away for life, for a bloody crime she struggles to remember.

The only female inmate in a violent high-security prison, Jenna has learned to survive by any means necessary. And when a mysterious rebel group breaks her out, she must use her strength, speed and skill to stay one step ahead of ACID – and to uncover the truth about what really happened on that dark night two years ago.

THIS IS A HUGE SPOILER REVIEW! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

Jenna Strong was arrested in a custody where there is no a single girl in there. All of them are boys. She was accused of killing her parents.
Dr.Alex Fisher saved Jenna to get out from the prison, but he failed to save himself. He was killed by ACID.
However, Jenna was accused of murdering Dr. Alex Fisher.
Jenna met Mel and Jon. They are LifePartnered and parts of FREE.
They didn't tell Jenna why they saved her, being so kind to her, and bla bla bla..
They did a plastic surgery for Jenna and she changed to a completely another person.
Not only face.. They made a fake c-card (ID) for Jenna and her name became Mia Richardson.
They gave a fake LifePartner for her, named Cade Johnson. (which is he will be mysteriously disappeared after his departure and we have no idea where he is).
They sent them to Outer to live there temporarily.
Then, Mia a.k.a Jenna met Maxwell Alexander Fisher. He is Dr. Alex's son.
Max didn't know who Mia was.
Jenna wanted to save Max by bringing him to FREE.
She arranged an appointment with Mel on Ceremony Day, however ACID agents found them both suspicious.
Instead of keep going to Mel's place (because it will bring jeopardy to FREE), they fled and they met Jacob and the gang, they are parts of NAR who wants to topple ACID.
Jenna and Max didn't want to join Jacob because they don't want to kill people.
Jacob knew they didn't want to cooperate with NAR.
So, Jacob oversaw them when the day of the event took place, as he expected, they betrayed Jacob. Eventually, Jacob told Max that Mia is Jenna Strong, whom he strongly believed she was his father's murderer. He felt betrayed.
Both of them were found by ACID and taken to the custody.
Jenna was given two choices :
1. Live in Upper, have a job, and being chosen a LifePartner. BUT, she will be given drugs to make her forgets everything that had happened.
2. Death sentence
Jenna once again went through plastic surgery and fake ID, her name became Jessica Stone and being partnered with Evan Denbrough.
FREE did everything they can do to bring Jenna back.
They made Jenna remembered everything and she met Anna, her real mother and a part of FREE.
Jenna was implanted false memories using CR by ACID. So, Jenna didn't kill her parents!!! (I knew it from the beginning, I knew it)
Jenna, together with FREE, saved Max in Innis Ifrinn.
Max felt sorry towards her that he didn't believe in her.
For the ending, there is a little bit of cliffhanger that might be continue to the sequel but I don't think Emma Pass makes the continuation of this book because it is said that she is working on another standalone novel.

Rate 

★★★★★

Book Review : Prodigy by Marie Lu

This is the second book of the Legend Trilogy.
If you like Legend, you definitely will like Prodigy better.

Synopsis :
June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

In this highly-anticipated sequel, Lu delivers a breathtaking thriller with high stakes and cinematic action.


There is something sad at the end of this book :(
I re-read it again with my eyes and mouth went widen. I was like "Nononono, Ms.Author! Please!" inwardly.
It makes me crave for the next sequel. Marie Lu did a great job.
In this book, Day's part is Blue and June's part is black in all of 3 books in this trilogy I guess.
So, only Day's part that keeps changing color.

Favorite Quotes
“He is beauty, inside and out.
He is the silver lining in a world of darkness.
He is my light.” - June

“Love is illogical, love had consequences--I did this to myself, and I should be able to take it.”

“We're in this together, right?" he whispers. "You and me? You want to be here, yeah?" There's guilt in his questions. "Yes," I reply. "I chose this." Day pulls me close enough for our noses to touch. "I love you.”

Rate 

★★★★★

This book continue to --------------------------------> CHAMPION

Book Review : Legend by Marie Lu

I just read Legend by Marie Lu and I love it!
It is a dystopian thriller story. If you crave for dystopian story, try read this one!
It is fast-paced. Great! I really dislike slow-paced, isn't it boring?

Synopsis :

A New York Times bestseller!

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Legend is based on two POVs. Day and June.
Day's part is gold and June's part is black.
I found it fascinating to read. I don't know you will like it or not because you might be feel annoyed due to that.

Favorite Quotes
“Each day means a new twenty-four hours. Each day means everything's possible again. You live in the moment, you die in the moment, you take it all one day at a time. -Day” 

“You're brilliant,"he says."But you're a fool to stay with someone like me."
I close my eyes at the touch of his hand."Then we are both fools.” 

Rate 
★★★★ 
This book continue to ---------------------------------> PRODIGY
 

Introvert and Extrovert

I did some research on the internet a long time ago
I am an introvert person
Introvert is a personality that is quieter than being talkative
It does not mean introvert can not being sociable
Of course they can but they have limited time
They need to charge their battery by indulge themselves in something they like
Sometimes, my friends misunderstand me. They always assume if I am being quiet, I am in a bad mood. Okay.. The thing is.. That kind of misperception makes me turn into a bad mood mode. This sentence will pop up in my head, what do you know about me?! Just shut the fuck up!
Just because I'm not talking doesn't mean I'm in a bad mood. Sometimes, I just like being quiet.
Continue..
Or the introvert people do not really like the crowd
For example..me.
I like shopping, so I will go to the mall, but I do not like to go out from my house too often like some my friends do. There are my friends who like to go out from their house almost everyday.
I prefer stay in front of my laptop, read books, listen to the songs and sing at my home. Feel more pleasant.
Well.. Every person has their own versions of happiness, right?
Sometimes I do envy with the extrovert person, because they can easily get new friends.
But what can I do? I am born this way.

Divergent Nation world

I just read Divergent novel by Veronica Roth and that novel is so damn awesome!
It is about everyone who enters their sixteen years old, must take an aptitude test to determine what class should they enroll.
Since they were born, they had been learning their own faction.
Entering sixteen years old, they can choose any faction to enroll.
If they change their faction, it means they forsake their family
and
If they fail the exams for entering the faction, they will become a factionless.
What is the use of every faction for?
It is for train them and determine what job they will do in the future.
Here are the factions :
Abnegation : the selfless, the person who likes to live in simplicity.
Amity : the peace, the person who does not want to be involved in things and discuss dissent until they reach an agreement.
Candor : the honest, the person who talks frankly and can detect other people's lies.
Erudite : the intelligent, the person who likes to study. They can be a professor or else.
Dauntless : the brave, the person who is fearless to protect the world or almost everything. They can be a policeman, etc.
What about the factionless?
They can just be a bus driver, street sweeper, etc.
If our world had and used all of that factions..
I definitely will be born in Candor. I appreciate honesty although sometimes honesty might be hurt and I tend to seek the truth if something fishy.
Therefore, I will not change my faction and stay in Candor.
Okay, so what is your faction? ;)
NB : If you suit in more than one faction, it means that you are a Divergent

[UPDATED] There will be a movie for Divergent and it will be released on March 2014. The main casts are Shailene Woodley and Theo James. 2014 is Shailene Woodley's year. She definitely will be superb famous. Why I can say that? Because she is going to play in Divergent which is #1 New York Times Bestseller book, The Amazing Spiderman 2 as Peter Parker's new girlfriend (Mary Jane), The Spectacular Now based on novel but I don't read it, and The Fault in Our Star which is #1 New York Times Bestseller book too. She got all of it as the main cast. Wow.
-Unfortunately, Shailene Woodley is cut from The Amazing Spiderman 2.

Anyway, if you are looking for a SUPERB FANTASTIC dystopian book, I highly recommend Divergent!

Favorite Quotes

“Sometimes, the best way to help someone is just to be near them.” ― Tris Prior

"It's easy to be brave when they're not my fears" ― Tris Prior

“I am his, and he is mine, and it has been that way all along.”―Veronica Roth, Insurgent

“I’m not going anywhere without you.” — Tris Prior

“I’m not important. Everyone will do just fine without me,” I say. “Who cares about everyone? What about me?” ― Insurgent

“Can’t pay respect when you don’t have any.” ― Divergent

"Sometimes I forget that I can hurt you. That you are capable of being hurt." —Tobias